The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ladakh in 2022
Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, tucked away in the confines of the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas, Ladakh is a natural wonder. Considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in India, Ladakh is clothed in glory with barren cold desert, snow-draped mountains, quaint gompas, striking blue water bodies, multi-colored flags fluttering in the air, and sightings of Bactrian camels traversing the deserts. It is spectacularly an embodiment of all things beautiful and serene. The remoteness of the region coupled with rocky terrains of mountains and cold air breezing through is what makes Ladakh a perfect place for anyone seeking to experience some time away from the ordinary and revel in the extraordinary. A haven for adventure enthusiasts, the entire length of Ladakh is brimming with things to do, and places to visit and explore. Here is a list of guides you might want to consider before you plan your trip to Ladakh: Best Time to Visit Ladakh: When to go? The most ideal time to visit Ladakh would be in the summer months from June to September. The roads of the Srinagar Leh highway and Leh-Manali highway open up by May to mid-July and hence serves as the perfect time to plan a road trip along this famous and magnificent road. The roads are also open during the monsoon months from end-July to August but the sludge on the highway proves to be very challenging. By October, the roads are closed off from the world due to heavy snowfall. The only way to reach the place is by flight. But winter in Ladakh is very mesmerizing and an experience to cherish for a lifetime. How to reach Ladakh? By Air: The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the best option to reach Ladakh. It is well connected to other major cities of India. Flight bookings are available throughout the year. By Train: Ladakh does not have a functioning railway station. However, the closest train station is Jammu Tawi in the city of Jammu. You can hire a taxi or bus to reach Ladakh from here on. By Road: The road network in Ladakh is well connected to other major cities of India. However, the roads are only open for six months of the year, and from November to April, the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall. However, the Delhi-Manali-Leh highway and Delhi-Srinagar-Ladakh routes are famous for their captivating views which makes for a memorable road trip. Places to Visit in Ladakh: Where to go? God has blessed Ladakh with some of the most beautiful and magnificent places on earth. Whether it is a long trek or a short trip, there are many places where you can visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Ladakh. These places are the perfect getaway to rejuvenate your soul. For the uninitiated, these places are some of the best places to visit in Ladakh. 1. Nubra Valley Credit: Getty Images One of the most beautiful destinations in Leh, Ladakh, Nubra valley is a gem waiting to be explored. From aged old monasteries to bountiful orchards, this region of Leh, Ladakh is sandwiched between Kashmir and Tibet. The breathtaking view of the valley where sights of dunes coupled with herds of Bactrian camels can be witnessed is what makes Nubra Valley even more appealing. 2. Zanskar Valley Credit: Trek and Trails An enchanting semi-desert region in Kargil, Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is truly a work of art. The sparkling clean rivers, snow-capped mountains, enthralling landscapes, and pleasant weather serve as a perfect destination to escape the hectic reality and relish in the best of nature. The mountain range of Zanskar is part of the Tethys Himalayas hence it offers a spellbinding view into the panoramic trans Himalayan region. 3. Pangong Lake Credit: Jagran Josh Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Ladakh. Located at a height of almost 4,350 meters above sea level, it is said to be one of the highest altitude lakes in Ladakh. A beautiful water body so blue and serene that captivates anyone that visits the place, Pangong Lake also serves as a photographer’s paradise. The tall mountains surrounding the lake, ducks wandering on the banks, colored flags swaying in the wind, and the clear blue sky all add to the charm of the lake. 4. Tso Moriri Credit: Himachal Watcher An emerald lake known for its spellbinding beauty, Tso Moriri is a must-visit place in Ladakh. The sheer beauty of this lake combined with the vast expanse of the blue sky and the tall barren mountains as the backdrop with marshlands and wetlands around the lake makes the entire length of Tso Moriri majestic. Though lesser known than Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri rightfully stands as a tourist favorite for offering nothing but the best to its visitors. Things to do in Ladakh: What to do? If you are planning a vacation to India, you should know that the main attraction is Ladakh. There is a lot of beauty and adventure to be found in this region. This section enlists all the things you can do on your Ladakh trip. 1. Chadar Trek A thrilling and possibly one of the most exhilarating trekking experiences over the frozen ice carpet of the Zanskar river. Loved by adventure enthusiasts for its taxing yet exciting route, the trek is very strenuous and daunting even for experienced trekkers. The temperature drops below sub-sub-zeroes. Regardless of the difficulty, the nights spent in caves, sightings of exotic wildlife, traversing across frozen rivers with sparkling blue water flowing in gaps, and walking along the barren yet majestic mountains are what make this trek an experience to treasure for a lifetime. 2. Bactrian Camel Safari A famous fun and adventurous activity that can be experienced in
