Weather in Ladakh is very eratic. The best time to visit is between Mid of May till the end of September. However the remote trek routes are operational only by June. Another reason to visit Ladakh in the summer is the annual festival of the Buddhist Monasteries or gompas which is the grand celebration of the year.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
By Air
Leh is the capital of Ladakh and is connected by flight service. Due to erratic whether condition flights services may get cancelled at short notice.
By Train
There are no train services to Ladakh. One has to opt for road transportation only
By Road
The most opted option to reach Ladakh by road is the stretch from the Kashmir valley on the Srinagar-Leh road (435km). The highway is operational from early June and it closes down by November
History & Culture
The archeological findings indicate Ladakh has been inhabited since thousands of year. Ladakh has been a major trading centre between China and the Mediterranean on the silk port. Buddhism was introduced in the region somewhere in 9th century. In the troubled phase after India’s Independence, Ladakh experienced turbulent times when Chinese troops occupied Aksai Chin claiming it to be part of China. The issue has never been settled even after the same been contested by India. After another war which was launched by China in 1962, Ladakh was in the forefront and hence it gained lot of importance as military base. Because of all these disputes Ladakh had remained closed to foreign tourists till 1974 since then it has gained a lot of popularity for both national and international tourism.
Top Attraction
Hemis Monastery
Shey Gompa
Alchi Gompa
Likir Gompa
Leh Palace
Pangong Lake
Nubra Valley
Hundur Sand Dunes
Popular Destination in Ladakh
Leh
Leh is the most important town in Ladakh. This hillstation is spread over a dusty mountain; the beauty of Leh will transport you back in time. One can spend time visiting various monasteries, palaces and mosques. You can also indulge yourself in some adventure activities like white-water rafting and mountaineering.
Pangong
Pangong located at 154 km southeast to Leh; is the largest source of saltwater lakes in Asia. This lake is at an altitude of 4276m with the beauty of Pangong Range to its south and the Changchenmo Range to the north. This point gives a distant view of Tibet at distance however the harsh and bitter winds blowing over the water makes it as the coldest place in Ladakh.
Alchi
At around 70 km from Leh is Alchi which has an extraordinary wealth of ancient wooden sculpture, wall paintings which has been preserved inside tiny mud-walled temples for more than nine centuries. Alchi has most impressive monasteries which escaped the Muslim depredations of the fourteenth century; and the best part is you don’t need a special permit to visit it.
Thekkady is outpost of small forest popularly known as Periyar Tiger Reserve lying on the Western Ghats. The best part of the park is that it is operational throughout the year, it stays open even during monsoon. Another best attraction is the Elephant rides that happens through the jungle which is for 30 minutes.
Zanskar
Zanskar which means “Land of White Copper” is famous for Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries and its stunning beauty. Zanskar Valley currently can be approached by road from Kargil (the second largest town in Ladakh). Zanskar attracts thousands of adventure sports lovers every year for Trekking and Rafting