Famous tourist places to visit in Ladakh that captivates its essence in a spellbound tapestry:

Pangong Lake # 1 Place to visit in Ladakh

Pangong Lake which is among the most favorite tourist attractions in Ladakh has got its name from the Tibetan. The Tibetan call it Bangong-Co.which means an enchanted and narrow lake.

Pangong Lake keeps changing colors from green to light-blue to azure and sometimes grey too. The enchanting lake and its changing color is not only the reason that makes it a favorite among the tourist. There are other things that add beauty to Pangong: like, a narrow stretch of land along the lakeside that makes the area look wonderful. The wetlands and the marshes formed by the two streams. The beautiful hills and mountains etc.

Pangong Tso is 134 kilometers long and extends from India to China. 1/3^rd of the Pangong lake lies in India and the remaining 2/3^rd lies in China (Tibet).

Travel to Pangong Tso from Leh:

It’s a five to six-hour drive to Pangong Tso from the main Leh area. And during this five-hour journey, you would witness the beauty of nature. The beautiful view of the landscape surrounded by the mountains makes the journey memorable. The Chang-la mountain pass is also on the way to Pangong Lake. Changla is the 3^rd highest motor-able mountain pass

The best time to visit Pangong Tso is from May to September. Don’t forget to take warm clothes with you while traveling to Pangong Tso. Also, carry an oxygen cylinder with you to Pangong lake. If you are driving your own car, fill the petrol tank at Leh.

An inner line permit is required to travel to Pangong Lake. You can obtain it by applying at the tourism office Leh. However, it would be easier to obtain it with the help of a local travel agency.

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Nubra Valley # 2 Place to visit in Ladakh

It is among the famous tourist places to visit in Ladakh. Nubra valley is an unexplored gem of Ladakh. Nestled between the meditating mountains some of which are perpetually covered in snow, it has many things for adventure seekers like you. It’s home to one of the highest coldest deserts in the world. The Hundar village in this area will treat you to mouthfuls of local cuisines. And when you have enough of those, you can try riding the double-humped Bactrian camel. Then there’s Turtuk village that sits near the LOC and shares its Baltic roots with the residents on the other side. Travelers who visit this place take relentless memories of apricot based stew and friendly Baltis.

Things to do and see in Nubra valley.

1. Take a dip in the hot springs of Panamik

Panamik is a small village in the valley famous for its hot springs. It’s very close to the world’s highest battlefield which is Siachen glacier. Panamik is at an altitude of 3183 meters. Locals, as well as tourists, take a dig in them in hopes of getting rid of their diseases. With a high amount of Sulphur, which is a chemical compound known for its antiseptic properties, the springs thus hold a special space in Nubra.

2.   Trek to Yarab Tso Lake

Yarab Tso Lake is close to Panamik Lake. When you’ll trek on the demanding and challenging trail that leads to this lake, you’ll be rewarded with a life-changing experience. You’ll breathe in the fresh air, find peace within by looking at the towering mountains that surround this place, and be one with nature when you see the crystal clear water of Yarab Tso Lake. Locals believe it to be a sacred place. Hidden in the high altitude of suamer village, trekking is the only way to arrive there.

3.   Enjoy a Bactrian Camel ride

Hundar village has one the top cold deserts of the world. Bactrian camel ride or camel safari in nubra is famous in India. You can hop on a two-humped Bactrian camel and explore the sand dunes where they offer a contrast between a cold and dry surrounding and a backdrop of glaciers abundant with water.

4. Drive on the “World’s top motorable pass”

Khardung La pass is touted to be the world’s top motorable pass by Border Road Organization. With an elevation of more than 17,000 feet, the pass is mostly covered in snow. It has strategic importance for India since it serves as a route of supplies to the Indian army stationed at Siachen.

The best time to visit Nubra is between May to September. It’s around 150 km far from Leh which is 5 to 6-hour drive from the main Leh market. An inner line permit is required to travel to Nubra. You can obtain it by applying at the tourism office Leh. However, it would be easier to obtain it with the help of a local travel agency.

