Ladakh
Hilltop Trips India

State Jammu and Kashmir Near by Places Lion Namgyal Srinagar - 412 Km Jammu - 880 Km Leh - 13.4 Km Best Time to visit May to November. Elevation Ladakh - 2,750 to 6,670 m. Coordinates 34.174317,77.597809 Ladakh Map

Photo by : ShrikantJP in webshots More Ladakh images ...

Karzok Monastery The panoramic arid mountain desert of India, Ladakh remains freezing cold throughout the year . Ina ccessible to the world, Ladakh that helped preserving a culture and beauty from getting soiled. Geologically Ladakh is considered to be a new formed land and it was until recent that it was unknown to the world.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Location | Ladakh Map

The Hill Resort

Ladakh in India is a very high altitude cold desert land with a low level of atmospheric oxygen. Occupying an area of some 90,000 sq. Km at an altitudes of 2,750 to 6,670 m, Ladakh in northern India is situated between the Western Himalayas and Tibet and holding the enchanting Hemis National Park. The pristine beauty and the varieties of activities like trekking, white-water rafting, camel and wildlife safaris and sightseeing attracts thousands of people to this region. Besides the scenic mountain landscape, Ladakh is also home to a variety of cultural resources like - local homes and ancient monasteries. Ladakh also supports a high-altitude ecosystem of uncommon and endangered flora and fauna.

It was only all of sudden Ladakh found an audience for itself and adventurers who trekked their way to reach this unattainable altar. An alternate entry was needed from Kashmir. The new Manali-Highway reduced the travel time from 16 hours to 2 days. The Army moved in. In the second slide came in1974, with the opening up of the region to tourists- strategic decisions, to strengthen ownership rights in International eyes. Trek to the passes or let your land cruisers waltz a adventure on the arid desert, bathe in the cold rivers and learn some Ladakhi accent a bit. Pace up your mood to scale those heights and its only then you can feel Ladakh in a better way.

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is dominated by the picturesque palace of the former Ladakhi royal family, together with the Victory Fort, built to commemorate an important 16th century Ladakhi victory over neighbouring kingdoms.

Ladakh Festival

A fifteen day festival organized in the month of September is an endeavour of the state government to present the cultural and traditional heritage of Ladakh in a coup of events, dances, dramas and sports.

In late June and early July, the whole Ladakh region comes alive with festivals. Some are held at the local cricket and polo club in Leh, while others are held at the monasteries. Reserve a place well in advance as they get very crowded. Some of the festivals are only held every 12 years, (such as one at Hemis) and at that time the monastery will display its greatest treasure, such as a huge thangka (a religious icon painted or embroidered on cloth).

Activities

Ladakh offers great opportunities for undertaking adventure activities amidst landscapes of breathtaking, rugged beauty. The most popular and best established among these are trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.

Trekking

When Ladakh was first thrown open to tourism an average itinerary encompassed visits to Leh and its environs with some treks into nearby valleys. The most popular of these were the 8-day Markha valley trek, the 11-day Lamayuru-Padum route and the Stok Khangri round trek. Now with growing interest in adventure tourism the focus has shifted to the mysterious valleys of Suru and Zanskar with their spectacular scenery.

Ladakh is an excellent trekking area for experienced trekkers. The infrastructure is nowhere near as developed as in Nepal, necessitating greater preparedness on the part of the trekker. Most trekkers go with a guide and some pack horses, which is easy to organise, and if arranged in Leh quite affordable. It is possible to trek independently, but this should not be undertaken lightly and without much consultation with locals. People do go missing and die on those trails!

River Rafting

A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and running it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs.

In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. The most difficult but exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along its spectacular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountains, between Padum and Nimo. This is suitable only for well organized white-water expeditions, prepared for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters. Adequate arrangements for rescue coverage is an essential pre- requisite for embarking upon a white-water expedition on a river like the Zanskar.

Mountain Climbing

The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Padum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalaya, necessitating advance booking years' ahead.

Among its six known peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135 m) and Kun (7,077 m) are the highest summits. The area nearest to Leh is the Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar mountains, south of Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days' trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stokkhangri (6,150 m) is the highest; it offers a spectacular perspective to the central expanse of the Indus Valley which it dominates. Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri (5,900 m), Matho West (5,950 m) and Kantaka (5,275 m). The much higher Konglacha Peak (6,700 m) lies south-west of Leh and is reached via Rumbak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from Stok.

