Ladakh – Wanderela

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1. Pangong Tso Lake:

You should put the Pangong Tso Lake on your list of things to do in Ladakh. This well-known place is where the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots” was shot. You can take your family and a picnic basket to the Pangong Tso Lake, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet. You could even camp right next to the lake. The lake is special because it doesn’t stay blue all year or even all day. Instead, it changes colors from azure to light blue to green to gray.

2. Nubra Valley:

Nubra Valley is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. It is known for its double-humped Bactrian camels and white sand deserts. In this valley, the Shyok and Nubra rivers meet, and there are many beautiful monasteries all around. Since Nubra Valley is close to LOC, you will need an inner line permit to do things there like ziplining and riding ATVs. Nubra is popular with adventurous travelers from all over the world because of its rough terrain, beautiful scenery, snow-covered mountains, and high altitude.

3. Hemis National Park:

The best place to see in Ladakh is the Hemis National Park, which is the largest national park in South Asia. It is also called the capital of the snow leopard in India. It is the only national park in the northern parts of the Himalayas. It is also where the legendary snow leopard lives. In this area, you can also find endangered animals like the Eurasian brown bear, the Asiatic ibex, the red fox, and the Tibetan wolf.

4. Tso Moriri Lake:

Tso Moriri is a beautiful blue lake that is surrounded by mountains and is about 28 km long from north to south. To enjoy the peace of this lake, you will need an inner line permit. This beautiful, peaceful place is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, beautiful migrating birds, and endangered Tibetan wolves. One of the more unusual places in Ladakh is Tso Moriri Lake, which is 15000 feet above sea level and in a harsh environment.

5. Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is a stunning white-domed Buddhist monument perched at a height of 11,841 feet on a rocky hilltop in Changspa. For Buddhists, it is a sacred site since it houses Buddha’s relics, which were sanctified by the 14th Dalai Lama. It is extremely popular with tourists since it provides a scenic view of Leh and the nearby Changspa town. Shanti Stupa is an ideal retreat for people seeking peace and calmness through prayer to God as well as those wanting to be mesmerized by the beauty of nature.

6. Sangam: Sangam is the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers in Ladakh, the two rivers converge at this location and can be viewed independently. The Indus River is a brilliant blue, while the Zanskar River is a dirty green; it surely is a breathtaking sight to see. Sangam’s two rivers run in different directions depending on the season. During the summer, the Zanskar River swells and becomes raging, but the Indus River is calmer. Zanskar slows and virtually freezes in the winter, and the Indus flow is significantly lower.

7. Zanskar Valley:

Zanskar Valley is surrounded by clean bodies of water, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful, lush green scenery. This is a big reason why people come to visit. Adventure sports like river rafting, trekking, and paragliding are popular in this area. There are also monasteries here that are hundreds of years old, like the Zongkhul, Zongla, and Strongdey monasteries. You can only go to Zanskar between June and September, because the valley’s roads are all very snowy and can’t be reached at any other time.

8. Hall of Fame Museum:

The Hall of Fame is a museum that honors the brave soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pakistan conflict and died for their country. The Indian Army takes care of the Hall of Fame, which has guns and equipment taken from the Pakistani Army as well as pictures that tell the stories of our brave warriors. A part of the museum is about the Siachen area, and it has clothes and gear that the Indian Army used in that area. Visitors can also see items from all over the world that have something to do with Ladakhi culture, history, nature, or wildlife.

9. Magnetic Hill:

As its name suggests, the Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill with very magnetic qualities. This popular hill is a cyclops slope, which means that when cars are parked in the right spot, they defy gravity and go up the hill. To see this, put your car in neutral and park in the yellow box a few meters before the Magnetic Hill road. From here, the car speeds up to 20 kilometers per hour. Even though there are stories about the strange magnetic hill, the way the area and other hills are set up creates an optical illusion.

