A Leh Ladakh tour is a well sought-after tour; thanks to its adventurous experience, rough terrain and cold weather. It is challenging, magnificent and beautiful at the same time. Anyone who visits Leh Ladakh falls in awe of its culture, geography, and its strategic location. If you are planning a Leh Ladakh tour and looking for places to visit, this article will surely help you out in planning your tour.
About Leh Ladakh
A tour to Leh Ladakh is a dream for many and a self-realisation discovery for those who have ever visited it. The absolute vastness of the land with towering mountains, high-altitude mountain passes, and deserted landscapes makes you feel how tiny you are in the face of the universe. India is blessed to have a place so beautiful and serene as Leh Ladakh, thanks to the security forces who protect the land from not-so-friendly neighbors.
As beautiful as the place is, it is culturally very rich and inspiring. Most of the people in Leh Ladakh are influenced by Tibetan culture. It is really an immersive experiencing for travelers visiting Leh Ladakh.
Places to visit in Leh Ladakh
Leh City
The city of Leh is a beautiful one! It is nestled between the Himalayan mountains and offers stark landscape views. Leh City is a city of exuberance with vibrant markets, sightseeing places and lots to explore by road.
Leh Palace
The star highlight of the Leh city is the Leh Palace, a nine story palace of the royal family of Leh. The monument situated on a hill top flaunts its beautiful Tibetan architecture and offers mesmerising views of the valley.
Shanti Stupa
The Shanti Stupa is a symbol of peace and a shrine in Leh city. It is a popular landmark in Leh city and was built by both Buddhist and Japanese Monks in 1991. It holds the sacred relics of the Buddha. The iconic place overlooks the city of Leh and offers beautiful views.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is a War Memorial and Museum run by the Indian Army in the city of Leh. The area being strategic in location has witnessed unrest and a couple of wars with its neighbours. The War Memorial holds memories, weapons and stories of valour, sacrifice of the brave Indian soldiers.
Khardung La Pass
Decorated with the title of one of the ‘Highest motorable roads in the world’, the Khardung La is a must-visit place for every adventure seeker. The road is a strategic point connecting two parts of the Ladakh region. The high mountain pass is located at 5,359m (~17,500ft). Travellers can face high-altitude sickness in this region so make sure you are physically fit before visiting this place.
Pangong Tso Lake
The Pangong Tso Lake has been one of the iconic lakes in the upper regions of Leh Ladakh. Over the years, its popularity has risen significantly because of its clear water lake, and jaw-dropping views of the mountains that last till infinity. The Pangong Tso lake is a must-visit place if you are travelling to Leh Ladakh region.
Thiksey Monastery
Known to be the largest monastery in the Central Ladakh region, Thiksey Monastery has its old-world charm. This monastery is home to more than 120 monks and is around 500 years old. Built in the traditional Tibetan architecture, Thiksey Monastery is a popular tourist place 19 km from Leh city.
Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley
The Diskit Monastery is another iconic Monastery in the far located Nubra Valley, a hundred kilometres from Leh City. The Nubra Valley is beautiful and one can witness mesmerising views of the valley standing from the Buddha Statue at Diskit Monastery. The Nubra Valley because of its lush vegetation, is also called the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’.
Popular Markets and Things to Do in Ladakh
Leh city is unlike Central Indian cities, full of hustle-bustle. Rather, because of less population, cold weather, and border area, these are laid back, slow, limited, and embrasive. The Leh Market is one of the main markets in Leh city where you can shop for traditional Ladakhi souvenirs. There are shops for high-quality Pashmina wool products like Shawls. These are world-famous and are made by Kashmiri Artists.
Along with these, here are recommended things to do in Leh Ladakh –
- Camel ride in Nubra Valley
- Drive through Khardung La (One of the Highest motorable roads in the world)
- Leh city tour
- Camping at Pangong Tso Lake
- Monastery Visit
- Magnetic Hill experience
- Confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers
How to plan your Leh Ladakh Tour?
Planning a Leh Ladakh tour requires careful considerations as the ‘Land of High Passes’ is open for tourists for only a few months. Here are some steps that can help you plan a Leh Ladakh tour effectively
- Plan Ahead – The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is between June to September. After these months, the high altitude city gets closed because of winters and snowfall. It is recommended to book your Leh Ladakh tour in advance to avoid ticket price rise and limited options.
- Get fit – Leh Ladakh is a high-altitude region with less oxygen percentage. People with pre-existing diseases and breathing issues might feel breathing issues. If you have these issues, it is recommended to consult your doctors before visiting Leh Ladakh.
- Add Adventure to your tour – For a memorable trip to Leh Ladakh, add a Bike Tour to explore this amazing land. Rent a Royal Enfield and join a Bike tour group and ride across the mountains.
- Hemis Festival – Plan your tour in June/July to experience the popular cultural festival of Ladakh – Hemis Festival.
- Opt for Stargazing Experience – When in Ladakh, one gets to experience and witness the beautiful outer space with clear naked eyes. You can opt for a stargazing experience and experience the magical sight in Leh Ladakh.
- Transportation and Commute – Leh city is well connected by Roads and Airways. You can book a Flight from Delhi airport to Leh. The 1.5 hour flight shows you the beautiful Himalayan range when in the sky. The short duration flight drops you at the Leh Airport. On the other hand, Leh city is connected via Highways from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir).
- Tour Package or Solo Travel – If you are planning to visit Leh Ladakh for the first time, it is better to go with Private Tour Packages. Leh Ladakh is a high altitude area with low oxygen and extreme weather conditions. A tour package will be a comfortable and convenient option. If you are an adventure seeker or have visited Leh Ladakh region ever before, plan your solo Ladakh tour accordingly.
- Get necessary Permits and documentation – Leh Ladakh because of its strategic location is also a restricted land. One needs to get a few permits and documents before visiting. These permits are mandatory for both Indian and foreign tourists –
- Inner Line Permit – ILP or Inner Line Permit is required to visit restricted locations such as Pangong Tso Lake and Nubra Valley. Travellers can apply for these permits only.
- ID Proof – It is advised to carry your Identity Verification card such as Aadhar Card or any other Government of India approved Identity Cards. These are mandatory and can be asked for at several checkpoints.
Summary
Leh Ladakh is one of the must do tours in India. Its raw natural beauty, distinct culture and experience is one lifetime experience. Located at some of the highest altitudes of the world, there is a strange liking for the place that brings thousands of tourists from all over the world. Get yourself fit and acquire necessary permits as you plan your Leh Ladakh tour.
