Ladakh

Ladakh is highly influenced by Tibet in terms of religion, culture, houses, monasteries, weather, landscapes etc. We can call it cold desert due to low temperature and lack of vegetation in the highlands. Although farming is done in the valleys of Indus and other rivers it is limited.

Ladakh can be accessed by road from Srinagar and Manali. During winter these roads remain closed and flight to Leh is the only way to access. Important tourist places are Leh 11500 feet, Pangong 14000 feet, Nubra 10000 feet, Tsomoriri 14836 feet, Zanskar 20000 feet, Kargil 8000 feet.

Mountains of Ladakh stand as high as 20000 feet and some of the passes of Ladakh are at the height of 16000 feet. Indus is an important river of Ladakh and Leh is situated on its banks. Zanskar is another important river in Ladakh especially tourists. Many tourists and trekkers visit Zanskar valley in winters when the river gets frozen and water flows beneath the ice called ‘chaddar’.

Ladakh, the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and also a high-altitude desert. Its beauty can be defined with craggy, barren cliffs, never-ending mountains and plateaus. Arid mountains, crowned with large rocks, picturesque gompas, meditational main walls and multi-hued flags are a few of the many sites that embody and personify the appearance of Ladakh. It is a brilliant and undiscovered wonderland of the Himalayas that almost seems fictitious. It is reasoned as heaven by everyone who is desperate to explore the parts of India and has a love for adventure. 

Being located at a high altitude of 8,370 ft from sea level, it is called the ‘land of high passes’ that bestowed the Himalayan ranges a beautiful blend of neutral colors. With immense sweeps of white sand, the variability of the Himalayas can be perceived. Nevertheless, nothing compares to the placid and undisturbed vibes of the lakes. 

The best places to visit in Ladakh can be, Pangong Tso Lake, referred to as the infamous shooting site for Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots movie. Witness the color changing of lake appearing blue, green and red at different times. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its attractions. 

Thiksey Monastery, situated to the North of the Indus River on the top of the hill, less than 20km from Leh town, Thiksey Monastery was built in 1430 AD. It is said to be one of the most glorious Buddhist monasteries in all of Ladakh. It will enlighten you about the Buddhist culture, scriptures, etc. In Ladakh, Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture can be spectacularly seen. It has an influence of Tibet, all religious books and prayers are in the Tibetan language, the monastic orders in the gompas are those developed in Tibet and the gompa artwork is Tibetan in origin which can be seen in Ladakh too. 

Khardung-la Pass, Markha Valley, Nubra Valley and Diskit Monastery are some of the most prominent sights of Ladakh. 

It is a favorite place among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures, mountaineering and white-water rafting, trekking biking, safaris, etc. 

At an elevation above sea level, Ladakh is indeed fortunate with unbelievable topography that comprises hilly terrains and lush green grasslands with cold weather. Still unadulterated by modernism, Ladakh is where you will have an experience of life along with the nature and serenity around.