Showing posts with label leh ladakh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leh ladakh. Show all posts

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Ladakh – The Best Place for Trekking in India


Ladakh is a high terrain region and is known for trekking. It is suitable for almost all types of trekking. Tourists and trekkers from across the world come to this place to experience the endless fun of watching and practicing trekking. Leh is a city of Ladakh and are mostly referred together. People who want to enjoy Ladakh trekking / Leh Ladakh trekking can do it with the help of travel and tour companies.

Trekking in Ladakh without the help of such companies can be little troublesome. In such cases the aspirant has to get the permissions and do all the registrations and this might take much time. Travel and tour companies get these passes for you without wasting your time and energy. Under their guidance people can enjoy without any perimeter and do what they really wanted to, which is trekking.

In Leh Ladakh, the two most famous types of trekking are mountain trekking and river-side trekking. Apart from these two, one can also enjoy forest trekking and sand trekking. Depending upon the choice of the trekker the track can be of 5 miles or 25 miles. As far as mountain and forest trekking are concerned they both go hand in hand i.e. most of forests in Ladakh are on mountains or cliffs. It is clear that after such a tiresome sport one needs good accommodation and dining facilities. Tired by the trekking people sleep like never-before and enjoy the meal as if never had before.

This is why the hotelsin Ladakh have wide range of national and international cuisines. There are many types of hotels and rest houses established across the regions of Ladakh. These hotels are economically divided but do stand different on geographical notes. In Ladakh one is never limited to trekking or rafting, tourists in Ladakh are well treated by local Ladakhi people. These people serve them love and expressions, custom and culture, stories and legends. One can also enjoy gudgud chai that is capable of killing the anxiety, stress and exhaustion experienced after trekking.

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

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The most difficult river rafting on Zanskar River

Ladakh tourism is the backbone of ladakh’s economy. This industry has provided employment to a huge number of local people. Ladakh tourism offers great scope for adventure activities amidst landscapes of breathtaking, rugged beauty. The most popular among these are trekking, mountaineering and river-rafting.
Nestled in the snowy peaks of the alarming Zanskar Range, Zanskar is a sub-division of Kargil in the interior part of the Leh Ladakh region. Its administrative center is at Padum. Zanskar is the most isolated part of the Leh Ladakh region.
River Rafting on Zanskar River

Ladakh temperature can fall to a bone-severing -30 degree Celsius during winter season. Temperature in Ladakh rises up to 30 degree Celsius in the summer months. The best time for tourists to visit Leh ladakh is between April to September.

River rafting is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided rafting in white water is on the Indus River between Spituk and Saspol. River rafting in this stretch can be performed by up to grade 2 rafters. After Saspol, the river becomes very difficult and funny, so it requires technically more skilled 4+ grade participants under careful and best trainer’s organization. The easiest stretch in Lndus River is between Spituk to Karu that can be performed by below 2+ grade rafters in a day. This stretch is an ideal for basic training and full of scenic floating for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors.

The most difficult but exciting option for river rafting is on the Zanskar River between Padum and Nimo through the gorge in the Zanskar Mountains. This is suitable only for well organized white-water expedition, prepared for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters of grade 4+. The arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency like Destination@doorstep. Sufficient rescue arrangement is an essential pre-requirement for embarking for a white -water expedition on river like the Zanskar.

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

Monday, July 2, 2012

The biggest festival of Leh Ladakh


Hemis Gompa is the wealthiest, best-known and biggest monastery (gompa) of Ladakh. It is located at 40 km west from Leh. The major annual festival of the monastery is Hemis festival which is celebrated in summer and is the main cause for its popularity. The major celebrations can be witnessed here at the biggest and wealthiest monastery of Leh Ladakh. Hemis monastery was built in 1630 during the reign of Sengge Namgyal, a well-known ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect. Local people call this monastery as “Chang Chub Sam Ling”, which means the single place of the passionate.

Hemis Gompa
The monastery is divided into two parts, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall Dukhang is also used as "green room" by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The varandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist 'wheel of life' (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel.

The courtyard of Hemis Gompa, the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh is the stage for the famous Hemis festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. He is said to be responsible for bringing Buddhism to Nepal and Ladakh. The occasion also celebrates the ancient victory of Lamaism over Shamanism and other religious practices.

Hemis Festival
Local people are seen dressed up in their finest traditional dress for the occasion. Lamas perform splendid masked dances and holy plays with cymbals, drums and long horns. The head lama presides over the function. This famous Thanka, richly decorated with pearls and semi-precious stones. A colorful fair of beautiful handicrafts is the special highlight of the festival. The fair is organized in the courtyard of the monastery.