10. Kargil:

You must stop in Kargil on your way to or from Ladakh. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh. It is on the Indus River and has a lot of history. The most interesting part is the Line of Control, which is only 11 kilometers from Kargil. It is where India and Pakistan meet. As a wanderer, if you walk along its roads, you will see many beautiful and old monasteries and gompas, as well as beautiful mountain ranges and valleys. Also, if you want to have some fun, Kargil is the place to go because it has a lot of exciting things to do, like river rafting, trekking, camping, and mountaineering.

11. Alchi:

The charming settlement of Alchi is a tiny village nestled along the banks of the Indus river, in Ladakh’s Himalayan area. The roadways are lined with upright apricot trees and provide a wealth of spiritual delight through the presence of monasteries and temples. The Alchi monastery located in this village proudly displays Indo-Tibetan paintings from the 11th to 12th centuries. It is also recommended that you stay a night in Alchi to experience authentic Ladakhi rural life. What are the best things to do in Ladakh?

1. Go on the thrilling Chadar Trek:

The Chadar Trek, which is India’s wildest and one of its hardest treks, is a whole new experience. This frozen river trek is on the list of every hiker and adventure lover because it is a unique place. This hike is hard because you have to walk over the frozen Zanskar River when the temperature is between -15°C and -30°C. Also, “Chadar” means “blanket,” which refers to the white ice sheets on the frozen river. Walking on them is what makes this trek the most exciting.

2. Go biking at Khardung La pass:

Enjoy a bike ride on the Khardung La pass, which is the world’s highest motorable road at an elevation of about 18,300 feet. Add some excitement to your trip to Ladakh with a scary bike ride, and when you reach the top, you’ll feel like you’ve done something great. The Khardung La pass is great for people who like to go on adventures, ride mountain bikes, or just want to see some beautiful views. Bikers, on the other hand, need an Inner Line Permit to get into the pass and ride through it.

3. Go on a Yak Safari:

A Yak Safari is one of the most exciting things to do in Ladakh. Yaks are huge animals that live in cold deserts. For thousands of years, the people who live there have been taming them. Yak Safari is only available in a few places, like Ladakh. Riding a Yak through the valley of Ladakh can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Ladakh, it’s easy to book a Yak Safari through a local travel agent. The Safari takes about 4 hours, and during that time you can see some of the most beautiful landscapes and native plants and animals.

4. Shop in the local markets:

The Main Bazaar, a large marketplace in Ladakh, is a great spot to go shopping. Get a wide choice of reasonably priced things, including accessories and clothing. The markets attract a large number of visitors, both residents and tourists. With so many stores to choose from, you can expect a lot of haggling. You can also buy the famous Pashmina shawls, prayer wheels, Kashmiri carpets, apricots’ jam, and Tibetan jewelry.

5. Experience the thrill of river rafting adventure:

River rafting is a must-do activity in Ladakh, which is known as the land of adventure. The best places to go river rafting in Ladakh are on the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Not only do they offer a unique rafting experience, but they also go through beautiful scenery. Ladakh has grade one to grade four rapids, and there are different ways to go rafting depending on the season, your physical fitness, your budget, and your level of experience.

6. Enjoy stargazing at Lamayuru: 

This is the spot to be if you want to sit among the lovely mountains and watch the stars twinkle. Lamayuru, also known as the Moonland of Ladakh, is a hamlet located on the Srinagar-Leh highway. At Lamayuru, you can set up your camp and see nature at its most beautiful. It’s also been said that on a full moon night, the twinkly sky from this location is a spectacular sight to view, something that doesn’t happen every day.

7. Book a jeep safari at Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary:

Going on a jeep safari is one of the most popular ways to see wildlife and take in the beautiful scenery of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The jeep gives you a more personal experience and takes you deeper into the dense jungle of the park, where you are more likely to see animals. On the exciting jeep safari, you can see a Tibetan wolf, a brown bear, a snow leopard, and a wild yak, among other amazing animals. Wildlife photographers should go on a jeep safari because it gives them a great chance to see many different kinds of wild animals.

 

8. Experience the Buddhist culture at Phugtal Monastery: The Phugtal Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh’s Zanskar area, in the south-east corner. It is one of the most remote monasteries in the region, established roughly 2500 years ago at the mouth of a natural cave on a cliff. You can get a sight of Phugtal Monastery that houses 700 monks and has four prayer rooms, a library, a kitchen, guest rooms, and living quarters, and you can soak in the buddhist culture on your stay over here. Also, the monastery is only accessible on foot and involves strenuous hiking.

