Captivating Ladakh: The Land of Monasteries.

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Captivating Ladakh: The Land of Monasteries.

Ladakh is also known as Khapa-Chan which means snow land. Ladakh is the highest plateau in India with the most of it being over 3000 m (9800 ft). Leh Ladakh has an interesting mix of cultures and food as it’s on the border of China and its history is closely related to Tibet. Unarguably, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Ladakh is most famous for breathtaking landscapes, the crystal clear skies, the highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist Monasteries and festival. The magnificent mountains and mesmerizing lakes will take your breath away.

Nestled at the majestic Himalayas foot in northern part of India, Ladakh is one of the country’s favorite tourist destinations. While many of the tourists visit this scenic region for its untouched natural beauty others visit here to trek the heavens and get a closer look to some of the best scenery that Ladakh has to offer. This beautiful region has a diverse topography: lush green valleys and glacial lakes, Rustic villages and astounding Gompas. It let you escape you busy life and it’s a perfect destination to rejuvenate yourself.

Along with the natural beauties, Ladakh offers rich cultural experience. The people, the culture and the environment all blend into harmony that gives you a rich experience. It is one of the most sought after tourist destination, the crown jewel of North India, largely unexplored and undiscovered, Ladakh is a magical experience for any tourist.

Attraction of Ladakh:

The highest motorable passes.
The tempting clear blue sky dotted with clouds.
The famous frozen river trek (Chaddar trek ) in winters.
The majestic snow capped mountains.
Variety of adventure activities.
The renowned cold desert landscape.
The fantastic festivals, which demonstrate the rich and colorful culture of Ladakh.

Leh

Weather: Cold desert climate for most part of the year. Summers are warm.

Elevation: 3500m

Total Population: 30,870

Local Language: Ladakhi and Tibetan

When to visit Leh?

Considering the harsh winter season, the best time to visit Leh is from April to June. Days are warmer while nights serve as an adventurer’s delight with perfect blend of mountain breeze. Although there are some trek activities that are only available during winters, extreme snowfall blocks all roads. But you can surely take a plane and satisfy your adrenaline rush. You go traveler!

How to reach Leh?

Frequent flyers will be happy to know that Leh has its own airport.

There’s no rail route connectivity but you can hop on a bus or private transport and find your way to Leh. Along the road, you can enjoy the local marvels of the area.

What to eat?

The cuisine of Leh is slightly influenced by foreign delicacies from China, Tibet and Korea. You can try local dishes like Thukpa, Skyu and Ngamphe. Momos are also a typical delicacy of the areas with a blend of authentic local flavors. We especially recommend you try, Chang an alcoholic beverage associated with the area.

Places to visit in Leh.

Captivating Ladakh: The Land of Monasteries. - Manu Adventures India

Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill has been a place of interest for people from all over the world because it offers something unique and unbelievable. Some consider it to be a geological wonder others brush it off as an illusion but nevertheless, the fame and fantasy around the Magnetic Hill, only grows. It is believed that vehicles, when parked at a marked spot, defy gravity, and start moving uphill. Sounds sci-fi, right? Well, you can only know after seeing it with your own eyes. So go ahead, maybe you are the one who can crack this code!

Khardung La Pass

Often referred to as the highest motorable road in the world by many, although debatable yet doesn't affect the marvelousness of the Khardung La pass. Apart from being one of the major tourist attractions in the Leh region, Khardung La pass is also a place of importance for the Indian army as it is used to transport supplies to the Siachen Glacier. Khardung La offers a panoramic view of the Karakoram range and offers the tourists an experience like no other. It is said that your bike tour to Leh is not considered complete until you have been to Khardung La pass.

Shanti Stupa

Since its inception, Shanti Stupa has managed to become and remain the most famous tourist attractions in Leh, having religious sentiments and the relics of Buddha at its base. With a picturesque backdrop, that is most likely to take your breath away, this place offers serenity and calm to everyone who comes along. To catch the best view of this astonishing location, be sure to be around during the sunrise and sunset and catch a panoramic view of the city and Changspa village in the distance.

Leh Palace

As soon as we hear the word palace, we know a place is worth visiting for. Who cannot be attracted to these royal structures and the history surrounding them. Leh Palace is not different. It was built by King Sengge Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century and is currently run by the Archaeological Survey of India who strives to restore its lost grandeur from a 19th century invasion. Still, it is a place of importance for locals as they gather around it to celebrate the festival of Galdam Namchot. If you are looking to get a panoramic view of the city, then Leh Palace will serve as the right spot for you.

