About Karu
Karu is a town situated in the Leh district of Ladakh, where one can find peace and a sense of mountain life in India. This elegant small town is connected with various attractions in Leh, including Hemis Monastery, Pangong Lake, and the Leh-Manali Highway, making it a noteworthy stop on any Ladakh trip.
Located at the start of the Leh-Manali highway via Chang La pass, this is the town that features most of the natives of Ladakh, offering hospitality by providing guest houses and homestays. The place is known for its beautiful natural setting, offering serene hues of mountains and splashes of small streams running towards the big lake of Pangong Lake.
It is a place in Ladakh where you will find an ATM facility, which is very rare to find in this mountainous region. This is the only gas station after Leh, 34 km from Karu.
The place is also known for one of the best phone connectivity, and one can also find numerous Army establishments throughout the route of Karu.
There are various restaurants in Karu, making it a popular place among tourists. Situated at a height of 3500 meters above sea level, the native people here majorly follow Buddhism.
Karu Highlights
• ATMs are available here, which is a rare sight in Ladakh.
• Phone connectivity can be found here, BSNL is the best network service provider in Karu.
• Various homestays and restaurants are situated here, which makes it a popular place among tourists.
• Many famous attractions can be found nearby Karu, such as Hemis Monastery, Pangong Lake, etc.
• The place offers a glimpse of Ladakhi life, as a huge number of natives can be found in this small town.
• The place also has a petrol station now, which is also known as the only petrol station after Leh city.
How To Reach Karu
The only way to reach Karu is through road, one can travel on their bikes, or rented taxis to reach Karu from Leh city, which is approximately 34 kms away from Karu. Located on the start of Leh-Manali highway, Karu can be easily reached by Leh-Manali highway via Chang La pass.
Best Time To Visit Karu
The best time to visit this small well-settled town is during the month of summers from May-September, when the place is at its best self. The roads are favorable for riders to ride their vehicles and one can witness the mighty mountains and flowing Sindhu streams in clear weather. During winters many places close down due to heavy snowfall, hence making summers the most approachable time to visit Karu.
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Karu Other Essential Information
The best places to visit near Karu:
1.) Hemis
Hemis is a popular attraction of Leh, which is famously known for its colorful and vibrant festivals that are held in the summer month of July. Apart from that the place has been home to a beautiful monastery, known as Hemis monastery, which was built in 1672 A.D. Popular for its wildlife the place has been host to Hemis National Park, where one can witness numerous wildlife of Ladakhi region.
2.) Chemrey
Chemrey is a significant monastery built by Lama Tagsang Raschen, the same person who made Hemis Monastery, in 1664. He is the biggest influencer who spread Tibetan Buddhism practices across Ladakh. Padmasambhava’s huge statue, around one storey tall, is the biggest flex of the monastery. The place has a Lamba temple along with a number of shrines, and two prayer halls. This monastery is around 6.4 kms from Karu.
3.) Stanka Monastery
The design of this monastery resembles the shape of a tiger’s nose, the place is also called the Tiger’s Nose, which was built in 1508 by Bhutanese scholar and saint Chosje Jamyang Palkar. This monastery offers its visitors a calm environment, surrounded by serene valley views and a great library holding ancient facts about Buddhism and Ladakh’s history.
Places to eat in Karu
1.) Cafe KC 22: A small cafe in the town of Karu, offering local and basic delights to all its visitors. Decorated with local aesthetics, one can enjoy warm food with a view of beautiful Ladakhi valleys.
2.) Mahadev Punjabi Dhaba: A small and traditional dhaba, offering North Indian cuisine, including tandoori Indian breads along with spicy and flavorful dishes such as paneer, mixed vegetables, etc. A proper warm North Indian plate served in a cold setting is a delight for every Indian.
3.) Cafe Cloud: An aesthetically pleasing cafe offering a raw setting in the midst of diverse local vegetation, the place offers delectable and fresh local food with soups as their speciality. It is a perfect spot to take a break from your biking journey or if you want to just sit and chill for a while. It’s also a comforting choice during a Ladakh family trip, offering a relaxing environment for all age groups.
Also Visit: Restaurants in Leh
Places to stay in/near Karu
1.) Neryok’s Indus View
One of the most modern facility equipped hotels near Karu is Neryok’s Indus View, which offers cozy and comfortable stay. The place has some rooms directed towards the Indus river, providing a serene view of the place with WiFi facilities.
