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Ladakh Travel Guide

By Thrillophilia Adventure Tours Pvt Ltd

Ladakh Travel Guide Thrillophilia Adventure Tours Pvt Ltd (C) Copyright (09-09-2009) All Rights Reserved

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Summary
Leh is nestled in the snowcapped Himalayas. It is one of favorite destinations in Northern India. Leh and Ladakh offer the most exciting different tours in an exotic region. Leh is quite accessible to the tourists, where you will reach up to a clear blue sky from the towering mountains. The rhythmic chant of Buddhist monks in an ancient monastery can be heard from here. The rushing waters of an icy river cross through a glacial height. A trip to Leh Ladakh will give you the chance to visit old Buddhist monasteries and to explore a Gompa, go mountaineering in the Himalayas, camp on the Ladakh plateaus. Trek on treacherous and breathtaking routes and see rare mountain goats, get down and cherish its stark beauty! Leh is where the escapades in Ladakh begin. Mountaineering, white water rafting and wildlife tours are main adventurous attractions. It is a hot favorite of the adventure enthusiasts. Lying at a lofty height of 7940 meters, Ladakh offers a combination of lofty mountains, enchanting valleys and beautiful lakes!

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General Information:
Seasons: Summer: -3 C to 30 C, March to June, from 20 degree C to 38 degree C Winter: -20 to 15 C, October to February, 5C to 15C. Monsoon: around 38 C, July to September

Tips/Precautions/Advice: 1. You need to be physically fit to undertake a tour to Leh Ladakh. 2. Carry camera as you will pass through the scenic view of Leh and Ladakh. 3. Camera is not allowed within the premises of temples and monasteries. 4. Keep drinking water, chocolates or energy bars while trekking. 5. Sleeping bags, bed rolls, rain coats, jackets and pull over are must to carry. 6. To cope with the climate in Ladakh, carry windcheaters, woolen clothing, thick socks, gloves, scarves, a hat or woolen cap, sturdy boots or walking shoes, sunscreen, lip balm and goggles. 7. Do not use plastic in Ladakh. Languages spoken: Ladakhi, Balti Clothing:

Planning your trip: If you plan to visit Leh Ladakh, get lots of information about budget hotels, and make a list of essential thing to carry for the trip that includes clothing, money and medicines. Give sufficient time for acclimatization before trekking. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided till you are fully acclimatized. Dont miss these: The Once In 12 yrs Unveil of the Four Storied Thankas of Guru Padma Sambhava. Visit Dreamland Restaurant, you will get Tibetan, Kashmiri, Indian and Italian, Penguin Bar and Restaurant Wide Choice of Baked Goods.

While coming to Leh-Ladakh, carry shirts and shorts, which will be comfortable throughout the day. Remember to pack some Jackets or pullovers which you will need in the night when temperatures drop. If you plan to visit this place during June, it is advisable to bring raincoats or wind cheaters, as it rains or snows sometimes. Permits required: Tourists don't need permit for visiting Leh. However, all foreigners must get themselves registered at Drass, Sarchu and Rumtse in case they travel by road. Those approaching the place via air can do the registration at the airport. Tourists have to acquire a permit for restricted regions like Pangong Lakes, Tsomoriri, Nubra Valley, Tsokar and Dhahanu. The permit can be acquired through registered travel agencies. 3

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How to Reach
By Air: - The Leh Airport is a domestic airport, which connect you directly to important cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. Major airlines like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways operate regular flights to and from this airport. By Rail: - The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawai in Jammu, about 690 km away. It is the prime railhead for the entire state, being linked to several major cities across India. By Road: - Leh-Ladakh is well-connected by an extensive network of roads to Srinagar and Manali. The 434-km Leh-Srinagar road is operative from June to October, while the 473-km Leh-Manali road remains functional from July to September.

