Ladakh, famous for its remote mountain beauty and culture, known as “land of high passes” is situated at an altitude of 12000 ft. It is dominated by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent, highly influenced by Tibetan culture. Journey to this high altitude cold desert is a self-realizing voyage. Renowned for its rich culture, many traditional festivals displaying their culture are celebrated in monasteries on different occasions. Popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers as it offers wonderful sites along with unique adventures such as trekking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting. Let’s have a look at the things that you can’t afford to miss in Ladakh.
1. Pangong Lake
The most popular location in Ladakh “Pangong Lake” also known as “High Grassland Lake” is at an altitude of 17,400ft. The one-third of it is found in India and remaining two-thirds is in China. With freezing cold water, enjoy the change in color of this beautiful lake with every fall of sun ray. Add on to this is the Himalayan range covering the lake which enhanced its beauty. And you can’t stop yourself from admiring nature’s miracle and capturing the images as much as you can. The craziest adventure will be to dip in its freezing cold water. One of the thing you can’t afford to miss in your Leh Ladakh tour packages.
2. Royal Leh Palace
Famous for its architecture and spectacular scenic beauty, this is one of the must-visit sites, when in Ladakh. Royal Leh Palace, a nine-story building showing the influence of Potala Palace in Lhasa still stands high as a symbol of its glorious past. It depicts the richness of the royal families who were living in these palaces. It’s not only a cultural and religious hub of Buddhist but also a popular destination for tourism.
3. Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is an optical illusion which means you see things that are completely in contrast to the reality; you will realize the downhill slope appears as an uphill slope. Situated at a height of 14,000 ft, it’s a major attraction and stopping point for travelers traveling on a highway. It’s an example of gravity hill as it pulls the vehicle upwards in a mystical way and that’s why also known as mystery hill.
4. Shanti Stupa
The two-storied beautiful Stupa is visible from a distance, provides an awesome panoramic view of the city. It is situated at an altitude of 11,841 ft. It is not only famous for its religious significance but also for the location and captivating view from the stupa. It features the picture of the current Dalai Lama. Sunrise or sunset is believed to be the best time to visit and get the finest view of the surroundings.
5. Nubra Valley
The Ladakh trip seems incomplete without Nubra valley. This tri-armed valley is situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft. The whole valley looks pretty and lovely with pink and yellow roses in autumn. Recently opened area for tourism invites you to travel back in time to nearly forgotten ‘Shangri La’ with enchanting views; a remarkable experience that can’t be missed.
6. Khardung La
Khardung La is a mountain pass in Ladakh, gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley, situated at an altitude of 18,379 ft. La basically means pass in Tibetan. Don’t think you have visited Ladakh without visiting this topmost motorable pass which is also believed as one of the highest in the world. It will make you feel on the top. Not only the destination but also the roads that will take you there will leave you to mesmerized with its scenic beauty and beautiful surroundings.
7. Zanskar Valley
A remote but beautiful corner of Ladakh. It is a mountain range situated at an elevation of 12000 ft. A treat to eyes with a photogenic location for photographers. Famous for its lovely landscape, the snow-capped mountains and the twinkling river, it is famous for its crystal clear blue water. It is the last destination that can be reached by vehicle. All other villages after this can be reached by trekking on foot that too in summers only.
8. Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri Lake situated at an altitude of 14,836 ft in Changthang Plateau is also known as “Mountain Lake”. A perfect place for bird watching and photography, home to many migrant birds and rare Himalayan hares can be seen near the lake.
9. Hemis National Park
Few national parks are worth visiting, Hemis National Park is one of them situated at an altitude of 3,300 to 6,000 m bounded by banks of Indus River. Globally famous for its snow leopards, it is home to Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), livestock, Shapu (Ladakhi Urial) and a small population of Asiatic ibex. Shapu is present in Hemis only. It is home to many endangered birds too. Add on to this. the scenic beauty of the park will leave you spellbound and mesmerized.
10. Monastries
Leh Ladakh tour packages will take you on a tour to different monasteries that will depict the real culture and history of the land. It will make you realize how it’s a place dominated by beautiful monasteries. You can also enjoy different festivals that are celebrated in these monasteries on different occasions with almost a common lesion/ theme of victory of truth over evil. Few of the beautiful monasteries are Kardang Monastery, Shasur Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Tayul Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Spituk Monastery and many more.
11. Local markets
You can’t even think of missing the charm of local markets. The most vital part of your travel. You will get a chance to meet and interact with locals and collect souvenir for friends & family. Also, you can roam around, enjoy the calmness of the market. Experience the beauty of the surroundings along with collecting mementos that will always remind you of the perfect time spend in incredible Ladakh among wonderful peoples.
(Contributed by Harshitha Jaiswal)
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