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Ladakh
Places to Visit
The fact that attracts me most about Ladakh is that it is a cold desert situated in the lap of the mighty Himalayan range and Karakoram Range. This place will entice your heart and mind and provide you with an essence of tranquility. I personally find Ladakh to be a very famous vacation spot and pilgrimage destination among the tourists and devotees of Buddhism. High altitude lakes, thrilling and dangerous passes, monasteries and gompas, and historical sites contribute to the blissful essence of the place.
Pangong lake
Its is at a height of about 14,270 ft. & is 134 km long. The lake is 5 kms wide at its broadest point. All together it covers 604 sq. km.
Tso Moriri
It is 250 km from Leh, this rough journey takes about 6 to 7 hours. The last 60 kms is a complete rugged drive.
Royal Leh Palace
The palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. A nine Storey High Palace.
Lamayuru
A Tibetan Buddhist Gompa (monastery) in Kargil District, Western Ladakh, situated on the Srinagar - Kargil - Leh road which is at a height of 3,510 m.
Magnetic Hill
The hill is alleged to have magnetic properties strong enough to pull cars uphill and force passing aircraft to increase their altitude in order to escape magnetic interference.
Nubra Valley
Is about 150 km north of Leh, the capital town of Ladakh, India
Diskit
Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India.
Shanti Stupa
It is a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, built in the year 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura.
Shey Monastery
The palace, mostly in ruins now, was built first in 1655, by the king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal. It was used as a summer retreat by the kings of Ladakh.
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex of temples in Alchi village.
Kargil
This district of Ladakh lies near the Line of Control facing Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, and Kashmir valley to the south.
Khardungla
Khardung La is a highest motorable mountain pass at an elevation of 5602 m, situated 37 km by road North of Leh.
Things which I recommend to do
Even if you are an adventure seeker, a devotee of Buddhism or an explorer, you can find just the right thing in Ladakh for you. There are many famous monasteries located all over Ladakh, I feel that these monasteries like Alchi, Thiksey, Spituk, Hemis and many more, are speaking of their magnificent history and religion. You can try out the yak safari and camel safari for both transportation and sight-seeing. If you have, a keen interest in trekking then you can follow the rocky but magnificent trails of high altitude passes like Nubra valley, Markha valley trek, Zanskr trek, Chader trek, Lamayuru trek and many more.
I love the local markets of Ladakh and the variety of handicrafts that are there on display. Along with the markets I find the historical monuments and buildings of this holy land vary much fascinating and intriguing.
Monasteries Visit
Monasteries here are also one of the major attractions of the tourists visiting this beautiful valley of Ladakh & there are about 36 Monasteries in Ladakh.
Yak Safari
It is the most exciting of adventure activity. A Yak can be hired to see the flora and fauna of trans-Himalayan desert.
Camel Safari
Camel safari, another way to move around in the valley. The Bactrian camels, which were once used as pack animals are quite popular these days as a convenient mode of transport.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari is the best possible way to explore the serene beauty of the Ladakh valley spread across hundreds of miles.
Visit Drass Valley
It is often called "The Gateway of Ladakh", it has become famous as the second coldest inhabited place in the world by virtue of the intense cold that descends upon the valley.
Ladakh Market Visit
If you wish to take some memories from the world's highest hill station, then shopping in Ladakh is the ideal choice. One can find traditional curios & all kinds of trinkets in the colorful markets of Ladakh.
Experience the Magnetic Hill
The hill is alleged to have magnetic properties strong enough to pull cars uphill and force passing aircraft to increase their altitude in order to escape magnetic interference.
Volunteering
Promoting Ladakh's sustainable development through volunteering on its organic farms and by raising awareness about Ladakh environment through ecologically conscious treks.
Adventure Activities
You can take up also sorts of adventure sports in this beautiful land of Ladakh. Mountain climbing, cycling, motor biking, skiing, paragliding and white water river rafting form the extensive list of adventure sports all over Ladakh. There are a number of places and sites where you can easily take part in these activities based on several levels of skills.
Climbing
Ladakh is the place for mountaineers, with its natural charm and beauty. Leh attracts mountain climbers from all across the globe.
Cycling
Cycling in ladakh offers a thrilling experience for tthe ones who wish or dream of cycling through the highest mountain range in the world. Cyclists of all levels are welcome!!!
Kayaking
Kayaking on the Zanskar river is completely self supported, it passes through the steep gorges carved out by the river over years. The gorges in Zanskar has been referred to as 'Grand Canyon' by many explorers.
Motor Biking
If you have the love for mountains and love the pure breeze brushing your face on exhilaration of biking then Ladakh is your destination.
River Rafting
Gets your adrenaline pumping and thumping, squealing with delight as their rafts bounce against the rocks in the river and ride high on the rapids along the way as they cruise.
Trekking
Lovers of trekking have unending opportunities in this region. The landscape is such that trekkers of all level find it extremely interesting to trek through the various routes of Ladakh.
Skiing
One can enjoy skiing in the long and high slopes of the snowy mountain ranges and experience a difference.
Paragliding
The clear blue sky and wind facilitate paragliding in the ranges of Khardong top highest motrable road in the world.
Ladakh Special
This cold desert is holding and preserving an ancient civilization for numerous years now. You can visit the famous monuments and historical buildings of this place, which tell a tale of the history of this culture. According to me, the most special aspect of this land is its people, culture and its food. In addition, you can find the arts and handcrafts in local markets and villages, which are breathtaking and beguiling.
