Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Exploring Leh-Ladakh is the most cherished dream of all adventurous people and never dying brave hearts, who love challenging the harsh climate, rough weather, tough terrains, and the most spine-chilling moments. It’s just impossible to beat the allure of trekking adventures in Ladakh. Its harsh topography, monasteries circuits, and unbelievable life-surviving experiences are daunting but enthralling too, no matter, whether they are spirituality seekers or adventure lovers. The scenic surroundings are incredible, and the views are mesmerizing, whether they are of the valleys of Ladakh or the gorgeous frozen lakes or the magnificent, breath-taking snow-clad mountains. Evading the fear and the fury of nature is not difficult, considering the adventures that keep you enthralling all the way around, whether it’s chilling winters touching -20 degrees or lovely summers when the trekking is more of fun, rather than the threatening adventure.

Have you at any point thought about a place that removes you totally from the hustles of the unremarkable life and drops you in where harmony and peaceful climate, tranquil beautiful magnificence, honorable scenes, and the spout of gut wins! The single word definition to such a spot is Leh Ladakh which is in the Northernmost part of India. Leh Ladakh is the ideal destination for everyone who is, honeymooners, family travelers or whether he or she is solo traveler this place gives you complete adventure and thrill. Make your own next trip to Leh Ladakh with the best Leh Ladakh tour packages for you by IndianTravelStore

Hitherto a part of the State of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh has declared a union territory on 31st October 2019. Engulfed by the mighty Himalaya and the Karakoram ranges, and spread right across the Ladakh and the Zanskar ranges, this amazing land is in itself mystical in all the spheres it covers, from geographies, the simple culture that it has inherited, and above all the nature – its mesmerizing serenity and beauty, blessed with abundant attractions and some out of the world landscapes, to visit, coupled with the amazing yet simple people and the associated culture, truly makes it a heaven on Earth, to be experienced when undertaking a tour of Ladakh on one of the Leh Ladakh tour packages. A very popular saying has it that it is here, alone, where a man sitting in the sun and his feet in the shade can experience, both, sunstroke and frostbite, at one and the same time. 

Generally, there exists confusion regarding the two, Leh and Ladakh, let it be known that Ladakh actually consists of two distinct districts namely Leh and Kargil, Leh, the largest town in Ladakh and a district headquarter,  being a very popular and famous tourist destination, is known for its beautiful and ancient monasteries, amazing and exotic picturesque locations and the markets that define or rather showcase the native culture of the place, and is home to the Indus, Shyok and Nubra river valleys. While, on the other hand, Kargil, the headquarter of the other prominent district, is home to the Suru, Dras, and Zanskar river valleys.  

Being the highest Indian plateau, generally above 3000 mts (9800 ft) on an average and spreading across both the Himalayan and the Kunlun ranges, it is home to the historical upper Indus River valley and the confluence of both the Indus and the Zanskar rivers, distinguishable by the different colors of the waters of the two rivers, Indus – green water, and the Zanskar – brown water. 

With regard to the habitation of this area, it can be seen that the major populated areas are generally along the river valleys while the mountain slopes sustain the pastoral Changpa nomads and can also be termed as the most sparsely populated regions of India, making it the largest and the second least populated Union territory in India.  It is also known by the name of “Little Tibet”, owing to its proximity, and historical and cultural relation to Tibet. 

Geographically speaking the mountain ranges of this region, having been formed over 45 million years ago, owing to the merging of the Indian Plate into the more stationary Eurasian Plate, and its continuing drift results in frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region. The peaks in this Ladakhi Range, in the Himalayas, stand at a medium-altitude, in the proximity of the Zoji-la pass (5,000–5,500 m or 16,400–18,000 ft), increasing towards the southeast, and finally culminating in the twin summits of Nun-Kun (7,000 m or 23,000 ft).

The highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen Glacier, lies in the eastern Karakoram Range of the Himalayas, along the disputed Indo-Pak border. It is this Karakoram Range that forms a divide between the Indian subcontinent and China, forming a watershed and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Third Pole”. The exact location of this glacier is between the Saltro Ridge, immediately to the west, and the main Karakoram Range to the east. Measuring a staggering 76 Kms in length, this glacier is the second-largest glacier in the world’s nonpolar areas and the longest in the Karakoram Range. 

