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Leh

The Cold Desert

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  • General Information

    Other Name: Ladakh, District: Leh, State: Jammu & Kashmir, India
    Area: 50000 Sq. Km.
    Languages Spoken: Ladkhi, Tibetan, Balti, English and Purik
    Long Distance Code: +91-1982
    Importance: The cold desert
    Best Time to Visit: May to July
  • Description

    Ladakh…. The cold desert. The land where snow sun and silence prevail and time seems to stand still. Lands abound with majestic mountains; set in spectacular environment is Ladakh. The land, where human bows to the bounty of natural beauty and rigidity, at the same time. The vast mountain ranges, the clear blue sky and the Indus River flowing by. A mixture of Buddhism and Islam, with monasteries and festivities, the people of Ladakh are equally tough, just as the climatic conditions and the mountainous terrain. <br />Ladakh is the abode of the rare Kiang & highland Yak and once was on the famous Silk route from Xin Jiang to West Asia and the plain lands of India. What we see today is the land which has been uplifted by the tectonic movements by the process of erosion due to wind and water. In geological terms, it is relatively young land, formed just a few million years ago. <br />Here the people pray for Sun and not for rains for their daily source of water. As the sun shines, the snow on the glaciers melt flowing in streams and later taking the shape of rivers. <br />The earliest history known of this region is that of the Namgyal dynasty, which ruled this <br />tough terrain in equal tough manner for nearly 900 years. Starting from the 10th century till the interference of the Jammu king and later the British, Ladakh remained under the reigns of the Namgyal who not only were responsible for the extension of their kingdom, but also responsible for prevailing peace in the region. Buddhism was offered a vast patronage in this region, mostly due to its proximity to Tibet and its isolation from the plains. Being the main stoppage in between the silk route, Buddhism grew and kept its traditions alive in these arduous terrains. <br />Ladakh has often changed names, all of which give a good description of the conditions prevailing in the region are Lad wags, meaning land below the mountain passes; Bladwags which means the land of the lama and one is Maryul, the red country. <br />Ladakh is one of the lowest population densities in the world having 2 inhabitants per kilometer. The imposing mountains, the dry terrains, the chilly weather and the overpowering silence. But the smiling faces of those 2 inhabitants in one km area make all the difference.<br />The people of Ladakh are hard working and smiling. The harsh nature has taught tem to fight and live happily in these harsh conditions. Mainly followers of Buddism and Islam, the people of Ladakh belong to different ethnic backgrounds. They follow their own rites and rituals, toil hard to stay alive and entertain themselves with various forms of dances and dramas. To witness such cultural festivals of Ladakh is an opportunity not to be missed for. <br />Ladakh is a virtual paradise for Adventure sports - Mountaineering, trekking, white water rafting, canoeing and many others.<br /><b>Leh</b> is the capital of this cold desert, Ladakh. Leh town offers a number of sightseeing options for the visitors. A historic town that served as the royal capital of the Old Kingdom, it is also a bustling town of the region more because of its prominence for the period unknown. <br />The land mark of this small town is the imposing nine-storey <b>Leh Palace</b> built by King Singge Namgyal. Built in the Tibetan form of architecture, this palace is said to be the inspiration of the famous Potala in Lhasa. The ruins of the old fort built in the 16th century lie beyond this palace on the Tsemo Hill, which a royal residence of the Namgyals. The Ladakh <b>Shanti Stupa</b> and the Jama Masjid are the worship points were people of the faith come to bow down in front of the almighty. <br />The central area of Ladakh has the greatest concentration of major Buddhist monasteries called gompas. The <b>Lamayuru</b> is believed to be the oldest and also a sacred site for the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon. The other monasteries of <b>Phiyang, Hemis and Chemrey</b> were all founded under the direct patronage of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. <br />The Spituk village and the Praying ground of the Dalai Lama, the Jiva - Tsal are the places worth visiting. <br /><br />Some of the areas in the Ladakh - Leh region were restricted earlier, due to security reasons. But now many such circuits have been opened with special permits to boos tourism in the area and open another natural charm of Ladakh region to the travelers. Trekking is the most reliable source to witness the natural beauty of the region. Most of these areas can be covered while trekking. The villages of the Drok - Pa clan and the Nubra valley are the important ones.<br />The Drok - Pa clan lives in villages down the Indus, between Khalatse and the Shayok-Indus confluence. Buddhists by faith, these people have migrated and settled here from the Gilgit valley. They are racially and culturally distinct from the rest of the Ladakhis. Their customs, their rituals and also their typical Indo - Aryan looks separate them from the inhabitants of the Ladakh region. Peculiarly different as they are in their customs and rituals, equally peculiar is their behaviour as they do not keep any cows or consume any of the cow's products. One should not miss the opportunity to witness the celebrations of the community's harvest celebrations. <br />The Bactrian Camel Safari in Nubra is the major attraction to reach this place. The region comprising the valley of the River Nubra and that of the Shayok is the Nubra region. The sand plains in this region are not useful for any kind of vegetation. To reach this place one can drive past the one can drive on the Khardungla Pass, nearly 39 kms from Leh, is the world's highest motor able road.<br />The Panamik village is the last on this circuit. Once a bustling and prosperous town is today's sleepy village. Panamik was the last stoppage of the caravans on the silk route. Hence many bazaars were present to cater the need of the travelers. But today hardly anything bustles here, though the Bactrian Camel safari has become a major attraction in this region. <br />The Pangong Lake, situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft (4,267m) is a major attraction and can be reached by trekking. The beautiful lake is bisected by the international border between India and China. Spangmik is the farthest point up to which foreigners are permitted. The lake presents a spectacular view of the mountain ranges and their reflections shimmering in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lake's brackish waters. It is possible to sight the huge yaks and the Pashmina mountain goats famous for their wool in this region. <br />The Rupshu area reached by the Manali-Leh road has the picturesque Tso-moriri Lake. Here, the Zanskar range is transformed into bare rolling many-hued hills, divided by open high-altitude valleys. The landscape very unlike Ladakh or any other place in India is the scoring point of this dry arid, Rupshu valley. The rare black necked cranes and the Brahmani ducks which fly from Siberia can be sighted here. One can also visit the hot springs of Chumathang having therapeutic value.
  • Location

