Take a Virtual tour of Leh-Ladakh

On the other hand, according to some, winters have their charm when only a handful of travelers visit the place. The site is all covered with snow and the views are most breathtaking. This is also the time when one of the most adventurous treks of the world, the Chadar-Trek starts. Adventure lovers find it bliss to walk over the majestic and frozen Zanskar River. Nevertheless, each time of the year has its allure and deciding the best time to visit the place often becomes confusing.

DESTINATIONS

Ladakh is famous for its picturesque beauty, unique culture, Buddhist monasteries, and exciting adventure spots. Leh, Ladakh’s administrative capital, is also a tourist’s heaven with its beautiful surroundings, in addition to beautiful trying routes. Some of the amazing destinations are.

 

ACCOMMODATION

This place remains a feat for travelers and tourists alike. Tough terrain, rough weather and lack of on the way facilities make the challenge seem so huge. But thanks to accommodations available in Leh-Ladakh, travelers can now explore this heave and enjoy the best of comforts and luxury.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE

There is much more to explore in terms of food in Leh than the quintessential instant noodles. And in this place, one will find a variety of new dishes to try and to explore. Some of the most popular foods which or can try  are

THINGS TO DO

There are many things to do in Leh-Ladakh. A couple of days are required to acclimatize in Ladakh can be spent profitably enjoying the sites in and around Leh,  from the various monasteries that glorify the region to the palaces and museums that add to its cultural depths.

1. Take a tour of enchanting Zanskar Valley

The large mountain ranges of Zanskar and Ladakh will be your companions through most of your trip to Ladakh. The steep terrains covered with snow reflect the heavenly skies. The loud rivers rush through these mountains making for a beautiful combination of view and sounds. Every point here is an echo point so if you find yourself in a safe area, you may want to risk a shout to hear the echos ricocheting from the hills.

2. Relax and rejuvenate by the stunning Tso Moriri Lake

The place is a canvas colored with the blue-white skies, blue-green mountains with white tops, the calm blue water of the lake and lush green pastures. Who needs any place better than this?

3. Experience the thrilling Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek as it is popularly known as is trekking over the frozen rivers. The trek over the Zanskar river is the most popular one and is often undertaken in large groups by adventure enthusiasts. The Chadar trek is generally taken in November when the river is frozen and safe to trek on while the rest of the surroundings are still friendly enough to let you survive. This is one of the toughest and most adventurous treks.

4. Drive the highest civilian Motor road- Khardung la pass

It might not look like much of a road but it’s the best that there is. Managed by the Border Roads Organization, Kardung-la Pass is the gateway to the north and can be considered by many as a tourist spot in itself. However, being at such a height, one has to take extreme care of health while traveling through the pass. On the fun side, the numerous Tibetan flags that are said to ward off bad spirits and keep you safe set up a beautiful contrast with the white snow.

5. Witness the Antigravity at Magnetic Hill

The science behind the phenomenon is unknown but it has been observed that if you leave your vehicle at the base of the hill with the brakes unlocked, it will start moving uphill slowly on its own. Magic? Not. It’s simply the superpowers you get when you reach this place 😉

6. Trek up to the highest altitude of Spituk Monastery

Ladakh is known as the land of the monks and monasteries and rightly so. Spituk is one of the many monasteries in the region. This is famous for its beautifully carved location at the top of a hill. With nearby mountains being much taller, the location is not exactly a vantage point but the view from the monastery is still pretty amazing. The winds at the night, however, may chill you to the bones.

7. Experience the Bactrian Camel ride

These camels are not even the usual ones that you must have seen in Rajasthan or pictures. These are Bactrian camels, having two humps and were the major mode of transport to travel to the silk route.

8. Visit unique Donkey Sanctuary

It might come as a surprise to even some of the most hardcore animal rights enthusiasts but there exists such a thing as the Donkey sanctuary. It caters to the old and sick donkeys in the region that are always needed by the locals owing to the geographical conditions but left when sick or old. The place in Leh Ladakh is a very lively barn and will probably set a smile on the face of children and adults alike with its witty posters and graffiti.

9. Stargaze from Lamayuru Monastery

Ever wondered why the sky looks so beautiful when seen in movies but not from your home? This place shows you how being in the lap of nature and away from all the hustle of the city can let you have one of the best nights of star-gazing in your life. If you want to have the maximum from The Lamayuru monastery, plan your trip to Ladakh in sync with the time of shooting stars in the area.

10.  Explore the royal ruins of Leh Palace

The ancient Leh Palace might have lost its grandeur but the wood and stone ruins are still a must-visit for anyone interested in the historical architecture of the area. The palace was built by the Namgyal king in the 17th century and is 9 stories high. The building is under the control of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and offers a panoramic view of the Stok Kangri and Zanskar ranges across the Indus Valley.

11. Spot the stars in Milky Way

Leh-Ladakh, as already mentioned earlier, is a must-visit place for all photography lovers – especially, Astro-photographers! The Major reason why Ladakh is a favorite among astrophotographers is that it provides clear night skies to complement the scenic beauty. Cities don’t generally have such pellucid skies owing to the pollution around them.

12. Walk by the LOC Kargil

Kargil lies near the Line of Control facing Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Baltistan to the west, and Kashmir valley to the south. Zanskar is part of the Kargil district along with Suru, Wakha, and Dras valleys. Kargil was at the center of a conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999.

Leh-Ladakh is or probably was, on the travel itinerary of all. Boasting of out of the world landscapes, pretty lakes, and gorgeous setting, the place is a top hit among travelers all over the world. It takes pride in being home to the highest motorable road- Umling La. If you are a travel freak and have always been enthusiastic about traveling, then tick it off from your bucket list.

For a Photo tour, visit Leh-Ladakh on Instagram profile Triplou.