Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake in Ladakh! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Let our Ladakh holiday packages transport you to this mesmerizing destination, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner.Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.The surreal clean blue waters are actually brackish or salty in nature and this feature doesn’t let any aquatic life survive in the same. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees make even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite opposite in case of salt ridden water bodies.This picturesque landscape location enhances its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travelers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experience. Pangong has another unique and catchy feature; when it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. The brackish water of Pangong attracts the migratory birds every year during winters in Ladakh.

One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep-cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. A high altitude cold desert, Nubra Valley is actually an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau) that starts in China and extends up to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Home to wonders like the Diskit Monastery,Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the villages of Turtuk and Panamik.Located about 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a great attraction to all those who come here. The gateway to the upper reaches of the country, especially Siachen, Nubra Valley has an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, making a great place to stop you and reflect at the beauty around. And while you are at it, take a short detour to the famous white sand dunes of Hunder. The shapes and forms that these dunes take during different times of the year mesmerize every visitor who comes here. To make it further interesting, there are the double-humped Bactrian Camels, offering rides through the dunes.And when it turns dusky, head to the Diskit Monastery and visit the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha which looks over the entire valley and blesses it for another day to come.Planning a Trip to Ladakh, Experience of Chadar Trek - The Frozen River Trek

Khardung La pass is a gateway to some of the most enchanting and unexplored landscapes. This famed mountain pass is very popular amongst adventure seekers and regular tourists alike and it must be part of your Leh Ladakh tour packages. Located in the Leh district of the Indian Union Territory, Khardung La is situated at an elevation of 5,359 meters. It is hailed to be the highest motorable pass all across the globe. Historically speaking, Khardung La is quite significant as it lies on the major caravan route that links Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. During the second world war, an attempt to transfer war well to China was made through this route. Khardung La was constructed in the year 1976 and was made accessible to public motor vehicles in the year 1988. The pass is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation and is of great strategic importance as it is used to carry goods to the Siachen Glacier. 

Also known as the Mountain Lake, Tso Moriri is one of the two most popular lakes in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Pangong Tso is the more popular out of the two, it’s Tso Moriri which manages to take the breath away of the visitors with its tranquil beauty.Located at an altitude of a whopping 4595 metres above the sea level, Tso Moriri is a calm and serene high altitude lake in Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary. It runs up to 28 km in length and is 100 feet deep on average. Since it is located in a wetland reserve, you cannot pitch your tent in the area but can choose an accommodation in the camps around Tso Moriri lake, giving you a mesmerising view of the lake.While the reflection of snow-clad mountains immersed in the pristine waters of the lake calm your soul, the exotic migratory birds flying above the majestic lake will make you fall in love with nature. The lake is surrounded by high mountains, making it a hidden gem in the cold desert land of Ladakh. It is an ideal travel destination for an offbeat traveller as well as those who wish to explore the untouched beauty of Ladakh.Witness the changing hues of the lake and fall in love with nature all over again with a trip to Tso Moriri. Pack your bags, pick up your camera and set off on your trip to Leh Ladakh to live and capture.

Located at an elevation of 14,000 feet, Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is one of the most mysterious and intriguing places to visit in the country and must be part of your Ladakh packages. This small cyclops hillock is said to be a place where the forces of gravity are defied, as it is here where vehicles seem to be pulled in an upwards direction on the hill. While there are several scientific theories that could debunk the mystery of this unique phenomenon, there is also the rather common local superstition, that states that the Magnetic Hill Road is a direct “stairway to heaven.”The road to Magnetic Hill is home to a signboard that reads, “Magnetic Hill – the Phenomenon that defies Gravity,” along with a white box that asks you to park your vehicle there. Upon parking your vehicle in neutral gear, you can eventually see them moving uphill at a speed of around 10 to 20 km/hr, all by itself, against the force of gravity. Some of the more scientific and practical theories surrounding the Magnetic Hill is that of the Optical Illusion, wherein people believe that even if the slope of the hill is in a downward direction, it tends to appear upright due to its unique terrain, thereby making it look like the vehicle is going uphill. Alternatively, there is the theory of the Magnetic Force of the Earth, which suggests that the magnetic forces of the earth’s interiors pull the vehicles uphill. This is one such phenomenon that has attracted tourists from all over the globe to Magnetic Hill. Regardless of the reason, Magnetic Hill is surely a great place to visit, in addition to being a good pitstop on the Manali-Leh Highway, in addition to a good place to click stunning photos, relax and unwind, or simply soak in the lap of nature.

