If you’re looking for an amazing family travel destination that’s off the beaten path, look no further than Ladakh, India. This remote region in the northwestern Indian Himalayas is home to some of the most stunning scenery on Earth, as well as a rich culture and history.
Getting to Ladakh can be a challenge if you don’t know how to reach this remote region of the world. There are few direct flights, but Ladakh is more than worth the effort and is an unforgettable place to visit with your family.
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To help you plan your trip, here’s our Ladakh travel guide with everything you need to know about how to get there, what to see and do, and where to stay.
Ladakh, India
Ladakh is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s a region of high mountains, valleys, and plateaus. Also called the Land of High Passes, Ladakh is famous for its unrivaled splendor and infinite exploration points. Whether you are a mountain lover covered in snow or want to see alpine meadows and lakes, this new Union Territory of India offers these as well as other sightseeing and adventurous opportunities.
The authorities divided this territory into three parts – Leh, Nubra, and Zanskar – connected through the world’s highest roads, including Khardung La (17,582 feet), Marsimik La (18,314 feet), and Pangong Tso (14,272 feet).
If you love indulging in adrenaline-rushing activities, this is the place to visit this summer. It basically offers India’s best trekking destinations where you can trek the famous Frozen River or go motorbiking and rafting.
Those interested in Buddha’s ancient culture can visit their monasteries between the mountains. These century-old religious foundations attract Buddhist pilgrims and those interested in participating in Buddha festivals.
Guide to Visiting Ladakh
Here’s a short guide to making your Ladakh tour hassle-free. We have covered everything from how to reach, the best time to visit, and places to see.
You can reach Ladakh via airplane, train, or road. Pick the airline that runs flights to Ladakh airport or hit Jammu railway station through a train from various parts of India. Alternatively, you can take Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH 1) and Leh-Manali Highway to reach Ladakh.
How To Reach Ladakh
Where to Stay
You can stay in any of the three regions in Ladakh, including Leh, Nubra, and Zanskar. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, offers the best-staying options comprising hotels, resorts, heritage hotels, and even homestays.
If you want to stay away from the crowd, you should opt for camping or a hotel in Nubra Valley. You won’t find as many hotel options here as in Leh, but there are enough to suit every budget. Zanskar offers homestay and camping options only and is an excellent choice if you are on a budget. Besides, you can stay around Pangong (the most famous tourist destination in Ladakh) in a tent or at a local home.
We highly suggest you take the assistance of a travel operator dealing in Kashmir tour packages and Leh Ladakh tour packages to book a hotel or resort in advance. It will be especially helpful in the crowded summer season.
Best Time to Visit
A trip to a Himalayan region is definitely suitable in the summer between April and September. Most tourists arrive in Ladakh in May when the temperature hovers between 59˙F to 68˙F. However, you should know that the region remains accessible only from June as the roads are covered in snow before that.
Winter starts in October and brings heavy snowfall in December and January. It is the time that restricts land access to Ladakh. However, you can still approach this Himalayan destination via plane.
Best Places to Visit
Leh: We highly recommend you start your adventure from Leh as it has everything for everyone, including nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, adventure seekers, and even couples celebrating their wedding vows.
Leh City is home to many attractions, encompassing Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Leh Market, and War Museum. Besides, you can check out Sikh gurudwara, Magnetic Hill, and the convergence of Indus and Zanskar rivers in Nimmu.
Cultural aficionados can take a trip to various Buddhist monasteries such as Hemis Gompa; the oldest monastery, Alchi Gompa; Thiksey Monastery; Matho Monastery, Spituk Gompa, and others. You may be able to see their festivals and a huge collection of books and artifacts.
Leh doesn’t disappoint the adventure seekers, as well. In fact, the Land of High Passes brings several adventurous opportunities for trekking, biking, and river rafting. Leh also hosts the biggest national park in India – Hemis National Park. Here you can see endangered animals like snow leopards, ibex, and Tibetan gazelle.
Nubra: If you want to witness one of the world’s highest cold deserts with striking scenery around it, head to Nubra Valley. Once here, do not miss out on the Diskit Monastery and Hunder Village. The latter is famous for its cold desert, where you can take a ride on a Bactrian camel. The former is Nubra valley’s most significant and ancient area. Here you must check the 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha.
We also highly recommend the interesting Turtuk village, famous for its tribal tourism and its friendly people, as well as some remote villages and monasteries. Whatever you do here, do not miss the Panamik Village, and start your trek or bike tour from here.
Zanskar: A part of Kargil District, it is a trekking paradise, including Chadar Trek, Lamayuru to Darcha and Lamayuru-Padum trek, and so many more. Thanks to its 5,000 square kilometer mountain range, it offers one of the best views in Ladakh. The white-water rafting in the Zanskar River would also be a lifetime experience you should not miss.
Top Things to Do
You can do much in Ladakh from trekking, mountain biking, peak climbing, motorbiking, pilgrimage, and wildlife exploration. Trek the Himalayas, hit the rugged trails on your mountain biking adventure, climb a mountain, visit monasteries, and check the exotic animals and bird species you have never seen before. Make sure you pick the right Ladakh travel package to see what you value most.
Final Words
Ladakh is a place where you can witness some of the most majestic views of the snow-capped mountains, religious sites, and high passes. The best way to explore Leh Ladakh is by road as you will get to see some amazing landscapes.
Both local and foreign tourists should have an inner line permit (ILP) that they can get by paying the Environment Fee of INR400. This permit is valid for seven days for all applicants. People from all around the globe can visit Ladakh, and it is totally safe. You may not be able to pay through a card at most places, so it is best to carry Indian Rupees before you reach Ladakh.
Ladakh is a place that you must visit at least once in your lifetime! It is an experience like no other, and one that will stay with you forever.
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