Leh Ladakh Travel Guide and Tips
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Land of High Passes: A Ladakh Travel Guide
Ladakh is located in the Indian Himalayas, along with the Karakoram mountain range. Ladakh is well-known for its old monasteries, scenic mountains, and large blue lakes. Ladakh is often called the “Little Tibet” as the culture and the landscapes are quite similar.
Ladakh shares borders with Tibet (China) in the east, the Indian state of Kashmir in the west, the Xinjiang province (China) in the north, Pakistan in the north-west, and the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh in the south.
Ladakh is bordered by Tibet (China) to the east, the Indian state of Kashmir to the west, Xinjiang province (China) to the north, Pakistan to the northwest, and the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south. Leh, serves as both the largest city and the capital of Ladakh.
In this Leh Ladakh Travel Guide you will get complete information about Ladakh and its monasteries, high passes and Lakes.
How to reach Ladakh
Ladakh can be reached by air and road. There are direct flights from New Delhi to Leh every day and all the year. The region can also be reached by road from Srinagar and Manali. However, these roads are closed during winter because of the heavy snowfall which makes the passes impossible to cross.
Leh-Manali Road : The 500 km-long Leh-Manali road is usually open from the month of May to the end of the month of October. This road is a real adventure, with sharp turns and bends, and one need to cross three impressive high passes: Rohtang La (3980 meters above sea level), Baralacha La (5030 meters above sea level) and Taglang La (5328 meters above sea level).
Srinagar-Leh Road: The road from Srinagar to Leh goes through beautiful mountain landscapes including the mighty Zoji La Pass at 3,536 meters (11,600 ft). This pass can be prone to snowfall and closures, so check conditions before you go. The road journey from Srinagar to Leh is less tiring compared to the one from Manali. This 434-kilometer road is also closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. However authorities always ensure to clear this road as soon as possible.
You can either travel to Ladakh in your own vehicle, or opt for Srinagar to Leh Ladakh cab services, available in both shared and private options. For booking a cab to Ladakh, you can contact Ladakh Cab Services by Travel My Kashmir via call or WhatsApp at 9796466052.
Best time to visit Ladakh
The best time to visit the region of Ladakh is from May to September. Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert, and the rain from the monsoon in India does not have any impact in Ladakh because the clouds are blocked by the tall Himalayan mountains. Therefore, Ladakh is always dry and sunny. When the road between Leh and Manali and the road between Leh and Srinagar are closed during the winter, taking a flight is the only option to visit Ladakh. Even though it is very cold in winter in Ladakh (-10 degrees to -25 degrees), visiting the region at this time is a wonderful and unique experience. Most of the treks cannot be done but the famous Chadar trek (on the frozen Zanskar river) and the Snow Leopard trek are two of the main activities that can be done at that time. For trekking adventures, travelers can contact travel agencies such as Travel My Kashmir, which help organize treks and arrange transportation for tourists visiting the region during that season.
Leh Ladakh tourism places
When it comes to Leh Ladakh, there’s no shortage of captivating places to explore. Here are some must-visit ladakh tourism spots:
1. Monasteries of the Indus valley: Leh, Shey, Thiksey and Hemis
The population of Ladakh is Buddhist in the majority and the region has many Buddhist monuments including stupas and monasteries from different sects of Buddhism. The Leh Palace dominates the city of Leh. It is built on a hill above the city center and its roof offers a beautiful panorama of the city and surrounding mountains. Near the palace, there is the Namgyal Tsemo monastery which is visible from everywhere in Leh. Built-in the middle of the fifteenth century, one can see a very big statue of Maitreya Buddha inside the main temple.
Shey used to be the summer capital of Ladakh. Shey palace is famous for its huge copper statue of Buddha. Thiksey monastery is the most picturesque monument in the valley and it looks like a small version of the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet). The monastery has beautiful wall paintings and 120 monks live here.
The largest monastery in Ladakh is Hemis which is located 45 kilometers from Leh city (less than one hour drive). The Hemis monastery is well-known for its festival which is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. During the festival, you can see mask dances performed by the monks.