The historic Indus River is essentially the backbone of this Union Territory. All the major towns like the Timosogang, Basgo, Leh, and Shey (but not Kargil) are found to lie in close proximity of the Indus River. It was after the 1947 Indo Pak war that the stretch of this river flowing through Ladakh became the only part of it, highly revered in the Hindu religion & culture, still flowing through India into Pakistan.

Weather in this amazing land comprises of rather short summers, but long enough for the cultivation of the crops here, and is dry and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 3 to 35 degree Celsius, while on the other hand, the winters temperatures here are frigid and range between -20 to -45 degrees.

23 Places To Visit in Leh Ladakh with Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Talking of its location, the Ladakh of today borders the Lahaul and Spiti regions of Himachal Pradesh to the south, the Valley of Kashmir, Jammu, and Baltiyul regions to the west, Tibet to the east, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakoram Pass in the far north. The historic and inaccurate line dividing Ladakh and the Tibetan Plateau originates in the north amidst the scraggy and intricate maze of ridges east of Rudok continuing southeastward towards Nepal through Aling Kangri and Mavang Kangri. Baltistan, now in the Pakistan Occupied area, was the winter capital of Ladakh before partition, while Leh used to be its summer capital. 

1. Pangong Lake

Popular and famous as the spot where the Bollywood movie 3-idiots was shot making it the most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh and situated at an altitude of 4350 meters the Pangong lake is essentially a landlocked water body. The Pangong Tso, as it is popularly known amongst the locals stretches to a total length of about 12 Kms, from India to Tibet, of which almost 60% of the lake lies in the Tibet Autonomous Region. A very peculiar and feature unique to this lake that arouses curiosity in you is the fact that the water of this amazing lake does not remain blue throughout the year or to matter even through the day, it changes color from azure to light blue to green and finally grey as the day progresses, something that you will need to see to believe when on a Leh Ladakh trip package.

Another important factor, when visiting this lake, is that owing to its location on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control, it necessitates the acquiring of an inner line Permit to visit here. The Indian nationals can easily obtain this permit while in the case of foreign nationals can obtain this for a group of a minimum of three people and also that they need to be accompanied by an accredited guide while visiting here. This permit, however, entails a small fee and is obtainable at the Tourism office at Leh. This lake too freezes during the winter months despite its salinity, owing to its altitude. 

2. Magnetic Hill

One of the most talked-about and an unbelievable tourist attraction in Ladakh is the Magnetic Hill, at an elevation of 14,000 feet and at a distance of roughly 30 Kms from Leh, on the Leh Kargil highway, this Magnetic Hill produces an illusion of your car moving uphill when parked in the marked box, at that point, thus defying the force of gravity as such.

Although there are various myths doing the rounds regarding this Magnetic Hill the fact is that the layout of the area and its surrounding hills is such that it produces an optical illusion for any and everyone visiting here, as a result of which the road going downhill appears to be an uphill road leading to the impression that the car is rolling uphill, defying gravity, and gaining momentum while doing so, whereas in fact, it is actually rolling downhill, to really get a feel of such a happening you need to plan a visit to this place on one of the Leh Ladakh tour packages. 

3. Zanskar Valley

The exotic Zanskar valley also known as the Zahar or Zangskar locally, lies at a distance of approximately 105 Kms, in the Kargil district, on the eastern edge of Ladakh and is known for its raw and rugged landscape is mostly frequented for the purpose of trekking or river rafting. The Zanskar mountain range of the Tethys Himalayas is the o0ne that separates this valley from Ladakh.   

Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and rivers flowing with sparkling crystal clear water and the flora and fauna unique to this region, this semi-desert region stays cut off from the rest of the world for over nine months in a year due to heavy snowfall. The only and the easiest way to reach, this bewitching valley, during a Leh Ladakh trip package, is from Kargil through Suru valley. During the winter months, from December to February, the only way to reach the Zanskar valley is by undertaking the challenging Chadar Trek. 

