Ladakh
Ladakh is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The landscape is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. It is a favourite destination among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white-water rafting. Ladakh celebrates a number of monastic festivals – annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladakh Festival, that gives a peek into the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage.
Some must see places in Ladakh are Shanti Stupa, Lamayuru Monastery, Sangam Point, and Hemis National Park. Activities that you can undertake are trek to Markha Valley, Chadar Trek, cycling, motor biking, white-water rafting on Indus river, camel safari and yak safari.
Ladakh is especially famous for the following destinations.
Pangong Lake: The ever-changing colours of Pangong lake against the intense blue sky makes it one of the most spectacular sites in Ladakh. It is a glacial lake approximately 150 kilometres long, spreading out over India and China.
Royal Leh Palace: The Royal Leh Palace is a 17th-century medieval palace that stands overlooking the town of Leh. It is one of the most important cultural destinations in Ladakh. The palace also includes a museum which has artefacts dating back almost 450 years.
Magnetic Hill: The Magnetic Hill is a “gravity hill’, capable of enacting a unique optical illusion that baffles tourists every time they view it. The hill gives the illusion that an object which is going downhill is actually following an uphill track. Cars that are travelling down the slope seem to be going uphill, thereby apparently defying gravity.
Zanskar Valley: Zanskar valley is one of the most isolated places to visit in Ladakh where about 14,000 people comprising mainly Buddhists live. The valley is sandwiched between the Great Himalayan ranges and the Zanskar mountain ranges. It is surrounded by lofty mountains, deep gorges and is closed for about eight months in a year due to heavy snowfall in the region.
Nubra Valley: Trekking and camping is an adventurous way to enjoy NubraValley but you can also engage in jeep and camel safaris. The 150-kilometre-long valley is rich in sightseeing opportunities. From the Diskit monastery to the sand dunes to the Shayok and Nubra Rivers, there is a lot to enjoy here.
Travel in Ladakh
Ladakh is not accessible throughout the year. The highways leading to Leh-Ladakh are open mostly from the months of May to October because they remain submerged in snow for rest of the year.
By Air
The most comfortable way of travelling to Ladakh is taking a flight. There are several flights to Ladakh during the peak season and also during the off-season. The closest airport to Leh is the KushokBakulaRimpochee Airport. It operates flights to major cities like Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar and Chandigarh, to name a few.
By Road
Biking: Travelling by bike to Ladakh is something that is eagerly looked forward to by adventure enthusiasts. It can be so adventurous and thrilling.
Driving: Lots of adventure lovers prepare to go for a self-drive run over the roof of the world via the ever-enthralling and adventurous Manali – Leh Highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway.
Accomodation
The accommodation options in Ladakh are varied and affordable. One can find guest houses and hotels in the price range of Rs 700 per night to Rs 2500 per night depending upon the facilities and comfort level one is looking for.