Ladakh is known for its distinct culture and spectacular landscapes. The snow-clad high mountains, cold deserts, and huge glaciers illustrate the topography of the region. But planning for a trip to Ladakh is exciting but it can be challenging as well. So, making a to-do list beforehand might help you to make sure that you don’t get indulged in any problems and can enjoy the fascinating activities, the culture and traditions, and remarkable views of Leh Ladakh. There are some dazzling lakes and rivers that fascinate the tourists and offer sufficient opportunities for rafting.
So to experience the unforgettable Leh Ladakh tour. Here is your pre-planned to-do list you must need:
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La pass is a gateway to some of the most elegant and novel terrains located in the Leh district. Khardung La is situated at a height of 5,359 meters. It is affirmed to be the highest motorable pass all across the globe. The best time to visit Khardung La Pass is from April to June as well as from September to October.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa in Leh is one of the most notable Tibetan structures which is known for its architecture and elegance. The white-dome structure towers two storeys high and is truly fascinating and the place offers picturesque sights of the surrounding area. You can spend some time meditating and praying inside the Stupa and get a chance to soak in the peaceful ambience. Also, don’t overlook the chance to witness the beauty of the Stupa after sunset, when it gets illuminated by many twinkling lanterns. You can visit this peaceful place throughout the year.
Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is named after the popular monastery in the region, i.e. Hemis Monastery. The very rare species of wilderness is the only reason behind its global recognition. Also, it is considered to be the capital of the Snow Leopard of India. Bharal and snow leopards are some of the instances of unseen animal collections found in Hemis National Park. Most people visit this place during summer.
Magnetic Hill
The Magnetic hill in Ladakh is popularly considered the anti-gravity hill. It is said to be a place where the forces of gravity are resisted, where vehicles appear to be pulled in an upwards direction on the hill. While various scientific theories could disprove the mystery of this unique phenomenon, there is also a local superstition belief regarding this, it states that the Magnetic Hill is a direct “stairway to heaven”. Between July and September is considered the best time to visit this place.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is a museum established and conserved by the Indian Army. Here you can witness the ultimate symbol of bravery that the Indian army portrayed during the times of India’s war against Pakistan. You can see pictures that were captured by the Indian army and get a close insight into their lives in the cold Siachen Glacier. Also, know about how and where they lived, and their training history amidst the ice walls. The museum also has a separate section where you can watch a heart-warming and detailed documentary on ‘Operation Vijay’ and ‘The Kargil War. Travellers can visit throughout the year.
Pangong Lake
One of the incredible things to do in Ladakh is observing the sunrise at Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake. It lies calmly at a breath-taking g elevation of 14,270 feet above sea level. The bizarre clean blue water is salty and thus it doesn’t let any aquatic life survive. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees makes even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite contrary in the case of salt ridden water bodies. This charming landscape enriches its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travellers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experiences. The best time for visiting this place is between May to September.
Leh Palace
The palace holds a unique aura within it and that’s enough to please the visitors. It was constructed in the 17th Century. The Leh palace is a nine storeys complex, every storey had different purposes to serve back in the days of glory. The building looks more majestic when seen from a distance at night. Another pleasure that the palace holds for history lovers is the museum that stores a great collection of artefacts highlighting the cultural history of the region. Although capturing photographs is not allowed inside the palace. The best time to visit Leh Palace is in May and June and also in the post-monsoon months of September and October.
Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri, also known as the Mountain Lake, is one of the two most popular lakes in the Ladakh region. If you’re looking for a place for vacationing, then Tso Moriri can be your ideal place. This lake is not that famous among the lakes of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. This lake is around 100 feet deep and surrounded by majestic mountains, making it a hidden gem in the cold desert land of Ladakh. It is an ideal travel destination for unique travellers as well as those who wish to explore the untouched beauty of Ladakh. The summer months of May, June, July, and August are supposed to be promising times for visiting this lake.
Drass Valley
Drass Valley, in Kargil District, is popularly called the Gateway of Ladakh. This Valley played a prominent role during the Kargil War. In 1999 Pakistani Army began to drop shells on Drass and the surrounding townlets and consequently, the war broke out between India and Pakistan. In the end, India recaptured Drass and other parts of the premises and then Drass has been recognized as the memorial of the Kargil War. The residents of the valley are known to be the saviours of abandoned travellers who try to cross the pass along the snow-covered trails and also they have stayed back in the valley to transfer trading commodities in the extreme cold. The trips of Drass compulsorily include a visit to the well-known Drass War Memorial which is constructed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the India-Pakistan War in 1999. May to September is a suitable time to visit Drass.
And your to-do list ends here. Hope you’ll visit every place mentioned on the list to make your trip the most memorable one.
