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.

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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/

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: 

http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

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.

Pangong Lake of 3 Idiots

Ladakh the snow desert and enchanting beauty is a dream destination for all the adventure lovers. Poets, painters, writers, tourists, trekkers and others ultimate desire is to visit this unbelievable place once in their life time.

 Ladakh has been an independent state since 13^th century. Its culture has much strong influences of Tibet and Muslim neighboring lands. The architecture of the monasteries of Ladakh has a strong image of Tibetan art.

Ladakh consists two districts (Leh and Kargil) of the northern most state India Jammu & Kashmir, which lies between the great Himalayan and Karakoram Range. They obstruct Indian monsoon to bring rain in Ladakh. Summer is usually bright and warm, whereas winter gives freezing cold. All the roots of high altitudes are closed by snowfall during the winter season.

Pangong Lake is also called Pangong Tso. Tso is used for the abbreviation of Time sharing operation. It means that many persons can access the operating system concurrently. It appears to each TSO user he is the only user on the system. It is situated at the height of about 4350m in the Himalayas. It is an endorheic lake with the length of 134 km and the width is 5 km at the broadest point and extends from India to Tibet (China). 60% of the lake lies in China. During winter season the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.

Amir Khan a famous director of 3 Idiots had shot climax scene of the film on this lake. Pangong lake has been featured in a few movies and songs, because it is one of the most beautiful lakes in India and it changes its color and hues every few hours.

It is advised to spend a whole day at Pangong Lake, rather than visit it just for one or two hours. A few hotels are centrally located in Leh the heart cityof Ladakh within a walking distance from Leh market and really 10 minutes drive from Leh airport, where you can relax under the apple groves in the beautiful garden of the hotel.

Saline Lake of Ladakh

Embarking on trekking tour is one of the best ways to join adventure and natural beauty of Ladakh. Leh is an opening destination for any trekking tour, as Leh is the capital town of Ladakh. Trekking here is preserved as a lifetime experience by those who have explored the rugged terrain snow desert of this land. Ladakh adventure is not limited to just trekking, but also bike expedition, river rafting, monastery tour and mountaineering.

Saline Lake of Ladakh

Ideal time for adventurous sports as trekking and river rafting in Ladakh is summer season from middle of May to October. Every nook and corners of Ladakh invites enthusiasts of adventure lovers to be a part of activities such as: ice polo, jeep safari, cycling, archery, river rafting and trekking etc.

Pangong Lake is 160 km in the north east of Leh across the Chang la Pass. It is considered to be the largest lake of Asia. Its length is nearly 136 km and average width is more than 4 km at an elevation of 4300 meter. The water is as clear as a crystal.

Pangong Lake freezes in winter. Migrated animals such as: ponies, yaks and goats and birdswalk over the hard surface of the frozen Pangong Lake. Scanty populations of Changpas are living in Spangmik and some other villages along the southern shore of the lake in the summer season where trekkers or travelers can get the facility of Home stay system. They are nomadic tribes of Changthang Valley of Ladakh. They migrate to warmer places in winter.

The water is salty. It is said that the water was fresh in ancient age. The mountain ranges in the north-western side of the lake are of lime stones which had affected its water. The clear salty water shines in many colors of blue or green depending upon its depth. It really changes shades with sunlight and the shadow of mountain which changes the color of water.

Only 40% of the Lake lies in Indian Territory while rest in China. Its area is nearly 400 sq km or about the same size as the holy lake of Mansarovar.

Did you know: Water in the eastern portion of the Pangong Lake occupied by China is as tasty and sweet as pure drinking water.