A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh, A journey to Ladakh along treacherous and twisty roads is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Manali-Leh road and Srinagar-Leh road are the only ways to get to Ladakh. Both roads have distinct features, however the Manali-Leh road is more difficult due to its high altitude, numerous river crossings, mountain passes, and over a hundred hairpin curves.
All adventure and environment enthusiasts dream about travelling along the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes. While the Manali-Leh highway offers three choices (branches) for getting to Leh, the Srinagar-Leh highway has three. The Manali-Leh route is open from May to October, whereas the Srinagar-Leh highway is open from late March to November. Because the Atal tunnel skirts the powerful Rohtang pass, the road is likely to remain open for a longer period of time after its completion, A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh.
When travellers contemplate about travelling to Ladakh by road, they mainly consider their safety, challenges, and road conditions. They also want to know about permits, passes, gas stations, repair shops, halfway hotels/camps, snow chances, and snow watching opportunities, among other things. We will discuss everything in this post in order to properly assist travellers and provide accurate information, as Leh Ladakh has been organising road trips to Ladakh for over a decade and no one else has a greater understanding of the roads and challenges.
Both Srinagar and Manali to Leh (via Atal tunnel) are 14-15 hours away, and tourists are advised to travel the distance in two days for two reasons: they will have enough time to see some of the major mid-way attractions during the day, and they will have enough time to acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
Highlights of Ladakh Tourism
You can visit Leh Ladakh to see a variety of sights. Others are a reflection of raw nature and its inherent beauty, while some are architectural wonders. Hunder Cold Desert is one of Diskit’s most prominent tourist attractions. People come here to see the Future Buddha and the Pangong Tso Lake. It’s a sight you’ll never forget, with its ever-changing colours. Almost every Ladakh tour package includes it. If you’re lucky, you might even see some uncommon bird species like seagulls, Brahmani Ducks, and Black-necked Cranes during your visit, A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh.
Another notable attraction in this region is the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. You can also go to Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Magnetic Hill, Moonland, and other attractions. The Lamayuru Monastery is one of the most notable sites in the area. Alchi Gompa is a must-see for its 800-year-old artwork. Crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, colourful culture, and alpine flora are just a few of the reasons you should visit Leh Ladakh at least once in your life. Don’t forget to include the following places/attractions in your Leh tour package’s itinerary.
Main Attractions Ladakh Tourism
Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in the world, majestic in breadth and fascinating in the depth and variety of its experiences. The region is characterised by high passes, sheer cliffs, stunning lakes that shimmer invitingly from all directions, long empty roads that beckon invitingly, and an attitude of tranquilly and purity that pervades the air.
There are many beautiful places to visit in Ladakh; places of such grandeur and subtlety that they make you marvel at the power of the natural creative process that went into forming them. Both natural and man-made marvels enrich the landscape of Ladakh, making a trip a fantastic adventure that will leave you with grand memories. There are many things to do in Ladakh. A couple of days required to acclimatize in A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh can be spent profitably enjoying the sites in and around Leh, from the various monasteries that glorify the region to the palaces and museums that add to its cultural depth.
When you’re ready to venture into Ladakh‘s higher elevations, you can explore destinations like Pangong Tso, Khardung La, Marsmik La, Hemis National Park, and other magnificent vistas. You can also participate in one of Ladakh’s many exciting treks. Your journey to Ladakh promises to be exciting and varied, with so many sites to visit and things to do. The chance to visit Ladakh is a great blessing, so enjoy it thoroughly. The options are many and varied, and the thrills you get out of them will be endless.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace, also known as the Lhachen Palkhar, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The building’s old appearance, along with the brilliant blue skies in the background, makes for a pleasant viewing experience. In fact, the grandeur of this location may be appreciated from afar. In 1553, famed Buddhist Kings constructed Leh Palace. One of the world’s tallest structures, Leh Palace bears a striking resemblance to Potala Palace in Tibet.