9. Visit the amazing Stok Palace: The Stok Palace is the summer residence of Ladakh’s royal family and descendants of King Sengge Namgyal. King Tsepal Namgyal founded it in 1820, and the Dalai Lama opened it to the public in 1980. If you are a history buff, there are many valuable items and treasures to be found, including the royal seals, costumes, jewelry, and photos and other exhibits. The war memorials, which include swords, bows, arrows and shields are displayed in a separate area. Furthermore, the Stok Palace is a well-preserved traditional Buddhist attraction.

10. Attend the Ladakh Harvest Festival: Ladakh Harvest Festival takes place in September and lasts for two whole weeks. The celebration features a colorful parade that begins in Leh and ends at the Polo Ground. It’s a large-scale event with ceremonial clothing, music, and cultural acts. Even more fascinating are the masked dances performed by the lamas of the monasteries. Discover a diverse range of competitions, including  poo and archery. If you’re the one to love cultural festivals, one of the most important things to do in Ladakh is to celebrate this exciting Ladakh Harvest Festival.

11. Relish the traditional cuisine of Ladakh: For all the food enthusiasts, the best thing to do in Ladakh is to try out their amazing traditional cuisine, which has Tibetan origins. The restaurants and cafes here are also noted for serving other varieties of cuisines too, including Indian, Chinese and Korean. Momos is widely considered to be the most flavorful meal in Ladakh cuisine. To acquire the best taste of Tibetan cuisine, one must also try Thukpa, Tsampa, Tingmo and Skyu here. Aside from the delicious food, you must also try Chang, a local alcoholic beverage, which is quite interesting.

Ladakh is frequented by all kinds of riders, adventure tourists, photographers, honeymooners and the nature seeker. The destination offers easy road connectivity. However, anyone visiting the place should be prepared for intense off roading. If you have been looking for some adventure in your life, head on to Ladakh! Primarily, Ladakh is reached by two prominently laid out routes.

The first is the Srinagar to Leh Highway that takes you through Kargil and the Kashmir Valley. The journey would be about 434 kilometers but this route will be open between June and mid November. The highest point you will touch at this route would be the Zozi La Pass at at altitude of 11,500 feet.

The second route starts from Manali and it would be again about 473 kilometers of drive. The route opens from mid June and is allowed till October. This will be the road where you would be crossing several high passes including Tanglang La, arguably, the second highest motorable road in the world.

Ladakh by Road: The Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation runs buses to Ladakh, and your choice will depend on the route you take. Both journeys will last a couple of days with several stops that would gradually open up the vast Himalayan landscape. Although cheap, public transport can be a bit inconvenient.

Many prefer hiring jeep or shared taxis to get flexible with the travel timing. Riding your own vehicle to Ladakh is also an option and is more popularly sought. If you are a solo traveler, it would however be recommended that you take the service of registered travel agencies to ferry you to Ladakh. In most case, you will join a group of other travelers.

By Train: The closest you can get to Ladakh by train is the Jammu Tawi Station. From there, you will have to pursue road transportation, by either using public transport or renting your own vehicle.

By Flight:When going to Ladakh, you can use the Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. From Srinagar, Delhi, and Jammu, you can get flights that connect with each other. GoAir, Air India, and Jet Airways are the airlines that fly this route the most. But keep in mind that flights depend on the weather, and the weather in Ladakh is, as you might expect, quite unpredictable. Make sure you don’t mind being late!

Between May and August is the best time to visit Ladakh. Also, most of Ladakh would be open at this time. In fact, most things for tourists to do start in May. Even though it will be nice during the day, the temperature at night in Ladakh in the summer can still go below freezing.
But some trekkers also go to Ladakh in the winter, especially for the Chadar Trek. Most roads would be closed during this time, so it would be hard to get anywhere or drive on your own.

