With the most elevated roads on the planet, Ladakh gloats of twinkling stars and stunning scenic beauty. The soundlessness and cobalt blue skies tempt the travellers right away. Likewise, there are also many misleading streets by a dozen with sketchy and congested driving conditions. Keep reading to know more!
Reaching Ladakh: The two main highways
The 434 KM long Srinagar–Leh Highway connects Leh with the rest of India through Kashmir Valley. Otherwise called National Highway–1D (NH–1D), is the most reliable. The other one being Manali–Leh Highway touching the beautiful Manali in one end. It abides by the season as its open throughout the summers but stays closed during winters for atleast 7 months due to the closure of the passes. These passes i.e. Zojila, Rotang Pass, Baralacha, Changla are closed mainly due to avalanches & snowfall. So people planning to run their bikes on these roads, note of such points are mandatory.
Places to visit in Ladakh
1. Halt at Lamayuru
Lamayuru
- The Lamayuru, also called the “moonland of Ladakh” is the most established religious community in Ladakh.
- Also known as the land of monasteries & monks, it has many relevant legends, one of which existed in a massive lake in Lamayuru.
- The lama, Mahasiddhacharya Naropa, evaporated the Lake to establish the framework of the town.
The location:
- While travelling from Srinagar to Leh, you will come across Lamayuru, after Kargil at the base of Fotu La pass. It lies on the road between Leh to Kargil – Srinagar Highway.
- You can also use your private vehicle (bikes/bicycles) or get a taxi on a contractual basis to go around Leh.
- You can also venture out to Srinagar, and after that, take an excursion from Srinagar to Kargil and Kargil to Lamayuru on the following day.
When to visit:
- A great time to venture out to Lamayuru is similar to the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.
- Best time to visit is from May to September/October when the roads to Leh Ladakh are open from Srinagar and Manali side.
- Another prominent time to visit would be during their annual festivals i.e. Kab Gyat and Hemis Tse Chu which are marked in the 2nd and 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Things to do:
- Lamayuru is around 120 km from Leh. The vast majority of the stretch is over the beautiful Leh Kargil highway.
- One can stop at Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Hall of Fame, Magnetic slope, Likir cloister, Alchi religious community.
- Key thing to watch there is the Kab Ghat festival of 2 days which witnesses rituals & dance performances by the monks.
- You can also put yourself on check in fitness aspect by going on a trailing hike on these moon-like craters.
2. Witness the Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa
- The Shanti Stupa in Leh is a white domed Buddhist stupa on a peak in Chanspa
- The Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, honoured by the fourteenth Dalai Lama.
The location:
- It is at the height of 4,267 meters (13,999 ft.), the Stupa is found 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Leh – the former capital of Ladakh – on a precarious slope confronting the Leh Palace.
- Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport Srinagar is at a distance of almost 447 kilometres from Shanti Stupa.
- At a height of of 3,609 meters (11,841 ft.), the Shanti Stupa can be reached via car or by climbing 500 steps to the peak.
- The nearest milestone to the Shanti Stupa is Leh Palace.
When to visit:
- The Stupa is open for sightseers between 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Mornings and evenings give the best views from the Shanti Stupa.
- The best time to visit is between March and October.
Things to do:
- One can visit the Leh Palace, which is very near the Shanti Stupa.
- Visitors can likewise consider visiting the market close by the Shanti Stupa to pick some nearby painstaking work.
3. The famous Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake
- Pangong Tso means “high grassland lake” in Tibetan language.
- It stretches 134 km longitudinally and reaches out from India to China.
The location:
- Jammu Tawi is the closest railroad station, 700 km from Ladakh.
- Manali – Leh highway is the street that takes one to Leh Ladakh. The Lake is 200 km from Leh, which is a four-hour ride.
- Getting to Pangong requires a permit that one needs to gather from Leh.
When to visit:
- To get to Pangong Lake, one needs to take a five-hour-long drive from Leh.
- The best month to visit Ladakh is between May to September as, during winter, the Pangong Tso Lake gets frozen.
Things to do:
- One can witness the friendly wild Marmots.
- The location is ideal for bird watching and taking candid pictures of nature.
4. Get enchanted by Nubra Valley
Nubra valley
- It is among the sub-regions in Ladakh situated on the North-East side, having Diskit Village as its principle central command.
- Diskit is around 120 odd KMs from Leh town, is the first capital of Ladakh.
The location:
- The Shyok waterway, a tributary of Indus stream, meets the Nubra or Siachen. It forms the shape of a vast valley that isolates the Ladakh and Karakorum Ranges.
- Leh to Nubra or to be explicit, Leh to Hunder/Disket, is one of the most prevalent and brave courses past Leh. This separation is around 130 Km, and the voyaging time is about 4-5 hours.
- In transit, you will cross Khardung La pass, the world’s most motorable street at 17,850 Ft.
When to visit:
- The months from April to June and September to October are the two best time of the year to visit Nubra Valley.
- From April to June, the sun sparkles splendid and keeps the day temperatures warm with the heavy breeze through the summits.
- From September to October, a sort of chill is set in Nubra Valley which altogether brings the cozy weather to the escapade.
Things to do:
- Opt for a Camel ride on expenses of around 200 buck for every individual.
- The location is famous for its natural sulfur hot springs that just adds up to the fun during the chills of winter.
5. Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri Lake
- Incorporated by snow-topped mountain ranges from every side, Tso Moriri is somewhat off the Manali-Leh Street.
- A sandy road going through the Rushpu Valley prompts Tso Moriri. One can likewise get to Tso Moriri from the Pangong Tso using the Changtang plateau.
The location:
- Tso Moriri Lake is at a distance of 240 kilometres towards the south-eastern section of Leh.
- One can head to Tsomoriri straightaway from the Pangong Lake through the remote Changtang district.
When to visit:
- The best time to tour Tso Moriri is between May & September as it gets frozen in winters.
Things to do:
- It is a perfect place for wildlife excursions.
- Korzok Monastery attracts a lot of tourists to visit each year.