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Places to visit:
Shanti Stupa (Japanese Peace Pagoda): Shanti Stupa is situated at a hill top in Changspa village. It will provide you a bird eye view of the Leh town and the surrounding mountain peaks. It has the Japanese touch small clean rooms on the side for mediators and has the main Japanese shrine at the entrance. Leh Mosque: Leh mosque was built in 1666-67 AD by the architecture of the mosque bore Tibetan, Central Asian and Ladakhi style. In recent years this mosque has been reconstructed and given a new looks with towers and domes. Jokhang: Jokhang was built by the Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957. They built the small Gompa, known as Jokhang in the main market. It remains open throughout the day for visitors. The Gompa has the statue of Joyo Rinpoche crowned Buddha.

Sankar Gompa & Village: It is relatively modern monastery, closely associated with the Spituk monastery and serves as the residence of the head priest-Kushak Bakula. There are number of gold icons to be found here. You can travel by road. Tomoriri Lake: The Tsomoriri Lake is a beautiful mountain bounded expanse of water, around 240 Kms. from Leh in Rupsho Valley. This lake is located at 14,000 ft. near a small village of Korzok. It has Korzok Monastery of 19th century, which houses Shakyamuni Buddha and other statues.

Lamayuru Monastery: The Lamayuru Monastery of Ladakh is located at a distance of approximately 127 km to the west of Leh. The legend associated with this monastery goes that at the time of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha), nags (holy serpents) used to live in a Lake at the present day Lamayuru's valley. Stongdey Monastery: It is located at a distance of approximately 18 km to the north of Padum, on the road to Zangla. Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos founded this monastery in the year 1052. Sani Monastery: The village of Sani is situated 6 km to the west of the Padum valley, on the road to Kargil. Sani in Ladakh is its monastery. The castle like monastery is built on level ground. It is unlike any other monastery of this area. 5

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Know - How:
Hospitals: Medical Dispensaries are at Drass, Mulbek, Trespone, Sankoo, Panikhar and Padum. Each dispensary runs by a qualified doctor and equipped with basic health care paraphernalia. Food: At all these places, you can try local Ladakhi food, which is nourishing and usually mildly flavored. Favorites include Thukpa, a thick soup with vegetables that provides a complete meal and delicious Momos and steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, with a fiery chili sauce. Mutton and chicken are common types of diet in Ladakh. Indian vegetable food is also available. It is essential to carry mineral water with you, wherever you go. Local people: The people of Ladakh are soft and plane at heart. They are very friendly and hospitable. They also love to interact with tourists.

Alchi It is 70 km from Leh by road, and 364 km from Srinagar. Alchi was built in the 11th century. A legendary Himalayan beauty is located on the banks of river Indus. Alchi has a rich cultural heritage; it is a small village famous for one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh, Alchi Monastery, decorated with beautiful murals and frescoes. Best time to visit Alchi Monastery is May to September.

Indus valley (Ladakh) Located at a distance of 16 km from Leh by road Indus Valley is sand-witched between the Zanskar Range on its South and the Ladakh Range on its North. It is known as the historic heartland of Ladakh. The bulk of the population resides along the Indus. Indus Valley has numerous Buddhist monasteries, quaint villages, fairs, festivals and markets. Best time to visit Indus valley is during summers. Zanskar (Ladakh) - Around 200 km from Leh by road. Situated in the inner Himalaya, the Valley of Zanskar is higher than most areas of Ladakh. The weather is very unpleasant but gives very little rain fall. The two famous peaks Nun-Kun, its Monasteries and its awe-aspiring landscape are main attractions. Best time to visit Zanskar is June to September. Nubra valley- 240 Km from Leh. Nubra Valley is also known as the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Leh, at an altitude of 10,000 ft. above the sea level. Bactarian Camels around sand dunes, Deskit & Samstanling monasteries and Khardung la Pass (18,380 feet.) are the main attractions. Best time to visit this valley is between June and August.

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Major attractions:
Kargil (Ladakh) - 205 km away from the city of Srinagar by road Kargil is situated just behind the Zoji La Pass. It is a small town with cobbled streets surrounded by apricot groves. You will view panoramas of the Himalaya while trekking from Sanko to Drass via Umba. The more demanding trek starts from Sanko to Mulbek via the Wakka La Pass at 4,930m. The best time to visit Kargil is from April to September.

