Leh Ladakh – The Adventure Of A Lifetime!
Ladakh, encircled by the majestic
snow laden Himalayan ranges attracts numerous travelers from all over the world
with its breathtaking beauty. This `land
of the high passes’ offers stunning
views of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes and incredible landscapes.
Here is a glimpse of this
enchanting and mystical land…
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| The Road (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
1.Bustling Bazaars of Leh
Leh, the capital, with its narrow
streets full of guest houses, restaurants and shops is a tourist’s delight. The
Buddhist influence adds a magical charm to the valley - fluttering prayer flags
and spinning prayer wheels invite you to explore this enticing land of monks
and monasteries. This culture has given rise to
some of the warmest people. Try using the universal Ladakhi greeting Juley, accompanied with a smile and the locals will
open out to you. Acclimatization is the key to having a trouble free
holiday. It would be a good idea to start your holiday by spending a few days
exploring places in and around Leh, as you adjust to the high altitude.
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| The Tibetan Market in Leh (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
Go local and try their staple
diet of Momos, Thukpa and Chai that’s
available around every street corner. The main bazaar is probably the busiest
place in the whole region and is a good place to shop for souvenirs.
2.Mesmerizing Lakes
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| The Pangong Tso (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
In the sunlight, the stunning
blue waters of the mystical Pangong Tso
lake mesmerizes every visitor. A
popular destination, only one third of this salt water lake lies in India, the
remaining in Tibet. From the Indian tip of Lukang, visitors are permitted to
view the lake. The expanse of the lake with its gentle shimmering waves in hues
of blue along with its vastness, makes it seem like a mini ocean. Stretching
across approximately 130kms with a width of 6kms at its widest, it lies in the
shape of an `L’ with the shorter part in India. In
the distance, you can see a faint range of mountains which mark the border of
India and China. Despite the brackish water, this lake lies completely
frozen in winter. Pangong Tso is approximately 175 kms (5 hour’s drive) from Leh,
crossing through the Chang La Pass, the third highest motorable pass.
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| The Tso Moriri (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
Set amidst a backdrop of barren brown hills, snow covered peaks and surrounded by wetlands is this beautiful mountain lake of Tso Moriri. Officially known as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, it’s at a slightly higher altitude than Pangong Tso. The waters here are less brackish inviting the presence of wildlife. In the summer, migratory birds, Himalayan marmots and occasionally the wild ass can be spotted in the surroundings of this lake. You will also see nomadic shepherds with their flocks of sheep around the lake. Tso Moriri is about 250 kms from Leh (7 -8 hours by car).
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3.A Foreign Landscape
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| The monastery of Lamayaru in the background (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
Perched on a hilltop, the ancient
monastery of Lamayaru, set against a
backdrop of barren brown mountains is an impressive sight. What makes it
exceptional is the `moonscape’ terrain.
These geological formations in the landscape are a remarkable spectacle.
Lamayaru Monastery is built into this moonscape. Originally a collection of
five large buildings, only one remains today. The monastery is a series of
shrines inside which is a glassed meditation cave of Lama Naropa. It is home to
about 150 monks who live a life of simplicity. The monastery also showcases a
rich collection of paintings and artifacts. Though slightly remote, it’s
natural beauty will fascinate every visitor, especially photographers and
trekkers. Lamayaru also attracts visitors for the annual Yuru Kabgyat (mask
festival). A two-day cultural festival, where you will see monks wearing masks
dance in a procession. It is 127 kms (2 ½ hours drive) from Leh and is on the
scenic Srinagar – Leh highway.
Another monastery which is definitely
worth a visit is the Alchi monastery. Considered to be the oldest Buddhist learning center, it is
famous for its miniature paintings. It makes an interesting stop as the village
and monastery are distinct from the others in the region. While other monasteries sit on hill tops this
one is on a level ground. Situated on the banks of the Indus river, the fertile
land makes the village of Alchi a lush green, giving you a break from the
otherwise barren desert terrain. Alchi Monastery is 70kms (2 ½ hour’s drive)
from Leh.