The Hemis festival is celebrated for two days on the 10th and 11th day in the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar. Generally this festival is celebrated in the month of June. This year the Hemis Festival is going to be celebrated on 29th and 30th June. Tibetan Monkey year is celebrated after every 11 years. The Hemis festival takes an auspicious turn in the Monkey year, when the two-storey high 'Thanka' is displayed.

Ladakh – The Mecca for Adventure Lovers

Ladakh with its arid deserts and enchanting beauty happens to be a dream destination for all the adventure lovers, whose ultimate desire is to visit this enthralling place once in their lifetime.  From poets to painters, from tourists to trekkers, all have been captivated by the alluring beauty of Ladakh.
Though Ladakh has been an independent kingdom for centuries, Tibet and the Muslim neighboring lands have a strong influence on its culture. The architecture in Ladakh, especially the monasteries and the housing complexes bear a strong resemblance to those in Tibet. As Ladakh lies in the great Himalayan range, it has a unique climate and culture. About the climate; summer here is usually bright and warm, whereas winter can be harsh. Owing to its resemblance to Tibet, Ladakh is often called as the little Tibet.
Embarking on a trekking tour is the best way to fuse adventure and natural beauty of Ladakh. Trekking here is dubbed as a lifetime experience by those, who have surrendered to the enticing rugged terrain of this land.  Ladakh adventure is not restricted to just trekking, but also river rafting, cycling, village tour, walking, and bike expedition. The famous Trekking routes in Ladakh are Stok Kangri trek, Markha Valley, Alchi - Lamayuru Trek and Rupshu valley, Nubra Valley Trek, Spituk to Markha Valley, Lamayuru Gompa to Chilling, Likir to Temisgam, Spiti valley trek and Rupshu Valley trek. June to October is the ideal time for trekking adventure in Ladakh. With every nook and corner of Ladakh offers adventure enthusiasts new vistas to get indulged in activities such as cycling, white water, rafting, and mountaineering, polo, archery, Jeep and Yak Safari.
Mountaineering in Ladakh is yet another memorable experience. The terrain is known for its exigent peaks and alps, climbing on which promises an adrenalin rush. The popular mountaineering range here are Stokkkhangri,  Khangiri, Nun, Kun, Konglacha Peak, Kantaka, and Gulap Matho West and many more. It is advisable to take the permission of the India Mountaineering Federation in Delhi, before you embark on a mountaineering expedition.
Biking in Ladakh is a good option for adventure freaks. Bike safari is the best way to explore the inaccessible regions in Ladakh. Biking proves to be a thrilling experience, is it gives the tourist an opportunity to behold astounding glaciers and steep hills. Manali to Leh route is one of the famous routes to explore the beauty of Ladakh region.
Ladakh the land of Gompas, mesmerizes the tourists with its rugged terrains and a number of passes and barren rocks. It is undoubtedly the paradise for adventure lovers with plentiful activities to please ones adventurous spirit.


Saturday, June 30, 2012

Silk Route Cottage in Nubra Valley


Ladakh is an unparallel tourism destination for adventure lover tourists in India. It is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is bounded by the mighty mountain ranges of the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram. The beautiful land of Ladakh draws a number of travelers and tourists from all over the world. Ladakh wins the heart of adventure tourists, nature lovers and religious interest tourists. Ladakh is known for cultural tours, adventure tours, fairs & festivals, monasteries, trekking, etc. Ladakh tours attract a number of adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Trekking in Ladakh is a rewarding experience. There are many natural trekking routes in this region. Monasteries are one of prime attractions of Ladakh tours and travels.

Silk Route Cottage is located in a quaint village Sumur in the Nubra Valley to the north of Leh. It has a very large property with lush green fields and gardens. The only A Class property in Nubra Valley with attached toilets and showers for 24x7. The rooms are fitted with modern amenities and are very spacious & comfortable. The organic vegetables grown in the garden are used for preparing the meals.

There are lots to do in this little village, from village walks to visiting the Sumur Monetary and to raft down the Shyok River. You can enjoy Bactrian Camel Safari to hot springs and fulfill your desire by searching the hidden lakes. Hundar or Deskit Monetary is in two hours bike safari. You can learn how to paint Buddhist paintings. Tourists can visit a Yak farm where they can touch yak. Enjoy a traditional meal at a village home. Spend your time in visiting the local women alliance to learn about their self help group activities and experiencing a local cultural evening dressed in the traditional clothes.