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Adventure Activities:
Mountain Climbing:
1 Zanskar Range: It is a popular area for climbing in the Massif of Zanskar Mountains, south of Leh. 2 Karakoram Range: Karakoram Range is the famous range, lays across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley in North of Leh. Through Khardungla Pass This pass is the highest motorable pass, where, you can do cycling. While cycling, you must follow the discipline. Do not ride with an upset stomach. This trip on cycle through Khardurga pass will be a real life adventure!

Jeep Safari Tours

Nubra Valley Jeep Safari Nubra Valley lies on the Silk Route of olden days. It is as the jewel in the crown of the Himalayan region. Jeep Safari in Nubra valley is truly an exciting experience for a jeep safari freak. The fertile valley of Nubra is very renowned and also served as the halting point for the trains. The whole jeep safari passes from Leh Khalsar Panamik Tirit Leh. Zanskar Valley Jeep Safari Zanskar in Ladakh is bounded by a chain of high peaks. The valley of Zanskar is yet rugged and most popular for Jeep Safari. The Pensi La (4418 m) is the lowest pass in the area. Padum is the capital of the Zanskar region. During your jeep Safari in Zanskar, you will have chance to explore different villages. There will be opportunity to spot the most beautiful glaciers of Nun Kun.

Cycling:
Leh to Alchi Cycling around 64km from Leh to Alchi, the route will take you through zigzag routes and turns of the Himalayan roads. Explore the village of Alchi, renowned for Alchi Monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Leh to Hemis Leh to Hemis is around 45 km and is famous for cycling. The main road will provide you the glimpse of gompas at Thikse, Shey and Stok. The route follows the bank of the Indus River until Karu. Thereafter, at Karu, this route continues across the bridge and reaches to the village of Hemis.

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Trekking: Camel Safari:

Camel Safari introduces a panoramic view of the valleys, villages and Buddhist Gompas. You can explore the Panamic village- the last leg of Camel Safari. While riding, explore the charming villages of Nubra and Nubra Valley - a fascinating place. In Nubra, you will find a small population of the bushy double-humped Bactrian camels, which in the old days were used as pack animals on the Central Asian trade route. 50 years ago, camels were used as a transport; today visitors to Nubra use these animals for camel safaris. The main population centers are Deskit and Hunder. Trekking in mountains involves short and long walks up and down slopes. Visit isolated villages or monastic settlements across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of mountains cape. Trans Mountain treks introduce weeks of walking and camping. Suggested Treks: Markha valley trek: The Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh is one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the Himalayas. It is an easily accessible trek from Leh and leads to a large diversity of landscapes. There is a green sanctuary of the Markha Valley guarded by Kang Yatse (6400mts from east and Zanskar range from the south west).You can also have breath-taking views of the Korakoram Saser Kangri peak (7670mts) Stok Kangri (6150mts) Kang Yatse 6400mts.and Nun Kun (7135mts.) Best time: June to October

Yak Safaris:
Yak Safari in Ladakh is a unique experience. Yak safari offers breathtaking views of high peaks of this rugged land. Explore lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiseled snow peaks, meadows, and forests on a yak for your lifetime experience. Do not forget that, a Yak Safari is formed on prior booking. During yak safari, you are requested not to take the extreme hospitality of the yak for his weakness or laziness.

Likir to Temisgam Trek: This is the only trek that can be done throughout the year, as the passes are not very high and don't get snow-blocked during winter. This is the only easy trek in Ladakh, where one does not need a tent. It leads through historical villages with stupas, mani walls, chortens and small gompas. Trekking in Ladakh is said to be trouble-free from Likir to Temisgam. One can look forward to a very enjoyable trek; easy to start for those who are short on time. It starts a little to the west of Leh in the rich village of Likir, and crosses several low passes with pretty villages in between. Best time: July to September