Many un-named peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 metres and 6,400 metres are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well outside the Inner Line, or restricted area. North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies the Karakoram range. It soars to a number of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission from the Government of India. The most prominent summits in this range which are accessible from various parts of the Nubra Valley include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser-II (7,513m) and Saser-III(7,495 m).

The climbing season extends from mid-May to mid-October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon which holds sway over most of the Himalaya. Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks.

Elevation

Ladakh - 2,750 to 6,670 m.

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Location Details

In the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the extreme northern part of India.

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How to Reach There and Distances

Air

Indian Airlines operates scheduled services from Srinagar to Leh & Jammu/Leh. Leh airport is 8 Km from city center. Jet Airways also operates services between Jammu, Delhi and Srinagar (Sundays only).

Rail

The nearest Rail Head is Jammu 620 Km. from Leh. Jammu is connected to all parts of India through express trains.

Road

Leh is approachable on State highway from Srinagar crossing high passes, the highest being Fotu-la(13,479 feet). Road communication between Srinagar and Leh is closed between October & May. For local sight seeing taxis and luxury coaches are available.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

May to November. Avoid the Winters.

Weather

Dry cold during winter and dry hot during summer.

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Tourist places near Ladakh

Gompas

Home to many budding Lamas the Gompas are beautiful structures on the hilly slopes. Some of the famous Gompas are Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Shey and Thiksey that are visited by many trekkers and tourists. The Gompas are constructed beautifully with grand images of Buddha and colourful decorations all over.

Hemis and Matho

Hemis Gompa Monastery Further 20 minutes away from Thiksey, having crossed the river at Karu, the roads have massive mani walls into a gorge that hides the Hemis Gompa, till last minute. This is a largest monastery in Ladakh. Matho is 26 Kms from Leh and houses swords and has weapons of powerful oracles of Matho.

Stakna Palace Museums

The royal family of Ladakh have been living here since they were ousted by Zorawara. The only part of the 77 rooms palace that is open to tourists is a wing that view are fascinating collection of arte facts from the royal attraction.

Drama of Indus

From June to August end, the Indus offers a splendid option for rafting for the first timer. There are two runs on offer, the first being an easy, stress free float. The second bring some adrenaline in the into play, beginning at Phey. The run is for three to four hours till Nemo.

Leh

The 17th century capital of Dynamical Empire is the epicenter of Ladakh. Leh is a place Buddhism is practiced in the enclosures of the four walls of the Gompas. Just one visit takes you years back in the solitary moments. Leh can be better glanced by walking down its several undulations.

Leh Palace

The nine storey palace of Sengge 'Lion Namgyal imposes itself on Leh. Take a walk and you will come to realize the dilapidated structures needs extensive repairs. Make your way to the top floors to get a brilliant view of the side valleys and the Indus Valleys.

Zanskar Valley

Zanskar is one of the famous tourist attractions of Ladakh region because of its picturesque valleys. It is located to the South of Leh town and surrounded by Zanskar and Himalayan ranges. The valley covers an areas of around 5,000 sq Km and the average elevation is 13,154 feet. One has to cross through some of the highest passes of the world to reach this region, which remain closed during the winter months because of the snowfall. It is very famous for its trekking routes.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley means Valley of Flowers and is located to the North side of Leh town. The average height of the valley above sea level is about 10,000 feet. Main attractions of the region are Bactarian Camels (Camels with double hump), some of the beautiful ancient monasteries and Khardung La Pass, at an altitude of 18,350 feet.

Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh

Ladakh is world over famous for its Buddhist monasteries, which are also known by the name of Gompas. These monasteries house a number of Thankas, paintings and ancient Buddhist sculptures. Some of the famous Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh are Likir Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Gompa, Namgyal Tsemao Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Shey Monastery and Phugal Gompa.

Tso Moriri Lake

It is a beautiful water body bounded by mountains, which expands around 240 Km. It is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet near to the Korzok village. It is located to the East direction of Leh town.

Pangong Lake

This beautiful lake is 2.4 miles in width, which is located at an altitude of 4,267 meters above sea level. Turquoise colour of its water is the main attraction of the lake. 75 percent area of this lake is located in China and 25 percent in India.