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Zanskar valley # 3 Place to visit in Ladakh

Zanskar is another semi-desert region of Ladakh and it has an equal share of wonder. Here’s where you’ll find many monasteries with their intricate designs, trekking routes that still lay unexplored, and hamlets that give you a flavorful experience of the local life. Popular places to visit here are Nimu, the rendezvous point of River Indus and River Zanskar; Drang, which is overlooked by mighty glaciers, Phuktal Monastery, and its impossible architecture; Zongkhul and its jagged areas; Stongdey Monastery, and Panikhar suitable for camping.

5 things to do and see in Zanskar.

1.   Witness the merging of two rivers

At Nimu Sangam point, you can witness two mighty rivers meeting and joining to become one. The Zanskar river yields its water to the Indus river. The former’s brown water when mixes with the latter’s blue water, a clear distinction can be viewed from a distance.

2.   Conquer the Drang Drung Glacier

You can reach this 22 km long glacier by road. However, make sure you visit it between July and September when the weather is not too harsh for the government to close the passes that lead to it. One way to conquer the beauty of this glacier is to take one of the several treks around it.

3.   Pay homage to the ancient Phuktal Monastery

Phuktal Monastery is a lonely monument of Buddism situated in the far-flung mountains for Zanskar. The surrounding landscape is mostly barren, but the monastery is a sight to behold. Intricate doorways, carved structures, and monastery compounds tired with age welcome tourists from around the world.

4.   Camp in Panikhar

Camping in Panikhar renders the blessed experience of seeing the Nun mountain in all its grandeur. Besides this, you can also visit the Parkachik Pass, which is quite near, or simply indulge with the locals and study their lifestyle.

5.   Zongkhul Monastery

Like Phuktal Monastery, the Zongkhul Monastery also holds a special place in Zangskar valley. It has a legend associated with it, which says that the famous Yogi, Naropa used to meditate in the caves surrounding it. Inside, you’ll see Thangkas and several paintings that give an insight into the peaceful religion of Buddhism.

Zangskar Valley is located in Kargil district at an altitute of around 12000 feet. Zanskar is around 6 hour drive from Kargil (247km). From leh, it’s around 11 hours drive (464km). The best time to visit Zanskar is from May to September. During winter the temperature goes down below than 30 degrees. Due to heavy snowfall, road to zangskar valley remains closed for more than six months.

Zanskar is also a good place for trekking. Treks like Lamayuru to Darcha, Lamayuru to Padum etc. are famous. Darcha trek is a trekking route to zangskar which connects to zangskar via shino-la-pass. Lots of foreigners visit Ladakh for trekking and Zanskar is a preferred place in Ladakh for trekking.

Chader Trek in Zanskar

A walk on the frozen river of Zanskar valley.

One of the gorgeous and exhilarating winter treks, the Chadar Trek is an exciting expedition over the frozen Zanskar River. The path gives a superb alternative to discover the traditional tradition of Zanskar, which is a mix of Tibetan and Indian cultures. Along with this, a trekker may spot some unique wildlife species corresponding to blue sheep, snow leopard, and ibex that may be discovered within the frozen environment. The extreme weather condition makes this trekking very challenging and it’s one of the toughest trekking in India. Sometimes the temperature drops to lower than Minus 30 degrees. As, it’s tricky for beginners to walk on ice, your trek-guide will guide you to walk on different types of surfaces.

The beginning of the chadar trek was; when the Locals of the Ladakh region started to travel through the frozen river of Zanskar Valley by walking on it; as the road gets blocked by the blanket of heavy snowfall.

Any trekker who’s an ardent adventurer and able to encounter the harshest situations can’t afford to overlook the Frozen River Trek. The spirits that may be felt by traversing by way of the snowy boulders is past phrases. Nevertheless, the warning must be practiced earlier than anybody can embark on this arduous trek, and some pointers should be saved in thoughts.