4. Khardung La

Gateway to Shyok and the famous Nubra valley, the Khardung La or Khardzong La as it is known locally, is a pass, believed to be at an altitude of 5602 meters, in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir, near Leh, and is supposedly the highest motorable in India. However it has been found, contrary to the popular belief that the actual elevation of this pass is 5359 meters only, making Dungri La the highest motorable road pass in India. 

Entry and transgression through this famous pass require the tourists to acquire an Inner Line Permit that can be got from the tourism office at Leh. This being an ideal getaway from the usual rigmarole of daily life, it is important for all the adventure buffs, solitude and peace seeker, and the biking aficionados, to know that if they want to visit this place, on availing a Leh Ladakh adventure tour package, they should do so during the period June to September as this pass remains closed to the public during the winter months from October to May due to heavy snow and rains in the region.  

5. Nubra Valley

Home to some amazing and beautiful monasteries and the Shyok and Nubra Rivers, that snake through it this, in itself an amazing, Nubra Valley lies in the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir and on the ancient Silk Route, about 140 Kms from Leh. 

Since this road happens to lead to the base camp to the highest battlefield in the world, namely the Siachen glacier, it is under perpetual military surveillance, round the clock and 365 days a year. Being a protected area all the foreign nationals and Indian travelers are required to obtain the Protected Area Pass as well as the Inner Line Permits, respectively, whether you are traveling on a Leh Ladakh tour package or otherwise. You are further required to hand over the photocopies pertaining to your travel documents to the soldiers guarding the Khardung La pass, before entering here. The route taken to reach the Nubra Valley, by most of the tourists visiting here is from Leh through the Khardung La pass. 

Famous for its Hippophae shrub, locally known as the Leh berry, the Nubra Valley happens to be the home to the rarest breed of the Bacterian camels or camels with two humps, which were primarily used for the purpose of transportation along the ancient Silk Route. The arid mountains that surround this Valley, impart to it an, amazing picturesque view. 

6. Tso Moriri

A scenic place, surrounded by mountains that shut it from the outside world, so much so that in order to protect its serenity, tranquility, and its beauty it has been declared to be a Ramsar site, meaning that one cannot set up a tent or undertake any sort of construction work around this area. Such is the mesmerizing beauty of the Moriri Lake, set at an altitude of 4,595 meters, lying between Ladakh and Tibet in the Changtang region. Further, the Inner Line Permit, to visit this place, is mandatory. It is spread over an area of 28 kms in length and 8 kms in width and is also called a twin to the Pangong Lake. 

This stunning Lake is also home to some exotic birds that can be spotted around this area, like the Brahmin Duck, the Bare-headed goose, the great crested grebe, and the brown-headed gull, over and above this an abundance of Himalayan hares too can be found in this area.

This exotic location can be visited during the summer months, especially to enjoy your Leh Ladakh honeymoon package, starting April to August, which, incidentally, is also the peak season here. Tso Moriri is totally frozen during the winter months from January to March.

7. Shanti Stupa Ladakh

Constructed jointly, atop a steep hilltop, by the Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomo Nakamura and the Ladakhi Buddhists, to mark the 2500 years of Buddha awakening and to promote world peace, in 1991, the Shanti Stupa, is a religious place for the Buddhists as it is a home to the relics of Buddha, consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. Standing at an amazing altitude of 11,841 feet, in its white glory, it is a very popular spot amongst the tourists visiting Ladakh, either on a Leh Ladakh trip package or otherwise, as it offers a sweeping view of the Changspa village, in its proximity and Leh.

The Shanti Stupa, being painted in an unblemished white exudes its beauty during a full moon night. More over it is also a part of the peace pagoda mission that aims to spreading peace in the world through Buddha’s preachings. It also is an ideal getaway for those in search of peace by offering prayers to the Almighty and those looking to relish the wondrous beauty of the monument. 

8. Leh Palace

Although partially ravished by the Kashmiri invasion of the 19th century, this amazingly stunning palace continues to remain a subject of exploration for the tourists visiting here, on a Leh Ladakh holiday package. The Leh Palace, also known as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’, built under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal, which used to house his family is a 17th-century former royal palace and one among the many central attractions in Leh. This nine-storied dun-colored palace is now home to a museum and a central prayer room. The highlight of this place is the sweeping views, it offers of Leh as well as the mighty Zanskar Mountains from its rooftop. 

