The Nubra Valley: Valley of Flowers

The Nubra Valley is called valley of flowers in Leh Ladakh. It was on the trading route of southern Asia and central Asia via the famous Karakoram Pass. This valley has been recently opened for the tourists of India and abroad. Nubra Valley is located in the north of Leh at the average height of about 10,000 feet above the sea level. Leh to Nubra Valley is one of the best trekking routes for jeep safari and trekking in Ladakh. The Khardong village, Khalsar and Deskit are the main villages of Nubra valley.

The valley is prime farming land in Leh Ladakh, but at the first glance it looks arid and dry area. Apples, apricots, barley and orange berries trees and plants can be seen in the valley as dotted areas of the Tsetalulu. Ancient gompas, ruined palaces and villages are very close to each other. So trekking in the valley becomes magnificent. Nature of the local people of Nubra Valley is very co-operative, friendly and hospitable.

The Nubra Valley is indeed a precious treasures of Leh Ladakh where people still living in the complete isolation for half of the year from rest of the world. The main attractions of the Nubra valley are Camel safari and sand dunes of the valley. Bactarian Camels (double hump Camel) can be seen around sand dunes. Camel safari is possible only in this valley throughout Leh Ladakh.

Other major attractions are hot water spring and Khardung la Pass (18,380 feet) above sea level. Tourists are advised to spend two to three nights in the valley. A permit is required to visit the valley which tourists have to handover the photocopies of the permit at North Pullu and South Pullu on Khardung la. The permit will allow you to visit the valley for seven days up to Panamik. Tourists have to submit photocopy of the permit while visiting near the bridge of Summer village.

The Jeep safari to Nubra valley leads you through Khardung la (the highest motor able road in the world) and beyond the pass is the wide, flat Nubra Valley, crisscrossed winds of the Shyok and Nubra rivers. The Diskit the administrative headquarter of the valley is about 150 km from Leh. Buses of state government and private companies are running frequently from Leh to Diskit. It is an advice to tourists to enjoy Jeep safari as it provides you the freedom to stop wherever you want to wait. The roads are under control of the Indian army. Sudden change in the climate and short term road blockage by snowfall are common. You should be prepared to face natural hazards while visiting Nubra Valley of Leh Ladakh.

The Most Important Buddhist Site in Ladakh

Ladakh tourism provides the opportunity to trek in a cold desert, nestling in the arid region of Himalayas with wide river valleys on whose fertile soil vegetation and villages have sprung up with its ancient culture. Various Ladakh Packages lead you through Alchi monastery in the remote corner of Ladakh, which is the house of rare manuscripts and ancient painting culture. Today, Alchi monastery is probably the most important Buddhist site in Ladakh.

It is reached by a short deviation from the main Leh to Srinagar road. The settlement is made up of four separate villages surrounded by fields. The trek leads you through above an older settlement with chortens, the newer settlement with guest houses, and a small row of shops. Track ends in a parking area where souvenir shops and a centuries old tree. According to local people, the tree has grown from the walking stick of Lotsava Rinchen Zango. He was the translator of many Indian Buddhist texts into Tibetan and founded Alchi Gompa in 10^th century.

You have to go round the outside of Alchi Gompa which is surrounded by a wall with small prayer wheels.  Rinchen Zango the founder of the Alchi Gompa, brought sculptors and wood carvers from Kashmir. They were abandoned in the 15^th C. The wall paintings are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh, painted with semi precious stones. They are considered to be among the rarest and most widespread examples of Buddhist art in Leh Ladakh. Photography is not allowed in any of the temples. Pictures of inside of the temples in the form of post-cards and books are for sale in the Dukhang.

Try and visit in the mornings when it is very peaceful and find a monk to unlock temples. The site consists of the Dukhang, Sumstek and Manjushri Lhakhangs were built between 12^th and 13^th century. The Lotsava and Soma Lhakhangs are built later. The Dukhang is at the heart of the complex and is the largest of the temples. In fact, there is a similarity in paintings between Alchi murals and Maharashtra’s Ajanta Caves. Alchi Monastery is a classic example of Kashmiri Buddhist art, which is different from Tibetan.

Destination@Doorstep, a reliable tour operator of India has launched various Ladakh packages in affordable cost. These packages have comfortable night-stay that gives you full entertainment and the essence of natural beauty in Leh Ladakh. All packages will take you through Alchi monastery.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

A Place On Earth That Defies Gravity

“A place on earth that defies gravity” is unbelievable!

Ladakh packages are providing the opportunity to visit and test it. LehLadakh is located in the lap of snow-capped Himalayan ranges and silver valleys of Indus River. Ladakh in Northern-India has a Magnetic hill where a vehicle moves up towards hill even its detonation is off. The Magnetic hill or Gravity Hill is situated at a distance of 30 km from the capital city Leh. It is located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, at about 14,000 feet above sea level.