It is safe to ride a motorcycle through Ladakh as long as you are a good driver. If you are traveling by yourself, it is always best to go with a group or buy a tour package.

In this part of the world, where problems can be complicated, it helps to be around other people.Before you rent a bike, it’s also important to know about the permits and rules that come with it.

Male or female, a trip to Ladakh can be quite revealing. There is no direct safety threat for female travelers. If at all, male and female travelers share the same kind of challenges.

1. Enjoy Stargazing from the Lamayuru Monastery: Head to the Lamayuru Monastery lying in the “Moonland of Ladakh”, Lamayuru and enjoy stargazing like never before. Witness a number of beautiful shooting stars and close your eyes and wish over them.

2. Shop till You Drop at Main Bazaar: Go night shopping at Main Bazaar and shop for Tibetan jewelry, accessories, and apparel at cheap rates. You will find umpteen varieties of shops here where you can use your bargaining skills and get the best deals for your favorite items.

3. Experience Night Camping by the Pangong Lake: Find a camp retreat near the tranquil Pangong Lake and enjoy a night camping under the starry sky of Ladakh. Waking up to river and mountain views in the lap of nature the next morning will surely be a rejuvenating experience.

4. Enjoy some Great Cocktail at Lehchen: If you are a party lover, head to Lechen, one of the few bars in Ladakh, and grab a delicious cocktail. The place also offers the best tandoori momos, yak cheese, and lamb strips.

Ladakh is a perfect challenge for passionate riders. However, safety always comes first and here are the gears you will need to tag along:

Vehicle accessories:

• OEM toolkit
• Spare vehicle key
• Sparkplug
• Chain Link
• Extra clutch and accelerator wires
• Tubeless puncture repair kit
• Spare tube
• Tire irons and valve key
• Tire repair can / electric pump / foot pump
• Engine oil
• Electrical tape

Riding Essentials:

• Medical kit
• Sunscreen lotion
• Lip balm
• Mustard oil (for moisturizing)
• Glucose
• Water bottles
• Chocolates/biscuits/nuts

Riding gear:

• Full face helmet with clear vision
• UV sunglasses
• Gloves
• Riding jacket
• Riding pants
• Shoes

By Air: Take a flight from New Delhi and reach Leh. From here, you can take local transport to arrive at Ladakh.

By Rail: Take a train from New Delhi and reach Jammu. From here, take a flight to arrive at Leh. You can then reach Ladakh by local transport.

By Road: You can board a State Transport Bus from New Delhi and reach Shimla. From here, you can take a local cab to arrive at Ladakh.

Ladakh witnesses extremes of climate. During the months between October and March, it can get uncomforting cold, with temperatures recorded as low as minus 23 degrees centigrade! The summer months, on the other hand, are very pleasant but cold in night. Consequently, you will need to protect yourself at all times.

In the winter, Ladakh can be a one-of-a-kind place to visit. Even if it was at its worst, it would still be a paradise. Many people call a winter trip to Ladakh a “detoxification trip,” where space and time don’t matter. Prepare for a lot of snow and ice and temperatures well below minus ten. During the winter, the best places to be in Ladakh are:

• The Chadar Trek
• The Sham Valley Trek
• BongBong La Snow Valley
• A new kind of Pangong Tso!
• Stok Base Camp Trek In winters

You can also be a part of celebrations and festivals like Losar, Thiksey Gustor, Spituk Gustor, Dosmoche and Matho Monastery Festival. Do find a home stay in Ladakh to stay warm and sane!

Ladakh is best experienced on a road trip. More than the important stop across the place, it is the road that your travel is more exciting. Try doing a road trip in groups or join a group where you can make new friends and see Ladakh in a whole new form!

There are a lot of particulars you need to understand and research if you are visiting Ladakh for the very first time. Common details should include:

• The road status
• Necessary permissions
• The specific climate
• Availability of hotels
• Food
• Availability of rest houses
• Medical emergency preparations
• Sightseeing transportation

If it’s your first time, it’s best to join a group tour. Even if you are traveling alone, you can always join a group or make your own trip to see Ladakh. Once you know where you’re going, you can come back and do things on your own. But organized tours are always safer, easier, and you could even say they are cheaper in the long run.After all, you won’t have to worry about things like where to stay, what to do, what to eat, what to do if you get sick, etc. You can put all your attention on seeing the beautiful scenery and learning about the unique culture of Tibet.