Modeled on its principal the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet) it’s pride and beauty still lies in the fact that it houses a lot of ancient Buddha relics, old utensils, cutlery used by the royals who inhabited this palace, paintings, and the artifacts that still adorn the walls of the palace, some dating back to about 450 years or earlier. 

The beauty of this palace is enhanced manifold when it is lit up on certain occasions like the Galdam Namchot festival when all the locals gather around the palace to celebrate this festival. In an attempt to keep the history of the Namgyal dynasty, in Leh, intact, this amazing palace is now being worked upon for the restoration of the ancient structures of that era, by the Archaeological Survey of India.  

9. Spituk Monastery

The Pethup Gompa, as the locals address it, the Spituk Monastery or the Spituk Gompa, its other names, was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub, in the 11th century, when he came to Maryul, and was blessed by Arhat Nyimagung. Located at an approximate distance of 8 kms from Leh, this amazing monastery is home to about 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali, unveiled annually during the famous Gustor Festival, the sight of which, you will get a chance to relish when visiting here on any one of the Leh Ladakh tour packages, it also houses some of the famous collection of Buddhist objects, antique arms, ancient masks, numerous Thangka paintings, and icons. 

Lotsewa Rinchen Zangpo (Translator), on his visit to this place, predicted the emergence of an exemplary religious community from this monastery, after which it got its name, the Spituk Monastery. This monastery offers imposing and mesmerizing views of the Indus Valley and its surrounding beauty, which is the chief attraction for tourists visiting here from across the globe. 

10. Phugtal Monastery

The Phugtal (Phuktal) Monastery, Phuk meaning "cave", and tal means "at leisure" in Zanskari dialect, is a Buddhist monastery in the south-eastern part of the Zanskar region in Ladakh. It is an ideal getaway for avid trekkers, who visit here availing the Leh Ladakh adventure tour package, as the only way to reach here is by foot and some tough trekking while enjoying some enchanting sights and sounds on the way here. It is situated at the mouth of a natural cave atop a cliff, and is one of the most isolated monasteries in the region built around 2500 years ago it resembles a honeycomb when seen from a distance. 

The Phuktal Monastic School in its proximity provides free education to children. The thing that is unique to this honeycomb of a monastery is that the quantum of water that flows through the cave remains constant regardless of the quantum and pace of th water flowing outside of the cave. The monastery houses a kitchen, guest rooms, library, 4 prayer rooms, and accommodation sufficient to house around 700 monks. 

11. Hemis Monastery

Located at a distance of about 45 Kms from Leh, built by the Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal, the Hemis Monastery is ranked as one of the wealthiest monasteries in India. It is most visited on the occasion of the annual Hemis Festival that you can become a part of when on a Leh Ladakh holiday package, held annually in early June.

This Monastery is home to a spectacular copper statue of Lord Buddha, Thangkas (paintings on cotton or silk, depicting Buddhist deity), and murals along with stupas made of gold and silver. Colorful paintings of the Buddhist Kalachakra adorn the courtyard and the verandah. The Red sect or the Dugpa Kargyupta order of Buddhism is the owners of this magnificent monastery. Colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, sending out prayers to the Lord Buddha, decorate all four sides of this Hemis Monastery. It also serves as an educational institution for the teachings of Tantric Vajrayana.  

12. Chadar Trek: The Unique Frozen River Trek

In order to carry out their trading activities, the Zanskari’s, inhabitants of the Zanskar Valley, usually take the road route from Zanskar to Nerak for trading goods in the summer months, as this road becomes inaccessible during the winter months, owing to heavy snowfalls in the region, they are compelled to tread along the frozen Zanskar river to carry out their trading activities. During the winter months from January to February or sometimes early March, depending on the weather, this river lies frozen with its waters forming a thick blanket of ice resembling a white blanket known as a “Chadar” in the local parlance. Thus the trek along this frozen river is given the name of the Chadar Trek.

