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Leh
Places to Visit
Leh is in the abode of the rocky paradise of Ladakh. My first impression of Leh was of eternal beauty, wrapped in the most beautiful design of Mighty Himalayas. It is a tourist hotspot as well, and this is a list of the best places to visit to enjoy every moment of your journey. There are many treks starting from Leh like Nubra valley trek, Magnetic hill, Pangong Tso lake, etc., and monasteries/ monuments like, Thiksey, Spituk, Likir, Phyang, Leh Royal Palace, Raisi fort and many more. I like the local markets and handicraft shops that display the historical art forms, history and capability of their culture.
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
Leh is a land of beautiful landscapes that are never ending and gorgeous vistas, which are a part of discovering the spirit of Leh. Along with visiting the choicest monasteries and gompas in and around the town, you cannot miss the trip to the Pangong Tso lake which is 146 kms from the town. I prefer the captivating trek from Nubra valley to Hunder as there is a thrilling camel ride available at Hunder.
I also find the Khardung La pass one of the most proud possessions of a Ladakhi, which is the highest motorable road in the world standing tall at about 18,400 feet. A quick advice is not to forget the permits and you can get it easily from the local travel agents beforehand. Last but not the least, the local market at Leh is not just a market but also a whole attempt of a community to show the world of their talents and capabilities. I see it as a whole culture and lifestyle on display that is very enamoring.
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
On the adventure front, Leh can provide you with an opportunity of cycling or motor biking to and from the highest motorable road in the world, Khardungla pass. Other than that, there are also opportunities of white water river rafting and trekking available. It is quite an experience to try out such enthralling sports amidst the setting of blue sky, rocky mountains and snow-capped peaks.
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.
Leh Special
With many cultures and religions, Leh gives you that trademark secular feel of the place but on my visits to the gompas and stupas of Leh, you can get a very thrilling peep into the history, lifestyle and culture of Buddhism that makes me feel elevated and tranquil in spirit. The must tryouts of the town are its Tibetan cuisines and handicrafts that you can buy as souvenirs.
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.
Leh Festivals
There are a number of festivals celebrated by local people and monks here around the year. The local people celebrate these festivals according to the Buddhist calendar. I personally participate in the two most colorful and vibrant festivals of Leh: Ladakh Festival and Hemis Festival that shows you a different side of this peaceful culture every time.
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
The most famous items that tourists can buy in Leh are local handicrafts, organic products, tribal jewelry, pearls and semi-precious stones. There are markets in the town of Leh and Pearl market near ITBF camp, which is the place where you can buy some distinctive stones and trinkets.
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
There are a number of places and hotels of every budget and preference. Hotels like Hotel Mahay, Pangong Hotel and Hotel Chubi, Lotus Hotel, Mandala Hotel are few of the examples of Leh’s diversity in accommodation. These hotels are very hospitable in their service and atmosphere.
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.
Leh is the Capital city of Ladakh . It is located at 3505 meters and falls on east of Jammu and Kashmir. It is important not just as a city but also it holds importance as the administrative, cultural and commercial capital. Leh is situated on the Indus shores, and is also one of the most visited Ladakh tourism. The important monasteries are within 40 kms of distance from Leh. Tourist and travellers, trekkers and adventurers all camp in Leh ladakh tour before setting out for their real adventure tour to Ladakh. Trekking in Ladakh is a dream of every Adventurer around the Globe.
It is at a distance of 434 Kms from Srinagar and 474 Kms from Manali. Leh district comprises of Leh town and 112 inhabited villages and one un-inhabited village. The total population of Leh district is 1.17 lacs.
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