Ladakh is a region in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that currently extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. North of the Indus valley is the Ladakh range, on the other side of which is the Shayok, and Nubra valleys. South of the Indus is the Stok range, clearly visible from Leh. On the other side is the Markha valley, a popular trekking destination.
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Ladakh is a region in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that currently extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. North of the Indus valley is the Ladakh range, on the other side of which is the Shayok, and Nubra valleys. South of the Indus is the Stok range, clearly visible from Leh. On the other side is the Markha valley, a popular trekking destination.
Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking. Massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama’s former home (Tibet’s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town’s bazaar and mazelike lanes.
The barren beauty of Ladakh with snow capped peaks and clean azure sky have attracted the intrepid traveler since the region was opened to tourists in the 1970s. Since then, Ladakh has become a favorite haunt for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The rugged terrain and the majestic mountains around, make an exotic cocktail for an adventure sport lover. But before you decide to fly away to the land of Buddhist monasteries and brave people, it is imperative to understand that you need at least a week to enjoy your tour to Ladakh. Since, acclimatization it self needs at least a few days in Ladakh.
ladakh travel tips
For best experience, go by road. The drives are some of the most beautiful on this planet. Many airlines operate regular flights all year round. Weather can play spoilsport anytime of the year, and may disrupt plans.
Biting cold from November to March with temperatures falling many degrees below normal. Everything is frozen over. The months of June to August are pleasantly warm, while it is comfortably cold during the other months. It is always cold at higher altitudes. Make sure you always carry warm clothes with you in Ladakh at all times.
June to early-October when roads are open, but dates vary every year. No vehicular movement is possible the rest of the year. You can fly in all other times depending on your capacity to withstand the cold.
There is no restriction on private cars. However, taxis from outside the state are only allowed to drop and pick passengers. You have to hire locals taxis to roam around within Ladakh.
It is best to use SUVs – these need not be 4-wheel powered. But people do use sedans too, but not recommended considering road conditions.
No permits are required for the Manali – Leh and the Srinagar – Leh routes. Indians and foreigners require Inner Line Permits for most other areas, and can easily be obtained in Leh.
There is no dearth of places to stay in Leh for all budgets. But options are limited at all other places. Unless you are planning to camp, it is advisable to book in advance.
Altitude Sickness can affect even the fittest of all. Basic precautions:
- Keep sipping water regularly, preferably warm. Keep in flasks, or stops at roadside eateries to request them to warm it for you.
- Cover your head and ears with something warm when it is cold and windy.
- Don't push yourself physically too much.
- Don't stay at high altitude passes for too long – 30 minutes maximum.
- Go easy on yourself for the initial 1-2 days, you should be ok after that
There are no security issues in Ladakh, it is very safe. If you are coming by road from Srinagar, stay tuned into the news should any disturbances be taking place. There are no problems coming from Himachal Pradesh via Manali.
Most mobile networks work in Leh and Kargil, with high speed Internet available. Most other places either have no connectivity or only state run BSNL works.
Day 01: Arrive Srinagar Airport.
On arrival you will be transferred to the House boat, evening 30 mins Shikara ride on the lake. Overnight stay at the houseboat.
Day 02: Full day Srinagar sightseeing
Today enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Srinagar. Visit World Famous Mughal Gardens covering the Nishat Bagh (The Garden of Pleasure) built by Asif Jahan in 1636 AD and Shalimar Bagh (Adobe of Love) built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan in 1619 AD. Also visit Shankaracharya temple which commands one of the magnificent view of Srinagar. Overnight stay at the houseboat.
Day 03: Srinagar Sonamarg Kargil 7/8 Hrs drive 250 Kms
Sonamarg - The Meadow of Gold Depart from Srinagar as per road opening timings. The drive to Sonamarg is another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir in Sindh Valley. The Sindhu Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. Drive to Kargil the road passes through the panoramic village reach Sonamarg (2740 Mtrs). After Sonamarg most rough road and wet Zojila pass 3527 Mtrs (Gateway of Ladakh). Continue drive towards Drass (The second coldest inhibited place in the world). Another two and half hours drive will take us to Kargil (2710 Mtrs) which has got its importance after opening the Ladakh for tourists in 1974. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Kargil to Uleytokpo 5/6 Hrs drive
Depart from Kargil after early breakfast, en-route visiting the monastery of Mulbekh & Lamayuru & Moonlandscape passing through Namkila & Fatula Passes, the highest pass on the Srinagar - Leh road and proceed to Ulleytokpo. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 05: Drive Sham Valley & Alchi – Leh
After breakfast, carry packed lunch for the day. Sightseeing of 1000 year old Alchi monastery the only Gompa in Ladakh region on flat ground. Thereafter proceed to the Likir Monastrey to visit the splendid three storeys Dharma Wheel Gompa. Here you will be awestruck with the sight of the massive Buddha statues. Indus & Zanskar river Sangam, drive along the Indus river visiting, Pathar Sahib Gurdwara and Magnetic Hill (where the cars defy gravity), Basgo Palace Hiking only and further on to Leh Hall of Fame (which has a museum of the Kargil War memorabilia) Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 06: Tour of Hemis, Thiksey Shey monastery 3 Idiots School Campus Sindhu Darshan
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to visit Hemis Monastery situated 45km west of Leh; Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock with formidable views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic seated statue of the Maitreya and is also known for its (Dukhang) assembly hall which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books, stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. 3 Idiots School Campus Sindhu Darshan visit. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07: Tour of Khardungla Pass 18832 Ft. Nubra Valley and Hundur Sand Dunes
Drive 120 Kms 4/5hrs After breakfast drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla (Highest Motorable road in the World, 18,380 ft) Arrive at Hundur by afternoon. Rest of the day, post lunch free to explore Deskit, Hunder Villages and camel Safari in Sand Dunes between Deskit and Hunder Village. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 08: After Breakfast proceed to Diskit monastery which is 515 years old
After breakfast visit Deskit Monastery and drive back to Leh by same Route, crossing Khardungla Pass. Reach Leh by afternoon. Evening free time at Leisure to explore Leh market. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Tour of Pangong Lake - It is the highest land locked lake (155 Kms One way)
After early breakfast leave for Pangong Lake (14,500 ft), through Changla Pass 17,350 ft., it is the third highest motorable road in the world. Arrive Pangong Lake, it is the highest salt water Lake in the World, shared by two countries India & China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the Banks of Pangong Lake while appreciating the changing colors and fascinating high altitude of the Lake. Drive back to Leh by the same route. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Drive back to Leh, evening Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa
After breakfast Visit Lake at Sun rise, drive back to Leh, Late Afternoon visit Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa, Later in the evening walk around Local Market. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 11: Depart Leh
On time departure transfer to Leh airport.
Common Package Inclusions:
INCLUSION- Assistance upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation on Twin sharing basis as per itinerary and chosen
- Daily Breakfast + Dinner
- Return airport transfer along with all sightseeing by Non Ac Innova / Xylo
- Environmental fee
- All Taxes
- Airfares, items of any personal nature such as drinks, tips/ gratuities, etc
- Extra hotel nights due to flight cancellations, extra expenses incurred due to mishandled luggage, any insurance
- 4.50% GST extra