Ladakh The only explanation about the beauty of Ladakh is that if you cannot go to moon, just go there. Beyond this the words end.
Commonly described as Crown of India, Ladakh is the land of high passes, salt lakes, large glaciers, richest Buddhist Monasteries and its moonlike landscape. The beauty remains scattered here and there. Entirely different form the other parts of India, Ladakh holds a precious status for a tourist as the access to the region is not easy. You may fly into Ladakh but the chances of Mountain sickness demand at least a day to allow you to get acclimatised. To avoid that follow the best way, if time permits, and drive through the high passes, deep gorges, remote villages and vast plateaus that served as lakes once upon a time.
Ladakh is a home of challenges and both, the drive and the beauty, are breath taking. The geographical carvings that occur due to wind and water erosions hold a stunning attraction for the viewer. The high altitude lakes, mainly glacier fed, are the main sources of various streams and the rivers are some of the jewels of this Crown of India.
Ladakh is also the land of Buddhism. Nearly one thousand years ago Renchen Zongpa, a teacher from Tibet had set up the Buddhist education centres across Indian western Himalayas. Some of them like Hemis, Likir, Lamayuru, Alchi, Stakna and Dishkit are still there, serving are one of the biggest Tibetan education centres.
Ladakh shares is borders with China and Pakistan, therefore remains under the threat from these two countries. Siachien glacier – the highest battle field in the world is to its western tip. A visit to the base of Siachein can be the highlight of the trip.
Ladakh remains open only for a few months of the year from June till September and this is the best time to visit and explore the region.
The Shanti Stupa in Leh is a magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument located atop a steep hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet. It is a religious place for the Buddhists as it holds the relics of Buddha, consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. It is also popular amongst tourists as it offers a sweeping view of Leh and the nearby Changspa village. Shanti Stupa looks exceptionally beautiful during the full moon night when it is naturally illuminated by the moonlight.
Shanti Stupa was constructed in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The construction was jointly done by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace. It is a part of the peace pagoda mission, which aims to spread peace through the preaching of Buddha. Shanti Stupa is a perfect getaway for both- those looking to obtain peace from offering prayers to God and those waiting to be mesmerised by nature’s wondrous beauty.
Nubra Valley is famous for the Bactrian Camel Safari. These camels are known for their two humps, rather than the one-humped camels usually seen. They were the major mode of transport to travel to silk route. These are now used for the safari in the region is hugely popular among the tourists. The best time to enjoy the Bactrian camel ride in Nubra Valley is from July to September. These Hundur camels have a capacity of carrying 2-3 people at a time.
Shyok Village is a hidden gem located in the Nubra Valley region, between Leh and Pangong Lake. Located on the banks of the Shyok River, this tiny hamlet is an offbeat location with only a few houses and families. It is the perfect place to slow down, breathe in nature and get away from the daily routine. Shyok village is located on one of the old caravan routes connected to the Silk Route. The entire village runs on solar energy while high electricity appliances are banned. There are man-made irrigation channels spread throughout to conserve water. Since Shyok Village sits in the lap of Kumarakom ranges, it offers breathtaking view. Must Know Before You Visit Shyok Village:
– There is no wifi or phone netwrok in Shyok
– Some small homestays are available for stay.
– The road to Shyok village runs close to the river which sometimes run over and cause flooding.
Be careful if travelling on a bike. Also, avoid travelling at night.
MoonLand – Lamayuru: A peculiar landscape near Lamayuru on Leh-Kargil Road is the MoonLand. It is called so fondly, because the landscapes here are said to be like that of the moon. It has also been said often, that on a full moon night, the area is an extraordinary sight to behold, something one doesn’t get see everyday, making it a must visit area of the town.
Darcha Padum: Located on river Bhaga, Darcha is a small Lahaul region in the Himachal district of Spiti. Whereas Padum is among the two primary capital cities of the Zanskar society in Ladakh. There are plenty of camping sites en route, spread across a variety of nomadic sites travelers would pass by. The Darcha-Padum stretch is about 127 kilometres. Witnessing incredible mountain ranges, expanses of absolutely quite lands, a couple of mountain animals and small streams are some of the guarantees on the Darcha-Padum.
Yarab Tso Lake: The holy Yarab Tso lake, often referred to as “the hidden lake”, is the best-kept secret of Ladakh. Located near the Sumur Village, approximately 15 km from Diksit in the Leh Ladakh region, this gorgeous lake can only be reached by hiking uphill for 20 minutes. Regarded as one of the holiest and high altitude lakes in the Nubra Valley, Yarab Tso is highly revered among the locals of the region. It is advised not to wash your feet or try to swim in this enrapturing lake. Simply sit by the rocks, breathing in the unpolluted mountain air, relishing the site of colourful prayer flags fluttering around the crystal clear aquamarine water and experience the sense of calmness it brings.
How to Reach Yarab Tso:
The Yarab Tso Lake can only be reached on foot, hiking for about 20 minutes from the Panamik Village near Sumur.
Turtuk: Turtuk is a small village located in Nubra Valley region of Ladakh, on the banks of Shyok River. It is the northernmost villages in India lying very close to the India Pakistan border, in the Baltistan region. Turtuk is an unexplored and offbeat place, opened to tourists only in 2010. There isn’t much to do in Turtuk apart from trekking and visiting the 2 monasteries and the Royal House. The picturesque village with its tiny houses and fields is surreal. It remains cut off from Ladakh for 6 months during winter. The charm of Turtuk is its people and culture. It is one of the few places in India to experience the Balti culture as Turtuk is one of the four Baltistani villages under India’s control. The rest are controlled by Pakistan. The postcard village houses a few homestays and guesthouses with locals welcoming tourists with warmth.
Trekking in Ladakh: Ladakh offers some wonderful and exciting trekking experiences to the visitors. This Himalayan region is a haven for those seeking adventure in the lap of mountains and peaks. There are many trekking options in Ladakh, which vary in difficulty and duration.