2. Nubra valley
Nubra valley, also known as “the valley of flowers” is one of the main attractions in the Ladakh region. Nubra is located at a lower altitude than Leh, at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. To access the Nubra valley, one has to cross the Khardung La pass, the second highest motorable road in the world at an altitude of 5,602 meters above sea level. There is a high military presence at the strategical pass because this is the gateway to the Siachen glacier, the highest battlefield in the world that lies between India and Pakistan, in the Karakoram mountains.
The two most famous villages of the Nubra valley are Hunder and Turtuk. Hunder is very popular for its sand dunes and the Bactrian camel safari. Turtuk village is known for the Balti tribe. Turtuk is located just a few kilometers from the border with Pakistan and it was opened to tourists in 2010. Diskit monastery is the largest monastery in the valley and it is located near Hunder village. Just next to the monastery, there is a big statue of Buddha at the top of a hill, the statue is 32 meter-high.
Nubra Valley is famous for its stunning landscapes, unique desert-like terrain nestled amidst towering mountains in the northern region of Ladakh. Nubra Valley offers visitors the rare experience of camel safaris amidst this high-altitude desert. The Leh to Nubra valley distance is around 160 kilometers which takes around 5 hours. As of August 2024 the road is under construction, so be prepared for that.
Nubra valley Hotels
There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Nubra Valley. Here are some of the top places to stay in the valley:
- Stone Hedge Ladakh
- Nubra Ecolodge
- White Sands Resort Nubra
- Desert Himalaya Resort
- Nubra Organic Retreat
- The Crystal Resort
- The Kyagar
- Sand Dunes Retreat
- Lchang Nang Retreat- The House of Trees
- Himalayan Eco Resort
3. Pangong and Tsomoriri lakes
The lakes Pangong and Tso Moriri are the most visited destinations in Ladakh. Both these lakes are located on the Changthang plateau, in the east part of Ladakh. Pangong lake, situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters (14270 feet) above sea level and is 6 hours drive from Leh city. The lake is 135 km long and almost a large part of the lake is actually in China. The Pangong lake has many birds, including rare migratory birds. The Leh to Pangong Lake distance is around 155 kilometers. The newly constructed road from Pangong to Leh is in good condition and fully macadamized. You can stay there for a night and go for a day trip. It is best to stay there for a night. The condition of road from Leh to Pangong is in good condition, you will the road journey from Leh to Pangong Lake.
The Tso Moriri lake is situated at an elevation of 4,522 meters above sea level in the southeast of Ladakh. The lake is the breeding ground for the beautiful black-necked crane. The inhabitants of the valley are nomads moving from one place to another with their animals (sheep, goats, yaks). The Tso Moriri lake is 19 kilometers in length and its water is salty.
Accommodations and Hotels near pangong Lake
- Pangong Heritage Camp
- Misty Hills Cabins
- Pangong Sarai
- Pangong Delight Camps and Cottages
- Pangong Bliss Cottage
- Indus Nature Lodge
- Desert Blue Pangong
- The Horizon Pangong
Local Culture and Cuisine
Ladakh’s culture is a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and local traditions. Festivals, dances, and rituals are integral to daily life. The cuisine, influenced by Tibetan flavors, includes dishes like momos, thukpa, and butter tea. Visitors can experience local hospitality in traditional guesthouses and homestays.
Accomodations and Hotels in Ladakh
Ladakh offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. In Leh, popular options include The Grand Dragon, Hotel Nalanda, and budget-friendly guesthouses like Oriental Guest House. Opt for homestays in villages for a more immersive cultural experience.
Top Activities to do in Ladakh
Apart from trekking, Ladakh offers activities like mountain biking, white-water rafting, and wildlife spotting. The Hemis National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, and various bird species.
Festivals & Events in Ladakh
Try to plan your trip around Ladakh’s vibrant festivals like the Hemis Festival (celebrating Guru Padmasambhava), the Matsuri Festival (showcasing Japanese culture), or the Ladakh Festival (a showcase of Ladakhi culture, music, and food).
How is the mobile network and internet connectivity in Ladakh?
Try to plan your trip around Ladakh’s vibrant festivals like the Hemis Festival (celebrating Guru Padmasambhava), the Matsuri Festival (showcasing Japanese culture), or the Ladakh Festival (a showcase of Ladakhi culture, music, and food).