Facilities: 14 Bamboo Cottages and 5 Tents with attached toilets, Sight Seeing/Travel desk, Car on hire, hot & cold shower, Telephone and post paid BSNL mobile, TV with multi-channels, Room service, Multi-cuisine restaurant, Open air restaurant, Village Handicraft Shop, Reception cum Library, Parking, Laundry.
Facilities on demand: Doctor on call, Cultural Show on demand, Bon fire on demand, Barbeque on demand, Room heating on demand.

Silk Route Cottage, Sumur in Leh Ladakh is a favorite and suitable place for Nubra ethnic camp in affordable budget. Tariff is not so high its charges are equivalent to guest houses of Leh.

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

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Effigy of the evil forces is burnt in Karsha Monastery


Ladakh Tourism provides the opportunity to know the ancient culture of northern hilly area of India. Various Ladakh packages for cultural tours are announced by the tour operators of India which will take you through the Buddhist monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Mostly festivals of Ladakh is celebrated in winter season, when tourists has to face many difficulties to reach there. Some festivals are held in summer.

One of the important festivals of the region is Karsha Gustor, which is celebrated in Karsha, Stok  and Spituk monasteries in Ladakh every year as their annual festival. Karsha monastery is situated on the top of the hill in Zanskar region of Ladakh. This year, the festival is going to be celebrated for two days on 16th and 17th July 2012.

The fate of predictions held in Stok is commonly known as Zanskar (Karsha Gustor). The layman is predictor of the future instead of reputed forecasters, who are commonly recognized for this job. The layman is spiritually authorized by the Lamas after a formal selection, and is prepared for receiving the spirit of the Holy Deity.

During the Karsha Gustor, a Black Hat Dance is performed. The significance of this dance is to force the evil forces to leave the region and to establish the victory of good over the evil. This is also a masked dance similar to Chhams. The festival is a famous festival of the Buddhists.

This is a Masked Dance that is performed by the Monks of the Geluk-pa order because the Zanskar (Karsha Gustor) Festival is typical to that order. The masked Hat Dancers symbolizes the guardian divinities (Dharmapalas), and is a kind of help by the Geluk-pa order.

The festival finishes with the distribution of the sacrificial cake. This is also known as the Storma. The concluding part of the Black Hat Dance during the Zanskar (Karsha Gustor) is killing of the evil force by the leader of the dancers, which is known as Argham.

The main feature of this dance is the re-enactment of the assassination of the Tibetan renegade, King Lang-dar-ma, by a Buddhist Monk. The king was said to be a traitor who lived in mid 9th century, and caused a lot of harm to the state. Effigy of the evil forces is burnt at the end of the festival.

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

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Cuisine of Ladakh Draws a Number of Tourists


The delicious food of Leh Ladakh is almost the same as Tibetan food. Farmers in Ladakh practice farming of vegetables like potatoes, pumpkins, beetroots, beans etc. These vegetables are cooked in different ways. Non-vegetarian dishes like mutton and chicken are very common and are cooked in a variety. Trying nourishing and usually mildly flavored local food of Ladakh like Thukpa, Momos. Steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetable can be a different experience, when you enjoy your LehLadakh tour in India. There are many restaurants in Ladakh where you can get Tibetan, Korean, Chinese and other international dishes of your choice. A variety of recipes for chicken and dumplings, from old-fashioned to low-fat and easy to cook is one of the most popular dishes of Leh Ladakh.

Ladakh serves a variety of Tibetan, Korean, Chinese, and Continental dishes. When it comes to the traditional food of Ladakh, the use of dry fruits (walnuts, almonds and raisins), spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc) and additive spices (Hing, Saunf, chillies and dry ginger) are a must to provide a pleasant aroma and flavor to the food.

Ladakh hosts the formal grand feast 'Wazawan' like other parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Wazawan is a rich and delicious meal, consists of mostly non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian specialties are dam (potato and chaman), korma sag (made from the popular Dal Lake vegetable 'lak'), saag (made from thick-leafed green leafy vegetable 'hak'), lotus root and apricot jam and Ladakh also serves all the vegetarian dishes of India.

Non-Vegetarian Specialties are thukpa (noodles cooked in mutton soup), skieu (made with veggies, mutton and flour), yakhni and tabaq naat (made of fried ribs). There are several restaurants and hotels in Ladakh that are known for their specialties. Ladakh serves the choicest selection of vegetarian and non vegetarian meals. The rich and aromatic flavor of the cuisine of Ladakh draws a number of tourists from all over the world. The special gurgur tea of the snow desert is famous which is prepared by yak-milk and special spices for the tea.