The winter months of January and February are perfect for trekking on the Frozen Zanskar River. Sometimes, in the mid of January to the end of February is when most teams perform trekking within the Chadar Trek.

For Chader trek you need to visit Leh via flight, as NH1 route to Ladakh remains closed during winter.

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Kargil# 4 Place to visit in Ladakh

Kargil has experienced a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, but it hasn’t lost its mesmerizing beauty. Possibly, this is the signature postcard image of Ladakh and therefore, it has its flavors ranging from delightful cuisines to awesome sceneries. The Mulbekh Monastery has a chiseled image of the idol of Maitreya Buddha. The Drass War Memorial has stories of the Kargil war to tell. Kargil Main Street is a business hub of the area with all its artifacts. Suru Basin cradles the waters of Panzella glacier.

Tourist attractions in Kargil.

1. Kargil Warfare Memorial: 

Kargil turned a site for the 1999 Indo-Pak battle. Though, the invincible Indian Military gained the battle however victory got here at a heavy price. The final word sacrifice of courageous troopers who laid down their lives combating towards excessive climate circumstances in addition to enemy resistance was commemorated right here on the memorial. Constructed and maintained by the Military, Kargil Warfare Memorial is a should go to for everybody.

2. Suruh Valley: 

Fed by the Suru River, a tributary of Indus, the valley is marked by breathtaking ravines throughout. The attractive city of Kargil located by the Suru river is image excellent. The fantastic thing about this city is additionally enhanced by the majestic views of Nun Kun peaks (highest Himalayan peak on the Indian aspect of Kashmir).

3. Hunderman Village: 

Situated 11 kms away from the main Kargil, entry of automobiles is strictly prohibited into this village. The village falls right into disputed territory and it was even captured by Pakistan through the 1971 battle. However, there is no such thing as a dispute in any respect about the fantastic thing about this small village. Snowcapped peaks function the backdrop of this village and vacationers would additionally benefit from the easy life-style of the folks of Suruh Valley. Being near the border, there are lots of bunkers and Military check-posts close to this village.

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4. Pensi La Valley: 

Recognized to the locals because the Gateway to Zanskar, this valley gives nice views of the snowcapped mountains and typical barren landscapes. There may be additionally a stupendous lake in the course of the valley referred to as the Pensi La Lake. The lake is legendary for its crystal clear chilly water and stays frozen for many of the seasons.

5. Museum of Kargil: 

It homes an uncommon assortment of artifacts used when the silk route was a first-rate street for buying and selling. Not solely that, it gives a glimpse into the wealthy economical historical past of the area and of its significance as a commerce route cease.

Dras # 5 Place to visit in Ladakh

A small but abundant village in Kargil, Dras has many things in store. You can visit the Dras War Memorial as stated above, follow the footsteps of pilgrims on the trails of Amarnath Yatra, go to the nearby Matayen village and experience the rich Kashmiri culture, or refresh your soul on Mushko, Saliskote, and Amarnath trek.

Drass valley is situated 50 kilometers west of Ladakh and often called the second coldest inhabited area on this planet. The valley begins from the foot of the Zoji-la cross and has an elevation of 11000 ft above sea stage. The Zozila cross, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh, is from the place the Drass valley commences. In your journey to Ladakh, you need to go for a tour to Drass which had been a necessary commerce route for Pan-Asian commerce within the yesteryears.

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Vacationer Points of interest in Drass

The Dras valley is nicely acclaimed as a trekking zone for the mountaineers. In case you are a professional and need to dive deep and lose yourself amidst all of the adventures, go for the lengthy treks that Dras gives you. One of the preferred trekking choices is the one from Drass to Suru valley. One will get a perfect view of the picturesque highland villages in course of the trek. On the way in which falls the Umbala Move which is a serious vacationer attraction. The place is roofed by lush meadows with stunning flowers on either side of the cross, which make it look all of the extra enticing. The trekking takes Three days to get accomplished and might be one heck of a journey significantly in case you are coming with a big group of individuals. It’s fairly demanding to finish this trekking and requires quite a lot of bodily toughness in you.