    The northern most inhabited place of India, bordering Tibet on the east and Afghanistan in the North West frontier, Ladakh occupies most part of the big state of Jammu and Kashmir. This vast area is surrounded by two mighty mountain ranges, the Karakoram in the north and the Himalayas in the south. Owing to the altitude, ranging from 9,000 feet to 25,170 feet, the region experiences chilly weather throughout the year with a respite of two months when the maximum temperature reaches 25 degree centigrade. It is the coldest inhabited area in India.
Flavour of Himalayas

Flavour of Himalayas
(10 Days / 9 Nights)

On Request
Flavour of Himalayas / PI-0191 (10 Days / 9 Nights)
Delhi-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Srinagar-Sonmarg-Kargil-Leh-Khardongla Pass-Leh-Delhi

No matter what you say about Himalayas, their magnificence once translated in words will always be an understatement. Housing the highest mountain peaks of the world, Himalayas are the abode of snow giving home to many thrilling adventure activities that you can indulge in while visiting the place. Plan your vacations now to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Srinagar
Day 4 : Srinagar
Day 5 : Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar
Day 6 : Srinagar - Sonmarg - Kargil
Day 7 : Kargil - Leh
Day 8 : Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Khardongla Pass - Leh
Day 10 : Leh - Delhi
Lamayuru Alchi Trek

Lamayuru Alchi Trek
(15 Days / 14 Nights)

On Request
Lamayuru Alchi Trek / PI-0313 (15 Days / 14 Nights)
Delhi-Leh-Lamayuru-Urshi-Hinju-Chokila-Sumdah-Takpila-Alchi-Basgo-Leh-Delhi

