Ladakh, unspoiled by excessive commercialization, stands as a unique destination in terms of its unparalleled natural beauty. Its diverse landscape ranges from captivating barren stretches to lush valleys. In essence, Ladakh possesses an enchanting charm that cannot be adequately expressed in words. To fully immerse oneself in this mystical Himalayan paradise, a ten-day vacation in Ladakh will provide ample opportunity to absorb its essence.
Leh Town
At an elevation of more than 11,400 feet, the main town of Ladakh, Leh, serves as the starting point for your Ladakh adventure. Dedicate two days to acclimatize to the high altitude. The thin air may require some adjustment, so take it slow. Familiarize yourself with the environment to ensure you are ready to fully enjoy the days ahead.
While in Leh, make sure to visit Leh Palace. Once the royal abode, the Leh Palace situated on Namgyal Peak is currently undergoing restoration by the Archeological Survey of India. Visitors can explore the Palace Museum, which showcases a variety of thangkas, jewelry, and ceremonial attire, offering a glimpse into its former grandeur.
Traditional Monasteries
Cities are characterized by high rises, while Ladakh is known for its monasteries. These ancient stupas and gompas are scattered across the landscape, each telling a story of Buddhist culture and history. Among the must-visit monasteries are Diskit Monastery, featuring a statue of the Crowned Buddha and various murals and frescoes; Thiksey Monastery, the largest gompa in central Ladakh with a 49-foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha; and Hemis Monastery, dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. Hemis Monastery is famous for the annual Hemis Festival, showcasing traditional masked dances known as cham. Other notable monasteries in the region include Alchi, Stok, Shey, and Spituk, all housing ancient Buddhist artifacts, hand-painted thangkas, and historic weaponry.
Rivers and Lakes: An Exploration
Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, offers an idyllic excursion with its picturesque beauty. Situated at an impressive altitude of over 14,200 feet, this stunning lake stretches for 134 kilometers, extending from India to China. To reach Pangong Lake, one must embark on a five-hour drive from Leh town. Once you arrive at this captivating destination, you will find it hard to resist its allure and will be reluctant to depart. Another captivating sight to behold is Tso Moriri. The crystal-clear, azure glacial waters of this lake reflect the majestic mountains that surround it with impeccable precision. As the largest high altitude lake in the trans-Himalayan region, Tso Moriri lies entirely within India. It is also home to the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, which harbors a diverse range of flora, fauna, and wildlife that are exclusive to the Ladakh region.
Land of High Passes
It is only appropriate that in the “land of high passes,” one must journey to them. Spanning 50 kilometers on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, Rohtang La connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. While challenging to cross during winter when covered in snow, Rohtang La comes to life in the summer, often causing traffic jams. At an altitude exceeding 17,500 feet, Ladakh is where Khardung La, the highest motorable pass globally, is situated. Positioned north of Leh, it serves as the entrance to the Shyok and Nubra valleys, the latter being home to the Siachen Glacier. The 39-kilometer long Khardung La will keep you on the edge of your seat, with part of the road paved and the rest covered in rocks and gravel.