The local administration of Leh region has also put up a signboard marking the hill, to help tourists to recognize the Magnetic Hill. The whole phenomenon is clearly written on the board with instructions for tourists to follow them.

Follow the instructions on the signboard and take a drive to test the phenomenon. Turn your car in the opposite direction and repeat the steps. It will start moving uphill. This magnet magic can be experienced while you are trekkingin Ladakh.

The hill attracts all metallic objects, like vehicles, aircraft etc because the hill is believed to have some magnetic properties. Even the planes & helicopters feel the same magnetic impact. To hide from the magnetic impact of the hill in that area the pilots need to fly at a very high speed. The aircraft start to jerk if it comes within the radius of Magnetic Hill according to Locals and the Indo-Tibetan Border personnel.

Many claim that supernatural forces are at work here, causing the magnetic attractions. There are some scientific reasons behind this phenomenon as well.

The Magnetic Hill is a place where the layout of the surrounding land is very slight downhill slope but appears to be an uphill slope. Thus, a vehicle left out of gear will appear to be rolling uphill. The slope of gravity hills is a visual illusion.

The tourist season in Leh Ladakh is going on. Plan a trip with any Ladakh package offered by Destination@doorstep (a reliable tour operator) and make a theory for the reason behind its magnetic property.

Call on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit their website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

Markha Valley and other treks of Ladakh

A holiday in Ladakh means great adventure with mental peace. Ladakh is the land of Buddhists of Tibetan school. Ladakh is also famous as “land of high passes”, which indicates to its spiritual leanings. It is located in between Karakoram Mountain in north and the great Himalayas in south. Leh the largest town of Ladakh was the capital of Ladakh. Leh is so important for Ladakh that it is called as Leh Ladakh.

Leh is a starting place of Ladakh’s adventure. Buddhist monasteries, beautiful views of the Himalaya, charming market, and peculiar lanes make Leh an important destination. Trekking in Ladakh is a paradise for trekkers of the globe with plenty of opportunities to fulfill all type of adventure sporting desire.

Leh is one of the best trekking places of North India. There are many trekking routes in Leh Ladakh for enthusiast trekkers. 24 important treks for light trekking in Ladakh are Spiti Valley trek, Snow Leopard trails trek, etc. Some for moderate trekking are Darcha trek, Pangong Lake, Indus Valley trek, Frozen trek, Junglam, etc. Some for most challenging trekking are Nubra Valley trek, Markha Valley, Alchi to Lamayuru trek, Rupshu Valley trek, etc.

10 most famous and major treks for trekking in Ladakh are  Leh - Darcha valley trek, Frozen River trek, Leh Ladakh trek, Lamayuru Alchi trek , Indus Valley trek, Ladakh monastery trek, Stock Kangri trek , Zanskar Valley trek, Markha Valley trek, Nubra Valley trek. One of the most adventure tours inLadakh is Frozen River trek and is also known as “Chadar Trek”.

Markha Valley Trekking

After acclimatization in the high altitude hotels of Leh Ladakh, you can start to explore the heartland of the Central Ladakh Valley. This trek involves crossing of the three passes (Stok La 4848 meter, Gandla 4878 meter, Kongmaru La 5274 meter) while trekking in Ladakh on the banks of the Markha River. The highlight of the trip is the camping at the base of the Kang-Yutze peak on the plains of Nimaling.

Trekking in Ladakh along the Markha River through one of the world's highest inhabited plateaus and three high passes at elevations up to 17,400 ft. You will be mesmerized by fabulous views of the Great Himalayan, and Zanskar ranges in Leh Ladakh.

Don’t waste your time, plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

Sand Dune Magic

Leh Ladakh has beautiful monasteries for peace lovers and religious people. On the other fold Leh Ldakh invites trekkers and adventure tourists from across the globe. Leh Ladakh is bounded by two of the world’s mightiest rages, the Karakoram to the North and the great Himalaya to the south. Enjoy the adventurous trekking through the mountains and relax near the beautiful blue lakes of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.

Get ready to explore the memories of the ancient mountain kingdom that can be seen in the old palaces and forts of Leh Ladakh, which was once a part of the legendary Silk Road. Those who seek to visit any mountainous and adventurous locations or look for some peaceful, religious and historical place are advised to browse Ladakh Packages offered by tour and travel companies.

 Destination@Doorstep is a travel and tour company which is focused to help tourists find the best locations of their choice and travel to it with peace, passion, safety, care and comfort. It offers variety of Ladakh packages suitable for different age group. The Ladakh packages can be availed from anywhere anytime in the world.

