Leh Ladakh: Complete Travel Guide With Best Places To Visit, Part 1.

Leh Ladakh is a great destination for those wishing to discover some amazing spots to visit in Leh Ladakh. Leh Ladakh has many attractions and experiences, from the gorgeous Nubra Valley to the calm Pangong Lake and the legendary Khardung La Pass. Tourists can take in the breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains and witness native species such as yak, bharal, and snow leopards. From historic attractions such as the Hemis Monastery and Shey Palace to the breathtaking lakes of Tso Moriri and Tso Kar, Leh Ladakh has something for everyone.

Leh Ladakh.

An Overview of Ladakh.

Ladakh was previously considered part of India's Jammu and Kashmir state, but as of 2019, it is a Union Territory. Leh is Ladakh's capital and primary transportation centre. This is the best place to stay while touring Ladakh. While some people mistake Leh and Ladakh for the same thing, Leh is the town and Ladakh is the name of the larger area. Ladakh is a larger territory or province that is to the north and northeast of Kashmir. India's border region is neighbouring Pakistan, China, and Tibet. It is a Union Territory of India and is usually regarded as the country's highest region. 

It is bounded on one side by the Himalayas and on the other by the Karakoram Range. On the other hand, Leh is Ladakh's capital, also known as its primary headquarters. For administrative reasons, it refers to a district area of 45,000 square kilometres encompassing Leh city. The city itself is the largest in the Ladakh region.

How To Get Ladakh?

Leh is Ladakh's largest city, and I recommend that you make it your base for this trip. The first thing you must do is decide how you will get here. There are two options: fly or take the road. There is no train connection to Leh.

Leh By Flight.

If you don't have much time or don't want to spend long days driving on difficult roads, flying is a preferable option. Flights from Delhi to Leh are regular throughout the year. In the winter, this is the only means to enter the region. Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and IndiGo all provide flights. Flights last about 1.5 hours and cost anywhere from 3799INR to 9500INR one way, depending on the flight and day. (Prices are subject to change).

Leh By Flight.

Leh By Road.

You may reach Leh by road in two directions: Srinagar in Kashmir to the west and Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the southeast. During the summer months, public buses, government tourism buses, and shared taxis travel along these routes. For most travellers, coming from Manali is the most convenient and popular alternative, although the road is much more difficult. The Srinagar-Leh route is less used, yet it is an excellent option if you want to explore Kashmir or are concerned about unexpected elevation changes.

The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route is Fotu La at 4,100m, with a more gradual height rise until Leh at 3,500m. The Manali-Leh road has an average elevation of 4,000m, with three passes above 5,000m, the highest being Tanglang La at 5,320m.

Leh By Road.

Which is The Ideal Time to Visit Leh Ladakh?

The best months to explore Ladakh are May through September when temperatures range from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius. You can also participate in numerous Ladakhi traditional festivities, such as the Hemis festival. The monsoons have little effect on the region, and this is the only period temperatures do not drop below freezing. Winters are hard here, as the entire region is covered in snow. However, Ladakh's winters have their allure. With icicled waterfalls, frozen rivers, lake surfaces, and snowy slopes, the area transforms into a winter paradise. 

There are numerous incredible treks to try during this season, such as the Chadar Trek. However, many hotels and accommodations are closed throughout the winter. Even some highways are closed, leaving aircraft as the sole realistic alternative for getting to Ladakh.

Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh.

Whether you want to go on an adventure or relax, Leh Ladakh has something for everyone.

1. Khardung La Pass.

Khardung-la Pass is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Leh, Ladakh, in May. At a height of 18,380 feet, it is one of the world's highest motorable passes. The pass connects Leh to the Shyok and Nubra valleys and serves as the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. It provides breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and is an ideal location for trekking and camping. The climb to the top of the pass is an experience in and of itself since it takes you through some of the Himalayas' roughest terrain.

Khardung La Pass, Leh Ladakh.

2. Magnetic Hill.

The famed Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a cyclops hill, where automobiles appear to defy gravity and climb upwards when stopped at a specific specified area. Located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway, its location remains a secret even now, with many travellers amazed to see the spectacular experience. Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, at an elevation of 14,000 feet, is one of the most enigmatic and intriguing spots to visit in the country and should be included in any Ladakh vacation package. 

This little cyclops hilltop is supposed to defy gravity, as vehicles appear to be pushed up the slope. While various scientific ideas could explain these unusual phenomena, there is also a popular local myth that the Magnetic Hill Road is a straight "stairway to heaven."

Magnetic Hill in Leh Ladakh.

3. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Leh Ladakh is one of India's most stunning summer vacation destinations. It is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most fascinating sites to visit in the Leh Ladakh region. It is a protected region in northeast Ladakh that is home to a diverse range of unique fauna and birds. It also has numerous endangered species, including the snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass, Tibetan antelope, and Pallas' cat. Visitors can choose to take a professionally guided tour of the sanctuary and get up close and personal with the animals.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Leh Ladakh.

