LEH, LADAKH

11:41 AM LADAKH , LEH 0 Comments

The Ladakh capital city of Leh lies near the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir, on the crossroads of the historic "Silk Route" from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. Leh is situated roughly between 32 to 36 degree north Latitude and 75 to 80 degree East longitude and altitude ranging from 2300 mtrs to 5000 mtrs above sea level. District Leh with an area of 45100 Sq. Kms. makes it one of the largest District in the country. It is at a distance of 434 Kms from State capital ( Summer) Srinagar and 474 Kms from Manali (HP). Topographically, the whole of the district is mountainous with three parallel ranges of the Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh and the Karakoram. Between these ranges, the Shayok, Indus and Zanskar rivers flow and most of the population lives in valleys of these rivers.

Visiting Leh Ladakh can be a great experience as these places have a lot of natural beauty. There are a number of attractions in Leh Ladakh that are filled with extreme pristine beauty, with numerous trekking trails, valleys, and picturesque lakes, mountain peaks, wildlife safaris, adventure activity spots and much more. Renowned as the land of monks and monasteries there is lots to see in this amazing piece of land. Ladakh with a unique characteristic that is a blend of Indian, Tibetan as well as Buddhism linings make it a place which is worth paying a visit to.

This beautiful hilly region, every year, is visited by a large number of local as well as foreign tourists. It is both a popular summer as well as a winter holiday destination. Its untouched beauty, snow-clad mountain peaks, lush greenery and secluded spots attract a lot of honeymooners too. 

Built by the kings of Ladakh in 1553 the Leh Palace was once the world’s highest building. The primary attraction within the Leh city, Leh palace now only has the palace prayer room which lives up to the sense of former grandeur of Leh Palace.

Suru and Zanskar valley is one of the most remotest and least visited areas in leh Ladakh region. Suru and Zanskar is a part of Kargil and Pensi la pass almost midway between Padum and Rangdum separates Zanskar from the Suru valley.

Pangong Tso lake in Leh is situated at a height of about 4,250 m (13,900 ft). It is 134 km (83.3 mi) long and extends from Ladakh to China.Two thirds of the length of this lake lies in Tibet.The lake is 5 km (3 mi) wide at its broadest point. In winter, the lake surface freezes completely despite being salt water.

Tso Moriri lake in Changthang region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful, calm and sacred (for ladakhis) high altitude lakes in India. In fact, it is the largest high altitude lake in India that is entirely in Indian Territory. This beautiful blue pallet lake is about 7 KM wide at its broadest point and about 19 KM long.

Khardung La (in Tibetan, La means pass) is situated at a distance of about 40 km from Leh. The pass offers amazing views of the valley and the roads winding up the mountain. The pristine air, scenic vistas and the feeling of being on top of the world have made Khardung La a popular tourist attraction. It figures high as a must visit for every tourist visiting Leh. So huge is the tourist rush that traffic jams are inevitable.

Nubra Valley is one of the must visit places in Ladakh especially if you are visiting for the first time. The ultra wide landscapes, humongous mountain faces, lovely trails, wide variety of colors and musical Shyok river flowing midst the valley will take your breath away at first sight.

At Magnetic hill experience the magic yourself. The science behind the phenomenon is unknown but it has been observed that if you leave your vehicle at the base of the hill with the brakes unlocked, it will start moving uphill slowly on its own. Magic? Definitely not. It’s simply the superpowers you get when you reach this place.

Spituk is yet another interesting monastery, on the hill top near Indus about 18 kms. from Leh on Srinagar road. The Spituk monastery offers a commanding view of Indus. It has a totally new Gompa within the monastery as well as the old Gompa has also been restored meanwhile. It is constructed in a series of tiers with courtyards and steps. Higher up in the hill is a chamber which houses the enormous statue of goddess. Its face is covered and uncovered only once in a year during the festival time.

What better place to invoke some thoughts from within to asses yourself in life. One of the many reasons why people take a trip to Leh-Ladakh is to find some time to take a break from the everyday schedule and re-assess their lives. Shanti Stupa offers the perfect location for the same. The nighttime view is even better and a little meditation besides the stupa might help you get what you came here for.

The Hall of Fame Leh is a museum constructed and maintained by the Indian army in memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pak wars.

Leh is connected to the rest of India by two high-altitude roads both of which are subject to landslides and neither of which are passable in winter when covered by deep snows. Leh airport has flights to Delhi at least daily on Jet Airways and/or Indian Airlines and/or Air India which also provides twice weekly services to Jammu and a weekly flight to Srinagar. Go Air operates Delhi to Leh daily flights during peak time. Hotels in Ladakh features absolute tranquility and serenity with the two ranges, Karakom and the Great Himalayan range forming an amazing backdrop.