Things to do in Leh

A good way to celebrate this beautiful world is to camp far away from the madding crowd, live under the open sky and taste the adventure of a lifetime. The mesmerizing landscapes of Leh - Ladakh make it a romantic camping destination. With fluttering prayer flags all around you, enjoy a holiday that will be completely different from every possible holiday you have been on. Camping across the various destinations here can sure prove to be a great way to explore the beauty of the unadulterated nature here. Vendors will arrange for you to camp at:

• Pangong Lake
• Thiksey
• Banks of the River Indus
• Spangmik Village
• Nubra
• Sumyar
  
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The Leh Ladakh bike trip is a must in every biker’s wish list. The roaring engine, echoes amidst the barren hills, the challenging roads and the gust of the chaste breeze striking their faces makes every rider’s spine tingle.

Embraced by the arms of the gigantic snow-capped mountains of the Himalaya, the mesmeric vista of Leh is an ideal destination for a bike trip. On your way witness not only the exotic views but also the immaculate culture amidst the quaint villages and monasteries.

Taking a road trip to and in Leh gives you an opportunity to explore some of the highest traversable mountain passes in the world.

You can make this trip through:

• Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
• Delhi – Manali – Leh – Delhi

Between Manali and Leh you will come across:

• Rohtang
• Lahaul valley
• Baralacha La
• Tanglang La
  
  In Leh you get to see:
  

• Khardung La
• Nubra Valley
• Hunder and Panamik
• Chang La
• Pangong La
  
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Various road routes leading to Leh attracts all adventure seekers. Replete with a number of shades of nature’s beauty this route can test any adventure junkies patience and determination. If you are a person who seeks a certain level of comfort along with thrill then a jeep safari is ideal for you. Various road routes for Jeep Safaris can be undertaken. Contact your operator and choose one of these:

• Manali – Leh
• Amritsar -  Manali -  Leh
• Srinagar - Leh
• Chandigarh – Manali - Leh

On your way enjoy stopovers and drink in the beauty of

• Rohtang Pass
• Sand and Rock Natural Formation
• Fast Flowing Streams with icy-cold water
• Brown and Arid Mountains
• Lahaul  Valley
• Spiti  Valley
• High Mountain Passes
• Gata Loops
• Indus River
• Khardung La
• Pangong  Lake
• Alchi and Lamayuru Monasteries
• Drass
• Kargil
• Zozila Pass
• Sonmarg
  
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River Rafting is one of the most exciting adventure activities that can be undertaken in this region. Choose the grade of rafting depending on your skill and experience. The two rivers you can traverse are:

• River Indus
• River Zanskar

There are several operators who can give you this thrilling experience between several points in and around Leh. As far as the raft is concerned, it is best to go for the medium one as it is both challenging and fun. Choose between the several points on offer:

• Phey – Nimo
• Upshi – Kharu
• Upshi – Nimo
• Phey – Saspol
• Kharu – Spituk
• Saspol- Khaltsey
• Phey – Indus via Zanskar
• Nimo – Alchi
• Alchi – Khaltsey

You may need to pay anything between Rs. 1500/- to Rs. 1800/- or a little more depending on the operator and the facilities provided.

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The scenic beauty that one finds in Leh is awe-inspiring and the best way to experience Leh Ladakh and feel like a local is to travel on camel back like in early times. Camels were considered one of the best modes of transport and were used by merchants and traders for the 'silk route’. Taking a camel safari in Leh is a definite activity to indulge in. It is the best way to explore the marvel of this region. Travelling on a trotting camel through the clean black roads and the huge mountains is a marvelous experience which you are never likely to forget. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself riding on a double-humped camel through the Nubra Valley amidst the breathtaking beauty of Leh. It is the most magical experience you can ever have. Taking a camel safari in Leh would ensure that you experience the surroundings just as they are. Vendors offer a number of camel safaris but the most famous route is Nubra Valley via the Khardung La pass.