Resting in the lap of the breathtakingly beautiful Ladakh, the Alchi monastery is one of the most sacred and holy places in the entire world. It was constructed by legendary Guru Rinchen Zangpo between the era of 958 and 1055 AD. Devotees from all across the globe swarm here in search of eternal peace. Revered all over the world as the oldest Buddhist Learning centre in North India, this is definitely a must-visit for all travelers to witness wile taking a trip to Ladakh.What makes it stand out from other Buddhist monuments are the mesmerising carvings on the walls. The complex of the monastery consists of several chortens and temples that belong to different periods of time. The oldest wall paintings of Ladakh have also been well preserved in this monastery. It has also attracted the film fraternity as numerous movies have been shot here like Dil Se and Tashan. Numerous restaurants, tea stalls, souvenir shops and shacks are located near the monastery to promote tourism.Also Read: A Travel Guide to Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway

Counted among the most famed tourist attractions in the entirety of Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir, Leh Palace is a royal palace located in its capital town, Leh. The palace holds a matchless aura within it and it is one of the famous historical sites to explore on your Ladakh trip. Constructed in the 17th Century, the foundation of this palace was laid down by the founder of the Namgyal Dynasty, Tsewang Namgyal, but it was Sengge Namgyal who completed its construction.The palace was constructed to serve as the residence of the royal family but was later on invaded and captured by Zorawar Singh Kahluria. Despite having stood as a witness to the decades of unrest and wars, the palace somehow managed to retain its splendour which still amuses everyone.The Leh palace complex constitutes nine storeys, all of which had different purposes to serve back in the days of glory. The architecture of the palace is inspired from Potala Palace of Lhasa, making it a fine example of the medieval Tibetan architecture. The building looks all the more imposing when seen from a distance at night. You can enjoy panoramic views of the bustling town below and Stok Kangri mountains laid down in all their majesty. Another treat that the palace holds for history lovers is the museum that stores a great collection of artefacts shedding light on the cultural history of the region. The 450-year-old paintings, crown and jewellery are on display here. Although photography is not allowed inside the palace, capturing the remnants of the past in your eyes is equally mesmerizing.Suggested Read: A Detailed Tour Guide from Mumbai to LadakhNote: One can explore the beauty of Leh on the bike trip as well. You can plan Manali to Leh bike trip which is one of the most famous road trips to Leh.Essential Info:Best time to visit: The best time to visit Leh Palace is during the summer season. The months of May and June offer the views of a vivid landscape under the clear sky. Besides, the post-monsoon months of September and October are also considered a good time to pay this grand palace a visit. Visiting Hours (Opening & Closing hours): Leh palace is open to visitors between 7 am and 4 pm every day.Entry Fee: The entry fee for Indian tourists is set at INR 15 per person. For foreigners, an entry fee of INR 100 per person is charged.Altitude: Leh Palace is located at an altitude of 17582 feet.Distance Between Leh and Leh Palace: Leh palace is located at a distance of 2.2 km from Leh City CentreHow to reach from Leh Airport: Leh Palace lies at a distance of 4.5 km from Leh Airport and can be easily reached by road. You can hire a taxi to reach Leh Palace from the airport.Also, check how to reach Ladakh.History of Leh PalaceLeh Palace, a rare gem in the magical realm of Ladakh, has a very interesting history which is gloomy for most parts. The founder of the Namgyal Dynasty, Tsewang Namgyal was the person who laid down the foundation for the construction of the palace in 1553. But the construction of the palace was later on resumed and completed in the 17th Century when Ladakh was under the rule of Sengge Namgyal.The large, nine-storeyed complex was built to be inhabited by the royal family. While the upper floors were reserved for the royal family, the lower floors of the palace were used as stable and storerooms. Until the 19th Century, the palace witnessed times of prosperity and glory under the reign of the Namgyal Dynasty. However, in the mid 19th Century, the region was invaded by Dogra forces and the palace was captured by the forces, forcing the royal family to flee. The royal family was shifted to Stok Palace. The palace remained in the hands of General Zorawar Singh and the force of the Dogra Dynasty for some time. But a different fate awaited the palace now. As the forces kept conquering the farther regions of Tibet and Baltistan, the palace was once again abandoned by its residents with nobody to claim it. That is the reason why Leh Palace is also known as the forgotten monument.Note: There are some trips which are mostly selected by tourists such as Delhi to Leh trip, Manali to Leh, Srinagar to Leh etc. Architecture of Leh PalaceLeh Palace was built with Potala Palace of Lhasa as the model structure for its design. The palace is constructed in the medieval Tibetan architecture and is one of the top-most specimens of the architecture in India. There is something about the architecture of Leh Palace that makes it appear modest and grand at the same time. Unlike many other palaces around the country, the palace is not typically ornamented with a lot of glasswork and colorful patterns but has it grandeur hidden in its simplicity. It was built to serve as the residence of the royal family, so it is natural to bear a touch of regalness in its character. The structure of the palace is as majestic as it could be. When Leh Palace was constructed, it was the tallest building in the world. The palace complex has nine stories that make it look imposing when seen from below. Since the upper stories were occupied by the royal family, these parts of the complex are noteworthy.While the lower storeys were reserved as stable and storerooms. If you want to witness the palace in all its majesty, look at its