If you’re going to Ladakh, you need to be in good shape because it’s easy to get sick there. The low air pressure, low temperatures, and lack of oxygen can all be hard on people. People with heat conditions like asthma can get very sick, so they should try to stay in the lower parts of Ladakh. There have been times when people got sick enough to die.

How you plan to spend your time will determine what clothes you should bring with you. Being in a cold desert means that the temperature will change a lot between night and day. Also, the summers are usually warmer, with temperatures between 33 and 40 degrees centigrade. But even in the summer, the temperature at night can drop below zero.

Ladakh is also likely one of the places where sunburns and frostbites happen most often. The general rule for what to wear in Ladakh is to bring layers. Putting on layers of clothing is the best way to beat the cold and get used to the weather. Here are the most important clothes to bring to Ladakh:

• Heavy / light woolens – depending on the time of the year
• Thermals in the winter months
• Full sleeve t-shirts
• A jacket for all seasons
• Woolen gloves / snow gloves
• Mufflers / woolen socks
• Woolen caps for the cold
• Sun hats ? Sunglasses
• Gum boots to cross water channels
• Umbrellas and gumboots
• Warm sleeping bag
• Shoes with good grip

In the Ladakh region, there isn’t much oxygen. If it’s your first time there, there’s a good chance you’ll be amazed. Recent research shows that the amount of oxygen in Ladakh, especially in the passes, is half of what it is in the plains.
It can take time to get used to the thin air, so it’s best to take a few days off from traveling and “acclimate” yourself. The good news is that plantation drives and plantations have helped increase the amount of oxygen in the air in recent years.

Taking your own bike lets you travel with more freedom. If you plan to rent a car in Chandigarh, you’ll be able to get to Manali the same day. It is not a good idea to drive at night because there are too many risks. How long it takes to travel through Ladakh depends on how often you stop and how many places you want to see.

Most of the time, a week-long drive with stops for the night and to see sights can be a comfortable way to see Ladakh. You should also know how the roads are in the time of year you are traveling. During the monsoons or the winter, some roads could be blocked for days, making it hard to move forward.

Ladakh is a great place, but it can also be very hard to live there. You would be going through some of the world’s highest passes, and the terrain isn’t very smooth either. Sometimes, you’ll just have to walk behind your car. So, you shouldn’t try to travel more than 100–150 kilometers in a single day. This also means that the minimum length of stay should be at least two weeks. Don’t push yourself too hard, or it could get even harder to stay alive.

Most people would say a Royal Enfield if you asked the question in general. Even people who rode a different bike at home want to borrow or rent a RE. But there are more options once you open your mind and look more closely at the needs. Even though there is no “best” motorcycle, you will need to find one that can carry your luggage.

Other things to think about when choosing a motorcycle are whether you have a passenger, how old the bike you want to drive is, and so on. A more powerful bike will help you the most in this terrain, but a lighter motorcycle that is in good shape can also get the job done.

Overall, you can choose from a Royal Enfield, Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Impulse, Yamaha FZ/Fazer, RE Himalayan, Bajaj Vikrant, CBR 50, or KTM Duke.

It is especially important that you ride in a good vehicle. Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, it’s important to take care of it so that your trip goes smoothly. The terrain in Ladakh can be hard on a bike, so you can’t have anything less than a perfect bike. It’s always helpful to know how to fix things.

• Driving license
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Motorcycle insurance papers
• PUC certificates
• Medical insurance card
• Secondary ID (PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID)
• Map of Ladakh and its routes and itinerary
• Hardcopy of emergency phone numbers

A road trip in Ladakh is dangerous if you don’t pay attention to the road. Even though many roads have been fixed and made driveable in the past few years, you should always be extra careful. Along the mountain highways, a rider will have to keep making U-turns, and even a small rock on the road can cause damage if it isn’t seen.