4. Nubra Valley.

Nubra Valley, one of the most stunning portions of Ladakh's moonscapes, is a deep gorge formed by the combined influence of the Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. Nubra Valley, a high-altitude cold desert, is an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau), which begins in China and stretches to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. More than anything, Nubra Valley is Ladakh's most picturesque place. The Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the settlements of Turtuk and Panamik are among the wonders of the region. Nubra Valley, located approximately 160 kilometres from Leh, Ladakh's capital, is a popular tourist destination.

Nubra Valley Leh, Ladakh.

5. Pangong Tso Lake.

The world's highest saltwater lake is Pangong Lake in Ladakh. The transboundary lake is located in Ladakh at an elevation of roughly 4,350 meters. The desolate mountains around the lake's blue look stand out rather noticeably. Pangong Lake is 135 kilometres long. This lake covers around 604 square kilometres. Pangong Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Leh Ladakh, is tucked away in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas and is the ideal location to appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Pangong Lake, commonly known as Pangong Tso, has long been a famous tourist site in Leh, Ladakh. 

Pangong Lake's water changes hue. The lake's colour-changing ability causes the normally blue water to turn green at times. During the winter, this lake freezes. In such conditions, people can even legally ice skate here in the winter. This lake shares a portion of its area with China and Tibet.

Pangong Tso Lake Leh Ladakh.

6. Lamayuru Monastery.

The Lamayuru monastery, also known as Tharpa Ling, is one of Leh's oldest and largest monasteries. The monastery, which is located at an altitude of 3,510 meters, is one of the most calm and tranquil tourist destinations in Leh. It is a well-known historic Buddhist shrine belonging to the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism, with approximately 50 monks living there. This place, decorated with beautiful wall paintings, thangkas, antique murals, scriptures, and sculptures of Buddha and other deities, captivates visitors with its beautiful architecture and spiritual aura. 

Naropa's Cave, another popular tourist destination, is close. Its annual celebration, "Yuru Kabgyat," "Mask Dance," and many rites, such as "Burning of Effigies," draw tourists from all over the world.

Lamayuru Monastery Leh Ladakh

7. Hemis National Park.

Hemis National Park is one of the best destinations to visit in Leh, Ladakh for visitors. Additionally, it is one of India's largest national parks. As one of the few popular tourist attractions in the region, it has a diversified flora and fauna, including snow leopards, ibex, musk deer, and a variety of bird species. The park's breathtaking scenery and diverse fauna make it a must-see for nature lovers and wildlife aficionados. Exploring Hemis National Park provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Ladakh's natural heritage. The entry fee is INR 100/- per person, and the hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Hemis National Park, Leh Ladakh.

8. Diskit Gompa.

The Diskit Gompa, located at an elevation of 3,144 meters, is the greatest surviving monastery in the Nubra Valley near Leh. This monastery belongs to the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism and is located on a steep slope. It provides a breathtaking view of the pristine snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the picturesque floodplains of the Shyok River. While the statue of Maitreya Buddha delights visitors with its unparalleled grace and 100-foot height. The exquisite artwork of many Buddhist deities, amazing frescoes, and stately architecture are very spectacular. The best time to visit: is May to September.

Diskit Gompa Leh Ladakh.

9. Leh Palace.

The Leh Palace is another popular and well-known attraction to explore in Leh Ladakh. It is a nine-story castle built in the seventeenth century, providing breathtaking views of the town and surrounding snow-capped mountains. The palace, one of the most intriguing and unusual locations to visit in Ladakh, is a unique blend of Tibetan and Mughal architectural styles and serves as a prime example of the region's regal heritage. It is one of the top attractions in Leh, Ladakh. The best time to visit is from April to October, and the hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is no entry fee.

Leh Palace Ladakh.

10. Shanti Stupa.

In a world in desperate need of peace, the white, gorgeous, and calm Shanti Stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, offers a breathtaking, unobstructed vista. This white beauty amidst the snow takes your breath away, and it is one of the most gorgeous sites to visit in Leh, Ladakh. The Stupa, which stands at a height of 4267 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is approximately 5 kilometres from Leh. Japanese monks built it to promote world peace and to commemorate Buddhism's 2500-year history.

Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh.

Conclusion.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, book a vacation to Ladakh with Ladakh Travel Guide, the country of monks and monasteries. The diverse scenery of hills and valleys will leave your soul revived, energized, and refreshed. To achieve inner peace, immerse your spirit in the religious chants of hymns and mantras from monasteries. Pack your luggage for the divine escape, Ladakh!

Stay Tuned For The Second Part Of This Blog.