2.) Fana Resort
A luxurious stay in the midst of magnificent natural surroundings is a perfect place to take rest and enjoy your vacation. The place offers a traditional Ladakhi architecture and full European-style room decor for their visitors. It’s also an ideal stopover for travelers on Ladakh group tours, thanks to its ample space and group-friendly amenities.
3.) Amir Homestay
A private host manages the place, providing a traditional Ladakhi homestay experience. Located 17 kms away from the main market, the place offers a comfortable and cozy atmosphere with fully equipped bathrooms and rooms.
Permit: While crossing the Leh-Manli highway, one may need to show the pass verification at the Chang La check-point.
Sindhu Nadi/Ghat
A small ghat or river port, offering majestic views of Sindhu river, dotted with Ladakhi mountains. The place offers a serene view of the stream, which is famous among tourists for clicking photographs for capturing moments from their Leh-Ladakh trip. The place is known for offering a peaceful and calm environment, where one can sit and relax as they relax their nerves through the tranquil sound of the river flowing into the Pangong lake.
Tourism Board Alliances
Karu FAQs
Where is Karu located in Ladakh?
Karu is a small town situated in the Leh district of Ladakh, on the start of Leh-Manali highway.
Why is Ladakh famous?
Ladakh is best known for its majestic mountain range and captivating lakes with longing valleys, making it a perfect serene place for all kinds of travelers. Some of the top hikes and motorable routes are present in Ladakh which challenges all bikers from across the world.
Is Ladakh safe?
Yes, Ladakh is totally safe, and is free of all political turmoil, as all the attractions are away from the disputed land area. The routes are a little difficult to navigate but this does not make Ladakh unsafe, as the people here are really humble and believe in helping others.
Which month is best to visit Ladakh?
The best time to visit Ladakh is during the months of April to July, when temperature is at its best, ranging between 15-30 degree celsius, offering pleasant weather to explore the majestic Ladakh. During winter most of the attractions are closed due to heavy snowfalls.
Why is Ladakh called Cold Dessert?
Ladakh is a hill station which stays cold all year round, offering snow capped mountains and flat cold grounds. The weather of the place can go down to minus 14 degree celsius, and is home to the second coldest region, the Drass Valley, in the world.
How many days are sufficient for a Ladakh tour including Karu?
A minimum 5-day journey to Ladakh is advised to comfortably tour the region, Karu, and neighbouring sites such as Pangong Lake, Hemis Monastery, and the Leh-Manali Highway. During this time, you can spend quality time at tranquil locations like Karu, see important Leh landmarks, and adjust to the altitude.
This is a proposed breakdown:
Day 1: Arrive in Leh and take a nap to acclimatize to the surroundings.
Day 2: Visit the local sites of Leh, such as the Hall of Fame, Leh Palace, and Shant Stupa.
Day 3: Visit to Thiksey, Karu, and Hemis Monastery.
Day 4: Take the Chang La Pass to Pangong Lake, then either return or spend the night there.
Day 5: Go back to Leh and get ready to go.
If you have extra time, you can extend your vacation to include Tso Moriri and Nubra Valley, or you can go hiking and enjoy the local way of life.
What is the best mode of travel from Delhi to Leh for a scenic yet comfortable Ladakh trip?
The most beautiful way to get from Delhi to Leh is by car, going through Manali or Srinagar and taking in the stunning views of the Himalayas. However, direct flights from Delhi to Leh Ladakh typically take about 1.5 hours, making them ideal for people looking for comfort and convenience. This route is the greatest choice for those who want to see Ladakh's natural splendour without taking lengthy road trips. Planning a Ladakh trip from Delhi offers travelers the flexibility to choose between a breathtaking road journey or a quick, comfortable flight.
Can I find a Leh Ladakh tour package from Mumbai that includes flights, accommodation, and local sightseeing?
Yes, many Leh Ladakh tour packages from Mumbai include everything: round-trip flights, hotel stays, meals, site tours, and entrance fees for popular sights like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. Without having to worry about logistics, these packages provide a stress-free approach to see Ladakh.
Are there any Bangalore to Ladakh tour packages that include adventure activities like biking, rafting, or trekking?
Yes, there are a lot of Leh Ladakh tour packages from Bangalore that are made just for people who love excitement. Activities like motorcycling on difficult mountain roads, rafting in Zanskar, and trekking to breathtaking places like the Markha Valley or Tso Moriri are frequently included in these packages. For those who wish to mix action with their Ladakh sightseeing, it's ideal.
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