Also, if you’re riding before and after it rains, you don’t need to think about anything but your safety to get where you’re going. Ladakh is too much of an adventure to ride a bike through without some experience.

Carrying extra fuel in Jerry Cans is a must when you are riding into Leh-Ladakh. While there are a few filling stations at important stops, you never know when a detour has cost you all the fuel you had had in the tank. A couple of loaded Jerry cans per bike are highly recommended. It is also necessary that you refill your Jerry cans when you come across the next petrol pump.

1. Khardung La: Khardung La is a high-altitude mountain pass near Ladakh that serves as the doorway to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys. This pass, also known as the ‘Pass of Lower Castle,’ is located at an elevation of 18, 379 feet above sea level and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

2. Chang La Pass: Chang La, at an elevation of 5360 meters, is one of the world’s highest motorable mountain passes. The area has been blessed with incredible natural beauty, enticing visitors from all over the world.

3. Tanglang La Pass: Tanglang La pass, Ladakh’s second highest mountain pass, is located in the Zanskar range at an elevation of 17582 feet above sea level. The spectacular vistas it gives and the sheer excitement of crossing it, which is no less than an adventure, are what make it a popular tourist destination in Ladakh.

4. Fotu La Pass: Fotu La Pass is located at a height of 13, 478 feet above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain peaks as you go across this pass.

1. Hemis Monastery: Located in the highlands off the main road, this is the spiritual center of the Drukpa lineage. Hemis Gompa is known for being Ladakh’s largest and wealthiest monastery. It rose to prominence as the site of the world-famous Hemis Festival, which takes place every June.

2. Alchi Monastery: The Alchi Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century, is Ladakh’s oldest Buddhist learning center. It is the largest and most famous of Lotsaya Rinchen Zangpo’s gompas, located 70 kilometers west of Leh on the banks of the Indus River.

3. Diskit Monastery: Diskit, one of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Founded by Changzem Tsera Zangpo in the 14th century, it is located in the magnificent Nubra Valley. This one of Ladakh’s most famous monasteries gives inner peace and calmness thanks to its gorgeous surroundings.

4. Phyang Monastery: The Phyang Monastery is undoubtedly the most spectacular monastery in Leh Ladakh. It is situated on a hilltop, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Monasteries are the heritage of Ladakh and are the most revered and spiritual sites for the local community. Consequently, you will need to follow some unsaid protocols:

• Don’t photograph monasteries and monks without their permission
• Wear modest clothing
• Don’t try and influence locals in other cultures
• Be humble and smile and greet
• Try to be a part of the rituals – you will love it

• Zanskar Valley
• Pangong Tso Lake
• Kargil
• Drass Valley
• Khardung La Pass
• Nubra Valley
• Magnetic Hill
• Spituk Gompa
• Hemis National Park

The most famous trek in Ladakh is the Chadar Trek, wherein you get to trek across the frozen Zanskar River. Temperature goes as low as minus 35 degree Celsius but it is one of the most beautiful experiences you would ever have. Other important treks across Ladakh include:

• Lamayuru to Alchi Trek
• Ripchar Valley Trek
• Padum to Darcha Trek
• Lamayuru to Darcha Trek
• Markha Valley Trek
• Lamayuru to Stok Kangri
• Jhunglam Hemis to Padum Trek
• Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo Trek
• Parang La Trek

Ladakh’s festivals are the best way to learn about the culture of the area. The festivals here are very different from those in the rest of the country. The culture here is very unique and can be very interesting to anyone who is interested. You should plan to go to the following festivals:

• Losar, during the month of December
• Sindhu Darshan, during the month of June
• Hemis Tsechu, during July
• Ladakh Festival during the month of September
• Yuru Kabgyat, during the month of June
• Phyang Tsedup, during late July
• Thiksey Gustor, mid November
• Dosmoche, late February
• Matho Nagrang, mid March
• Stok Guru Tsechu, during the month of March

As you can see, most of the festivals are held during the summer months and this would be perfect if you are trying to get a glimpse of the unique blend of culture of the mountains.