This visually as well as spiritually stunning treks starts off with a visit to the majestic Lalmayuru Monastery which is considered to be the oldest in Ladakh while ending at Alchi Monastery, home of the early Buddhist art works in Kashmiri tradition. Starting off from Lalmayuru, the trek takes you through the breathtaking vistas of Urshi, Hinju , Takpila before reaching Alchi village on Indus River.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh
Day 6 : Leh - Lamayuru
Day 7 : Lamayuru - Urshi
Day 8 : Urshi - Hinju
Day 9 : Hinju-Chokila
Day 10 : Chokila-Sumdah
Day 11 : Sumdah
Day 12 : Takpila-Alchi
Day 13 : Alchi - Basgo - Leh
Day 14 : Leh - Delhi
Day 15 : Delhi
The Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley Trek
(13 Days / 12 Nights)

On Request
The Markha Valley Trek / PI-0335 (13 Days / 12 Nights)
Delhi-Leh-Spituk-Zinchen-Yurutse-Ganda La-Skiu-Markha-Hankar-Nimaling-Kongmaru La-Shang Sumdo-Hemis-Thiksey-Shey-Leh-Delhi



Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Leh
Day 3 : Leh - Spituk - Zinchen
Day 4 : Zinchen -Yurutse
Day 5 : Yurutse - Ganda La - Skiu
Day 6 : Skiu - Markha
Day 7 : Markha - Hankar
Day 8 : Hankar - Nimaling
Day 9 : Nimaling - Kongmaru La - Shang Sumdo
Day 10 : Shang Sumdo - Hemis
Day 11 : Hemis - Thiksey - Shey - Leh
Day 12 : Leh - Delhi
Day 13 : Delhi
Manali Leh Jeep Safari

Manali Leh Jeep Safari
(12 Days / 11 Nights)

On Request
Manali Leh Jeep Safari / PI-037 (12 Days / 11 Nights)
Delhi-Manali-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Leh-Pangong Tso lake-Leh-Delhi

The fascinating Himalayas have been luring the travelers from all over the world. On this safari we start our travel from the alpine valleys of the Lower Himalayas and explore the rough barren landscapes and high altitudes of Ladakh region via some of the most exciting and breathtaking landscape; the pick is yours!

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Sarchu
Day 5 : Sarchu - Leh
Day 6 : Leh
Day 7 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh
Day 8 : Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Pangong Tso lake
Day 10 : Pangong Tso Lake - Leh
Day 11 : Leh - Delhi
Day 12 : Delhi
Spiti Tour

Spiti Tour
(25 Days / 24 Nights)

On Request
Spiti Tour / PI-0429 (25 Days / 24 Nights)
Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Losar-Kaza-Tabo-Kibber-Pangrochen-Parang La-Paralang La-Tarang Yogma-Trarang Yogma-Norbu Sumdo-Kiangdam-Korzok-Gyama-Rajung Karu-Nuruchan-Nuru Chan-Tsokar-Tso Kar-Leh-Delhi



Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Chandigarh
Day 3 : Chandigarh - Manali
Day 4 : Manali
Day 5 : Manali - Losar
Day 6 : Losar - Kaza
Day 7 : Kaza - Tabo
Day 8 : Tabo - Kibber
Day 9 : Kibber
Day 10 : Kibber
Day 11 : Kibber - Pangrochen
Day 12 : Pangrochen - Parang La
Day 13 : Paralang La - Tarang Yogma
Day 14 : Trarang Yogma - Norbu Sumdo
Day 15 : Norbu Sumdo - Kiangdam
Day 16 : Kiangdam
Day 17 : Kiangdam - Korzok
Day 18 : Korzok - Gyama
Day 19 : Gyama - Rajung Karu
Day 20 : Rajung Karu - Nuruchan
Day 21 : Nuru Chan - Tsokar
Day 22 : Tso Kar - Leh
Day 23 : Leh
Day 24 : Leh - Delhi
Day 25 : Delhi
Great Himalayan Wonder - Trekking Tours in Himachal / PI-0432 (24 Days / 23 Nights)
Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Rangdom Gompa-Ringdom-Padam-Mune-Dortzon-Purne-Thable-Gomborajan-Lakong-Chuminakpo-Zanskar Sumdo-Sumdo-Palamu-Darcha-Manali-Nalagarh-Delhi

