Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh offers the most vivid facades of nature that one needs to see to believe. Brimming with flawless attractions, Leh Ladakh is blessed with beautiful high passes, serenity oozing Buddhist monasteries, tiny hamlets and vibrant local culture.

People & Culture The locals of the region enjoy a simple life amidst the natural environment. Women here can be seen wearing Goncha, which is a loose thick woolen robe tied on the waist. Men here wear loose pyjamas with a hat. The culture here is mostly influenced by Buddhism, which can be seen in various festivities rejoiced by the locals.

Natural Beauty The mountain ranges of Zanskar to eye steep terrains covered with pearl white snow, all exude the natural beauty of Leh Ladakh. The pristine rivers flowing down the mountains make the region look even more beautiful. Pangong Tso Lake is another gem that attracts travellers looking for a perfect spot for camping. In addition to this, the mind blowing sights of far stretched desert among the snowy hills can be viewed from the Nubra Valley.

Adventure An ideal destination for adventure lovers, Leh Ladakh with its rugged landscapes brings to you a range of trekking sites. Trekking along the Zanskar River from Lamayuru Gompa to Chilling via Konze La and Dung Dung La is the most preferred journey among trekkers.

Another popular adventure activity here is Mountaineering. The region offers some of the most challenging peaks, including Stok Kangri Peak (6121 m) and Kangyaze Peak (6400 m), which give goose bumps even to the most veteran adventurers. In addition to this, travellers can also enjoy White Water Rafting in the swift-flowing Indus and Zanskar Rivers.

Wildlife Leh Ladakh is home to various wild animals and birds. Travellers visiting the region get to see Yaks, ibex, Tibetan Hare, Blue sheep, wild ass, Bharal, Marmot, the Tibetan antelope, etc. The region also houses 310 species of avifauna, including Golden Eagle, Lamagier, Wall creeper, Rock Bunting, Black necked crane and Himalayan Snowcock to name a few. Hemis National Park is a popular wildlife attraction among travellers, offering shelter to various conserved and endangered species. The park is known for housing a considerable population of snow leopards, which entice travellers from near and far.

Religious Destinations Leh Ladakh has been ruled by numerous dynasties in the history resulting in the multiculturalism sprinkled here. Buddhism is the most practiced religion, and thus, one can find numerous monasteries dotted here. Diskit Gompa is a popular monastery located above the flood plains of the Shyok River in Diskit village. Lamayuru Monastery is another imposing Monastery situated on the main Kargil Leh highway between Bodhkharbu and Kha-la-che. Those who wish to explore the stunning Ladakhi architecture, Thiksey Monastery is a masterpiece.

Shopping Leh Ladakh is known for its Pashmina shawls, stoles and other Pashmina wool garments, which can be found in any local market here. Hand-woven rugs, carpets and shawls are also available in abundance. The Tibetan silver jewellery and traditional Ladakhi jewellery are a hit among women travellers.

Some of the most popular markets that please the heart of shopaholics include Tibetan Handicraft Emporium and Ladakh Art Palace on the Main Bazaar Road; Cottage Industries Exposition and Women's Alliance in Changspa; Tibetan Market off Old Leh Road; and Moti Market near the Leh bus stand.

Food and Cuisine The region has a distinctive agricultural economy and lifestyle, thanks to its Himalayan Ecosystem. Many locals practice farming and use the produce to make delectable dishes. Ladakhi food is known for being nourishing and mildly flavoured. Thukpa, a thick soup with vegetables, remains popular among locals. There are also a number of bakeries here selling freshly baked bread and Apricot Jam.

Best time to Visit The months from May to August are highly popular among travellers. September to February are the coldest months of the region when weather remains chilling with temperatures hovering around -20 degrees Celsius. Travelling in these months can be difficult as most of the terrains remain blanketed with thick snow. The months of March and April are though not so cold, one can experience occasional snowfall.

How to Reach Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the main airport of the region. Direct flights are available from Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu.

There are also bus services from Jammu and Kashmir or from Manali to visit Leh.

Pathankot and Chandigarh are the closest railway stations to Leh.