Ladakh is one of the most popular places to visit in the Himalayas, and it’s packed with tourists from May to November. Even though there is always room on the spot, it is safer to book far in advance if you want to get the most out of your trip. When making last-minute reservations, you might have to give up something because there aren’t as many options.

Most tourist agencies and trip organizers across Ladakh will be able to provide you with an accompanying guide. Depending on where you plan to go, a local guide will be a valuable asset to the trip. In some case, you might also find an English speaking guide. However, for the same, you will need to enquire and book beforehand.

If you are riding a Royal Enfield into Ladakh, it would be best not to have a passenger. You can tie up your bags in a good way on the pillion. But for short trips where you don’t need to carry much, a pillion would save a lot of gas. In general, the ride would be fine for the passenger, but there are some spots where it can be very jerky and the passenger might want to get off and walk.

You will not get to buy extra adapters or chargers for your car after you have reached Ladakh. It is important that you carry spaces. A car charger will be vital to your existence here. While the mobile network keeps fluctuating, you will need to save battery for places that it does connect.

For a week-long trip through Leh Ladakh, a budget traveler should be able to get by with at least INR 30,000. Even if you save money, you never know when you might need cash in a hurry. Food can be pretty expensive, but there are always cheap places to stay.

Most of the important places in Leh can be reached by public bus. But you will only be able to spend a certain amount of time on each site. Getting things is always a problem. Renting a taxi in Leh or driving your own bike is the best way to see the sights.

The charges for a trek in Ladakh will depend on the difficulty of the terrain. Treks like Chadar Trek will always require a guide and special equipment. Also, depending on the season, some treks might need special equipment, even a snow mobile to get your things across. This adds to the amount you need to pay.

Ladakh is the land of exciting things to do. If you want to go river rafting, there are a lot of ways to do it. But these are also the most dangerous rapids to go through. But with danger also comes fun! For river rafting, the main rivers are the Indus, which flows southeast and then into Pakistan, and the Zanskar, which is a branch of the Indus that flows north.In addition to the fast-moving rapids, the landscape is hilly, with ancient monasteries, beautiful valleys, and small villages spread across it.

From Phey to Nimmo in Ladakh is where most people go river rafting. If you are just starting out, the best stretch would be from Phey to Saspol and then from Kharu to Spituk. If you want a more exciting day, go for the stretch of the Zanskar River between Chilling and Nimmo. Be prepared to combat Grade 4 rapids!

 

While your trip in Ladakh is a memory of a lifetime, it also sounds delightful to be able to bring some kind of souvenir from the country of passes. Well, Ladakh is famous for its:

• Pashmina Shawls
• Chokste (Tibetan Tables)
• Prayer Wheels
• Thangka Paintings (silk)
• Tibetan silver jewelry
• Hand woven carpets Dragon motif textiles

If you are traveling to Ladakh, there are some traditional dishes that you must try out. They will include:

• Chhupri (cheese from Yak milk)
• Butter Tea
• Momos
• Thukpa (Tibetan Soup)
• Thenktuk
• Tigmo (steamed bread served with stew)
• Mokthuk
• Kulcha
• Qahwa
• Langar

Once you leave the main town center, finding a shop selling water bottles or biscuits would be a rarity. Even if they do, the prices can be bewildering. It is always necessary that you carry your own water. Food items like chocolate bars, nuts, glucose biscuits and the like can be life savers in your Ladakh trip.

From Manali to Leh, there are 473 kilometers. You have to stop working for a while. Sarchu is 230 kilometers from Manali, which is a distance that could be driven in one day. After that, though, the road can get a bit tough. Continuously driving on this terrain is fun, but you’ll need to save your energy for later. Even though you have to stop at Sarchu, it will help if you can add a few more stops.

It would take 6 hours to drive from Leh to Nubra Valley, which isn’t too hard if you leave early in the morning. So, you can go to Nubra Valley and then come back to Leh on the same day. But if you do it this way, you miss out on the stunning beauty of Nubra and the road you travel on. Camps in Nubra are a great place to spend the night. Only if you don’t have enough time will you want to come back the same day and not come back.