“Sand Dune Magic with Airfare (06 Nights / 07 Days)” is a special Ladakh package, offered by Destination@Doorstep, especially for trekking and adventure lovers. The Sand Dune MagicTour is available for 6 nights/seven days. The package is available for all and costs INR 25,999, INR 30,999 and INR 36,999 per person (depending upon the Standard, Premium and Deluxe hotels you choose).

The tour starts from Delhi and the first destination is Leh. There on the first day after arrival on Leh Ladakh airport you will be transferred to the hotel according to your choice in the Ladakh package. Full day rest will acclimatize you to this height.  From next day the tour will lead you through Thiksey Monastery, Shey and Hemis Monastery, Rancho’s School, Sindhu Darshan (Indus River), Hall of Fame, Sunset at Shanti Stupa and Leh Fort. 3^rd day continue exploring Leh with river confluence of Indus & Zanskar, millennium monastery of Alchi, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.

Fourth day, start your visit to Changla (Second Highest Motor-able Road) and the most Colorful Pangong Lake, one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. Experience yourself to the “Top of the World” with amazing landscapes, as your excursion to Highest Motor-able Road of Khardong la (K-Top). Drive to Nubra Valley known for extremely mesmerizing scenes. Explore the Sand Dunes, Cold Desert and ride on Double Hump Camels. By noon start drive back to Leh over same route to your Hotel.

The tour is definitely the best Ladakh package for adventure lovers and for those who love to see and explore mountains and high altitudes. The package includes all accommodation in comfortable hotels/ guest houses or camps in scenic & off beat destinations including vegetarian meals. Wildlife fees for restricted areas and inner permits are included within the package.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/.

Five important monasteries in Ladakh

Ladakh tourism has opened his gate for the tourists across the globe. Ladakh is the land of Buddhist from ancient days. Age old monasteries (Gompas) in the arid region of Ladakh are reflecting ageless believes of Buddhism in the middle of soaring mountains. LehLadakh tour without visiting any monastery can be called incomplete tour.

All the Ladakh packages of any tour company cover the five important monasteries in Ladakh. The five monasteries are...

Hemis Monastery - Ladakh

Hemis Monastery (Gompa) is the richest and largest gomopa of Ladakh; located 48 km away from Leh on the bank of Indus River.It belongs to Gelukpa order in 1630 by Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso. The most popular Hemis festival is going to be held on 29^th and 30^th June of 2012. Birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhavis celebrated in Hemis monastery’s compound as Hemis festival. As a part of this festival, a huge painting of Buddha is displayed before public only once in 11 years and that makes this monastery unique for travelers. Another highlight of this monastery is its famous sacred mask dance.

Lamayuru Monastery Ladakh

Lamayuru Monastery the oldest monastery of Ladakh was founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa in early 11^th Century. It belongs to Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. There are several legends associated with this Gompa. It is also believed that the place where Lamayuru gompa is situated was a lake that changes into the mountains by the blessings of a lama, to create space for this monastery. It is located125 km from Leh on a high cape overlook village and surroundings. Lamayuru Monastery has a rich collection of wall paintings and Thangkas. This monastery celebrates sacred masked dance every year on 17th and 18th day of the 5th month of Tibetan lunar calendar.

Thiksey Monastery Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries of Central Ladakh is situated 20 km away from Leh at the altitude of 3600m above sea level which makes it one of the most popular monasteries in Leh Ladakh. It has a twelve storied building with 10 temples and a nunnery in its campus. Nearly 100 lamas practice their religious duty in this monastery. This gompa is seat for head of the Gelug School in Ladakh. Champa one of the largest statues of Buddha in Leh Ladakh can be found in this monastery. It is considered as a perfect example of Ladakhi architecture.

Shanti Stupa ladakh

Shanti Stupa is situated on a high elevated region overlooking the splendid Leh valley. It was constructed by the Japanese for world peace, a Japanese Buddhist Organization as a mark of respect to 2500 years of Buddhism and was inaugurated by his holiness Dalai Lama in August 1985.It is famous for its marvelous construction and magnificent views of sunrise and sunset. Stupa looks spectacular with its glittering lights in night.

Alchi Gompa Ladakh

Alchi Gompa is one of the oldest and finest monasteries of Leh Ladakh. Its main feature is thousands of small sized pictures of Buddha. Brightly painted, three large-sized images prepared with clay are its main attraction. Gompa has many Thangkas of 12th century. Other images include five Buddha families with their attendants.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

Golden Route of Trekking

Route: Manali (Himachal Pradesh) – Rohtang Jot – Tandi – Keylong – Jipsa – Darcha – Baralacha La- Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung la – Pang – More Plains – Tanglang La – Upshi – Karu – LehLadakh.

Distance by road: 490 kilo meters.

Route opens (depending on the snowfall): May to October.

