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

21°C Feels like 20°C

1000hPa 29% 90% 5m/s 231deg

Got a Question?

Our Destination expert will be happy to help you resolve your queries for this Destination.

10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon to Sat)

Email:- [email protected]

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.

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Resort15906413600

1 July 2024

Triund trekking experience Great booking and trekking experience. They are very flexible and the team of guides is excellent. Highly recommended:)

Adrienne W

12 March 2024

Manu is awesome! Manu is very generous, hospitable and helpful. We enjoyed his company and found him very easy to talk to and relate with.

Clare H

7 March 2024

A perfect day tailored just for us We had the most wonderful day with Sandip walking up from McCleodGanj and over the top and down into his own village where his mother most kindly made us a cup of tea in their family hut over a fire. We also saw a wedding party procession near a river. Sandip also took us past a dedicated prayer flag area in the woods. We saw the start of rhodendrons beginning to flower. A perfect day.

Explore19272580268

22 February 2024

Once in lifetime Manu Adventures India were fantastic. The team are all so helpful and supportive. If you're considering trekking here this is definitely the way to go....

Jacob N

15 December 2023

3 friends & Triund overnight trek Great exercise, fresh air and beautiful trek. Started out in town, ascended up the hill then eventually up the mountain. Mountain Ponies carried all the gear while we had light backpacks! Excellent tour guide host Manu. Participants Need to be physically prepared even for the Triund trek. Overnight stay in tent was excellent temperature very cold though we did our homework and kept warm. Food, company & experience to a great evel highly recommended to others .

Daniel J

13 December 2023

Wonderful time with friends Excellent experience. We had lots of fun. It is a beautiful walk with incredible views throughout the journey. Manu and the crew are super friendly, accommodating and professional. We were looked after with amazing meals and warm camping gear. Highly recommended. The walk is stunning and doing it with a professional guide like Manu will make your trip much easier.

Pioneer25961477468

14 November 2023

Amazing First Time Trek Had the most amazing time. As it was my first time trekking, I was apprehensive about many things. But the Manu adventures made sure I didn’t have anything to worry about. The tour guide was competent and allowed us to trek at our pace. The camping location was beautiful and the host was amazing. The food was great too.

Jet03872322345

11 November 2023

Amazing experience We had an amazing time trekking to laka glacier! Manu was a great guide, he's a lot of fun and has so much knowledge about the area. Playing cricket at 3300metres was a highlight! Ranu's campsite was really lovely, incredible views and tasty, hearty food! Both Manu and Ranu took really good care of us and we'd really reccomend trekking with them, it's great value for money as well.

Camper19165514176

9 November 2023

Trustworthy and Excellent Excellent experience. Vaishalee from Manu adventures has been super helpful in planning our stay in Dharamshala. Suraj was our guide who was brilliant. I was traveling with my 9 year old and he was extremely patient and helped us cover the trek. Very reliable and trustworthy worthy company. They also helped me choose a very good hotel within the main city. Thank you Manu Adventures you really made my stay here memorable.

Susan A

8 November 2023

Trek and Sightseeing Great trek. Great food. Great friends. Great fun. Fantastic 10 days 5 days trek, 5 sight seeing and travel.

Ananya Singh

5 February 2024

Great experience in the mountains with our guide Raghuvanshi

Jainish Patel

Come to heaven!! Un-forgotable trip "Creation Everything movement is their responsibility but capturing that is our duty" No doubt ! Partental care from their end We can't expect this type of Food at top Ultimately I can say food is good ..... Chef Ranu Mera bhai( Guide) At the end of the trip u definitely feel like he is family member. Default Manu bro is highly experienced guy...Every movement with manu adventures India is .... REMARKABLE ....Guide. Manu raghuwanshi Base camp + bonefire makes nyt bright at night... Special note guys. JAI BALLAYA !!

Ritesh Kumar Singh

2 February 2024

Very good Experience with Manu Adventures and the food they provided at Lata village is very tasty and the tour guide is very friendly and helping.. Overall Worth It Experience. Try Once