Travel guide to Ladakh.

Magnificently jagged amid the magical place of Ladakh a remote valley tucked in the north side of India. The glorious land of Ladakh itself is an awe-inspiring world. Despite being compared to Kashmir, Ladakh and Kashmir are different in their own ways divided by the Himalayan ranges. Often called the cold desert of India, it is the freezing land, sand dunes, landscapes with spirituality written all over that makes Ladakh, a land that needs to be touched, however, doesn’t see a fortune of tourist.

Ever wondered, why is it so, that despite being called paradise on earth, Ladakh is still not visited by more than half of India. Is it the lack of infrastructure, internet or cultural variation? Ladakh has the potential to change you, your perspective and your life.

The clear sky, curvy roads, the Tibetan culture and people are ought to make you call Ladakh – Your travel home. The Flapper Life has said it out loud and clear, time and again Ladakh has our heart.

We put forth our suggestion as a travel guide to Ladakh covering place, culture, food and people.

Ladakh – The place

Leh one of the famous cities of Ladakh is surrounded by towering mountain ranges and calm lakes. It offers diverse tourism experience to travellers.

Nubra Valley yet another popular pick for travellers will leave them spellbound. Called the Orchard of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is secluded and yet attracts tourists who come to see places like the Diskit Monastery, Hunder Monastery, Maitreya Buddha statue and of course, the world-famous Khardung La Pass along with its exquisite stargazing experience.

Pangong Lake a blue-green lake in the middle of the mountains came into famous lights after we saw it in the movie – 3 idiots. Tourists who visit Ladakh spend hours in this spot. The lake is a breeding ground for several migratory birds.

Zanskar Valley, an isolated region surrounded by its mountains and stunning landscape. This relatively unexplored and hidden area in Ladakh has a pleasant climate, scintillating views and dazzling rivers which makes it perfect for a holiday.

One can also visit Kargil, Drass, Suru Valley, the magnetic Hill on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway. The well-known Khardung La Pass, with its gorgeous views of the valley and roads, is considered to be the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra Valley. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world.

Ladakh- The culture and festival.

Ladakh is the only place in the world where Tibetan culture is reachable. Though foreigners have always had restrictions when going to Tibet, in Ladakh you can talk freely, walk around and spiritually awaken yourself. The lovely Tibetan monasteries in Ladakh are a class apart. Each different from the other. Hemis monastery is a must to visit since it’s where the Hemis Festival takes place, a popular festival famous for its masked parade. It’s one of the holiest rituals in Ladakh.

Ladakh – Food.

If Ladakh looks barren and rocky, though beautiful, then it’s cuisine is rich, colourful, flavoursome & nutritious. The Tibetan influence on Ladakhi cuisine is momos, a dumpling stuffed with vegetables, minced chicken or even yak cheese. Other Tibetan dishes which are popular in Ladakh are thukpa, thenthuk and skyu. Apricot is especially famous in Ladakh, one should try the Apricot jam while in Ladakh, it’s tasty & healthy.

If you are someone who likes to likes to survive on Maggi, Ladakh will surprise you with its magic prep.

Ladakh – People

Ladakhis are both ancestrally and semantically tied to Tibetans. During the 8th century, a royal Tibetan annexed the region to himself and as a consequence, a large number of Tibetans came and market their roots there. Helpful, Kind, Humble and mostly, with a smile on their face. The people of Ladakh believe in simple living and high thinking.

How to plan Ladakh in a way that helps you cover the place, culture, festival, food and people and vibe

Here’s how

1. When is the best time to go to Ladakh

Ladakh is closed and cut off from the rest of the country for several months a year. The best time to visit is between the months of June and September.

2. Permit requirement to visit Ladakh

Ladakh shares close proximity to the India-China border and therefore, everyone visiting this place is required to obtain a permit from the DM office. This permit is not applicable for reaching Leh city but is required in other areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong and Tso Moriri. If you are starting from Manali, you will require a permit to cross Rohtang pass towards Leh. This permit is needed to be taken from Manali

3. Sight-seeing in and around Ladakh.

Once you have arrived in Leh city, there are plenty of places that you cover within 2 full days. The places are.

• Leh Palace

• Tsemo Castle

• Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

• Sankar Monastery

• General Zorawar Fort

• Shanti Stupa

• Hall of Fame

• Jama Masjid

• Daatun Sahib

What to see around Leh?

• Shey Palace

• Shey Monastery

• Thikse Monastery

• Hemis Monastery

• Stakna Monastery

• Matho Monastery

• Stok Palace

• Stok Monastery

• Phyang Monastery

• Spituk Monastery

• Sindhu Ghat

• Leh Main Market

• Mani Wall

• Basgo Palace / Monastery

The famous Nubra Valley has a lot to offer that will keep you busy for 2 more days.

· Khardung La

• Hunder Sand Dunes

• Bactrian Camels

• Maitreya Buddha

• Hot Water Springs

• Samstanling Monastery

• Diskit Monastery

• Yarab Tso

• Ensa Gompa

• Hunder Gompa

• Lachung Temple

• Zamskhang Palace

• Shyok River

• Siachen River

• Road to Siachen

Zanskar Tourist Attractions

One of the best-seen places on earth, Zanskar valley needs 2 days of your time to make you fall in love with its valley.

• Suru Valley

• Shafat Glacier

• Parkachik Glacier

• Drang Drung Glacier

• Parkachik La

• Pensi La

• Umasi La

• Shingo La

• Nun-Kun Massif

• Ta Tso and the Lang Tso lakes

• Fort of Rangdum

• Zangla Fort or Palace

• Doda River

• Zanskar River

• Suru River

• Sani Monastery

• Bardan Monastery

• Dzongkhul Monastery

• Rangdum Gompa

• Karsha Monastery

• Pibiting Monastery

• Stongdey Monastery

• Phuktal Monastery

• Wildlife

• Chadar Trek

4. What do buy in Ladakh

There is plenty to buy in the markets in and around Leh and Ladakh. Authentic and Organic, shopping is done in Leh and Ladakh will The bazaars of Leh will enthral you with the unique artistry and wide range of artefacts on display. The markets are stocked with fine products all year long, and you find it difficult to keep track of time as you drift from one store to another, lost in awe.

Book Ladakh with us, today.