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

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Accommodation in Nubra Valley – Ladakh


The Nubra valley is one of the best agricultural areas in Leh Ladakh. The Nubra Valley is known to the world for famous Silk Route along the banks of Nubra River. There are numerous hotels in Ladakh for comfortable accommodations. Hotel Karma Inn in Nubra valley is located just 1 km from the sand dunes of Hunder village in a very scenic and peaceful atmosphere amidst poplar and apricot trees. Hotel Karma Inn is nestled in the lap of Hunder, suitable for a peaceful and relaxed holiday. It is one of the best places for ethnic camp in the region. Nubra means orchard or garden, is a picturesque green valley. It has milder climate as compared to any valley of Leh Ladakh. Karma Inn Hotel is well known for its additional service like guiding tourists and helping them with other facilities.

Hotel Karma Inn provides furnished rooms with all modern facilities and comfort, fertile garden studded with multi-colored flowers, provide an opportunity to relax and experience the best of life. Through the windows of your room you can enjoy the panoramic view of Shyok River and sand dunes. Friendly staff makes sure that that you get whatever you need in time to lead a stress free life in the hotel. Hotel can arrange and advice you the best suitable route for sight-seeing and trekking in Ladakh.

All rooms of the hotel have attached bath-room with 24 hours running hot and cold water. They provide their special Ladakhi traditional food and Gurgur tea, a special tea of Leh Ladakh. Different types of International cuisines like Chinese, Italian, Tibetan and Indian are cooked by well trained and dedicated Chefs with international taste and standard.

Other facilities provided by the hotel are airport pick-up on request, laundry facilities, cultural- show on demand, travel help desk, doctor on call, in house generator and camel safari rides.

Tariff of the hotel is similar to any standard hotels in Ladakh. They have single and double room facility. They are providing extra bed on charge in pick season. Hotel is charging room rent in four categories; EP is simple room rent, CP is room rent with breakfast, MAP is room rent with breakfast and lunch, and fourth AP is room rent with tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

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 10th 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 15th 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 12th and 13th 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/

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

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.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Nubra Valley: The Valley of Flowers

Ladakh is a wonderland which is artistic with incredible natural beauty and adventure sports facilities. The most famous tourist destination of India attracts nature lover and adventure sports lover from across the world. During the winter season it remains covered with snow which creates the most charming view of a desert, not of sand but snow. So, it is called Snow Desert. Ladakh Trekking is a fashion for the young enthusiast adventure sports lover of the globe. One of the most famous and charming tourist destinations of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is bordering both neighbor countries China and Pakistan.


The Valley of Flowers : Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is situated at the altitude of about 10,000 feet in north western part of Ladakh. This Valley lies along the banks of the shayok and its tributary. While traveling from Leh towards Nubra, as soon as one will reach Khardung-la top, his heart problem will increase and you may feel headache, perhaps it is due to thin air.
After traveling further down, there is grassland, called Spang Chhenmo (North Pullu). In summer season, local people come here to graze their cattle. After 10 km moving towards Nubra valley, there is a village surrounded by mountains, called Khardong which keeps it cool even during summer. There is a Public Works Department (PWD) rest-house, a primary school and state government livestock development center. Despite efforts of the State Government more than three fourth of the total population is illiterate. After trekking 30 km, you will be in a Buddhist village Khalsar, which has a government Rest House. It has been provided the same facility by the state government. But the village is suffering in the same condition.
Nubr Valley in Summar
After traveling 12 km ahead from Khalsar, you will be in a valley which consists of two rivers: Nurba and Shayok. Both rivers are flowing in opposite directions. Diskit, Hundar, Sumur, Panamik, Bogdang and Turtuk are the main villages in and around Nubra Valley. Hundar is the most beautiful among all the other villages. It may be called fruit garden as trees of cherry, apricot, walnuts, almonds etc. can be found everywhere in this village. Its population is about 1350 in which Buddhists are more than 1200 and rest is Muslims. All live peacefully as a family and all the guests are welcomed with the same eco of “Atithi Devo Bhava”.
Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website: 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Leh Ladakh: Your search for the best holiday destination.


Leh Ladakh: Your search for the best holiday destination.

Busy in Googling for suitable tour packages!

Your search will go nowhere other than Leh Ladakh of India, and attractive holiday destination accommodated and guided under Destination@Doorstep. India is one of the most popular destinations for tourists across the globe, because of its diversified culture, geography and architecture. Ladakh was a meeting point of traders of South Asia and Central Asia through Silk Road, so, people of this area are habituated to welcome and entertain their trader guests.

