Complete Travel Guide To Plan Your Ladakh Trip
Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Jammu & Kashmir and its culture and history is closely related to that of Tibet. It is also called as “Little Tibet” not just because of its geographical proximity to Tibet but also because it plays host to several Tibetan cultural festivals.
Ladakh might be India’s most region but the barren beauty with snow capped peaks and clean azure sky have attracted fearless travellers. Ladakh serves as a favourite hunt for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts.
The secluded destination surrounded by marvelously rugged Himalaya Mountains, infertile landscapes and enchanting Gompas laid down upon stretches or rocky outcrops, are purely magical sight. But before you decide to fly away to the land of Buddhist monasteries and brave people, it is very important to understand that you need at least a week to enjoy your Ladakh Trip.
Planning for a trip in Ladakh, here is a list of major attractions of Ladakh region those are worth to visit.
Monasteries in Ladakh
Monasteries are an integral part of Ladakh’s culture and traditions and thus often called as The Land of Buddhism. Popular monasteries includes Spituk Gompa, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Matho Monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Stakna Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Basgo Monastery, Chemrey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Likir Monastery, Mulbekh Gompa, Rangdum Gompa, Phuktal Monastery, Bardan Gompa, Karsha Monastery, Wanla Gompa etc.
Various Incarnations of Buddha, known as Bodhisattva are also worshipped in monasteries.
Explore the famous Buddhist Monasteries in India
High mountain passes of Ladakh
Ladakh is also known as “Land of Passes” and is always a favourite place for adventure lovers. Passes are the natural doors to other mountains and peaks and Ladakh is a place of many high passes with some of the world’s highest motorable roads which provide perfect ambience to bikers.
Some of the famous passes includes Khardung La, Chang La, Zoji La, Marsimek La, Lachulung La, Namika La etc.
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Wildlife Destinations in Ladakh
It’s undoubtedly a unique wildlife destination and a home to a number of exotic animals, bird species, flora and fauna. It also has some rare and endangered species and its unique ecosystem gives a great scenic beauty to photography enthusiasts. This region is a home to approx 310 species of avifauna which includes Golden Eagle, Lamagier, Wall Creeper, Black Necked Crane, Himalayan Snowcook etc.
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Hemis National Park and Donkey Sanctuary being the major attractions.
Lakes in Ladakh
Lakes are a big part of Ladakh’s humbling landscapes and has 3 beautiful lakes – Pangong Tso Lake; which changes colour with every hour and turns from emerald green to varying hues of sky and velvet blue, Tsomoriri Lake and Tsokar Lake.
During winters these lakes get frozen and become so solid that they are better used as roads.
Read more :- Travel Guide to Discover Pangong Lake in Ladakh
Villages in Ladakh
No words can describe the beauty of Ladakhi village. They are remote, serene and untouched; immersed in ancient Buddhist cuture with no connection with the outer world. They have managed to retain their pristine beauty.
Some of them that a person must visit are Chumathang, Dha-Hanu Village, Panikhar Village, Lamayruru Moonland, Diskit Village, Hunder Village etc.
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Valleys in Ladakh
Ladakh is a home of few most beautiful valleys of the world including Indus Valley, Nubra Valley, Suru Valley, Zanskar Valley and Markha Valley. A visit to these valleys is no less than exploring a dreamy land which is out of this world.
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Trekking in Ladakh
Ladakh is counted among those few destinations which are able to give goose bumps to adventure enthusiasts. Its uneven terrains and challenging heights offers an ideal setting for mountaineering and trekking.
Favourable Seasons for Trekking:- July and August are the best time for trekking in Ladakh and from early September, there is a possibility of storms and snowfall. Trekkers require winter equipment and a local guide if want to attempt the frozen icy treks and experience the snowy slopes.
Famous Trekking Spots:-
Markha Valley Trek
- Duration – 9 Days
- Highest Point –Kongmaru La (5135m)
Henaskut to Wangla
- Duration – 6 Days
- Highest Point – Nyigutse La (5000m)
Lamayuru to Padum
- Duration – 9-10 Days
- Highest Point –Singay La (5000m)
Hemis to Zangla by Junglam
- Duration –9 Days
- Charchar La (4950m)
Sham Trek
- Duration – 5 Days
- Tsermangchan La (3750m)
Chader Trek
- Duration – 11 to 30 Days
- Highest Point – Lingshet
Rumtse to Tsomoriri
- Duration – 7-8 Days
- Highest Point –Yalang Yugula (5440m)
Hemis to Takh
- Duration –12 Days
- Highest Point –Kongmaru La (5135m)
Check out some of the most famous adventurous activities of Ladakh:-
Enjoy Trekking in Ladakh with 8 Days Ladakh Trekking tour
Shopping in Ladakh:-
Some popular items with tourists are Pashmina Shawls, stoles and woolen garments like socks, gloves, caps and sweaters. Apart this Tibetian Silver Jewellery and traditional Ladakhi Jewellery with turquoise are a great point of attractions.
Some good sopping venues of Ladakh includes –
- Ladakh Art Palace on the Main Bazaar Road
- Tibetian Handicraft Emporium on the Main Bazaar Road
- Ladakh Environment and Health Organization on the Main Bazaar Road
- Tibetian Handicraft Commuinty Showroom in Choglamar
- Cottage Industries Exposition in Changspa
- Ecology Centre in Changspa
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Cuisine in Ladakh
The locals of Ladakh practice farming and the produce from their fields is made into the delicious dishes of Ladakhi cuisines. Some of the best recipes includes potatoes, pumpkins, beetroots, and beans. Apart veggies; chicken and meant are highly consumed. Ladakh cuisines are considered to be a blend of Chinese, Kashmiri and Korean cuisines and there are about 60 traditional dishes.
Some of the famous dishes include –
- Momos
- Thupka
- Thenthuk
- Skyu
- Paba and Tangtur
- Khambir
- Chang (the local beer)
- Ladakhi Tea
- Cholak
- Seabuck thorn juice
Best Month to Visit Ladakh
Between July to September
Explore What to expect in leh ladakh during each season?
How to reach Ladakh
There are only two roads into the area from outside i.e. Zoji La Pass and Kargil route from Srinagar district in the Kashmir valley and the high altitude Manali-Leh Highway from Himachal Pradesh. The Manali-Leh Road is open only from May/June to October/November. The Srinagar-Leh Route is open from April/May to October/November. Unlike roadways; the flights are available from Delhi all year-round.
Read the article to know more about How to Reach Ladakh
Ladakh is a must go place once in a lifetime to feel the beauty of nature along with adventure and spirituality.
Suggested tour packages of Ladakh:-
- 5 Days Ladakh – Pangong Lake and Khardungla Tour
- 5 Day Road Trip to Ladakh From Delhi
- 9 Days Ladakh Jeep Safari
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