This challenging Frozen River Expedition or the Chadar Trek, spread over a period of 6 days across the frozen Zanskar River, is one of its kind anywhere in India or you can say is unique, in itself, to Ladakh, which the adventurist in you can really enjoy when on your Leh Ladakh adventure tour package. Although it may seem to a very challenging task, it in fact isn’t the most difficult in comparison to some other treks, as it involves walking on basically a flat surface with a minimal amount of climbing. So if you are a good walker and can afford to walk for a couple of hours continuously, without straining yourself, you are good to go.

To reach the starting point of this famous trek you need to reach the base camp to this trek at Chilling, by driving along the Leh – Srinagar Highway to reach Zanskar a little ahead of this lies Chilling. Once on the trek there are some important points that you will need to pay heed to, first of all when undertaking this trek you need to take small steps on the Chadar in order to get the feel of the ice beneath your feet. Secondly remember that the surface beneath your feet could be hard ice, freshly fallen snow, just formed ice or anything in between these. You will need to observe the locals or the guide accompanying you over the initial period of the trek and imitate their strides and make sure that you do not digress on yo0ur own. Finally, you will get to know the surface beneath your feet and feel comfortable while walking.  

13. Diskit Monastery

Very closely associated to a Tibetan myth the Deskit/ Diskit Gompa, or the Diskit Monastery, as it is known is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley. It is so believed that in a bygone era, this monastery was a home to an anti-Buddhist Mongolian Demon and although this demon was destroyed several times, in the proximity of this monastery, it used to spring back to life time and again, it further goes to say that the disintegrated head and a hand of this demon is housed in this monastery, to view these relics you can do so on your Leh Ladakh trip package. 

The monastery is also home to a school that is run by an NGO that goes by the name of "The Tibet support group" involved in the teaching of Tibetan science, in English. It is famous for its “Dosmoche” festival that translates literally as the festival of the Scapegoat. Expression of the power of good over evil is very well brought about by the masked monks through dances as performed by them, during this festival, it is also said that this dance form eradicates bad luck.  

In Diskit, you can buy some lovely Kashmiri or Tibetan artifacts, Pashmina shawls, woolen socks, almonds, apricots, apples, and other things that define Kashmir.

14. Rafting in Ladakh

Ladakh and river rafting are synonymous in the sense that it is one of the top adventure sports that can be enjoyed when visiting Ladakh. Moreover, the rafting experience, along the Indus River, is further enhanced when, you get to experience some exotic and spectacular sceneries, villages, and monasteries as you traverse the rafting course.  

Other than the rafting in the Indus River, the second option of rafting along the Zanskar too is a marvelous experience, ideally suited to the adventure buff in you when visiting Leh Ladakh on a Leh Ladakh trip package or on a Leh Ladakh adventure tour package. This region is also known as the Grand Canyon of India owing to the presence of some high cliff-like gorges at certain places along the route. Ladakh offers various rafting choices depending on personal physical fitness, cost, and experience, and most of all-season, based on these criteria you have on offer grade one to grade four range of rapids for river rafting in Ladakh.  

15. NAMGYAL TSEMO GOMPA

Built atop a rocky hill, in the 15th century, traveling to the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is indeed, both, a visual treat and a spiritual experience. This monastery offers stunning and mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Zanskar Mountain ranges and the Indus river below.

While it houses some exotic frescos and wall paintings, it is a beauty beyond description with its Tibetan Architecture and is famous as home to the three-storey high golden statue of Maitreya Buddha, whose blessings can be sought on your Leh Ladakh trip package. 

16. CHANGTANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The sanctuary constitutes of sparse vegetation, bitter cold, and rocky terrain, one visit to this place gets you thinking of how the inhabitants of this sanctuary survive the conditions there. It is home to species you would get to see only and only in this cold desert and nowhere else in India, so plan a trip and visit this amazing site on any of the Leh Ladakh tour packages. The species that exist here are the Tibetan wolf, Blue sheep, Wild Yak, the Tibetan Ass among others while it being a breeding ground for a variety of migratory birds like the Bare-headed goose, the Brahminy Duck etc. 

