So what do you want from your next holiday? If you are in no mood to settle for just sightseeing or shopping, but want the whole package i.e. adventure, activities, culture, all in the lap of breathtaking nature, then The Week has just the right option. Pack your rucksacks for we are headed to explore the barren and rugged beauty of Ladakh.
The surreal scenic beauty of Ladakh has garnered much attention among the traveling community. Enclosed in between Himalayan ranges, the region checks all the things that are required for a proper break from the daily hustle. From the gorgeous placid lakes, to the snow crested peaks and valleys of lush green vegetation, in terms of breathtaking panorama, Ladakh really holds its own against its neighbor, Kashmir.
Now, though there aren’t many travel agencies in Kathmandu that offer packages or arrange holidays to Ladakh, it isn’t like you won’t be able to find any either. For instance, Naba Raj Amgai from Himalayan Glacier Travel Agency has experience on the matter. Though Ladakh is a popular destination worldwide, he says, its popularity is only now slowly catching up among Nepali masses.
Amgai also adds that it isn’t only the spectacular scene of the entire region that attracts tourists. High altitude passes like the Khardung La (5359 m), Chang La (5360 m) have been able to attract adventurous travelers as well.
Here he shares some necessary information that you will need, if you too want to travel to the destination.
Ranbir, Vaani head to Ladakh to shoot for 'Shamshera'
Best way to get to Ladakh
For us Nepalis, it’s best to travel by air. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Leh is the main airport of the region. This airport is connected to Delhi, Jammu, and Srinagar by direct flights of Jet Airways, Air India, and Go Air. So you can choose the most convenient city according to your travel plans. Though, do note, the timings of the flights are subject to change due to weather.
Best time of the year to travel to Ladakh
Ladakh region enjoys summer season between the months of June and September and this would be the best time to visit this glorious place. As winter approaches, the temperature drops down to the negatives. Nevertheless, some adventurous travelers visit the area during that time as well.
Time required to explore Ladakh
We recommend a minimum of 15 days. It might seem like a long time but there is a lot of natural beauty as well as activities to explore in the region. If you want to be able to do so comfortably, two weeks would be apt. Still there are some who, due to time constraints, squeeze their Ladahk visit in a week.
Availability of accommodation
This isn’t a problem at all. Anyone can book hotels online. There are camping options available for those interested as well.
Security or risk measures a Nepali tourist should take
Leh city is a high altitude desert area located at 3500 meter above sea level. So there is a chance of tourists suffering from high altitude sickness on the day of arrival in Leh. We highly recommend people to follow some essential tips to avoid high altitude sickness.
You should avoid traveling long distance like Nubra/Pangong Lake or even lower Indus Valley on the first day itself. Remain in your hotel in Leh and take complete rest on the day of arrival. We suggest our clients to walk up to Shanti Stupa/Gompa Village to gain height and come back to the hotel to sleep.
Where security is concerned, the tourist zones in Ladakh are safe for traveling and no such security measures are required. There are areas close to China border though where Nepali tourists will require special permits to be allowed to visit. It’s best to prepare for that beforehand.
Apart from visiting some of its famous places and monasteries (which is a given), there are also some must-do-activities that we would suggest you not to miss out during your trip to Ladakh.
Rafting
For this you will have to travel up to River Zanskar. This isn’t near Leh by any means but people tend to participate in this activity as a part of their six-day-long Markha valley trek. It’s just another opportunity for thrill seekers to get their dose of adrenaline.
Trek
Perhaps the most famous trekking route in Ladakh is the Chadar Trek. Not many amateurs attempt to walk on this route because of its difficulty factor, however, for those willing to dare, this should be a thrilling seven to nine days adventure. This blanket trail is known as a beautiful trekking trail that follows the course of the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh. It said to be as rewarding as it is challenging.
Camping
Many consider this a tradition of sorts. Camping has been an activity available for tourists for a long time now. You can choose to live amidst the lush green surroundings and get an opportunity to enjoy an outing in the dry barren landscape as well. The experience is often a great way to relax.
Camel safari
Nubra Valley in Ladakh is renowned as a great destination to enjoy Camel safari. If you have never had the chance to encounter these dessert horses, you don’t want to miss out on this chance. Here the safari makes it possible for participants to ride the double humped Bactrian camels.
Bike rentals
There is perhaps no better way of exploring the amazing beauty and pristine environment of the region than opting for a bike trip. In fact, there are people who choose to travel to Ladakh from Delhi on bikes. But if you think that is too much for you, you can choose to witness the charm of only some parts of the region on two wheelers. Rentals are very popular and easily accessible.
