Ladakh, also known as the 'Land of High Passes,' is a barren but scenic region in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Ladakh is on the east by Tibet, and on the south by Lahaul and Spiti, and on the west by the Kashmir valley. Ladakh is situated in the Kunlun Mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south, on old trade routes. The Baltistan Valley, the Indus Valley, Zanskar, Lahaul, Spiti, Aksai Chin, and Ngari were once part of the regio...
Ladakh, also known as the 'Land of High Passes,' is a barren but scenic region in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Ladakh is on the east by Tibet, and on the south by Lahaul and Spiti, and on the west by the Kashmir valley. Ladakh is situated in the Kunlun Mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south, on old trade routes. The Baltistan Valley, the Indus Valley, Zanskar, Lahaul, Spiti, Aksai Chin, and Ngari were once part of the region. While the majority of Ladakhis are Tibetan Buddhists, the region's main residents are Indo-Aryans and Tibetans. The area's other residents are Shia Muslims.
Ladakh is a favourite among mountaineering enthusiasts because of its scenic beauty, difficult terrain, beautiful mountains, and the challenge of roughing it. Ladakh is inappropriate for anyone searching for a fast vacation because of its remote location and high altitude. Due to the lack of modernization, however, its natural and rustic grandeur has been retained.
THINGS TO DO WHEN IN LADAKH :
RIVER RAFTING IN ZANSKAR RIVER -River rafting is one of the most exciting activities to do in Leh Ladakh. The white waters of Ladakh's alpine rivers, particularly Zanskar, are regarded as one of India's top rafting locations. Don't be deceived by the fact that it's only done during the summer.
TREK IN THE THRILLING CHADAR TREK - The Chadar Journey, as it is known, is essentially a trek across frozen rivers. The most popular trip is along the Zanskar River, which is regularly done in big groups by adventure seekers. The Chadar journey is usually done in November, when the river is frozen and safe to walk on, and the rest of the environment is still friendly enough to allow you to survive.
CAMEL RIDE IN NUBRA VALLEY - The Nubra Valley's desert mounds immerse visitors to the Arabian Nights. The region is also home to the world-famous two-humped camels, which are often the highlight of a vacation for animal lovers. The Tethys Sea, from the depths of which the Himalayas are claimed to have risen, is believed to be the source of the desert.
JEEP SAFARI AT CHANGTHANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, located at an elevation of 4000 to 9000 feet, is a world separate from the rest of the world, offering visitors something different from the typical wildlife sanctuaries. Rare species such as the black necked crane and Tibetan Wild ass can be seen roaming across a variety of lakes and marshes.
BIKE RIDING AT UMLING LA PASS - The Umling La Pass, located at a height of 19,300 feet in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is the world's most famous highest motorable route. If you love motorcycles, you'll be surprised to learn that Umling La is the world's highest motorable road, full of adventure and adrenaline.
WATCH A CHAMMS PERFORMANCE - Observing the Llama perform the Chhams is one of the most unique experiences in Leh Ladakh. The Llama in colourful costumes perform a dance play during the show. The entire thing is euphoric and a joy to behold. During the Hemis Festival or the Ladakh Festival, these acts become increasingly famous.
BEST TIME TO VISIT IN LADAKH :
Summer is the best time to explore Ladakh, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius from April through July. Ladakh is noted for its intense cold practically all year.
PLACES TO VISIT IN LADAKH :
PANGONG TSO LAKE - Pangong Tso Lake sprang to prominence as a result of Aamir Khan's film 3 Idiots, and it is unquestionably worth including on any Ladakh travel itinerary. Pack a tasty picnic basket and head to the lake with your family, perhaps even camping next to it, to savour every moment of calm and serenity.
THIKSEY MONASTERY - Over 500 monks live in this 12-story building, which is regarded as one of Ladakh's most beautiful Buddhist monasteries. Thiksey Gompa will teach you Buddhist culture, lifestyle, scriptures, monuments, and even artwork as part of your Ladakh tour.
KHARDUNG LA PASS - Rent a Himalayan and drive to Khardung-la Pass. The pass connects the Nubra and Shyok valleys and is one of the highest motorable terrains on the planet. Surprisingly, the roads were accessible to vehicles in 1988.
TSO MORIRI LAKE - Consider a glistening blue lake tucked away in the midst of difficult terrain. Tso Moriri Lake is that, my friends. This small sanctuary is located 15000 feet above sea level in a harsh environment. Because of the high altitude at which it stands proudly, many tourists do not consider it ideal.
CHADAR TREK - The fact that you may climb along the frozen Zanskar river while being surrounded by the steep Himalayan range is what makes the Chadar trek so popular. Walking on a frozen river is an exciting experience, but trekking and camping at Nerak provides a relaxing atmosphere for the heart.
HOW TO REACH LADAKH :
VIA AIR - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the closest airport. This airport is only 3.8 kilometres from the city centre. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has connections to a number of international airports in India, including Delhi.
VIA ROAD - If you travel from Srinagar, you will cover a distance of 434 kilometres, and this trip will allow you to appreciate the full majesty of Mother Nature's masterpieces.
Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh Route: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbekh – Lamayuru – Saspol – Leh
VIA TRAIN - If you're travelling by railway, the nearest station is Jammu Tawi (700 kilometres from Ladakh), which is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. To get to Ladakh from there, you can hire a taxi or take a JKSRTC bus.
FOOD AND CUISINES IN LADAKH :
THUKPA - The staple diet of the people of Ladakh is thukpa. It's a noodle soup with varied vegetables for vegetarians and minced meat for non-vegetarians.
SKYU - Skyu, a soup-based traditional dish from Ladakh, is another delicacy. Vegetables and dough are kneaded into flattened thumb-sized balls in this meal.
CHUTTAGI - Chhutagi simply means "water bread" in Ladakhi (chhu means "water" and tagi means "bread"). Chhutagi is a traditional Ladakhi delicacy that is high in nutrition.
TINGMO - Steamed Tibetan bun-shaped bread is prepared with veggies, meat, and dal. Tingmo is a delicate, soft, and fluffy bun made entirely of wheat flour and devoid of any filling.
MOMOS - Without a question, the most popular food in Ladakh is momos. It's a dough-wrapped dumpling filled with meat or vegetables.