Khardungla Pass # 6 Place to visit in Ladakh

Situated en route to Nubra Valley, the Khandungla Pass is where you should stop like the rest of the tourists. This is the only high altitude area in the world where you’d find a motorable road. Tourists mostly stop here to take tea and the view of this winter wonderland.

It’s not fairly often that one will get to drive on a highway at an altitude of 5600 meters. That’s the place Khardungla Cross is situated on the way in which from Leh to the Nubra Valley in Ladakh. It’s the highest motorable road in India as indicators put up by the BRO proudly proclaim.

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Magnetic Hill # 7 Place to visit in Ladakh

You’ll forget the illusion caused by the Roller Coaster Bridge in Japan when you visit Leh’s Magnetic Hill. The surrounding hills and the general layout of the area here creates an optical illusion where people see cars defying gravity when they are, actually, going downhill.

Magnetic Hill has situated 30 km from Leh on the freeway to Srinagar at an altitude of 4200 mtrs about sea stage. At first sight, it appears to be like much like all the other such hills in Ladakh. However, when a enters the hill, it’ll transfer up the incline even when the engine is switched off or in impartial gear.

There are numerous theories concerning the distinctive phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, every of which seeks to elucidate its gravity-defying phenomenon by hook or by crook. Allow us to take a look at a few of these standard theories surrounding Magnetic Hill.

The magnetic power concept: The magnetic power concept can be probably the most broadly accepted concept and finds acceptance among many individuals. In response to this concept, the hill emits a large amount of magnetic power, thereby pulling autos which might be inside its vary in direction of it. In actual fact, it’s not simply Indians who’ve had this uncommon expertise. Vacationers from all over the world have testified to having felt an invisible pull from the hill.

As soon as right here, you might also need to check out quad biking. It’s fairly a thrill sitting on this large bike which locations you fairly above the bottom.

There are different scenic sights close to Magnetic Hill. They embody Nimmu Valley, which is the confluence of two rivers. The waters of those two rivers meet one another in a spot referred to as the Nimmu Valley. It’s a magnificent sight to look at.

Lamayuru : The Moonland of Ladakh # 8 Place to visit in Ladakh

Lamayuru is away from the jangling discords of tourist crowds, air pollution, and other man-caused nuances. Instead, it houses Lamayuru Monastery with its frescos and ancient art, not to mention mysteries and a landscape that looks like a piece of moon-land in its entirety.

With a peculiar panorama on Leh-Kargil highway, Lamayuru is a tiny village that is popularly generally known as the Moonland of Ladakh. Lamayuru is immensely well-liked for housing one of many oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh.

Tso Moriri Lake # 9 Place to visit in Ladakh

Situated at a staggering altitude of 4,522 m, the Tso Moriri Lake is the crown jewel of Changthang Plateau – an endless span of high rise mountains overlooked by stark white clouds with a deep blue sky in their backdrop. Visit this lake and connect with nature on a deeper level.

Tso Moriri is one of Ladakh’s two most well-known lakes. It’s positioned in eastern Ladakh roughly 220 kilometers by way of TsoKar from the capital city of Leh. The lake sits at an elevation of 4595 mtrs and is surrounded by snow coated mountains rising nicely over 6000 meters. This area is extraordinarily distant and really sparsely populated, however, is filled with wonderful magnificence. This space is a part of the Changthang, or Northern Plateau that stretches for nicely over 1400 kilometers east throughout northern Tibet. It presents a breathtaking ambiance and varieties a large body of nature to seize together with the serene ambiance. An absolute haven to camp for a couple of days, the trek to Lake Moriri is among the celestial treks in the Ladakh area, which affords an untouched pure magnificence. It’s also an abode to a number of species of susceptible birds just like the black-necked cranes, Bar Headed Geese, Brown-Headed Gulls, Great Crested Grebe, and extra. Additionally, the ambiance can be dotted with a number of species of Himalayan mammals.