4.A Natural Sauna In Desert Terrain
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| A lady with her prayer wheel (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
5.On Top Of The World
No visitor leaves Ladakh without posing
for a photo at Khardungla Pass, the
world’s highest motorable road! A board at the top signals its height – 18380 ft.
Crossing over Khardungla, you descend to enter the river valleys of Nubra and Shyok. Known for its beauty, the Nubra valley has a stunning landscape which is filled with greenery, flowers, huge mountain faces and numerous trekking trails. Visitors usually halt for the night at Diskit before returning to Leh. A landmark of this valley is the 32 meter Maitreya Buddha statue maintained by the Diskit Monastery. Being at a lower altitude than Leh, the Nubra Valley enjoys warmer climate and is also a great place to spend a few days to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have time, travel further to Hunder to see the Bactrian camels. These camels with two humps are native to the cold desert regions of Hunder. Diksit is about 140 kms from Leh. Keep in mind that you need a minimum of 2 days to visit the Nubra Valley.
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| A cheerful face (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
Crossing over Khardungla, you descend to enter the river valleys of Nubra and Shyok. Known for its beauty, the Nubra valley has a stunning landscape which is filled with greenery, flowers, huge mountain faces and numerous trekking trails. Visitors usually halt for the night at Diskit before returning to Leh. A landmark of this valley is the 32 meter Maitreya Buddha statue maintained by the Diskit Monastery. Being at a lower altitude than Leh, the Nubra Valley enjoys warmer climate and is also a great place to spend a few days to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have time, travel further to Hunder to see the Bactrian camels. These camels with two humps are native to the cold desert regions of Hunder. Diksit is about 140 kms from Leh. Keep in mind that you need a minimum of 2 days to visit the Nubra Valley.
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6.Dancing With Masks
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| A Mask Dance (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
Hidden behind a
mountain lies the biggest monastery of the region, Hemis Gompa. This monastery is the venue for the biggest cultural event
of the year, the Hemis festival
which is held over 2 days, sometime in June-July. Local Tibetans eagerly look
forward to this event. This festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru
Padmasambhava. Lamas perform the famous mask dance (known as Chaam) to the accompaniment of drums, cymbals
and long horns. Hemis Monastery is at a distance of 40 kms (1 hour’s drive)
from Leh.
7.A Winter Spectacle
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| The frozen Zanskar river (Photo credit:Narayan Gopalan) |
The winters are harsh in Ladakh,
with the landscape covered in layers of snow. Heavy snowfalls make Leh
accessible only by air. But the weather doesn’t deter trekkers and mountaineers
who come to traverse this frozen landscape. The famous `Chadar trek’
(`Chadar’ means blanket in the local
language) attracts those with an adventurous spirit. A difficult and
challenging trek, it involves walking over the frozen Zanskar river. The river
transforms itself - from a rapid flowing one in the summer, to a frozen blanket
of ice during the winter. Temperatures range between 15 to 20 degrees (during the day) and
-25 to -35 degrees (during the night). Walking along this frozen spectacle is
unquestionably one of the most thrilling treks!
8.Voyagers On Bikes
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| Gata Loops: 22 hair pin bends (Photo credit: Narayan Gopalan) |
If you’re a rider, exploring Ladakh by Motor bike will
surely be on your bucket list! Ask any biker and he or she will tell you that
it’s something that needs to be experienced and cannot be described in words.
While many bikers kick start their expedition from Manali, there is also the
option of hiring one in Leh. Apart from being able to explore the terrain
independently, it will undeniably add a twist of adventure to your trip.
What's best about a bike trip to Ladakh?
A BIKE TRIP TO LADAKH! Find one here and grab your chance to experience the best!
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What's best about a bike trip to Ladakh?
A BIKE TRIP TO LADAKH! Find one here and grab your chance to experience the best!
Want to Discuss? Register at: bit.ly/RegisterLeh
Whether you are a traveler
seeking solace amidst nature or looking to experience an adrenaline rush –
Ladakh will leave you enthralled with its beauty and memories to last a
lifetime!
Author: Sharada Gopalan
Photo credits: Narayan Gopalan