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Every year, millions of people from all corners of the world swarm to various monasteries in search of inner peace. They are considered to be one of the most holy and sacred places. Buddhist monasteries are the most spectacular. In India, these monasteries are mostly located in the northern or eastern part of India. They depict the life and teachings of Buddha. The Leh Ladakh region is popular for its incredibly beautiful monasteries! They tell us about the rich culture of Ladakh through their architecture, ancient texts, and paintings. Nowadays some of monasteries in Ladakh have started to offer staying facility for tourists.

Visit at least some of the following if not all:

• Sumda Chun Monastery
• Spituk Monastery
• Rizong Monastery
• Lamayuru Monastery
• Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
• Shey Monastery
• Diskit Monastery
• Sankar Likir Monastery
• Rangdum Monastery
• Thiksey Monastery
• Phuktal Monastery
  
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Within the modest landmass it occupies, the Cold Desert of Kashmir Leh Ladakh is not without its share of natural, visual marvels and lakes are a big part of its landscapes. Each of its lakes is more awe-inspiring than the other. Very few of us know that the Pangong Tso changes colour with every hour and turns from emerald green according to the various hues of the sky. The best time to visit these lakes is in summers because, during the winters, they are frozen and become so solid that they are better used as roads. Make sure you visit these:

• Pangong Tso Lake
• Tsomoriri Lake
• Tso Kar Lake
• Yarab Tso Lake
  
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The game of Polo was introduced to Ladakh from neighboring Baltistan from its country of origin Persia. Every village in Ladakh has a polo ground and this game is an integral part of the Ladakhi culture. It is an important part of the fortnight-long Ladakh Festival held in September. While the British rules of Polo have become refined, the game in Leh Ladakh continues to be rough and tough and one of the most popular games.

During the seventeenth century, Sengge Namgyal, the King of Ladakh laid the first royal polo ground in the Murtse garden below Leh. The present polo ground in the center of Leh adjoining the Deputy Commissioner’s office is the venue for Exhibition and tournament matches.

Winter is the time in Leh when you get to see the genuine beauty of the roof of the world. Though most people would wonder at the advisability of visiting Leh during winter but if you want to experience the place close to its people this is the best time. Also the adventure freaks among you who want to experience natural ice skating in the frozen lake or river must make use of this opportunity. Try out these:

• Pangong Tso Lake
• Indus – Zanskar confluence
• Ice skating Rink

The ranges of Leh is every mountaineer’s dream. With the region divided into segments of the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges, mountaineering in Ladakh is one of the most thrilling experiences. The climate, environment and topography of Ladakh make the climb physically demanding yet for all the mountaineers out there, Leh with its natural charm and beauty, is the place for you! With a variety of beautiful, interesting and challenging climbing routes in this region Leh attracts people from all over the world. Listed below are some of the most mesmerizing ones:

• Nun Kun Massif
• Stok Khangri Massif
• Karakoram

Those adventure lovers who enjoy a trip to the mountains must take the opportunity of quad biking in Leh. Go with friends or alone don’t miss out on this adventure. Make the most of quad biking in:

• Khardung La
• Nubra Valley

Trekking amongst the beautiful and majestic regions of Leh is every adventure lovers dream. Depending on your abilities choose between the challenging and easy treks. If you have the stamina go for these:

• Stok Kangri
• Markha Valley with Stok Kangri climbs Trek
• Jhunglam Hemis-Padum Trek
• Frozen River Trek – Chadar
• Kang Yatse and Dzo Jongo
• Saboo and Khalsar Trek
• Parang La Trek
• Lamayuru to Chilling Trek

Even if you are first time trekker don’t hesitate to try out trekking while in Leh. Make the most of your visit take the challenge and try out the easy treks.