History
Ladakh has an Unique history with no proper evidences, each race claiming themselves to be the residents of this region. Few known races are Mon,Brokpa & Tibetan.
People & Culture
"Dards" - People from Indo-Aryan race claims to be the original inhabitants of Ladakh. It is highly dominated by Buddhists with small percentages of Hndus, Muslims & Christians.
Ladakhi Food
Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngampe
Arts & Handicrafts
The tradition of artistic craftsmanship in Ladakh is very old & are originated from the local tribes. Ladakhis are known for making metal sculptures, knitting, weaving, cabinet-making, painting etc.
Festivals
If you are in Ladakh at any festival time, I recommend you to not to miss it at all. Most of the festivals are famous for their beautiful colors, captivating traditions and traditional music. These festivals are soul touching and it carries the conventional culture and unity of Ladakh people. These festivals speak about the unity and togetherness of both humankind and the land itself. Most famous festivals of this holy land are Hemis festival, Losar festival, Monastery festival and Ladakh festival.
Hemis Festival
This Festival commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet which is celebrated in June or July every year.
Losar Festival
Losar festival is celebrated in the eleventh month of Tibetan calendar, two months ahead of Tibetan New Year.
Monastery Festival
It is the most exciting of adventure activity. A Yak can be hired to see the flora and fauna of trans-Himalayan desert.
Ladakh Festival
Unique to Ladakh are its monastery festivals, characterized by spectacular mask dances and ceremonial costumes.
What to Shop
Visiting a local market in Ladakh can be a great experience for the people who like to carry some good memories of the place with them. These markets have maintained their indigeneous market similar to that of Rajasthan provide you with the rich variety of artifacts and handicrafts that are hand made using the ancient techniques. I suggest you to take special notice of the Pashmina products, copper samovars, Buddhist prayer wheels, organic products and other intriguing souvenirs to carry a piece of this amazing experience in your heart.
Copper Samovars
A metal vessel for making Tea, in whic water is heated by burning coals held in an inner contain.
Pashmina
Pashmina refers to a type of fine cashmere wool and the textiles made from it. The wool comes from changthangi or pashmina goat, which is a indigenous to high altitudes of the Himalayas.
Prayer Wheel
A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel.
Relics of Buddhists
Relics believed to be original remains of the body of the Buddha still survive, including the much-revered Sacred Relic of the tooth of the Buddha in Sri Lanka.
Places to Stay
No matter what your budget is you can easily find a nice place to stay in Ladakh. There are some class hotels like hotel Caravan, hotel Omasila, hotel Lingzi and hotel Grand Dragon. In addition, there are some minor hotels in the area to accommodate people with lower budget. Most all of these hotels are surrounded by beautiful vistas of scenic beauty and gorgeous landscapes.
Hotel Caravan
An 'A' class Hotel built in the traditional architectural style of Ladakh located in Skara, Leh.
Hotel Grand Dragon
The only luxury Hotel in Ladakh, centrally suituated in the City of Leh. Located in Old road Sheynam, leh.
Hotel Lingzi
Is one of the first few modern built hotels in a traditional Ladakhi style in Leh Ladakh. Located in the city centre.
Hotel Omasila
This hotel is just 15 mins drive from the Leh airport & is situated in sunch a place where your gives you a panaromic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Best Tours
Wherever you may look, the never-ending vistas of Ladakh will greet you at every nook and corner. No matter what trek you choose, a new shade of the land will greet you. The most popular trails for sightseeing are Frozen Lake, Kang Yatse, Stok Kangri and many more. These trails highlight high altitude mountains and passes, along with mesmerizing flora and fauna.
Plan your trip Now!!!
The main watercourse of Ladakh is Indus which penetrates India from Tibet at Ldemchok. Opening in close proximity to Mt. Kailash, the Indus according to Mythology, develops commencing the mouth of a loin, and is consequently branded as Senge Khababs. Hence the summer time you will hardly find it getting any warmer than 27 degrees. But during winters even Leh is as cold as -20 degrees Celsius.
At this height, the air is so thin, the heat of the sun is more intensely felt here than at lower altitudes. That is why it is said Ladakh is the only place on earth where you can get sunburn as well as frostbite at the same time. Ladakh is surrounded by worlds biggest mountain ranges ; the Himalayan range and the Karakoram. These lay crossways two others Zanskar
and Ladakh range. The highest altitude you will find here is from 2750 to 7637 m.
For first timers, Ladakh travelers leaves them spell bound. There is such a vast cultural difference between Ladakh and other regions people are taken in by that. Ladakh has an amazing history too. The land of lost Shangri la is mysterious enough and its several monasteries and local stories intrigue the listener even more.
The culture of Ladakh is pretty influenced by the Tibetans. Buddhism is the main religion followed here. The first population to be here was Mons from Tibet and Kullu. Drads came later and started to live in lower Ladakh. Ladakh tour is also one of the perfect destinations for eco tourism apart from a kerala tour.
Ladakh is known as little Tibet due to its Tibetan influence. Kargil district on the other hand is dominated by Muslims. As you trek to Ladakh you will find several walls that are studded with engraved stones that bear the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". There are chortens which exhibit Budhha teachings. There are villages which are decorated with gompa and monasteries that have hermits, monks residing since such a long time. Kashmir bought Islam to Ladakh around the 15th century. Places like Drass, Suru valley have Shias ans Sunnis living there.
The best time to come to Ladakh is during the summers. Winters if you plan to come you better make all your arrangements in advance.
For more details on trekking : Click Trekking in Ladakh Page or ladakh Tourism Page
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