The most convenient way to reach Ladakh is by air. The capital Leh is serviced by three major airlines – most offering 1-hour daily flights from Delhi and also Srinagar, Jammu. For details of schedules and fares, contact Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines or Jet Airways.

Srinagar - Leh Highway

If you prefer a more adventurous approach you can arrive via one of two overland routes. The 1st approach begins at Srinagar (Kashmir) through over night in Kargil. Srinagar – Leh highway including numerous villages in route is 430 Km.

The 2nd approach started from Manali (Himachal) to Leh through several high passes including one of the highest road passes in the world, the Lachulung-La at (about 17000 ft). Both the land routes are easily accessible by car, bike or bus.

Bus: Himachal Tourism, Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Jammu and Kashmir STRC and few travel companies are running their buses regular from Manali to Leh. Bus covers the route in two days as the route is rugged and traffic rush. It costs the lowest expense to approach Leh.

Motorcycle: Bikers have to ride on well maintained bike. Bike owners have to get full check-up of their bike before kicking the bike on Manali-Leh Highway. There are a few motorcycle renting shops that provides bike on rent for one way up to Leh.

Taxi: There are several options available while hiring a taxi for Leh; to book a single seat in a shared taxi or to book whole taxi. There are few taxi drivers who like Cannon ball run (19 to 20 hour journey run without much stoppage in the route) which will provide a little time to enjoy the natural beauty of Manali - Leh highway. It will be better to book a taxi for two or three days with one or two night stopovers.

Out of both routes to reach Leh, Manali – Leh (National Highway – 21) is the preferred choice of adventure travelers and enthusiasts travelers who have keen interest in photography. This route is more rugged, longer and scenic than Srinagar – Leh route. In fact this route entices tourists to undertake this journey by crossing five high altitude passes. These way travelers will have enough time to marvel at natures splendors and indulge in photography. Don’t forget to take water bottle, some snacks, dry fruits and a thermos filled with coffee or tea. Take it easy and enjoy the journey.

Manali to Rohtang Pass: Manali is the starting point of this dramatic journey and Rohtang Pass (13,000 ft), 51 kms away is the first important milestone on the Manali - Leh road. Roads are mostly in good condition and within an hour of leaving Manali, you should be at Marhi (19kms before Rohtang); you can have your breakfast here or at Rohtang Parking, followed by a quick stop at the Rohtang pass for photos.

Ladakh - the best place in India for trekking

A land where peace, adventure and natural beauty live together is Leh Ladakh. This place is very suitable destination for adventure lover tourists of the globe. Tourists interested in adventurous sports like white water rafting, camel safari, mountaineering, jeep safari, paragliding, trekking, etc. Trekking in Ladakh is the most famous adventurous sport known to adventure tour lovers of India and abroad. One can select any one trekking route among the large list of trekking routes of Ladakh. 

India is the most visited, famous and beautiful tourist destination across the globe. It can be Kashmir in north, Rajasthan in center, Kerala in south, or any other part of the country, all the parts of the country have their own beauty and specialty. Northern part of the country in the Himalayan region is the most beautiful and adventurous part of the country.

The hilly areas of Jammu & Kashmir the northernmost state of India full of picturesque beauty is certainly the places that a tourist looks for. Leh Ladakh is a region in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, which is loved by all tourists around the world due to Buddha’s monasteries, natural beauty and environment. Tibetan culture, religion, architect is here due to presence of high percentage of Tibetan people. For these reasons, it is also famous as Little Tibet.

Tourists from all over the world come to Leh Ladakh to enjoy trekking in Ladakh. The place is regarded as one of the best trekking destinations of the globe. The place witnesses heavy snowfall throughout winter season between the months of November to April. The best time for trekking in Ladakh is between the months of May to September. One of the important factors for trekking tours in this region is the high mountain’s passes.

There are many routes for trekking in Ladakh which are as under:

• Markha Valley: This trek will lead you through the spectacular scenes of Leh Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. You can watch hidden civilization of the valleys, rich cultural heritage, monasteries illuminated with butter lamps, nomadic families with herds of yaks and many others.
• Darcha to Lamayuru: This trek starts from Darcha and leads through over 8 passes, with highest point of 5090 meters that brings you in to the Zanskar.
• Indus to Nubra Valley: This route of trekking in Ladakh will lead you through various passes, Buddhist monasteries and the remote villages between Indus to Nubra. The Nubra is a branch of the Shyok River, which is parallel to the Indus and known for sand dunes and camel safari.
• Frozen River: Zanskar people from a very long time have used the frozen river trek. The traditional name of the trek is Chadar trek. 

You can make trekking in Ladakh tour much more memorable by interacting with local people and experiencing their culture. For getting an ultimate traveling experience trust any well renowned travel agency or tour operator like Destination@doorstep.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website: http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/