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LEH-LADAKH

Set amidst the epic Himalayas, Ladakh is a rustic and heavenly beautiful travel destination. The rugged valleys and mountains, winding roads coupled with the vibrant cultural life maintain the exuberance and charm of this region. The iconic Magnetic Hill, the turquoise coloured Pangong Lake, the confluence of two mystical rivers, ancient and awe inspiring monasteries and the highest passes are a few of the marvelous attractions of Leh and Ladakh in general. The wide array of trekking routes will satiate your soul and enrich the senses. The moon like desert mountains continue to be an exceptional destination for adventure seekers and admirers of Buddhism and phenomenal mountain vistas. So, pack some travel essentials with you to explore the most enthralling destination of India and bring back souvenirs of endless memories with you

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Pangong Tso

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About Ladakh

Bounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, Ladhak is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The landscape of Ladhak, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting. While rafting options are available on both Indus and Zanskar rivers, the Zanskar course is more difficult and exciting. 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. Ladhak celebrates a numbers of monastic festivals - annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladhak 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 Ladhak Polo Cup.

Ladakh Tourism 

Tourism in Leh and Ladakh is a huge factor in improving the economy and lives of the people of this region. Leh Ladakh tourism has evolved over the years and now brings in not just those who want to sightsee but also adventure enthusiasts who are keen on activities like white water river rafting, paragliding, mountaineering and skiing.

Leh is the most well-known city of Ladakh. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges and serene lakes, it offers a very different tourism experience to visitors. With its dry and barren landscape enlivened by the colourful Buddhist monasteries, Leh creates a magical travel experience. The nine-storeyed Leh Palace should definitely be included in your Ladakh tour.

Nubra Valley is another popular spot for tourists who are visiting Ladakh. Its proximity to Leh makes it easy to visit. It is also known as the Orchard of Ladakh. Nubra Valley is remote and yet draws tourists who come to see places like the Diskit Monastery, Hunder Monastery, Maitreya Buddha statue and of course, the world famous Khardung La Pass. There are hot water springs here alon with the Yarab Tso lake which is considered sacred. 

Pangong Lake is an intense blue lake in the middle of the mountains. Recent Bollywood movies have made this a well-known spot. Tourists who visit Ladakh throng to this spot. The lake is an important breeding ground for several migratory birds. But Pangong is a remote area and the lake freezes during the winters. The beauty of Pangong Lake is almost surreal and needs to be experienced first-hand. 

Another place of interest during a Ladakh tour is Zanskar Valley, an isolated region famed for its mountains and stunning landscape. This relatively unexplored region in Ladakh has a pleasant climate, beautiful views and glimmering rivers which makes it perfect for a holiday.

Apart from this, you can visit Kargil, Drass, Suru Valley, the intriguing Magnetic Hill on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway. The famed Khardung La Pass, with its gorgeous views of the valley and roads, is considered to be the gateway to the Shyok and Nubr Valleys. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world.

15 Best Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh

Words cannot describe the beauty and serenity of Ladakh that the eyes can do. Pictures and videos simply do not do justice to the scenic bliss that Ladakh offers. What makes the place more special is the fact that it plays to every kind of audience. Right from quenching the thirst of motorcycle enthusiasts to offering spirituality to the ones seeking peace, Ladakh is perfect for all.

Located at an altitude of 8,370 ft from sea level, the 'land of high passes' gives the Himalayan range a beautiful blend of green and white. You heard that right. With vast expanses of white sand, the ruggedness of the Himalayas can be witnessed. But nothing compares to the tranquil vibe that the lakes offer. Pristine beauty is what you will find at Leh Ladakh, that is guaranteed.

The best season to visit Leh Ladakh is during the summer. The months of April-May are ideal to visit Ladakh as many of the tourist places would be open. June to August months are also some range that travellers opt for to avoid excess tourist crowd. Since the altitude is so high, Ladakh experiences long winters. Given below are some of the places to visit in Ladakh.

Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso lake found fame thanks to Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots so without a doubt, this place deserves to be on your itinerary of places to visit in Ladakh. Pack a sweet picnic basket and head with your folks to the lake and maybe even camp next to it as you enjoy every moment of peace and tranquillity.

Thiksey Monastery

This 12-storey complex hosts over 500 monks and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in all of Ladakh. For Ladakh sightseeing, Thiksey Gompa will enlighten you with knowledge about some of the Buddhist culture, lifestyle, scriptures, statues and even paintings.

Khardung-la Pass

Rent a Himalayan and go nuts on the road to Khardung-la pass. The pass is a gateway to the Nubra as well as Shyok valley and is one of the most elevated motorable terrains worldwide. Interestingly, the roads were opened in 1988 for vehicles to pass through. Cruisers and Himalayans considered to be the best means to travel here, to experience the rugged beauty of the journey.

Markha Valley

If camping is your thing then you won't find a better spot than at the Markha valley in Ladakh! You can trek up to some amazing sites such as Markha, Skiu and Hankar for starters. Once you reach the summit, you can unwind with some lovely tents, bonfire and make friends with strangers. Quite the deal, don't you think?

Nubra Valley

Famous for its white sand deserts and double-humped camels, Nubra Valley is certainly one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. Not just the scenic slopes of Karakoram range but also the confluence of Shyak and Siachen rivers is what makes Nubra valley an exquisite voyage!

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Tso Moriri lake

Imagine a sparkling blue lake nestled in the midst of rugged surroundings. That, my friends, is Tso Moriri lake. Being 15000 ft above sea level in a rather rough environment is this tiny paradise. The place is often not considered ideal by many tourists due to the high altitude at which it stands proudly. However, with its impeccably undisturbed ambiance, it would be shame to miss this place.

Hemis National Park

Have you ever come across snow leopards? Well, Ladakh's Hemis National Park is considered to be the capital of Snow Leopard of India. What makes this national park exceptional is the fact that aside from inhabiting the famed snow leopard, it is also the only national park in the northern regions of the Himalayas.

Diskit Monastery

Located at the heart of Nubra valley is this quaint Diskit Monastery. Sightseeing in Ladakh is literally incomplete without a visit to this monastery which was founded back in the 14th century. The calming aura of the gompa will definitely transport you to a whole new world.

Shanti Stupa

Situated on a hill-top in Chanspa is this beautiful dome shaped Chorten called Shanti Stupa. What makes this white structure an attraction tourist place is the view it offers of the whole of Leh. The walls inside the Chorten have panels depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Plus, the vibe of the place would make you want to stay for long.

Royal Leh Palace

The Leh Palace is located on the top of Tsemo Hill and has a rich history. Built of stones, wood, mud and sand, the 9-storied palace has some beautiful artistic ruins in display to let tourists see how the royals lived. The intriguing architecture is an additional perk of visiting the palace.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is yet another lovely monastery set in the coarse background of the snow-capped Himalayas. It has views of the rough terrains and lovely snow-clad mountain tops. Witnessing something so diverse and beautiful is what makes the monastery's location ideal.

Magnetic Hill

Just as the name goes, the Magnetic hill is actually a gravity hill which possess impeccable magnetic properties. Do not be alarmed by the sudden movement of your vehicles in neutral going uphill as the magnetic field will make it happen. In fact, to avoid being sucked in the magnetic field of the hill, airplanes often take their altitudes up a notch.

Alchi

A puny hamlet snuggled by the banks of the Indus river is the lovely village of Alchi. The roads welcome you with erect apricot trees and offer a plethora of spiritual bliss by inhabiting monasteries and temples.

Zanskar Valley

The snow-covered steep terrains of Zanskar valley beckon travellers to trek on while they are overlooked with the clear blue sky. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ladakh, especially considering how the beautiful Zanskar river projects azure blue hues while all travellers walk on the frozen sides.

Chadar Trek

What makes the Chadar trek so famous is the fact that you can walk up the frozen Zanskar river while the rugged Himalayan range envelopes you. It certainly is a thrilling experience to walk on frozen river, rather trek and camp at Nerak, which gives a soothing setting for the heart.