Ladakh is a visual treat that stirs peace and tranquility.
Occupying the western edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Northwest India Ladakh’s spectacular landscape and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture has enchanted visitors from around the world. A trip to Ladakh, India’s cold desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Due to its location at near Himalayas, many tourists come here from around the world to explore its beauty. With its spectacular natural beauty, the place is a visual treat for both your eyes and your digital cameras. What makes it popular is:
- Attractions and Places to Visit :
| LEH | KARGIL | NUBRA VALLEY | ZANSKAR | PANGONG |
| Leh is the largest town of the region and the capital of Ladakh. It is the hub of Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, soma Gompa and Shati Stupa are the some popular Buddhist temples and tourist attractions of Leh. The best time to visit in Leh is from May to September. | Kargil attracts a lots of adventure enthusiasts to trek its high mountain trails. Suru Valley, Panikhar and Drass are some beautiful landscapes of Kargil. Best time to visit in Kargil is from May to July. | The main attraction in this area is the Bactarian Camels around sand dunes of Hunder. The best time to visit in Nubra Valley is July to September. | The main attractions in Zanskar are the ancient Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries including Zongkhul, Bardan, Stongde, Karsha, Phuktal and Suni Palace. And trekking is one of the most popular activities in Zanskar. The best time to visit in Zankar is June to September. | One of the largest lakes in Asia, this multi shades blue colure lake widely popular after the shooting of the movie 3 Idiots. The Lake changes its color in many shades of blue and green with the changing position of the sun in the sky. May to September is the best time to visit in this place. |
- Adventure:
| TREKKING | CYCLING | RAFTING |
| Exploring the roadless regions on foot is a fascinating way to experience Ladakh.
Popular treks: – Lamayuru to chilling(5 days) – Markha valley(5-7 days) – Accent of stok kargri(4days) – Across zanskar(15-21 days) – Rumste to tso moriri(8days)
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For cyclist there is no greater challenge or thrill than cycling the highest road in the world from Manali to the Nubra Valley, north of Leh, via the 5602 m Khardung La. Covering some of the most remote and dramatic scenery on the planet and crossing five passes three of which exceed 5000 m it is a cyclists greatest challenge and adventure. | The Indus and Zanskar rivers are two of India’s premier white water rafting rivers. One of the best ways to experience Ladakh’s colorful canyons and gorges is while shooting the rapids along the rivers that carved this majestic scenery over thousands of years. |
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Other things which make it so popular are:
- Tibetan Refugee Market is an ideal place for shopping in Leh. Tibetan markets are popular for their metal-ware. The visitors here who have an eye for artistic pieces would find sonorous bowls made of nine metals like cymbals, decorative brass and copper trumpets. Besides, cymbals that have religious themes that are used in meditation are also found here.
- If one is fond of jewellery, it is possible to find relevant items like unpolished silver and turquoise jewellery and chunky shell bangles worn by Ladakhi women.
- Range of excellent rugs and carpets that have traditional Persian and Kashmiri themes.
- Some other attractions are Thangka paintings, jewellery made of semi-precious stones, small prayer wheels, shawls, stoles and music bowls.
- One can also find the lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and the rubies from Burma.
When to visit: The best time to visit here is between May and September, when the weather is the warmest. Ladakh doesn’t experience rain like elsewhere in India, so the monsoon season is the perfect time to travel.