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Shanti Stupa # 10 Place to visit in Ladakh

Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist monastery dedicated to the milestone of 2500 years covered by Buddhism. Its white dome faces the white expanses of snow-covered mountains and its location high atop a hill offers dazzling views of the serenity lying below. Shanti Stupa presents spectacular views of the dawn and sundown from inside its boundaries. The location appears to be like finest within the evenings when it will get fantastically illuminated by glittering lights.

It is a massive construction constructed as an emblem of peace & tranquility of the entire world. You’ll find such Shanti Stupas or Peace Pagodas in several a part of the nation. Due to its location on the prime of a hill and its measurement, this construction is seen from all elements of Leh and from Khar-dung la prime additionally. Parking space is 100 meters earlier than the stupa and little strolling and climbing are there to succeed in the platform in the entrance of the Stupa.

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Leh Palace # 11 Place to visit in Ladakh

One of the symbols of the dynasty that ruled Ladakh, the Leh Palace offers a peek into the Tibetan architecture. It dates back to the medieval era where architecture was young and still flourishing. Made from stone, mud, and wood, the palace houses glories of the past in the form of tapestries, royal gowns, crowns, and other artifacts.

Ladakh Trip – How to Reach Ladakh:

Ladakh is approx 1000 Kms from Delhi – Manali – Leh. Whereas as Manali to Leh is 480 Kms. and might be reached by in a single day from Delhi to Manali and then Manali to Leh in two days in addition to three days.

Srinagar to Leh is 430 Km from Srinagar to Leh by way of Kargil. The journey could be accomplished in two days.

Common flight from Delhi to Leh and return takes around One hour (one way). Although you could have connections from Jammu, Chandigarh, and Srinagar to Leh.

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Best time for Ladakh trip:

The most favorable and suggested time to visit Ladakh is from May to September.
Manali to Leh route open usually in May ending and relies on climate situations because of heavy snowfall at Rohtang cross. For a safer aspect, you could schedule your program in the last week of May onwards from this sector. Srinagar to Leh route open usually by the first week of May to November depending on climate condition.

You can travel by flight to Ladakh at any time of the year. So, You need to book a flight ticket in winter if the NH1 route gets blocked by heavy snowfall.

Ladakh Trip – Cell phones :

It’s advisable to have your Postpaid connections in Ladakh because Pre-paid connections from outside Ladakh and J&K will not work. Airtel, Jio, and BSNL are a frequent network for the time being.

Ladakh Trip – The climate in Ladakh :

Ladakh is at an excessive altitude desert area and also referred to as Little Tibet. Visitors usually start to visit from April and up to the second week of October.

April : 3 – 10 Degree Celsius

Might to June: 7 – 15 Degree Celsius

July to August: 10 – 20 Degree Celsius

September: 15 – 10 Degree Celsius

Oct to Dec: 10 – Minus 15 Degree Celsius

Dec to March: Minus 35 to zero Degree Celsius

No rain is anticipated within the area as this can be a rain shadow region however in the previous few years it’s raining and someday closely raining throughout the monsoon (July and August).

The area of Ladakh is already off the trail, however throughout the peak season (July and August), some spots might get busy. Locations like Leh, well-liked gompas, Khardung La cross, and Nubra Valley are probably amongst probably the most crowded ones.

If you wish to keep away from the crowds, Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri Lake are the proper choices. Trekking can be a great way to get off the overwhelmed monitor, even in widespread treks like Markha Valley trekking.

Finally, in case you are renting an automobile, driving the empty roads of Ladakh is superior expertise and there are infinite unexplored villages the place you may randomly cease and go searching. 