17. TSO KAR LAKE

Among the various lakes in Ladakh, the Tso-Kar is the smallest and the most tranquil of all. It is an ideal location for a night out camping, an ideal location for enjoying a honeymoon trip on a Leh Ladakh honeymoon package. This area is inhabited by various nomads who move around continuously in search of food and shelter. Over and above this lake is visited by a variety of migratory birds like the Bare Headed Geese Brahminy Ducks and the Black-necked cranes etc, and serves as their breeding ground where they come and lay their eggs, during the summer months. 

18. STOK PALACE

Located in the proximity of the Indus River and reachable by jeep and taxis, this amazingly spectacular Stok Palace was built in the year 1825 and is known for its marvelous architecture, spectacular views and its beautiful and sprawling gardens. It is also home to a collection of royal clothing, crowns, and other things of royal values.

19. ZANSKAR VALLEY

Among the most beautiful places in Leh-Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is well-known for its captivating views and adventure sports. It is a paradise for trekking, river rafting, and paragliding an ideal location for the adventure-hungry on their Leh-Ladakh adventure tour package. There are beautiful cave monasteries such as ‘Lingshed’ and ‘Phuktal’. The valley is closed in the winter months due to snow-covered roads, bad weather and treacherous conditions.

20. HEMIS NATIONAL PARK

This national park is the only protected area having the maximum number of Snow Leopards found anywhere in the world. It is the largest national park in India, where you can spot such endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, and the Red Fox. It’s one of the most scenic national parks where you can spot the Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and other birds, on your Leh-Ladakh sightseeing tour package.

21. STAKNA GOMPA

Located on the River Indus, Stakna Gompa is a beauty to behold. It is built on the top of a cliff and surrounded by mountains. The monastery has colored walls, paintings of Buddha, a figure of Lord Buddha, and a prayer hall. The monastery commands a scenic view of the surrounding countryside.

22. Kargil

Usually a stopover for people traveling towards Leh or Padum, Kargil is a tourist hotspot that's small enough to be explored by wayfaring. Situated close to the line of control, Kargil is also a volatile region, owing to the terrorism prevalent from the other side of the LOC. However, apart from its glorious past, bestowed with natural beauty and adventure, Kargil is the place to be for intrepid travelers.

It is the home to the famed Nun Kun Peaks and has excellent potential for skiing, mountaineering, and trekking. Kargil rests on the banks of River Suru and also offers unique opportunities for river rafting. An amalgamation of Buddhist and Turkish architecture, Kargil has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

It is nestled at an altitude of 2704 meters above sea level and offers exemplary views of the Himalayan Ranges. Apart from tourism, this region is also known as an essential center for trade and commerce. Dotted with apricot farms, Kargil is one of the largest producers of apricots in India. Sumptuous food and warm locals are the highlights of this town. Hence, sampling the local delicacies is one of the best experiences in Kargil.

23. TIGER HILL

One of the highest peaks of the Kargil sector, Tiger Hill became famous during the Indo-Pak war of 1999. Indian forces captured Tiger Hill and its conquest was actually a turning point in the war. Since then, Tiger Hill has become famous as a tourist attraction of Leh-Ladakh. The towering hill is a magnificent sight to behold and reminds us of the harsh environment in which Indian soldiers fight to save the country.

With such awesome places, we are sure that your next trip will be to Leh Ladakh, and do let us know of your experiences there so that they can be shared with others wanting to go there on their various Leh-Ladakh Packages. 

Other Places in Leh Ladakh

Cho Khang Gompa

Chamba Temple

Jama Masjid

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib

Sankar Gompa and village

War Museum

The Victory Tower

Zorawar Fort

Ladakh Marathon

Datun Sahib

From Leh as day trips or longer on one of the  Leh Ladakh Holiday Packages

Khardung La

Spituk Monastery

Stok Palace & Stok Monastery

Thiksey Monastery

Shey Monastery

Hemis gompa

Basgo

Alchi Monastery

Magnetic hill

Indus River - Zanskar River sangam (confluence)

Pangong Tso Lake

Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve (Tsomoriri Lake)

Hunder Valley

Sand Dunes Nubra

Siachen Glacier

Ti-suru

Turtuk

Trekking Trails e.g. Markha Valley.

