Ladakh, also known as ‘The Land of High Passes’ is a region filled with fascinating facts. It’s a cold desert with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and a rich Buddhist culture. Many people use Leh and Ladakh interchangeably, but they are not the same. Ladakh is the state or region, a bigger area, while Leh is the main city or hub within that region.
When you plan a trip to Ladakh, you usually land in Leh and then travel to other stunning parts of Ladakh like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, or Tso Moriri.
Check out the most interesting facts, best time to visit, the route and important travel tips as the season to visit Leh-Ladakh is here.
Most Interesting Facts About Ladakh:
- Highest Settlement in India:
The union territory of Ladakh boasts some of the highest inhabited villages in the world, with people living at an altitude of 3000 meters (10,000 feet) and above sea level.
- Highest Bridge in the World:
The Bailey Bridge, built by the Indian Army, is located in Ladakh and is one of the highest bridges in the world. It is a remarkable site to visit in itself.
- Rare Twin-humped Camels:
The Nubra Valley area in Ladakh is home to the Bactrian camel, a rare species with two humps, found as a native only in this region.
- Gravity-Defying Magnetic Hill:
This optical illusion causes vehicles to make a downhill slope appear as an uphill, defying the laws of gravity. A scientific concept, which remains a mystery for the common traveller but a real delight to discover.
- Highest Saltwater Lake:
Pangong Tso, a high-altitude lake, freezes completely in winter. This is known to be one of the highest saltwater lakes, and a must-visit tourist attraction spot. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,350 meters, over 14000 feet above sea level.
- Highest Astronomical Observatory:
Ladakh houses one of the highest astronomical observatories, making it a significant location for stargazing. It is an unbelievable experience during the night-time.
- Home to the Kung Fu Nuns:
The Drukpa lineage of nuns’ practices Kung Fu as part of their spiritual and physical training. This lineage is small in number and inhabitants of their village area only.
- Land of Festivals:
Ladakh is known for its unique festivals, deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and showcasing the region’s rich culture. It is rich in in its heritage, culture, anthropology and craftsmanship.
- Buddhist Monasteries:
Ladakh is dotted with plenty of ancient monasteries (Gompas) that are architectural marvels and important centres of Buddhist learning and practice. One must visit as many as possible and soak in the spiritual calmness, which is second to none.
- Part of the Ancient Silk Road:
Historically, Ladakh was a crucial part of the Silk Road, facilitating trade between Central Asia and South Asia. As of today, this region has faced upheaval due to the rising border tensions at times, but nevertheless the trade passage remains a route of immense significance.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh:
- The best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer months, from late May to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the region.
- The highways from both Manali and Srinagar are typically open during this time, allowing for road trips.
Route to Leh-Ladakh:
- Srinagar to Leh: A scenic route through the Himalayas.
- Manali to Leh: Another popular route with breathtaking views.
- Delhi to Leh: You can choose to travel via either the Srinagar or Manali route or combine both for a round trip.
How To Reach Leh-Ladakh:
To reach Leh-Ladakh, there are two modes to choose from – you can opt between air travel or road trips.
- Air travel is the fastest option, with flights available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Srinagar, and Mumbai. Leh has a domestic airport, and flights can be booked in advance if the plan is confirmed.
- Road travel offers two scenic routes: The Srinagar-Leh Highway & Manali-Leh Highway.
- Railways – While there is no direct train to Leh, you can reach the nearby railway station like Jammu Tawi and then take a taxi or bus to reach Leh.
Things To Pack:
- Warm Clothing: Even during the summer season, nights can be cold, so packing sufficient layers of covering including a fleece jacket, warm trousers, wind sheeter and a hat is advisable.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat: Protect yourself from the strong sun at high altitude. Keep your skin shielded, especially if you are prone to sensitive climate.
- Comfortable Trek Shoes: Essential for walking and trekking. Carrying an extra pair is also recommended.
- First-aid Kit: Having an emergency kit with essential medicines, first-aid and pain relief gels is non-negotiable.
OXYGEN PREPAREDNESS:
To prepare for a trip to Leh-Ladakh, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential for altitude sickness and to have a plan for managing oxygen levels. You can either carry a portable oxygen cylinder with you or rent one upon arrival in Leh from the local market area or check with your travel agency too.
- While small oxygen cans are available, they may not be sufficient for people who may not be comfortable with extremely high-altitude, especially at locations like Pangong Tso or Khardung La. Hence, taking a larger one is a more viable option.
- Ensure the cylinder is available and in good working condition before renting.
- If you’re driving to Ladakh, you can carry a cylinder in your vehicle but ensure its securely stored and doesn’t pose a hazard.
