Overview
Placed at the base of the mighty Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges, Ladakh boasts of owning a varied yet picture-perfect landscape. Famed as a Buddhist ex-kingdom, the region is dotted with a number of attractions, Gompas or monasteries being the most popular of all. Also referred to as the 'Land of high passes', Ladakh has been bestowed with natural beauty in abundance, which attracts a decent number of tourists, from all around the world. It is an ideal destination for honeymooners, family vacationers as well as adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy the pure lakes, rivers, snowy peaks, wildlife, adventure sports, ancient monasteries, the wooden handicrafts, the food, interact with warm locals, handwoven woolens and much more. The town of Leh is located towards the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 3505 meters above sea level. The area is watered by the Zanskar river which flows into the Indus river. There are two routes to Leh- one from Manali in the south and another from Srinagar in the west.
CAMEL SAFARI
The best activity over at Nubra is riding Bactrian Double Humped Camel through the white sand dunes. This experience will give you an opportunity to live between the hallmarks of the Nubra valley such as snow-capped mountains, crystal clear and dribbling water, sand dunes and profuse green vegetation. These Shaggy double humped camels were earlier used by traders as pack animals to load spices, fruits, clothes, etc. Now, these have been bred from the tourism point of view. They can carry two to three adults at a time and can travel for miles. In the past few years, these camels have emerged as the hot favorites among tourists for camel safaris. A double-humped camel ride is quite popular at Diskit and Hunder. A double-humped camel ride is popular in Ladakh and is considered one of the best camel safaris throughout the world.
BIKING
Unarguably, Ladakh is the paradise for mountain bikers. The meandering roads cutting their way through the awe-inspiring scenery is where all the mountain biking inspiration can be found. Biking in Ladakh is not only about adrenaline rush and facing the challenges, it is also a great way to witness the culture and traditions of varied regions. This adventure activity in Ladakh is also perfect to explore the offbeat Buddhist Monasteries and relishing the lesser-known side of this beautiful Himalayan destination in India. Biking is also an extremely accessible option- bikes can be had in Srinagar, Manali, and even Leh itself, and they can be taken to all kinds of places where a car might find it difficult to go. Biking in Ladakh is one of the best ways to enjoy your trip to the region, so make the most of it. The best time to go on a bike trip to Leh Ladakh is from the months of June to September. These months enable the bikers to enjoy the best of Ladakh, as long as they appreciate their bike journey to Lahaul & Spiti. However, most of the bikers love to kick-start their brand-new year with this crazy bike journey.
YAK SAFARI
Yak Safari in Ladakh is truly a safari with a difference and an experience you would remember forever. This is an adventure distinctive to Ladakh. Exploring the pristine lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams and chiseled snow peaks of Ladakh while saddled atop a yak may be a lifetime encounter. It is request from the tourism development of Ladakh that all those who want to encounter Yak Safari in Ladakh need to be respectful towards this majestic animal and treat it with care. Yak Safari is an unforgettable and unique experience organized in different areas. Popular trails are Dzongri area and Tsomgo lake. You will get to ride the yak in Tsomgo lake and in various trekking points like Dzongri in West Sikkim onwards Chopta Valley Jeep & Yak Safari Tour. Yak safari in Ladakh can be organized on prior notice while booking. Tour guides with their expertise guide you through this land of beauty and ensure you have an adventurous stay.
ZANSKAR VALLEY
Zanskar Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Leh Ladakh in June is Zanskar Valley. Many people come here in cars or on bikes to experience the thrill of driving or riding through this challenging terrain. It is simply an unforgettable experience. The roads here are navigable but extremely tricky. Once you reach Zanskar, you will be amazed by the clear blue streams, lakes and the glaciers which seem close enough to touch.
NUBRA VALLEY
Nubra Valley’s beauty can be described as surreal and unearthly. This is one of the recommended places to visit in Leh Ladakh in July because the weather is pleasant and enjoyable. Most of the other time, the climate is too cold to enjoy. There are plenty of places to see here – Diskit, an isolated town on the edge of a desert feels serene and peaceful. You can also visit other nearby places like Somoor and Panamik. Being in Nubra Valley is a revelation. To understand how people can lead such a cocooned, yet difficult existence is an eye-opener. There are hot springs on the outskirts of Panamik exude an inviting warmth and are great for a dip.
HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
Hemis National Park Known to be the largest national park in India, It is home to several snow leopards and is definitely one of the most-recommended places to visit in Ladakh. The park doesn’t have much vegetation and there’s quite a bit of snow near the mountains. During summer, there’s also a bit of flooding because of the melting of glaciers. There are quite a few animals in the dry region – Great Tibetan sheep, blue sheep, Ladakhi Urial and of course, the snow leopards. Other animals include Tibetan wolf, red fox, Eurasian brown bear and Himalayan marmot to name a few. This is definitely one of the places to visit in Leh Ladakh for nature and animal lovers.
TURTUK
Turtuk is the northernmost village of India situated in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir located in the Nubra tehsil, 205 km from the district headquarter Leh, on the banks of the Shyok River and an oasis of K2 range. It is the only Balti region under the Indian administration and was under Pakistan's control until 1971, after which India gained control over this strategic area. Geographically, Turtuk lies in the Baltistan Region and is one among four such villages in India, the other three being Tyakshi, Chalunkha and Thang. The residents of Turtuk and its adjoining villages speak Balti language as ethnicity. Turtuk is the last outpost of India at Thang after which Pakistan-controlled Gilgit- Baltistan begins. Turtuk is very famous for the availability of different varieties of fruits especially apricots and its artefacts. Turtuk was opened to tourists in 2010. Turtukis one of the few places in India where one can witness Balti culture and heritage.