You can get spectacular and amazing views of the Stok Kangri and Ladakh mountain ranges if you spend some time outside the complex. Leh Palace lets you experience the beauty of ceremonial robes, jewellery, and crowns displayed on every wall in the premises, thanks to several centuries-old paintings and artefacts, A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh.
Pangong Tso Lake
Pangong Tso Lake is without a doubt one of the most stunning sites in Leh Ladakh. Whether you’re travelling on a solo trip to Ladakh or with family and friends, be sure to include this natural beauty on your itinerary. Pangong Tso is a popular destination for camping, photography, mountain riding, bird viewing, and tourism. During the winter, the lake freezes, and you can indulge in trekking and ice skating, A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh.
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley, located 150 kilometres from Leh, attracts visitors from all over the world. The region’s popular attractions include the Khardung La Pass (the world’s highest motorable road), Diskit Monastery, Ensa Gompa, Diskit Town, and the Siachen River. Trekking, bicycle safaris, and even a dip in hot springs are among the adventure activities available. Nubra Valley is also the right place for wildlife lovers to spot alpine birds and Bactrian Camels.
Shanti Stupa, Leh
This well-known monument was erected to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhist history. It has been seen as a sign of peace and prosperity ever since. People flying out of Leh stop by this attraction on their way back home because it is only 5 kilometres from the airport. The complex’s 500 steps are not for the faint of heart. With a steep climb, the complex houses a beautiful image of Lord Buddha and the Dharmachakra.
Khardung La
The highest motorable road in the world, a visit to A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh isn’t complete without clicking a picture at the Khardung La Pass. The pass is open between May and October. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Khardung La Pass from all parts of the world. During summer months, you can even book a horse safari.
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill, located just 27 kilometres from Leh, is one of the world’s most famous optical illusions. Researchers have yet to come up with a clear explanation for what is causing the occurrence. When rain falls on the ground, it appears to be drawn towards the hill. Even automobiles that are travelling straight on the road appear to be heading upward. During your stay in Leh-Ladakh, Magnetic Hill should definitely be a part of your itinerary.
Monasteries
Dotted with several colorful monasteries, several places in Ladakh depict the legacies of ancient and Buddhist kings. Tibetan culture is prevalent in the valley, and its influence can be noted in cuisine, buildings, handicrafts, and everywhere else.
Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh
In Leh Ladakh, each season has its own distinct feel. During the summer, you can go across the region and take in the breathtaking splendour of various places. Winter, on the other hand, allows you to immerse yourself in deafening solitude and calm. Every season offers glimpses of colourful culture and breathtaking landscapes. As a result, the majority of people are unsure when is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.
April to June — From April to June, you’ll most likely be able to reach Ladakh only by plane. During these months, the roads are blanketed in snow, making driving impossible. Miles of desolate countryside, in fact, resemble a cover of snow. Every morning, the gleaming sunlight brings life to the buildings, lakes, and bright skies. This is most likely an excellent time for honeymooners to visit. Restaurants and cafes begin to open, but there is little foot traffic. There are also taxis available. The temperature hovers below 15 degrees Celsius during these months.
The snow begins to melt in the first week of May. The Leh-Srinagar motorway is now open. The Manali-Leh roadway, on the other hand, does not open until June. The month of June is considered by most travellers to be the finest time to visit Leh-Ladakh via road. The weather remains pleasant, allowing you to take in even more of the scenery, A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh.
Several lakes, like Pangong Tso Lake, transform from sheets of ice to crystal-clear waters during this time. The reflected sunlight, changing colours, and snow-capped peaks in the background provide the ideal setting for a vacation. You can also travel through the Khardung La and Chang La Passes during these months.
The lively, colourful, and joyful Hemis festival attracts visitors from all over the world throughout June. June is also an excellent time to organise a trekking trip in Leh-Ladakh. Rains begin to fall heavily after this time, making it difficult to prevent landslides. During these months, treks to Markha and Zanskar are also available.
