Discover Ladakh's Mystical Charm: Monasteries & Mountains
Ladakh

Ladakh

Ladakh, India

Ladakh, also known as the "Land of High Passes," is a region in northern India known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture. Ladakh is in the northern province of India and recently became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019. The area of Ladakh covers approximately 60,000 square miles (100,000 sq. km). It has two district Kargil and Leh, with a total population of approx 3 Lakh. It is surrounded and bisected by some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. Running in a generally northwest to southeast direction through Ladakh, the great Himalayan Range separates the Vale of Kashmir from Ladakh. Ladakh is bordered by the Tibet autonomous region to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south, Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan to the west, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakorom pass in the far north. It extends from the Siachen glacier in the Karakoram range to the north to the main Great Himalayas to the south.  

Ladakh Travel Trips

Ladakh occupies a greater part of the high-altitude mountain ranges of the Himalayas in India. Cold desert type climate prevails throughout the year. One of the important Leh Ladakh travel tips to bear in mind is that there is cold wind throughout the day and night in this region. People who are unable to withstand the cold weather even with warm clothing must avoid the Ladakh trip during the winter of November to March. The weather will be extreme as it reaches below freezing point. You must carry sweaters and warm jackets in all seasons here. It is advisable to visit during the dry season, which is from April to June. You can feel some sunshine and heat during the day. The summer season is the best time to travel here by all ages of people. You can go exploring the glaciers, Indus River, trekking in its mountain pass and valleys.

 

Here are some of the top things to do in Ladakh:

 

  • Traverse the highest motorable road in the world: The Khardung La Pass, located at a staggering height of 18,380 feet (5,602 meters), is a must-do for adventure seekers. The journey to the pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a true sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top.
  • Explore Pangong Tso: This high-altitude saltwater lake is a sight to behold, especially as it changes colors throughout the day. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, enjoy the scenic beauty, or camp overnight under a star-filled sky.
  • Visit the Hemis National Park: This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and birds of prey. Visitors can go on wildlife safaris, explore the park's diverse landscapes, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air.
  • Experience the peace of Buddhist monasteries: Ladakh is dotted with numerous monasteries, each with its unique architecture and history. Some of the most popular monasteries include Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and Shey Monastery. Visitors can attend prayer ceremonies, explore the monasteries' intricate architecture, and learn about Buddhist culture.
  • Go on an adventure trek: Ladakh offers a variety of trekking options for all levels of experience. Some popular treks include the Markha Valley Trek, the Nubra Valley Trek, and the Chadar Trek (a winter trek on a frozen river).
  • Embark on a thrilling mountain biking ride: Ladakh's challenging and scenic terrain makes it a perfect destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Cyclists can explore remote villages, conquer mountain passes, and experience the beauty of the Himalayas on two wheels.
  • Experience the thrill of river rafting: The Indus and Zanskar rivers offer exciting opportunities for river rafting enthusiasts. Navigate through rapids, enjoy the stunning scenery, and get an adrenaline rush while rafting in Ladakh.
  • Learn about the local Ladakhi culture: Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Ladakh by visiting local villages, interacting with the people, and trying traditional Ladakhi cuisine. You can also attend local festivals and celebrations to get a glimpse into Ladakhi traditions.
  • Shop for souvenirs in Leh: Leh Market is a great place to find souvenirs, handicrafts, and pashmina shawls. You can also find Tibetan jewelry, woolen clothing, and other interesting items.
  • Try the local Ladakhi cuisine: Ladakhi cuisine is influenced by Tibetan and Central Asian flavors. Some popular dishes include momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour). Be sure to try local delicacies like yak cheese and apricot jam.

 

 You can read more about the top reasons to visit Ladakh here

 

Where to stay in Ladakh?

 

Slow Garden Homestay as it's name suggests, advocates an eco-conscious, slow-living lifestyle that is very different to the din of urban life. The homestay has been around for over half a century. It's architecture, while adhering to the traditional Ladakhi style, is a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern amenities. You can try the local Ladakhi cuisine as well as Indian cuisine at the homestay.  The hometsay is located in a very central part of Leh but still tucked away in a quiet backstreet that allows you to completely zone out and quieten your mind. Gyatso and Aishwarya, you local hosts, will ensure you have a memorable stay at Slow Garden Homestay. If you are looking for an offbeat stay in Leh with local hospitality and modern comforts, Slow Garden Homestay is the best option for you.

 

For a customized tour experience you can contact Karma at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in

Ladakh Facts

  • Coldest Inhabited Place: Dras, located in Ladakh, is considered the coldest inhabited place in India, with temperatures dropping as low as -45°C.
  • Highest Desert: The Katpana Desert, located in Ladakh, is recognized as the highest desert in the world, situated at 2,226 meters above sea level.
  • Siachen Glacier: This region is home to the world's highest battlefield, where Indian military forces are stationed at an altitude of around 6,000 meters.
  • Bactrian Camels: Ladakh is home to the rare two-humped Bactrian camels, primarily found in the Nubra Valley, which are adapted to the cold desert environment
  • Magnetic Hill:  Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill located near Leh. The hill is known for its optical illusion, which creates the effect that vehicles can roll uphill when placed in neutral, attracting many curious visitors.

 

How to Reach

Flight
By Air
The easiest and best way to travel to Ladakh is to take a flight. There are a number of flights flying to Ladakh during the peak season and also during the offseason. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located in Leh. This airport is just 3.8 km away from the main city. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is well connected with many international airports in India like Delhi. It also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other common destinations in India.
Train
By Train
You cannot reach Ladakh directly by train as there is no train station in Ladakh. The nearest railway station is Jammu Jammu Tawi (700 km from Ladakh) which is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. You can hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to reach Ladakh from Jammu.
Car
By Road
There are two road routes to Leh Ladakh- one through Manali in Himachal Pradesh and the second one through Srinagar. Ladakh is 434 km from Srinagar and 494 km from Manali. To reach Leh by road you can hire a cab or a jeep or board a JKSRTC bus, both deluxe and ordinary, run from Kargil and between Leh and Srinagar on regular and frequent intervals. Alternatively, you can embark on a bike trip to Leh from Srinagar, Manali, Delhi or Chandigarh depending upon the time you have. You can only travel to Ladakh by road between May to September as during the winter months the highways are shut due to heavy snowfalls.
Book Homestays around Ladakh

Book Homestays around Ladakh

Tour Packages around Ladakh

Tour Packages around Ladakh