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Ladakh Trip – Transportation :

As because of restrictions, Ladakh has its personal taxi association and no outside taxi service is allowed to do business in Ladakh. So, you possibly can drive your personal automobile however not for any business use. All the costs are primarily based on per sector foundation that is pre-outlined. All of the business automobiles have to take permission from the taxi association earlier than they transfer to a specific sector.

Restrictions :

Some places in Ladakh requires inner-line-permit to visit. All visitors are requested to have their Photographs ID proof.

You can apply for an Inner-line permit online and apply for approval in Ladakh, and with a hard copy and ID proof attested. Or your travel agent can assist you to do it.

Ladakh Trip – Insurance coverage :

Shoppers are suggested to take the pre-insurance coverage towards their journey for any unexpected circumstances and flight cancellation. This can be a distant space and evacuating the folks from Ladakh to major land might take two to a few days. It is advisable to be ready for flight cancellation in monsoon season however not fairly often.

Altitude Sickness in Ladakh

Leh is located at 11500 feet above sea stage and if flying to Leh immediately means you could have some excessive altitude illness after 3 to 4 hours of arrival. It could differ from individual to individual. Vomiting/ Headache / Respiration issues / Fever / Irritations and so on are a few of the signs which one might really feel. So, It could take 12 hours to 24 hours to acclimatize with the higher altitude.

It is advisable for everybody to have an entire relaxation day when you arrive in Leh. Drink Plenty of Water, Tea ( Black tea is beneficial), Soup and so on.. which is able to assist. Keep away from to not eat the meals. Within the night you could have a brief stroll to the market and advisable areas. Nonetheless if feeling unhealthy visit the nearest Hospital for medical assistance.

Transportable Oxygen cylinders are easily available to carry with you in vehicles

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About Ladakh

Ladakh is an area administered by India as a union territory, and constituting part of the bigger area of Kashmir, which has been the topic of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. It’s bordered by the Chinese Tibet Autonomous Area to the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, both the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, and the southwest nook of Xinjiang throughout the Karakoram Move within the far north. It extends from the Siachen Glacier within the Karakoram varies to the north to the primary Himalayas to the south. The Japanese finish, consisting of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains, is claimed by the Indian Authorities as a part of Ladakh and has been beneath Chinese management since 1962. Till 2019, Ladakh was an area of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In August 2019, the Parliament passed an act, as per which, from 31 October’19, Ladakh became a union territory of India.

Districts of Ladakh

The most important city in Ladakh is Leh, followed by Kargil, every of which headquarters a district. The Leh district comprises the Indus, Shyok, and Nubra river valleys. The Kargil district comprises the Suru, Dras, and Zanskar river valleys. The main populated areas are the river valleys, however the mountain slopes additionally assist the pastoral Changpa nomads. In distinction to the neighboring Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh has a non-Muslim majority. The primary non secular teams within the area are Muslims (primarily Shia) (46%), Tibetan Buddhists (40%), Hindus (12%), and others (2%). Ladakh is likely one of the most sparsely populated areas in India. As its tradition and historical past are carefully associated with that of Tibet, so, it is called the “Little Tibet”.

There may be about 1100 mi of roads in Ladakh and 500 mi of roads are surfaced. The vast majority of roads in Ladakh are sorted by the Border Roads Organisation.

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Ladakh Airport

The Main Airport of Ladakh is in Leh which is known by Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Regular daily flights to Delhi and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu. There are two airstrips at Daulat Beg Oldie and Fukche for army transport. The airport at Kargil, Kargil Airport, was meant for civilian flights however is at present is utilized by the Indian Military. The airport is a political challenge for the locals who argue that the airport ought to serve its authentic objective, i.e., ought to open up for civilian flights. Since the previous few years, the Indian Air Drive has been working AN-32 air courier service to move the locals through the winter seasons to Jammu, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. A personal airplane firm Air Mantra landed a 17-seater plane on the airport, in presence of dignitaries just like Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking the primary ever touchdown by a civilian airline firm at Kargil Airport.