You can either participate in or simply observe the legendary Himalayan Car Rally in June. If you’re unsure about when and how to organise a Leh Ladakh trip, having a good understanding of the optimum time to go will provide some answers. Carry a lot of sunscreen and moisturiser because direct sunlight can be a concern during this time.
September to October – Landslides and other problems are widespread in the region because to the monsoon’s destruction. From July to September, most tourists avoid visiting Leh-Ladakh. After September, the clouds begin to clear, but the temperatures begin to decrease. However, it is still regarded as a fantastic time for newlyweds. Roads are clear, cafes and restaurants are starting to open, and there are less crowds. You have complete freedom to explore the region at your leisure. Because nights might be chilly, it’s a good idea to bring thermals and jackets with you, A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh.
Locals prepare to shut everything down for the winter season around this time. As a result, cafes and restaurants are less crowded, allowing you to unwind and relax. The Ladakh Festival is held every year between September 1 and 15. It allows you to immerse yourself in Ladakh’s culture and history.
November to March – Winter in Leh-Ladakh is considered the off-season due of the cold weather. During this time, adventurers from all over the world flock to the region to partake in a variety of activities and marvel at the raw beauty of nature. Even though most hotels and restaurants are closed, you may still enjoy Ladakh‘s delectable cuisine by staying in a local guesthouse. The majority of motorable passes, including the Khardung La Pass, are still open.
January is considered a wonderful month to visit Leh-Ladakh because of the Chadar walk (across a frozen river). It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s worth noting that during the winter, the only way to go to Leh-Ladakh is by plane. Due to the significant snowfall, highways and roads have been closed. During the winter months, you can participate in an annual ice hockey competition at the Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink, attend the Losar festival, and see the wandering Snow Leopards.
How to Reach Ladakh
For good reason, Ladakh is known as the country’s adventure capital. The location of the location makes it an ideal option for those seeking an adrenaline-filled vacation.
Ladakh is one of the few destinations in the world where the fun begins the moment you set off on your journey there. Traveling to Ladakh is as interesting as your vacation thanks to the gorgeous routes.
Mountains, valleys, snow, cold desert, frozen lakes, trekking routes, rivers, mountain passes, and other natural features abound on the terrain. You are in for an amazing vacation if you have chosen A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh as your next location.
By Air
The easiest way to travel to Ladakh is by air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located in Leh. This airport is connected with many international airports in India like Delhi. It also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh and other common destinations in India.
The airport is a military terminal and thus, the security is a bit strangling. It is important to have all your documents ready when you enter Ladakh via the airport. It is better to have a hard copy of your e-ticket.
You can find a few taxis outside the airport to reach required destination. Not all destinations have daily flights to Leh. It is better to book your accommodations after you book your tickets.
The most common flights to Leh fly from Delhi. The cost of an air ticket from Delhi to Leh starts from INR 8,000. The cost varies with the service provider, season and other factors.
By Bus
There are government and private buses from Srinagar and Manali. If you are choosing Srinagar, you will pass through Zoji La Pass to reach Ladakh and you will scale Rohtang Pass to reach Ladakh from Manali.
The Srinagar path is open from June to October for bus entries. The Manali route is open for bus routes from June to September. If you were planning to hire bus from New Delhi, it would take minimum 4 days to reach A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh
By Train
The nearest railway station to Ladakh is in Tawi, which is 700 km away from Ladakh. This railway station receives trains from many important destinations like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and others. From the station, you can find cabs to reach Ladakh.
You can also pre-book cabs. It would take two days to reach Ladakh and the trip will cost INR 10,000. Other nearest railway stations are in Chandigarh and Pathankot. It would take at least three days to reach from the railway station to Ladakh. This is the most inconvenient method to reach Ladakh.
By Bike
Most tourists visit Ladakh in bike. The place has the world’s top three highest mountain passes that can be scaled on a vehicle. Biking along the mountain passes and stopping for a steaming cup of tea is the iconic activity of this place. If you are planning to travel to Leh via bike, you can choose one of two routes.