On your way to Leh, you will stop at a few ATMs, and it is important that you get the cash you need for the trip. Ganderbal, Kargil, and Drass are all important places to find an ATM. The next ATM is at Keylong, and the one after that is at Leh. It’s hard to find an ATM after that.

A small number of hotels in Leh and Ladakh would take credit cards or debit cards. It is best to have cash on hand, though.

The State Bank of India has a few places in Kargil and Leh where you can exchange money. But it helps if you have enough cash in Indian currency before you get here.

BSNL postpaid will be the best answer to this question. Nothing else seems to work better.

Kids can be taken to a Ladakh trip but it is recommended that they don’t tag along to high altitude area like Khardungla Pass. With low air pressure and lack of oxygen, it can be a problem to find medical help.

The recommended pre-exposure vaccinations before your trip to Ladakh include:

• Hep A
• Typhoid
• Tetanus

There is no risk of Malaria at this elevation and you need not take one.

High Altitude Sickness (HAS) or simply Mountain Sickness is experienced due to decreasing levels of oxygen and air pressure. While there are three kinds of HAS: acute altitude sickness or mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema, the symptoms are more or less the same and include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Nausea
• Respiratory failure (extreme)
• Coma (extreme)
• And even death in some cases

It is necessary that you get acclimatized to the Ladakh environment before stating on any kind of trip across the region. Two days of acclimatization is generally recommended for any tourist.

Medical emergencies are quite frequent in Ladakh. It is necessary that you carry you own medical kit. If things go out of hand, you can always get help in the army camps. They are perhaps the ones that have been saving a lot of tourists from a certain death.

Whether you are stranded on the road or are having a medical emergency, the Indian Army is your only hope. Army jawans will readily take you to their camps and help you with medical and other emergencies. They will even give you essentials like food, warm water and bedding for the night, before you are ready to go again.

Yes, Ladakh India is one of the most frequently visited places in the country because of its incredible natural beauty and thriving mountain culture. The city is very tourist-friendly, with helpful locals and many resorts and hotels that have several security measures in place.

Ladakh can be accessed by the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport which is located 3.8 km away from the city. From the airport, one can hail a cab and reach the city to visit the tourist attractions.

This airport is the 22nd highest commercial airport in the world and named after 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche who was a famous Indian statesman and monk. The airport offers one of the most scenic approaches in the world and is heavily guarded by Indian army patrols due to its strategic location.

However, due to the presence of mountain winds, the flights take off and land only during the mornings and terrain is also quite challenging. The airport is well connected to different cities of India like Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh and Mumbai. The flights operating in this airport are Air India, GoAir and Jet Airways.

A trip to Ladakh India can be budget-friendly or expensive depending on your itinerary. If you are road tripping through the place and staying at local inns and quaint hotels, then you can spend 5 nights in Ladakh for as little as INR 15,000. However, if you sign up for an exotic trip with tours and stays in luxe hotels, then it can cost you around INR 27,000 for 5 nights as well.

Yes, Ladakh is a safe place for couples. Most of the hotels and resorts are welcoming of couples, and they have the necessary security measures in place to protect all of their guests. In fact, due to the romantic nature of the place, couples form the backbone of Ladakh tourism and are frequented by them during the tourist season.

The most prominent reason why Ladakh India is famous is because of its stunning natural landscape. The snow-capped mountains, sprawling valleys, mountain roads, viewpoints, glassy lakes and coniferous forests create a magical view from almost every single place in Leh Ladakh.

Yes, Ladakh is one of the best places for a honeymoon. In fact, some of the biggest contributors to Ladakh tourism are the many honeymooning couples who come to this idyllic and romantic place to spend their first vacation together.

Yes, you are permitted to consume alcohol in Ladakh. However, it is recommended that you drink in moderation since it causes weakness, lethargy and dehydration, which is not suitable when you are travelling through the mountains.

Yes, Ladakh is a great place to go on a honeymoon. In fact, a lot of Ladakh’s tourism comes from the many honeymooning couples who come to this beautiful and romantic place to spend their first trip together.