structure from afar after the sunset as its façade is illuminated with golden lights.Get a cycling tour from Manali to Leh to explore even the small attractions of Leh.Other Essential Info about Leh Palace1) Mobile Connectivity: Mobile connectivity is not an issue at Leh Palace as it is located in the capital town of Ladakh. However, it is to be kept in mind that prepaid sims issued in other states do not work in Jammu & Kashmir. So, you can only get mobile connectivity if you either have a postpaid sim or a prepaid sim issued in Jammu & Kashmir.2) Medical Facilities: There are no medical facilities at Leh Palace. But, since the palace is located at a short distance of 2.4 km from Leh city centre, you are not away from medical facilities while you are here. There are options in the town including well-equipped SNM Hospital.3) ATM's: Since Leh Palace is situated in the town of Leh, there are a number of ATMs located in proximity to it in the main town. Hence, cash shortage won't be a problem in your tour to Leh Ladakh. 4) Petrol Pumps: Yes, there is a petrol pump in Leh Town. The second closest petrol pump is in Karu, at a distance of 35 km from the town. So, if you are on Leh-ladakh road trip, fuel is not an issue.5) Food Joints: You can find good food joints in Leh main market area. Since Leh is the capital town, it has a bustling market with plenty of options to satisfy your hunger.6) Minimum Duration for Visiting Leh Palace: Since photography is not allowed inside the palace complex, You will not have a lot to do other than admiring the craftsmanship and checking out the impressive museum. So, a duration of 1 to 2 hours would suffice.Also Check: Experience the Beauty of Leh through Chadar trek.Frequently Asked Questions1) When was it built?The foundation of the palace was laid in the 16th Century. However, the construction was completed in the 17th Century.2) Who built it?The construction of Leh Palace was ordered by Tsewang Namgyal but it was Sengge Namgyal who completed the construction in the 17th century.3) Who was the Architect?The name of the architect of Leh Palace is not known. The design of the palace is hugely inspired by Potala Palace of Lhasa and is constructed in Medieval Tibetan Architecture. The majestic palace is loved by tourists for its brilliant architecture.4) What are the visiting hours?The visiting hours for Leh Palace are 7 am to 4 pm.Also Checkout and Book: Amazing Trip to Ladakh from Kolkata5) How many days in the week the visitors are allowed to visit the Palace?Leh Palace is open during all days of the week, you can plan your Ladakh tour whenever you want.6) What are the other places I can visit around the Palace?There are few remarkable tourist attractions in Leh which can be easily reached as they are well-connected by road. Some of the major places that you can visit near Leh Palace are Shanti Stupa which is a hilltop Buddhist stupa with impressive architecture; Thiksey Monastery which is one of the most revered monasteries in Ladakh; General Zorawar Fort; and Hall of Fame Museum which is an army or war museum dedicated to the brave soldiers of India and is maintained by Indian Army; Pangong Tso Lake, which is also one of the most famous place of Leh. Besides, Leh Market is another must visit a place that can be visited during your visit to Leh palace.  7) Where it is located?The magnificent palace of Leh sits on the top of Tsome Hill, overlooking the charming town laid down below it. One can enjoy the views of Stok Kangri from the terrace of the palace. 8) Is photography allowed inside the palace?Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside Leh Palace. You can only take pictures of the fort from the outside. However, if you have written permission from the ASI, you can click photographs inside the palace.Also Checkout and Book: A Premium Trip to Explore Beautiful Sights of Ladakh9) Is there any entry fee?Yes, you have to pay a minimal entry fee to explore Leh Palace. The entry fee for Indian tourists is set at INR 15 per person. For foreigners, an entry fee of INR 100 per person is charged.Note: If you wish to stay in Leh, there are various hotels to stay in Leh. 10) Why is Leh Palace also known as the forgotten monument?The name of Leh Palace as the Forgotten Monument is owed to its fate. After its construction, the palace initially served as the residence of the royal family. However, in the 19th Century, due to the invasion by Dogra forces, the residents had to flee and shift to Stok Palace. The palace was captured by the forces of Zorawar Singh and was inhabited by them. And as Zorawar Singh and his forces kept conquering the farther regions like Baltistan, the palace was abandoned and never got any permanent residents back. Over the period, the palace lost its glory and was forgotten. However, this place cannot be forgotten by any of the visitors once they visit Leh Palace.Planning a Bike trip to Ladakh ,Checkout Leh Ladakh Bike Rentals

Hemis National Park is a very famous wildlife attraction in Ladakh, renowned for its large population of snow leopards as well as the varied bird species. After the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, it is India's second-largest continuous protected area. The park covers an area of 3,350 square kilometres and is a must-see, not only for animal aficionados, but also for photographers and hikers as well. It’s often a highlight in many Ladakh tour packages for nature and adventure lovers.Since it is positioned in the Himalayan rain shadow area, Hemis National Park receives very little rainfall throughout the year. As a result, the park is scattered with dry forests, with fir growing at lower elevations. The most common flora species are fir, juniper and dry birch as well as several rare and endangered medicinal plants.The park is a part of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau ecoregion, which includes dense pine forests, alpine plants, and large meadows. The sweeping panoramas of the stream of the Indus River offered here are unmatched and in their raw form. Within the park lies several famous attractions of Ladakh, including the Hemis Monastery as well as the Stok Kangri Peak. Even after having such a huge collection of animals and birds, the Hemis National Park has been providing a route to various trekking trails.