• Sham Valley Trek
• Spituk – Stok Trek
• Spituk – Matho Trek
• Nimaling Plateau
• Indus Valley Trek
• Markha Valley Trek
• Nubra Valley Trek (Phyang to Hunder)
• Ripchar Valley Trek

Trekking in Leh during the winter months is definitely not an easy job. However those who enjoy an adrenaline rush at the name of adventure venture into the area to enjoy trekking. Make these treks:

• Snow leopard Trek
• Chadar Trek
• Lamayuru - Zanskar Trek
• Sham Valley Trek
• Nubra Valley Trek
• Pangong Trek

For those who prefer a comfortable weather and enjoy trekking go for a trek on  the following routes:

• Spituk to Stok.
• Chadar Trek
• Parang La.
• Markha Valley
• Kang Yatse

The brackish water of Pangong lake has sparse vegetation and is no aquatic life except for small crustaceans. It is a haven however for bird watchers. Currently, in the process of being identified as an acclaimed wetland under the Ramsar Convention, it acts as an important breeding point for several migratory birds such as Brahmini ducks and Bar-headed goose. The waters of Pangong Lake changes its colour in many shades of blue and green with the changing position of the sun in the sky. Interestingly, only 1/4th of the lake lies in India and the rest flows into the Tibet region of China. Spangmik Village which is located about 7 kilometres along the southern shores is the farthest village of Pangong area. From here, one can enjoy spectacular views of the Chang-Chenmo range. So if you are an avid bird watcher or nature lover there is much in store for you.

Safety among wild animals depends on your own behaviour. Therefore going on the Snow Leopard trek would involve the usual precautions. The Snow Leopard Trek is one of the popular winter treks in the Ladakh region. It lies in a territory which has a wild stretch of rugged mountains dotted with animals like snow leopards.

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is definitely a winter trail. Located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh it becomes the only path to travel in the area during the harsh winter months. The trail which is really a necessity during the freezing winter months has also become popular with Indian as well as international adventure tourists. Since it serves as the only means of travel even during the winters it can be availed of at other times of the year too.

Once you have reached Nubra Valley in Leh you can choose from among plenty of activities. You may choose activities in the valley itself or a little away too. Take your pick from among visits to:

• Panamik village.
• Sumur.
• Hundur monastery.
• Yarab Tso
• Diskit monastery
• Samstanling Monastery.
• Lachung temple
• Maitreya Buddha.

You can also go on a

• Bactrian camel Safari

Shop for mementoes and curios in Leh, to take back for friends and family. Woollens, Pashmina, Tibetan handicrafts – there is a huge choice laid out before you. Go to local markets or individually owned shops to get a huge variety of things to buy. You will get shops selling

• Brassware
• mortar and pestles
• traditional Ladakhi tea pots
• Bells
• Cymbals
• Buddha idols
• Local dresses

There are various restaurants to satisfy your needs but the best would be to try out the local dishes sold at small outlets. You can have your mutton and chicken preparations anywhere at all but you must try out

• Thukpa
• Tsampa
• Ngamphe
• Skyu
• Momos
• Thenthuk
• Paba and Tangtur

One of the most interesting things you can do in a cold desert is to take a dip in a hot spring. A visit to Leh remains incomplete if you don’t take a dip in the hot water springs and even cook your pasta there. If you are in Leh do visit the Panamic Village hot springs.

The terrains of Leh Ladakh and the waters of the lake make it a paradise for wildlife. You can meet snow leopards and migratory birds. In fact, the Snow Leopard Trek is named that way since the trail can bring you face to face with a snow leopard. Visit the Hemis National Park for the best wildlife experience. It is the only national park in India north of the Himalayas, the largest notified protected area in India. It is home to a number of species of endangered mammals including the snow leopard. There is a breeding population of snow leopards, especially in the Rumbak catchment area. Other than that you will also come across the

• Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep)
• Bharal (Blue Sheep)
• Red Fox
• Shapu
• Asiatic Ibex
• Tibetan Wolf
• Eurasian Brown Bear
• Golden Eagle,
• Lammergeier Vulture,
• Himalayan Griffon Vulture.

Birds include

• Brown Accentor
• Robin Accentor
• Tickell's Leaf Warbler
• Streaked Rose Finch
• Black-Winged Snow Finch

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