Where is Ladakh?
The
district of Ladakh is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in North
India. It is the largest district of the state, with Leh being its capital.
It is internationally known for its mountain beauty and Tibetan Buddhist
culture.
How will you gain access?
Leh, the capital of the district, is well connected by air to places like
Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. From Srinagar it is a 45-minute
flight to Leh. The Srinagar-Leh route stretches over 434 km and remains open
from early June to November. There are regular Government and private bus
services available on the route. The second land route is the 480-km
Manali-Leh Highway.
What magnetises people?
» Leh Palace
Dominating the Leh area, the Leh Palace is an imposing 9-storey structure.
The royal family Sengge Namgyal moved out in 1940 and since that time, the
building has been empty. A few years back, the Archaelogical Survey declared
it a protected monument and has been making extensive repairs. The top floor
of the palace provides a splendid view of the Indus Valley.
» Tsemo Gompa
As you move further up ahead of the palace, you arrive at the Tsemo Gompa.
The Gompa can be reached either from Chubi or by walking up the south
approach from the Leh Palace.
» Shanti Stupa
Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985, the Shanti Stupa is a newly-added
attraction in the Leh area. The Stupa was built with the assistance of the
Japanese. The visitors are charmed by the exquisite murals of the structure
and the calm ambience that surrounds.
» Chain of Monasteries
There are a number of monasteries to the southeast and west of Leh. To the
southeast of Leh are some popular monasteries of Shey, Thiskey, Hemis,
Stanka, Matho and the Stok Palace. To the west are monasteries like Spituk,
Likir, Alchi and Rhizdong.
What are the adventures in store?
River Indus offers a fabulous option for rafting. There are gentle runs on
offer for the first timers. However, there are tough stretches as well, to
get you adrenaline pumping. Ladakh also provides high altitude trekking
options. There are two basic treks- one from Likhir to Temisgam and the
other from Stok to Matho. You will come across some beautiful villages and
scenic spots as you move on.
Which
are the nearby hotels?
Hotel Shambha La (3 km from airport) is a 5-star deluxe hotel in Ladakh.
The hotel has a total of 26 rooms and offers facilities like banquet hall,
restaurant, billiard room, doctor on call, laundry, TV, telephone etc. There
are also arrangements for sightseeing and trekking. Hotel Dragon Leh, a 5
star deluxe, is yet another opportunity to avail oneself of fabulous
accommodation. The hotel offers value for you money and exceptional
hospitality service to the tourists. Moonland Guest House is near the
airport offering 15 rooms.
What is the best time?
June to October is the most convenient time to pay a visit to Ladakh, for
most of the routes remain closed after the month of November due to heavy
snowfall. There is another good reason of visiting Ladakh in summer months.
Most of the Gompas and the Buddhist monasteries hold their annual festivals
during this period.
