It is almost impossible that you’ve thought about a road trip with your family/friends and Ladakh isn’t one of the destinations that you want to strike off your bucket list. This ‘Land of High Passes’, with two mighty mountain ranges- Karakoram and Himalayas, three highest motorable roads- Tanglang La, Khardung La, and Chang La, is one of the coldest desert lands. With breathtaking starry night skies, otherworldly landscapes, crystal clear lakes, and gorgeous monasteries- Ladakh is a sight to behold. Ladakh’s beauty is beyond any words, and you just have to experience it yourself to witness the wonders of this exhilarating destination.

Our expert travel agents have done all the cumbersome work for you and come up with this comprehensive guide to explore the best of Ladakh.

How to reach Ladakh?

There are two ways to reach Leh, Ladakh- by air and by road. It is important to mention that you can travel by road only from around May to October.

By Air: This is the most convenient way to reach Leh, Ladakh, if long drives for days through quite some rough roads is not your cup of tea. There are regular flights to Leh from Delhi all year long.

By Road: If you’re up for a challenge and would love the adrenaline rush of driving across lofty barren mountains, then you’re in for the best road trip of your life- hands down. You can reach Leh from two directions- Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to the south-east, and Srinagar (Kashmir) to the west.

Coming from Manali’s side is the more popular option for travellers, although the road is much more arduous than the Srinagar-Leh Road, which runs with gradual altitude change between 3500-4000m, the highest point being Fotu La at 4100m.

The Manali-Leh road runs at an average altitude of 4000m with 3 passes above 5000m, the highest being Tanglang La at 5320m.

Best Time to Travel to Ladakh

The best time to visit Ladakh is during the months of May-September, which are the summer months in Ladakh with warmer days and relatively milder nights. Winter season commences around mid-October and to say that the winters here are harsh- would probably be an understatement. The temperatures during the colder months drop to -30°C and it is colder than just being freezing cold! However, the flights still operate during winter season if you’re not faint-hearted.

Best Places to Visit in Ladakh

Leh

If you’re travelling by a flight, Leh is going to be the first destination and it will set the bar really high for the rest of your trip. Explore the Leh Palace, which is the most imposing building in the city, making it a great vantage point and also a museum. Watch the sunset from the Shanti Stupa, offering a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding valley. Hike up to the Tsemo Maitreya Temple sitting perched up above the Leh Palace. Explore the markets to witness local culture and indulge in authentic Ladakhi and Tibetan cuisines at small cafes.

Khardung La Pass

This pass was once the highest motorable road in the world (now overtaken by Umling La Pass) and is wildly popular among enthusiasts. To be fair, a Ladakh trip is incomplete without taking a picture at the Khardung La Pass milestone. This pass connects Leh to Nubra Valley and is mostly used by tourists heading to Pangong Lake, Hunder, and Diskit.

Nubra Valley

This fabled valley was once a part of the old Silk Road trading route across Asia and is bordered by the Karakoram ranges, carved out by Shyok River. It has only been a couple of decades since the valley opened for tourism. Diskit, the main town in Nubra Valley, is home to an old monastery that has been built on the side of rocky cliffs. Enjoy breathtaking views down both sides of the valley from the 100 ft. Maitreya Buddha statue.

Pangong Lake

Hands down, the most popular and most beautiful attraction in Ladakh. This is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world and the landscape from here is jaw dropping with the bluest of water against desert-like arid mountains. Due to the long drive, most people choose to spend a night here glamping or staying in small hotels at Spangmik.

Thiksey Monastery

Ladakh is home to a number of monasteries, but the Thiksey Monastery is arguably the most beautiful one. The monastery is built in a cascading design over a small hill and is said to have a distinct resemblance to Potala Palace in Lhasa. As the former seat of the Dalai Lama, it has grand temples perched on top of the hill, where you can reach either by walking through the alleyways or driving.

Hemis Monastery

This is the largest monastery of the region with meditation caves dating back to the 11th century. Officially established in the 17th century, this monastery is tucked into a gorge in the Hemis National Park, hiding it slightly. Apart from the temples of the monastery, there is also a museum here housing important Buddhist artworks, artefacts, and relics, offering a unique insight into the history of Buddhism in Ladakh and the local culture.

Lamayuru Monastery

Being the oldest monastery in Ladakh, Lamayuru holds a lot of significance. It is said to be the place where Mahassidha Naropa came to meditate in a cave back in the 11th century. A temple was built around the same cave, which still can be visited, and the rest of the complex was built by King Namgyal in the 15th century. The monastery is built in a cascading manner across the rocky landscape and is one of the most impressive sights with a unique geological area known as ‘moonland’ surrounding it.

Important Points to Note

•    Be respectful of the local culture and people.
•    Be a conscious and sustainable tourist as it is important to preserve the beauty and ecology.
•    Alcohol is not a part of the culture, and it is very rare that you’d find any restaurant or cafe serving alcohol.
•    As Ladakh sits at quite an elevation, altitude sickness is very common. Hydration, proper rest, and regular small meals are very important. Give your body some time to acclimatize to the altitude change.
•    A regular Indian SIM card does not work in Ladakh. Purchase a local SIM card in Leh.
•    Always try to carry cash with you to make small payments.
•    The local language is Ladakhi, but you’ll also hear Hindi, Tibetan, Kashmiri, and basic English being spoken.

Visiting Ladakh is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. No picture, no matter how lifelike, will ever do justice to witnessing the surreal otherworldly beauty of Ladakh in person. Discover Ladakh at exclusive discounted prices with Brightsun Travel. Reach out to our travel agents and get the best deals and offers for Ladakh packages to make your Ladakh trip a reality.

Happy Travels!