Even though Everest gets most of the headlines, Himalayas are much more than that. The place is in fact geography of superlatives- the highest mountains, deepest gorges, wild forest tracts, the rolling Tibetan plateaus, and some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Trekking expeditions to this place are full of adventure and thrill sure to make the trip of any adventure lover memorable.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Rangdom Gompa
Day 7 : Ringdom - Padam
Day 8 : Padam - Mune
Day 9 : Mune - Dortzon
Day 10 : Dortzon - Purne
Day 11 : Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Thable
Day 13 : Thable - Gomborajan
Day 14 : Gomborajan - Lakong
Day 15 : Lakong - Chuminakpo
Day 16 : Chuminakpo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 17 : Sumdo - Palamu
Day 18 : Palamu - Darcha
Day 19 : Darcha - Manali
Day 20 : Manali
Day 21 : Manali
Day 22 : Manali - Nalagarh
Day 23 : Nalagarh - Delhi
Day 24 : Delhi
Trekking in Himalayas

Trekking in Himalayas
(24 Days / 23 Nights)

On Request
Trekking in Himalayas / PI-0433 (24 Days / 23 Nights)
Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Rangdom Gompa-Ringdom-Padam-Mune-Dortzon-Purne-Thable-Gomborajan-Lakong-Chuminakpo-Zanskar Sumdo-Sumdo-Palamu-Darcha-Manali-Nalagarh-Delhi



Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Rangdom Gompa
Day 7 : Ringdom - Padam
Day 8 : Padam - Mune
Day 9 : Mune - Dortzon
Day 10 : Dortzon - Purne
Day 11 : Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Thable
Day 13 : Thable - Gomborajan
Day 14 : Gomborajan - Lakong
Day 15 : Lakong - Chuminakpo
Day 16 : Chuminakpo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 17 : Sumdo - Palamu
Day 18 : Palamu - Darcha
Day 19 : Darcha - Manali
Day 20 : Manali
Day 21 : Manali
Day 22 : Manali - Nalagarh
Day 23 : Nalagarh - Delhi
Day 24 : Delhi
Best Of Ladakh Zanskar Trek

Best Of Ladakh Zanskar Trek
(22 Days / 21 Nights)

On Request
Best Of Ladakh Zanskar Trek / PI-0435 (22 Days / 21 Nights)
Delhi-Kalka-Manali-Keylong-Jispa-Palamo-Zanskar Sumdo-Zanskar-Sumdo-Chhumiknakpo-Lakong-Kargyak-Kuru-Testa-Purne-Phuktal Gompa-Purne-Reru-Mune-Padam-Rangdum-Suru Valley-Kargil-Lamayuru-Leh-Delhi

Taking you across a mystical river journey from the wild Zanskaar valley to the beautiful Leh, this tour passes enormous glaciers and valleys that are hidden in the remotest reaches of Himalayas. Get to the highlights of this famous tourist area that has incredible natural beauty. Visit some ancient monasteries and get in touch with age old pillars of Tibetan Buddhism that are sure to leave you with mesmerizing memories of this place.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Kalka - Manali
Day 4 : Manali
Day 5 : Manali - Keylong - Jispa
Day 6 : Jispa - Palamo
Day 7 : Palamo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 8 : Zanskar - Sumdo - Chhumiknakpo
Day 9 : Chhumiknakpo-Lakong
Day 10 : Lakong - Kargyak
Day 11 : Kargyak - Kuru - Testa - Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Phuktal Gompa - Purne
Day 13 : Purne - Reru - Mune
Day 14 : Mune - Padam
Day 15 : Padam
Day 16 : Padam - Rangdum
Day 17 : Rangdum - Suru Valley - Kargil
Day 18 : Kargil - Lamayuru - Leh
Day 19 : Leh
Day 20 : Leh
Day 21 : Leh - Delhi
Day 22 : Delhi

Leh, India Tours

THE GRAND DRAGON
3 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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HOTEL NAMGYAL PALACE
0 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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HOTEL CARAVAN CENTRE
3 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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Hotel Royal Palace
3 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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Hotel Shangrila
3 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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THE INDUS VALLEY
4 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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SHAMBHA-LA
3 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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LOTUS
1 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
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SPIC N SPAN
3 Star
Leh, India
Price on Request
Details