Owing to these geographical characteristics it is also called the Cold or High Altitude Desert, as its altitude, and that of the surrounding mountains, prevents the entry of the monsoon clouds over its landmass, resulting in the winter snow on the mountains being the main stand and the only source of water for this place. The very unfortunate incident of flooding in this otherwise cold desert in 2010 was due to an unexplained and abnormal rain pattern never experienced and the retreating glaciers of the region. Both these phenomenon is said to be linked with the Global warming and the ensuing climate change. One way of preventing such occurrences has been put forward by Chewang Norphel also known as the “Glacier Man”, in the form of the Leh Nutritional Project, in this, it is envisaged to create artificial glaciers to counter the glacial melt. 

Owing to its geographical characteristics, that of craggy hills, barren cliffs, and plateaus, it proves to be an adventure playground for the adventure buffs. The various adventure sports/activities that can be enjoyed here are trekking – both, short ones, day-long treks, and the long, trans-mountain treks that are likely to extend to weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness and visit the monastic settlements and the monasteries while on your trek. It also offers ample scope for mountaineering and white water river rafting which are available on both, the Indus and the Zanskar rivers. Over and above all this the monastic festivals, annual events of Ladakh, unique to it, are mostly celebrated during the winter months. The Ladakh Festival, another annual event, held in the month of September, showcases the pageantry, richness, and depth of Ladakh’s centuries-old culture, traditions, folk heritage, while also getting to be a witness to the regions Archery contests, and the performing arts. Over and above all this the most exotic Chadar trek on the magnificent frozen Zanskar river. All this is on offer when visiting Leh Ladakh on any of the Leh-Ladakh tour packages.

Some Amazing Facts About Leh-Ladakh

The cultivated fields in Korzok at 4,600 meters are the highest cultivated fields anywhere in the world.

At a staggering altitude of 5,602 meters, the Bailey bridge in Ladakh is the highest in the world

The twin humped/Bacterian camels, in India, can be found only in the Nubra Valley in Ladakh.

Also known as the Gravity Hill that gives an illusion of a car drifting upwards, the Magnetic Hill, one of the most famous tourist attractions is located near Leh in Ladakh.

The second highest optical Telescope, in the world, housed in the Astronomical Observatory, is situated at the historic Hanle village in Ladakh.

At an altitude of 4350 meters, Ladakh is the home to the highest saltwater lake in the world, the Pangong Tso.

The second coldest place in the world and at the same time the coldest place in India is Drass in the Kargil district of Ladakh where temperatures drop to as low as -45 degrees during the winters.

There is no distinct monsoon season in Ladakh owing to its altitude which prevents the entry of rain clouds over the region, resulting in mainly two seasons in Ladakh namely the summer and the winter seasons.

Siachen is the longest, 76 Kms, glacier among the various glaciers that Ladakh is home to.

“Chadar Trek”, a walk on a frozen river, the Zanskar, is the only one of its type in India and the experience to do is an experience par excellence.

The Zanskar River is the highest white water river rafting site, altitude-wise, in India.

The highest snow Leopard density, anywhere in the world, is found at the Hemis National Park in Ladakh

The National Ice Hockey tournament is organized by the ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) every year during the winters, in Ladakh.

Broken Moonland, a pseudo name for the Nubra Valley, is attributed to it owing to its landscape that resembles the landscape of the moon, Nubra Valley in itself is a Cold Desert

Two of the oldest and the largest monasteries of Ladakh are the Alchi and the Lamayuru monasteries.

Marsimik is the highest pass in Ladakh, though it is accessible to the visiting tourists they are required to obtain an inner line Permit prior to traversing through here.

The 32 meters tall Maitreya Buddha Jampa statue at the Diskit monastery in the Nubra Valley is the biggest tourist attraction.

The last village in India, in Ladakh where tourists are permitted to visit, is Turtuk

The famous Yak, found in Ladakh, other than being an extremely useful animal, is also consumed as a delicacy in Ladakh.

Although various Bollywood movies have been shot at sites in and around Ladakh, the very popular movie 3 idiots were shot at the Pangong Tso