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Rumbak valley trek: Sham Valley trek: Rumbuk is a Beautiful village lies in the route of Stock Kangri. As one approaches Rumbak fields the valley suddenly opens up with snowcapped mountains in the background which is a great place to view Ladakh flora and fauna. Some of the prized sightings would be Blue sheep, the Great Tibetan sheep or the Argali, various mountain and migratory birds, high altitude flora and occasionally a Tibetan Wolf or a Snow leopard if extremely lucky. Tread through the stokla pass (4900 M) which commands great views of the Indus valley. Enroute one can visit the Stok Palace museum which houses rare collections of Ladakhi rulers. Best time: Mid June to September. It is known as Baby trek. Located at lower altitude, this trek needs comparatively less walking hours. Discover the main Ladakhi monasteries and the wonderful sites surrounding them: Shey, Thikse, Hemis, Spituk, Phyang, Lamayuru and Alchi are all accessible by road, and Temisgang, Ridzong and Likir line the trekking route. The paths are of moderate difficulty and it does not rise above 4500m. The track crosses numerous villages where the people have kept their Tibetan ways and customs. Best time: July - October

Stok Kangri trek: Stok Kangri is a fine trekking peak in Ladakh and an excellent introduction to climbing in the Himalayas. Stok Kangri is considered to be a suitable 'starter expedition fit for trekkers. This climb is tricky. It has the power of fascinating monasteries of the Indus valley. You can enjoy the sight of the Saser Kangri (7670mts), Kang Yatse 6400mts. and Nun Kun (7135mts), which happen to be a part of the Karakoram Range. Best time: Mid June to September.

River rafting in Ladakh:

The most exciting escapade, river rafting has become an attractive option for skilled rafters and non rafter as well. You will raft in river called Zanskar, through the spectacular views and Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimo. For several days, you will experience camping in absolute wilderness. Before rafting, participants are trained by trainers. There are adequate arrangements for rescue coverage upon a white-water expedition on a river like the Zanskar.

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Ladakh specialties:
In Ladakh, you will get a wide variety of handicrafts, ranging from pashmina shawls to Tibetan styled rugs and silver jewellery, to tangkhas. These arts emphasize the importance of Ladakh as an important centre of trade on the great silk route. Chiling is an another place, where a Zanskar river from Nimo, is home to a community of artisans that work on silver, brass and copper, and produce items for domestic and religious use such as tea and chang pots, tea-cup stands and lids, hookah bases, ladles and bowls, and silver chortens for installation in temples and domestic shrines.

Losar Festival It is celebrated to welcome the Ladakhi and Tibetan New Year. It is not celebrated on particular date but for 2 weeks in December or January, depending on the lunar calendar. The stage fights between good & evil, dance of the Ibex deer, dramatic battles between the King & his ministers are performed during the whole Losar festival. Ladakh Festival Ladakh Festival is celebrated from 1st September to 15th September. The main purpose behind the festival is to revive and promote the rich culture, traditions and folk heritage of Ladakh. Music, theatre, polo, archery, mask and folk dances, showcasing of the local arts and crafts, etc are the highlights of this festival. Tak-Tok Festival People of Ladakh, celebrate this festival in summers at cave Gompa of Tak- Tok. It adds to the tourist attraction of the region.

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Festivals:
Hemis Festival Hemis festival is the most popular festival of Ladakh. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, in later half of June or the first half of July. After every 12 years, on this day, a huge Thangka, a religious icon painted or embroidered on cloth, is displayed. Dosmoche Festival The festival of the scapegoat Dosmoche is celebrated in the second half of February to welcome the New Year. People of Ladakh believe that these scapegoats carry away the evil spirits of the old year and the town gets cleansed for the New Year. Sindhu Darshan Festival This festival focuses on river Sindhu, also known as the Indus. Indus is regarded as a symbol of the rich culture, communal harmony. In this festival, people come to worship of the River Sindhu (Indus).

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Places to stay:
Budget hotels: Hotel Saichen, (tariff around 1800/-) Hotel Omasila, Hotel Shynam, Leh Oriental guest house, Leh The Grand Dragon, Ladakh

A class hotels: Caravan Center Hotel Bijou Hotel Dragon Hotel High Land Hotel Ladakh Sarai Hotel Kangri Hotel Siachen

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