Hall of Fame Museum

Indian army is known for its discipline, might and glorious history all over the world. Hall of Fame Museum was built to honor the soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives in the Indo-Pakistan war. It features various relics of the war and houses a section for Siachen showcasing the life of soldiers posted on the Siachen Glacier. The museum is located 4 km away from the city and deserves to be on your list of places to visit.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib with its astonishing history, religious importance and stories of inception is place unconventional from the rest of the region. With Sikhism in its roots and Indian army managing its day-to-day functioning, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib has become a major tourist and religious attraction for people visiting Leh.

NUBRA VALLEY

Weather: Cold desert climate for most part of the year. Summers are warm.

Elevation:3084m

Total Population: 22,443

Local Language: Nubra Skat

When to visit Nubra?

With warmer days and clearer skies, it’s advisable to visit Nubra Valley during summers. A trip during the winter season should be avoided unless you are looking for some snow clad adventures.

How to reach Nubra?

For frequent flyers, Leh airport will serve as the nearest airport (168 km). You can take a taxi or a bus from Leh to Nubra Valley.

Nubra Valley doesn’t have proper rail route connectivity but the nearest train station is Udhampur at 298 km.

What to eat?

Owing to the fact that Nubra Valley is not a major tourist destination, there are only a limited number of options for restaurants. You can enjoy local dishes like Thukpa and momos.

Places to visit in Nubra

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa, is much more than just the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery of Nubra Valley. Founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century, it holds the popular festival known as Dosmoche or the "Festival of the Scapegoat" within it's province attended by the locals from the villages of Nubra in the month of February.

Panamik Village

Owing to its altitude and geographical importance, Panamik Village, although is a place to be mesmerized by but bars foreigners on its lands. It lies on the banks of Nubra river and is close to the Siachen base camp. It houses a hot water spring and the signature pashmina goats and bactrian camels. Due to its harsh weather conditions and altitude, it doesn't boast of a significant number of inhabitants. But if you are up for some adventure and road trip through the ever curvy mountain roads then the Panamik Village is the place for you.

Yarab Tso

Yarab Tso, located near the Sumur village is often referred to as the hidden lake because of its location. One needs to trek upon a rough terrain for about twenty minutes in order to reach the Yarab Tso. This lake is of religious importance to the locals so you will see a lot of prayer flags around its banks. Continuing the trend of the state, Yarab Tso offers its own set of scenic views and tranquility.

Samstanling Monastery

A flurry of prayer flags weaving a holy atmosphere, mountains looking upon it and mountain flora covering its lands and minds of its visitors, Samstanling Monastery is as serene as a place can be. It was founded 140 years ago and hasn’t lost a bit of its radiance ever since. If you are looking for some peace and scenic views on your trip then you should definitely consider visiting the Samstanling Monastery.

Maitreya Buddha

This 32 meter statue of Buddha doesn’t boast off a historical past but is a modern structure of importance. It was sanctified by Dalai Lama and is believed to protect the village from conflicts of any sort. Did we mention it was made with 8kg gold? Sparkle eyes!

Leh India

-6°C Feels like -6°C

1021hPa 80% 97% 1m/s 223deg

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Must Know Before You Visit Ladakh

Carry a good amount of cash with you
Get a postpaid connection for your trip
Always book an early flight
Take a day’s rest after reaching Ladakh
Stick to local food
Always tip at restaurants and your cab drivers
It is to be noted that the camps at Sarchu will be shut down during winters owing to the heavy snowfall.
Photography inside the monasteries and temples is strictly prohibited.

FAQs on Spiti

1)How many days are enough for Spiti?

The number of days to reach Spiti Valley via Shimla will take approximately 3 days. On the first day, you can begin from Delhi and reach Shimla as it is 342 km. Then on the second day, you can head to Chitkul which is another 245 km.

2)Do we need permit to visit Spiti Valley?

There is no permit needed for Spiti Valley for Indian Citizens but foreign nationals are required to get a permit. This permit is only limited to the stretch between Kaza and Reckong Peo. What this means is that even foreigners do not need the permit for traveling between Shimla to Reckong Peo, or Kaza to Manali.

3)Do we need oxygen in Spiti?

The oxygen is indeed very thin in Spiti Valley but if you remember to keep yourself hydrated with small sips of water, it should not bother you.

4)Is there altitude sickness in Spiti Valley?

Altitude Sickness in Spiti Valley Where will you suffer from AMS can differ for each individual but It can be assumed that for most of the people, it is the height of 10,000 ft or above that can lead to altitude sickness. Your most chances are at Batal, Chandratal, Kunzum Pass, Kaza, Rohtang Pass, and Nako.

5)Which months are best for Spiti?

The summer months of March-June are considered to be the best to visit Spiti not only due to the pleasant weather but also fewer crowds. For that perfect winter vacation, the months of October-February are the best time to visit Spiti.

6)Which is the coldest month in Spiti?

Spiti in winter season looks like a dreamland, all covered with snow. Spiti weather in December is extremely harsh and temperature can fall to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Captivating Ladakh: The Land of Monasteries.