Ladakh

Located in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh hill-station is known for Buddhist monasteries, winter snowfall, snow-clad mountains and panoramic views.

This adventure destination in India is known for exciting activities such as mountaineering, white water rafting, jeep safaris, trekking and other outdoor activities. A trip to Ladakh definitely unmasks the untouched side of India, which has not been much commercialized and corrupted by the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Zoji-la pass of the Kashmir valley in the great Himalayan wall, is the entrance into Ladakh. The other important passes are the Fotu-la and the Namika-la passes. Apart from the vivid panoramic view from peak tops, the Gompas and the forts attract the attention of the tourists. Shey is the oldest capital of Ladakh where the ancient Tibetan rulers reigned. However, Leh is the present capital of Ladakh.

Journey by road to Ladakh is quite exciting which provides a rare view of witnessing the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. One has to start from Srinagar and travel for a couple of days to reach Leh. Kargil would be the halfway halting ground.

The Stok Palace crossways the river from Leh was supposed to be the abode one-time regal family units. One can see the Spituk Monastery which gives a spectacular view of the river Indus. It is here that a tourist first gets a glance of Leh, drifting like a mirage at an expanse.

Following are the main tourist attractions of Ladakh:

Buddhist Monasteries
The monasteries present in Ladakh either follow the Hinayana or Mahayana strand of Buddhism. The monasteries are colloquially called as ‘Gompas’ and they form the main travel attraction in Ladakh with their majestic height and photogenic elaborate work. Few of the famous monasteries in Ladakh are Alchi Gompa, Chemrey Gompa, Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Matho Gompa and Phugtal Gompa.

Leh Palace
Locally called as Lhachen Palkhar, it was built in the 17th century by Dharmaraja Singer Namgyal. It took three years to construct this nine-storey palace. It is known for the museum that preserves rare artefacts and embroidered scrolls.

Adventure activities
Mountaineering, yak safari, jeep rides, white river rafting and trekking are few other adventurous outdoor activities that take place in Ladakh.

Wildlife
Ladakh is also a paradise for nature lovers and wild-life photographers. Currently, it endangers the rare animals like Yaks, Snow leopards, Bharal, Urial, Churu, Nyan and others.

So, gear on for a new flavour of India by indulging in a trip to Ladakh and rejuvenate your batteries.