Top 10 Things To Do In Ladakh – For The First Time Traveller!

Blog Courtesy: http://blog.yatra.com/

Ladakh, the land of high passes and dramatic landscapes holds you in a mystical embrace and takes you as far your imagination can go! Lying between two of the world’s most imposing mountain ranges – Himalayas and Karakoram, Ladakh is a not-to-be-missed destination for the avid traveller. As you traverse the region there is so much to do and see, that a first time traveller may feel overwhelmed.

Here are the top 10 things to do when in Ladakh:

1. While in Ladakh, be sure not to not miss Pangong Tso, the world’s highest salt water lake situated at a height of 4,250 meters. The crystal clear blue waters, of Pangong Tso or the Hollow Lake represents nature at its finest.

Pangong Tso

2. Do the trip to the fascinating Nubra Valley with its beautiful green oasis and stark landscapes. It is a whole new cultural experience in form of sand dunes, old palace ruins and monasteries all located in Turtuk. Make sure to get a permit before visiting.

Nubra Valley

3. Leh Palace, a grand architectural icon, is a sight to behold. Make sure to visit this nine-storied palace built in the seventeenth century and said to be modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The opulent Chandazik Gompa and other medieval murals on the palace walls are a must-see.

Leh Palace

4. When in Ladakh, you cannot miss driving up to Khardung la pass. It is touted as the highest motorable road pass in the world. You can rent a bike or car to drive up, and enjoy some of the most breathtaking sceneries along the way.

Khardung La Pass

5. Visit the sprawling Thiksey monastery near Leh, and contemplate its ethereal beauty in silent meditation. It’s located on a hill top and offers an excellent view of the valley below.

Thiksey Monastery

6. Pay your respects at the War Memorial in Kargil to salute the brave hearts who fell while defending the borders of our country against hostile threats. From there you will also get to see Tiger Hill.

Kargil War Memorial

7. Sign up for the Spituk trek, it’s easy and gives you a chance to visit the unexplored Markha Valley. At 4900 meters, you will pass the picturesque Stok La and a panoramic view of the Indus Valley is also on the cards.

Spituk Trek

8. Don’t miss the astounding view of the Leh valley from the Shanti Stupa. A must-see in itself this striking white-domed Buddhist stupa sits on a hilltop in Chanspa. It was built by the Japanese in 1991 as part of its world Peace Pagoda mission.

Shanti Stupa

9. The Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers is beautiful to behold. Don’t give it a miss, even if you are visiting Ladakh in the winters. The waters freeze and you can cross over to the other side.

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers

10. Camp under the stars in Sarachu, located 222 kms away from Manali on the Leh highway. Thick blankets and plenty of conversations under a sky sparkling with stars is one experience which you will not forget easily. And do not forget to light up a bonfire at night!

Camping at Sarachu

So, if time constraints were hindering you from drawing up a travel plan, while in Ladakh, consult the list and pack your bags.