LEH
The naked mountains and the treacherous path that leads to Leh, Kargil and Zanskar areas of Ladakh region will soon be forgotten when you step into the territory and the majestic, hundreds of years old budhist monasteries greet you with all their warmth and spiritual charm. The blue pristine waters of the Pangong Lake in Leh and stupas in the Zanskar region will make you want to never leave the place for they allure you with their mysterious charm and peace you feel while you are there. The distinct food, the culture and the terrific shopping experience will make you feel fulfilled for a long long time. Leh-Ladakh is a treat you will never want to miss.
Pangong Lake
In Ladakh, you never know what surprise nature has in store for you. Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it.
Tsomoriri Lake
This lake is situated at a elevation of 15,000 ft. above the sea level, at a distance of 240 km from Leh in the South-eastern sector of Ladakh. It is like a pearl shaped and contains large mineral deposits. Korzok village is situated on the South-west bank of this lake. Korzok Gonpa and its inhabitants nomads by tradition are most outstanding features of this area.
Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself.
Drogpas
Drogpa areas have been outlined in the Tour Circuits. All the 5 Drogpa villages in India are open for foreign tourists. The greatest attraction in these areas are the villages of Dha Biama, Darchigs, Garkon, Batalik which are entirely populated by last remaining remnants of the Dards in the District. Dards are considered as last race of Aryans confined to Indus Valley. These villages have considerable anthropological and ethnographic importance. Chhopo Srubla, the harvest festivals is the most popular festival in this area. These are considered rare and eventful the year of Drogpa in which all the people of these villages come out in their colourful traditional dress and festival moods to celebrate the festivals. Preceding to the Drogpas villages the village which fall enroute are the villages of Domkhar Skurbuchan, Achinathang which are also important and which tourists can also easily visit. There is a very good road leading right upto Drogpa villages and tourist can stay over nights in some private guest houses and or at some identified camping site at Khaltsi, Dhomkhar, Skurbuchan, Achinathang, Hanu Do, Biama and Dha village.
Highest Motorable Passes around the Globe
Apart from the famous monasteries in Ladakh, this scenic place is also famous for its dangerous passes and roads.
The Chang-La and Khardung-La are some of the highest motorable passes around the globe which are flocked by enthusiastic, experienced and adventurous bikers from India and abroad. These passes connect the massive and beautiful valleys of Changthang and Nubra to Ladakh.
Sangam, Leh
Sangam is the confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers in Ladakh. It is located 35km from Leh in Nimmu, on the Leh Srinagar highway. The two rivers can be separately seen meeting at this point. While the Indus River appears as shiny blue, Zanskar River appears muddy green. It is a spectacular site to witness.
Nubra Valley
Major attraction of Nubra is the highest motorable road Khardongla pass (18,380ft.) majestic peaks and glaciers enchanting valleys and villages. Diskit and Samstanling Gonpa, Panamik hot spring, double humped camel safari, river rafting, trekking and Sunbathe in the sand dunes at Hunder are also a great source of attraction for the touristsThis valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of orchard/flowers. It is situated in the North of Ladakh, between Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of Himalayas. Nubra lies at average altitude about 10,000 feet above sea level. The climate, of the areas being soft, soil is much fertile and the vegetation of the area is comparatively thicker than those of the other areas of Ladakh.
Leh Market
The Leh Main Market is one of the most attractive and energetic places in Ladakh. You can get everything from jewelry to clothes, groceries, to local street food.
Zanskar Valley
Zanskar valley is located in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh at a distance of 463 km from Leh. The administrative headquarter of Zanskar, Padum, is situated at an elevation of 3669 m. The offbeat valley features a scenic landscape surrounded by Zanskar ranges giving it a gorgeous view.
Magnetic Hill
In your travels around Leh-Ladakh, you will come across fascinating sights which arouse your curiosity to no end. One such sight attraction is Magnetic Hill, the place where gravity takes a backseat. Lying at a distance of around 30 km from Leh, the Magnetic Hill is marked by a yellow signboard which reads “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity”. It also instructs you to park your vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, which is known as the Magnetic Road. When parked at the indicated spot, vehicles begin moving forward at a speed of almost 20km/h.
GURUDWARA PATHAR SAHIB
The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is extremely famous in Ladakh and is worshipped by thousands of devotees annually. Being an immensely beautiful Gurudwara Sahib, it has been made in the memory of Guru Nanak and is located on the Leh-Kargil Road, around 25 km from Leh.
This place of worship lies 12000 feet above sea level and is an absolute beauty in itself. Built way back in 1517, this Gurudwara commemorates the occasion when Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion, visited Ladakh for the first time.
Leh Palace
The Leh Palace, also known as ‘Lhachen Palkhar,’ is a 17th-century former royal palace and one of the central attractions in Leh. Built under the patronage of by King Sengge Namgyal, it used to house his family. The nine-storey dun-coloured palace now houses a museum and a prayer room, while the highlight is the sweeping view of Leh and the surrounding Zanskar mountain from the rooftop.
Monasterie - Shanti Stupa
Ladakh, famous for its numerous monasteries, belongs to the Tibetan Sect of Buddhism. This is why it is home to some of the most pristine monasteries in the nation. You will find several red hat Buddhist monks in each of these monasteries with the background of a harsh landscape and surreal view. People who have visited these famous monasteries in Ladakh reveal that the meditation experience which can be felt here.
The Spituk Gompa which is one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh can be found on the top of a hill and is renowned for its beautiful carvings and beauty. Make sure you carry a plethora of warm clothes as the chilly winds which blow at night can chill you to the bones! Another famous monastery is the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh.