LADAKH - TRAVEL GUIDE

LADAKH - TRAVEL GUIDE

LADAKH - TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

Ladakh - The adventure capital of the country, is the destination that has the top three highest mountain passes in the world. Bounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, Ladakh is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.Majestic in its scope and fascinating in the depth and variety of its experiences, Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in the world.Ladakh has strong links with Buddhism and Tibetan culture.Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting.here are many beautiful places to visit in Ladakh; places of such grandeur and subtlety that they make you marvel at the power of the natural creative process that went into forming them.Ladakh is a very famous tourist destination for those who love isolated adventure spot for many outdoor activities that pump adrenaline into the brain.From architecture to cuisine, this city has an Eastern outlook.  Ladakh is a stretch of null vegetation hills, craggy mountain passes, think snow, monasteries and clear water bodies that usually stands as block ice.The landscape of Ladakh, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus.There are many beautiful places to visit in Ladakh; places of such grandeur and subtlety that they make you marvel at the power of the natural creative process that went into forming them.Ladakh celebrates a numbers of monastic festivals - annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladakh Festival, that gives a peek into the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage. One can witness the best samples of the region's performing arts, Archery contests and the Ladakh Polo Cup.The trekking options range from short, day-long walks to visit monuments or monastic settlements to long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness.

With so many places to see and things to do your trip to Ladakh, it promises to be full of excitement and variety. The chance to visit Ladakh is a great blessing, so enjoy it thoroughly. The options are many and varied, and the thrills you get out of them will be endless.

TEMPERATURE   

                                           










7°C - 30°C
Summer 
June - September

-20°C - 12°C
Monsoon 
October - May


Places to visit in ladakh

1.LEH PALACE

Bearing a passing similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured edifice is Leh's dominant structure and architectural icon.A 17th-century palace built after the fashion of medieval palaces in Tibet, and which stands overlooking the town of Leh, the Royal Leh Palace is one of the most important cultural destinations in Ladakh.It took shape under 17th-century king Singge Namgyal but has been essentially unoccupied since the Ladakhi royals were stripped of power and shuffled off to Stok in 1846.Such is its significance that the structure is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Ladakh, despite its dilapidated outlook.Located atop a high hill, the palace offers a panoramic view of the town of Leh spread out against a backdrop of the Stok Kangri and Ladakh ranges. 

2.KHARDUNG LA PASS

Situated at an altitude of 18,379 ft. above the sea level, Khardung La makes one feel on the top of the world.Khardung La lies at a distance of 39 km from the Leh.The breathtaking views en route make the journey worth experiencing at least once.It was once believed to be the highest motorable pass in the world, but facts prove it is among the highest motorable passes in India.There are four stops from Leh to Khardung La. These are Leh – Phyang – South Pullu – Khardung La. Since, this pass is gaining popularity day by day, entry and exit timings are restricted. In order to run the traffic smoothly, vehicles coming from Leh are allowed from 9 am to 1 pm. Similarly, the exit timings from Khardung La to Leh are from 1 pm to 5 pm.This mountain pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir was prepared for motors in 1976 and opened in 1988 for the public.Connecting Leh with Nubra valley this pass serves as a gateway to the famous Siachen Glacier. Siachen lies on the north of  Leh and about 40 Kms away by road to the Nubra valley.Alternatively known as the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, Khardung La is the inspiration of motorbike, automobile and mountain biking expeditions. This makes it adventure aficionados’ paradise indeed. A visit to Khardung La is one of the must things to do in Ladakh. The picturesque panoramas and pure air lures tourists from every nook and corner of the world.

3.PANGONG TSO LAKE 

The famous and sparkling blue Pangong lake is situated near Leh-Ladakh in the Himalayas, approximately at the height of 4350 meters.Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”.This endorheic lake is 12 kilometres long and extends from India to Tibet, with two-thirds of it lying in the latter. Owing to its altitude, the temperature here ranges from -5°C to 10°C as a result of which the lake freezes completely during winters in spite of its salinity.Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake.Pangong lake is home to many migrating birds in summer, and one can witness numerous ducks and gulls "surfing". Other than being a haven for these birds, it is also an important breeding ground for birds like Brahmani ducks and seagulls.The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself.

Reaching Pangong Lake from Leh

If you are coming on this route, you need to take the Manali-Leh highway and keep driving till you reach Karu. This should take you less than an hour. Leave the Manali-Leh highway from Karu and turn left towards Sakti. Continue towards Chang La.  
After reaching Chang La, keep going towards Durbuk. You will reach the town of Tangste in a few hours. From Tangtse, Pangong Lake starts appearing after about a distance of 8km. Alongside the lake, you will find several lakes which will be used for camping.

4.Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley, nestled in the remote corner of Ladakh, is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Himalayas. It is located on the eastern corner of J&K state and is separated from Ladakh by Zanskar mountain range.Wrapped in snow capped peaks and huddled amidst two tiny alpine lakes, Zanskar is a beautiful tourist destination in the northern parts on India. It is one of the scantly inhabited Himalayan valleys blessed with immense natural scenic beauty.In ancient times, Zanskar & Ladakh together were part of kingdom of Guje in Western Tibet. It is connected through Kargil by road and Darcha in Himachal Pradesh by a trekking route over Shingo La pass. Once you visit this wonderland, you will just fall in love with its wide open vistas, fresh aqua blue water streams gushing through the valley, the compelling aura of total remoteness and the massive glaciers which appears to be just a touch away.Zanskar is located in the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Best Routes to reach Zanskar Valley

Srinagar – Kargil – Padum is the best & fastest route to reach Zanskar Valley. However, one can also travel from Manali – Leh Highway to reach Leh and then travel from Leh to Kargil – Padum route. In case, you are planning to come from Manali side and exit from Srinagar side, then plan the Zanskar Valley trip through Leh – Kargil route. Otherwise, shortest route to reach Zanskar Valley is through Srinagar – Kargil only.Zanskar is truly a thrilling adventure destination in Ladakh. The undulating hilly ranges offers ample of opportunities for the adventure enthusiasts.

Mountaineering: Scale the great height of majestic mountains and experience its rugged surfaces by taking part in mountaineering expeditions.
Trekking: Explore the fascinating trek routes and enjoy nature’s beauty at its best. During winter, trekking over the frozen Zanskar River is a major tourists’ attraction. This trek is known as the Chadar Trek.
White water rafting: Bring out the adventurous side in you by indulging in white water rafting to challenge the wild and soft waves of Zanskar river.
Camping: If you are bit more adventurous than carry your personal tents and enjoy an exclusive experience of camping. Dinning under star-studded sky amidst the high hilly ranges in an open, is truly a wonderful experience.

5.Tso Kar Lake

There is another must-see attraction in Leh Ladakh tour and that is the Tso Kar Lake.the Tso-Kar Lake also known as 'White Lake' is one of the three high altitude salt water lakes in Ladakh.The smallest of the three high altitude alpine lakes in THE Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Tso Kar Lake is situated in the Rupshu Valley at an elevation of over 14,700 ft. It is also known as the White Lake because of the amount of salts that get deposited on the banks of the lake. It is spread across 10 sq km and lies 250 km southeast of Leh, 50 km from Tso Moriri Lake which is the highest brackish water lake in India.The lake is also popular among bird watchers as the marshlands surrounding the lake is home to several rare species of birds. The common birds that are seen are Brahmni ducks, bar headed geese and great crested grebe.Tso-kar Lake is the smallest lake among the three important lakes in Ladakh.A trip to the three lakes, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri and Pangong is popular activity among travelers.

LADAKH - TRAVEL GUIDE

LADAKH - TRAVEL GUIDE