Ladakh Mountains

Ladakh , comprises two districts (Leh and Kargil) of Jammu and Kashmir, is the northern most state of India, which is situated to the south of Karakoram and to the north of the great Himalayas mountain ranges; sandwiched between Pakistan and Tibet (occupied by China). Its land is arid and terrain. It is an adventurous and mesmerizing land for the wonderful sight of snow capped peaks, landscapes, valleys, high passes, lakes and monasteries.

After militant’s disturbance in 1974 India started supporting Tourism in Ladakh. The best time for cultural tour starts from April and ends in October. Best Season for Adventure tourism is May to October.

It is tough to reach to Mansarovar Lake which holds a very important position in Hindu religion, but one can visit Pangong Lake (Located 150 km north of Leh and is 10,000 ft above the sea level) which is equivalent to Mansarovar in respect of its massive size. Climax scene of Bollywood movie 3 Idiots was shot here. It is 134 kilometers long with an average of 5 kilometers in width. Water of this Lake changes its color depending upon the sun’s location.

Lel Ladkah

One can stay in PangongResort, located near Pangong Lake which has12 tents, where food and lodge with medical facility are available in affordable cost. There is a tour package with the same name Trail of 3 Idiots launched by Destination@doorstep (a travel and tour company), which helps you to visit this place along with their world famous facilities. China occupies the major portion of Pangong Lake from the northern side.

Another important destination, the Nubra Valley is a perfect destination for relaxing holidays. The valley of flowers in the arid land of Ladakh welcomes travelers with the purest and most exotic smell and greenery. The most surprising fact is the fertility in the land of Nubra Valley. The land is used for the cultivation of fruits and grains as it is nurtured by the Shyok and Nubra Rivers. So, it is called Orchard of Ladakh.

Tourists can find a short view of pink and yellow wild roses in summer and a carpet of wild lavender in the post monsoon season. Travelers will be mesmerized to see double humped Siberian camels around sand dunes. Tourists may be surprised to ride a camel with fur. The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardongla (18380 feet above the sea level); is perhaps the highest motorable road in the world. In the trekking route of Leh to Nubra valley tourists will visit Samstanling monasteries and Khardung la pass.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Ladakh – The Mecca for Adventure Lovers

Ladakh with its arid deserts and enchanting beauty happens to be a dream destination for all the adventure lovers, whose ultimate desire is to visit this enthralling place once in their lifetime.  From poets to painters, from tourists to trekkers, all have been captivated by the alluring beauty of Ladakh.
Though Ladakh has been an independent kingdom for centuries, Tibet and the Muslim neighboring lands have a strong influence on its culture. The architecture in Ladakh, especially the monasteries and the housing complexes bear a strong resemblance to those in Tibet. As Ladakh lies in the great Himalayan range, it has a unique climate and culture. About the climate; summer here is usually bright and warm, whereas winter can be harsh. Owing to its resemblance to Tibet, Ladakh is often called as the little Tibet.
Embarking on a trekking tour is the best way to fuse adventure and natural beauty of Ladakh. Trekking here is dubbed as a lifetime experience by those, who have surrendered to the enticing rugged terrain of this land.  Ladakh adventure is not restricted to just trekking, but also river rafting, cycling, village tour, walking, and bike expedition. The famous Trekking routes in Ladakh are Stok Kangri trek, Markha Valley, Alchi - Lamayuru Trek and Rupshu valley, Nubra Valley Trek, Spituk to Markha Valley, Lamayuru Gompa to Chilling, Likir to Temisgam, Spiti valley trek and Rupshu Valley trek. June to October is the ideal time for trekking adventure in Ladakh. With every nook and corner of Ladakh offers adventure enthusiasts new vistas to get indulged in activities such as cycling, white water, rafting, and mountaineering, polo, archery, Jeep and Yak Safari.
Mountaineering in Ladakh is yet another memorable experience. The terrain is known for its exigent peaks and alps, climbing on which promises an adrenalin rush. The popular mountaineering range here are Stokkkhangri,  Khangiri, Nun, Kun, Konglacha Peak, Kantaka, and Gulap Matho West and many more. It is advisable to take the permission of the India Mountaineering Federation in Delhi, before you embark on a mountaineering expedition.
Biking in Ladakh is a good option for adventure freaks. Bike safari is the best way to explore the inaccessible regions in Ladakh. Biking proves to be a thrilling experience, is it gives the tourist an opportunity to behold astounding glaciers and steep hills. Manali to Leh route is one of the famous routes to explore the beauty of Ladakh region.
Ladakh the land of Gompas, mesmerizes the tourists with its rugged terrains and a number of passes and barren rocks. It is undoubtedly the paradise for adventure lovers with plentiful activities to please ones adventurous spirit.