Srinagar to Leh taxi rates 2024
| Srinagar to Leh cabs | Cost of Full private cab( INR) | Cost of Shared cab(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar to Leh Innova rates | Rs. 26000 | Rs. 5000 per person |
| Srinagar to Leh Tavera fare | Rs. 24500 | Rs. 5000 per person |
| Srinagar to Leh xylo taxi price | Rs. 24500 | Rs. 5000 per person |
Essential Tips for Ladakh Trip
- Acclimatization: Ladakh’s high altitude can cause altitude sickness. Spend the first couple of days acclimatizing in Leh before heading to higher altitudes. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities during this period.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ladakh is from April to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and most of the roads and passes are open. Winter months are extremely cold, and many routes are closed due to snow.
- Clothing: Pack layered clothing to adapt to the varying temperatures. Even in summer, nights can be cold. Include thermal wear, a good-quality jacket, woolen socks, gloves, and a warm hat. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against the intense sun.
- Permits: Certain areas in Ladakh require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). These include Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and other restricted areas. Permits can be obtained from the DC office in Leh or through registered travel agents.
- Health Precautions: Carry a basic medical kit, including medicines for altitude sickness, headaches, and stomach issues. It’s also wise to bring a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels.
- Transportation: Road conditions can be challenging, especially on routes like Leh-Manali and Leh-Srinagar. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and carry essential spare parts and tools. Hiring a local driver who is familiar with the terrain can be a safer option.
- Connectivity: Mobile network coverage in Ladakh is limited. Postpaid connections from BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Leh and surrounding areas. However, expect no connectivity in remote regions. Inform family and friends about your travel plans in advance.
- Cash and ATMs: Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs are limited and often out of service. Leh has a few functioning ATMs, but it’s best to be prepared for cash-only transactions in smaller towns and villages.
- Local Cuisine: Try the local Ladakhi cuisine, which includes dishes like momos, thukpa (noodle soup), and butter tea. While exploring remote areas, food options may be limited, so carry snacks and essentials.
- Environmental Responsibility: Ladakh is an ecologically sensitive area. Practice responsible tourism by avoiding plastic, disposing of waste properly, and respecting local customs and traditions. Carry reusable water bottles and bags.
- Photography and Memories: Ladakh is a photographer’s paradise. Carry extra batteries and memory cards, as charging points may be scarce in remote areas. Always ask for permission before photographing local people and their property.
Some FAQ’s about Ladakh
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Ladakh?
A: No, if you are an Indian citizen. Foreigners require a standard Indian visa.
Q: What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
A: The best time to visit Ladakh is from April to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and most of the roads and passes are open. Winter months are extremely cold, and many routes are closed due to snow.
Q: How can I reach Ladakh?
A: Ladakh can be reached by air and road. There are daily flights from New Delhi to Leh throughout the year. By road, you can travel via the Leh-Manali Highway or the Leh-Srinagar Highway, though these routes are closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Q: Do I need any permits to visit Ladakh?
A: Yes, certain areas in Ladakh require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). These include Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and other restricted areas.
Q: What are the main tourist attractions in Ladakh?
A: Major attractions include Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri Lake, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and the Khardung La Pass.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Ladakh?
A: Yes, Ladakh is generally safe for travelers. However, due to its high altitude, it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Q: What should I pack for a trip to Ladakh?
A: Pack layered clothing to adapt to varying temperatures, including thermal wear, a good-quality jacket, woolen socks, gloves, and a warm hat. Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, a basic medical kit, and reusable water bottles are also essential
Q: Can I find ATMs in Ladakh?
A: ATMs are limited in Ladakh, with a few in Leh. However, they may be out of service or run out of cash, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash for your trip.
Q: How is the mobile network and internet connectivity in Ladakh?
A: Mobile network coverage is limited in Ladakh. Postpaid connections from BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Leh and some surrounding areas. Expect no connectivity in remote regions.
Q: Can I travel to Ladakh in my own vehicle?
A: Yes, you can travel to Ladakh in your own vehicle. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and carry essential spare parts and tools. Hiring a local driver familiar with the terrain can be a safer option.
Q: How can I book a taxi or cab service in Ladakh?
A: For booking a cab service in Ladakh, you can contact local travel agencies like Travel My Kashmir on 9796466052.
