Jeep Safari in Ladakh
Posted on 29. Dec, 2011 by Thrillchimp in Activities, Adventure, Jeep Safari, Ladakh, Must do Adventure
If you wish to get right into the heart of Ladakh to explore its wilderness and enjoy its rustic villages and scenic splendors, a jeep safari is just the thing for you. Trekking in Leh gives you the feel of the terrains at the higher altitudes of this region and the yak safari and the camel safari gives you the thrill of bonding with a wild beast, but to get into the absolute nooks and corners of Ladakh, a jeep safari is ideal.
The exotic jeep safari routes in Ladakh:
Leh – Zanskar: There are many interesting scenic routes that can be taken while on a jeep safari here. Zanskar is considered to be the most isolated region of Ladakh in the Jammu & Kashmir region. This place is located around 480 kms from Leh. After an enthralling day’s drive from Leh to Kargil, the distance of 250 km from Kargil to Zanskar is covered in one more day of driving through Padum. The route from Kargil to Padum is the only motorable road to reach Zanskar valley.
Heading towards Padum through this beautiful route, you travel southward along along the Suru River. This flows down from Penzila Pass through Suru valley and then into Zanskar. The Suru valley in Ladakh is one of the most beautiful regions here and is inhabited by people of the Balti origin.
Places of interest along this route:
- Sanku is the largest village along this region and is surrounded by colorful rocky hills and beautiful flowers in summer.
- Panikhar is the next major village under the shadows of Nun Kun Massif. The photographic view of Nun Kun can be enjoyed from the village Thangbu, about 12 km away from Panikhar.
- A little away from Panikhar is Parkachik, where you would find the first little Buddhist village called Zuldo. Next is the Rangdum monastery, which is situated on a rock hill in the middle of the valley.
- Around hours journey from here is Penzila from where one can view the Zanskar valley and Drang Drung Glacier beside the Penzila.
- There are many monastery to visit in Zanskar i.e Suny, Stongdey, Zongkhul, Karsha and Phuktal monasteries.
Duration of this jeep safari: This Jeep safari takes around 1-2 weeks beginning at Leh.
Shrinagar – Leh & Manali – Leh: The journey from Srinagar to Leh must be one of the most fascinating road journeys in the world. There are dramatic scenic and cultural changes as you travel through this route. The road cruises through precarious curves and high mountain sides. The engineering skill employed in constructing this road is stunning.
Places of interest along this route:
Coming from Sirinagar to Leh, you will be able to go through Kargil and Zozi-la & then Drass area which are all beautiful scenic routes.
This will be a trip to remember and your adrenalin is going to get pumped up in excitement!
Duration of this jeep safari: This Jeep safari takes around 1 week to ten days.
Ladakh Jeep Safaris Tips:
- You will be required to obtain permits and permissions to travel to Ladakh.
- Dress warm on your altitude voyage.
- Don’t compromise on quality of your vehicle.
- If you want to go for a jeep safari, prefer to travel in-group.
- Maintain absolute silence to enjoy the close proximity to the natural habitats.
Best time for Jeep safari in Ladakh: The road is safest to travel on in this region between July t mid October. This is when the routes are open to public.
