LADAKH- a lesser-known and far more spectacular place that sits tucked inside its cover of Kunlun mountains in the north to the great Himalayas in the south. With sharing its east border with Tibet, Ladakh has Lahaul and Spiti to the south-east and Kashmir valley to the west. A place which is God’s heaven, the largest plateau stretch of INDIA, unabashedly kissing the Himalayas with stories hidden that date back centuries. Ladakh “the land of high passes” gives an otherworldly experience to its visitors who seek to unfold the mysteries that lay amongst the folds of the mountainous façade. With the monasteries and sanctuaries lost in the world of silence who teases them who go past the first leaves, of which each of them having their own stories, history, and secrets.
- The Beauty of Nature
Deep down the valley, all the mighty rivers seem to come from God’s own house from the top of the mountains. Making the valley grow its kind of flora and fauna, which brings grace and hope. The snow-covered mountains tell the stories, which take you back to the centuries-old silk route, it was the center of trade to INDIA from other parts of the world. A place that is hidden from the lust and pace of the world comes into notice when the sun sparkles its shine. The snow melts down the mountain, once may call it supernatural but the blend of ice and the heat lights up all the background. It seems like the creator himself created the painting, which turns out to be a picture-perfect background.
The capital – “LEH” The land of high passes has its capital LEH, the small city out in the mountains, ‘Leh palace’. Dated back to the 17th century is now a lodge for tourists, right at the top of the mountain with a view justifying nature’s beauty. It gives a feel to see the world like an out worldly dimensional place. Spituk Gompa, located on the Cliffside made with creamy-white building blocks is one of the most prestigious, and secular monasteries out there. The statue of Kali guard gives a glimpse into the Indus valley, which is now present there for ages whispering with air that passes by gently throughout the valley. Leh situated in the side of the mighty river Indus stands as a supporting arc to the Indian Army ahead in Siachen and Kargil safeguarding us from the outer threats
- Exploration corner-
The tallest peak the Stok Kangri in the Hemis National Park becomes a point of summit and trek during the summers. The Zanskar Valley, the Quaint Park is amongst one of the main tourist spots. From Zanskar valley, the two rivers flow down challenging any rafting enthusiast, to come and race the downstream. The Nubra valley attracts campers with the Nubra River flowing by the side which further merges in the Shyok River, the campers here experience the mesmerizing sunrises and the sunsets. The Nubra Valley also houses one of the oldest and the largest monasteries of the land of high passes. The sham valley along the Indus River has the Alchi Monastery which dates back to the 11th century. The magnetic hills are one of its kinds of wonder which seems something directly from outer space. It is one of the oldest out there in Ladakh. The Khardung La pass, also known as the highest motor-able civil lain road gives an adrenaline rush to the adventure of exploring ones.
The breathtaking views are the highest mountain passes, crystal clear skies, festivals, and thrilling adventure activities. Adding on to this many companies provide Ladakh tour package including some very popular ones like Chadar trek, Pangong lake visit, Nubra Valley exploration, and many more in the package itself.
- Accessibility-
The easiest way to reach Ladakh is by flight to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport from any of the main airports of India. The one young at heart prefers to conquer the mountains on a 4*4 all-terrain vehicle or a muscular bike with jaw-dropping views. One of the best ways to explore Ladak is by road, many private firms and companies also offer complete assistance and support on your Ladakh bike trip. It makes the experience much more smooth and better. The Manali-Ladakh highway is considered to be a challenge that almost every biker out there wants to conquer.
- Great glory-
Ladakh is the glory of raw nature and is the untouched beauty of the earth. The old rock collection in the room of Buddha is a must-visit here. Ladakh is much happening in summers and autumn season, tourist visit here for paragliding, skiing, rafting and to see the heritage culture and peace. The region is mostly dominated by Tibetans and Buddhists and people of other religions also living peacefully in the laps of nature and seeing a world with different eyes. The Hemis festival, one of the most famous festivals which marks the 10th day of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar is famous for the gigantic decor and radiant colors which fill the city with joy. It is the place where many great saints have attained enlightenment in the deep caves of the Himalayas and found the real meaning of peace and power.
Now a day it is one of the most visited tourist spots with the number of tourists increasing rapidly year by year. It is also becoming a popular summer destination because of the hospitality and welcoming nature of the locals out there. Ladakh is heavily protected by the Indian Army as it shares land with the China territory. It is a safe place to visit and hang around with friends, families, and loved ones. One should visit a place like Ladakh once in a lifetime for that soothing experience that would refresh your mind and soul, give you the energy to hustle at your best. Ladakh- a place, where you can explore a lot, and have one of the best times of your life.
