APPROVED BY MINISTRY OF TOURISM (Govt. of India)

Ladakh Trip: How to plan a trip to Ladakh | Complete Travel Guide



Ladakh Trip: How to plan a trip to Ladakh | Complete Travel Guide

LADAKH TOURISM

HERE IS A BRIEF GUIDE ON HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO LADAKH

# WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LADAKH?

This is the first question that arises in your mind when you plan a trip to Leh, Ladakh. Because this place is closed and disconnected from the country through several months of the year. In general, the best time to visit Leh, Ladakh is from June to September. Most of the tourism activities occur between those months. But the accommodations and hotel prices will be a little higher in this tourist season. The common myth among travellers is that summer is the best time to visit Ladakh. Well, it is time to break these stereotypes. Because Ladakh has so much to offer on the other seasons too. April and May could be considered, but the roads on the peaks will still be under clearance. It will only be a problem if you are travelling by bike. If you are planning to take a car September would be the ideal month as the chances of landslides will be less. If you are planning to travel by bike, any time between June to August would be an excellent time. If you are planning to go with the family, we would suggest you to select between the months of June and September. As there will be hotels and transport facilities will be in full operating mode. You may have to check for the prices and book hotel for accommodation according to your budget prior to reaching here. 

Best season to visit according to us is Fall(autumn) because all the hills around would be colourful and you will feel the gorgeous beauty of nature. Again for photography, it depends on the individual- whether you want snowfall time or the sweet colorful time to capture the best moments. 

HOW TO PLAN FOR LADAKH TRIP:

Now that you have decided when to travel to Ladakh, the next question is how to prepare for Leh, Ladakh trip. Because while speaking about a trip to Leh, Ladakh, it is not just a normal routine trip where you pack some clothes, everyday essentials and leave. It is a high altitude place where you could visit snowfall at any time. Not only that lowering levels of oxygen as you move higher are the main aspects to keep in mind and prepare for the trip accordingly. 

THINGS TO CARRY FOR THE LADAKH TRIP:

  1. Warm woollen clothes are recommended, a pair of extra socks, a pair of gloves woollen/normal, caps to cover head, woollen scarf to cover your neck. 
  2. Move Spray, or any kind of pain relief spray, A pack of Glucose, Precautionary medicine Diamox, if you get caught off AMS. There are always going to be a natural remedy available in nearby restaurants or hotel stops they are garlic soup or soup made of lots of garlic. This is the local remedy used over there for years.
  3. Everyday essentials - Sunscreen, Moisturiser, cold cream, shades/ sunglasses, thermal flask or thermal water bottle, comb, towel, face wash, Vicks, toothpaste, soap, deodorant(if you prefer to use).
  4. Eatables like chocolates, dry fruits, almonds, raisins are prefered, Carry Maggi cup noodles or Instant noodles/foods, Instant coffee bags, a lighter, flask, etc.
  5. Electronic gadgets- Camera, Camera Charger, Torches with new batteries, a spare memory card or a hard disk if you are into photography.
  6. Cash- ATM at Leh, Ladakh is still rare to spot, so it is suggested to carry cash in hand.
  7. Document- Copy of your permit letters, Address proof, reserved hotel slip, emergency contact number and address on a piece of paper pack with plastic and put in your jacket. 
  8. Phone Connectivity- Only postpaid services are available in Ladakh, we would prefer you to take a BSNL or MTNL postpaid connections just in case if you don't want to be out of grid.
  9. It is recommended not to drink alcohol or smoke at these high altitude regions.
  10. You need to take a 2days of rest as soon as you arrive at Leh or Ladakh as your body needs to adjust to the environmental conditions and lower oxygen level or you might suffer from serious AMS. We further advised to take rest as you move towards higher altitude levels, else you may feel fatigued or drowsiness.
  11. Would recommend you to take this trip when you are physically fit and fine. Take precautionary measures and few articles on AMS and its symptoms and precautions prior to commencement of trip to Ladakh.

PREPARATION FOR FAMILY TRIP TO LADAKH:

Leh, Ladakh is the bikers paradise especially for those off-roading and long passes. Gone are those days when only biker's used to rejoice the beauty of Leh. Now everybody can with proper guidance and few steps to be followed.

  • Warm Clothing are preferred for every age group
  • It is advised to take a medical checkup and take precautionary advice to survive in high altitudes. 
  • One must be physically fit and a good healthy heart condition is preferred for this place.
  • Even the fittest people face Altitude sickness, it is recommended to have precautionary medicines with you.
  • Medical emergency may occur when there are senior family members, have a backup plan for that, there are multispeciality hospitals available at Ladakh.
  • keep the whole family hydrated, don't overdo that too. Being hydrated is essential but drinking too much water can risk you to AMS.

WHAT DO WE GET TO BUY AT LADAKH:

Trip to Ladakh is always the most memorable one as it offers many things to remember and gives numerous picturesque view to cherish.

There is a small tradition about all the regular travellers, that is everybody loves to take home some token of remembrance from there trip. You don't have to worry thinking that Leh is snow place. Leh, Ladakh has emerged and is growing continuously as a popular tourist place and there are plenty of options for you to shop here.

LIST OF THINGS TO SHOP IN LADAKH:

  • Artifacts
  • Tibetan Handicrafts
  • Buddha Statues
  • Choktse
  • Jewellery from Leh Ladakh
  • Pashmina
  • Buddhist Artifacts
  • Ladakh Prayer Wheel
  • Ladakh Prayer Flags
  • Ladakh Carpets and Rugs 
  • Apricot
  • Crockery
  • Small Kitchenware
  • Kurtis, shawls and Sarees
  • T-shirts, Hats, Accessories
  • Chhang(Alcohol)

Here are a few places for shopping at Leh, Ladakh: Army Run Stores, Leh Main Bazaar, Tibetan Handicraft Community Showroom and Tibetan Handicraft Emporium, Ladakh Art Palace, Dalai Lama Charitable Trust Handicraft Emporium, Ladakh Apricot Store, Leh Moti Market, Changspa (Leh), Cottage Industries Exposition, Tibetan Market (Leh), Padum Market (Zanskar Valley), Diskit Market (Nubra Valley), Kargil Market are few places at Leh,Ladakh where you can shop for the above things.

MUST-TRY FAMOUS FOODS OF LADAKH:

One should never miss out the local exotic foods offered in Ladakh. You will get to taste the authentic flavours, a blend of Indian and Tibetian food culture here. Local food in Ladakh is rich in nutrients as they harvest and grow vegetables, cereals in the organic farms. There will be all kinds of food available in the restaurants - North, South etc. But where is the fun if you don't try the local mouth-watering Tibetan food like Chutagi, Skieu, Paba, Khambir, Momo, etc. Kashmiri Veg/ Non-Veg Dishes, Tibetian Beverages, especially the Butter tea or Gur Gur Chai should not be missed if you are a tea lover.

PLACES TO VISIT IN LADAKH:

Places to visit in Ladakh depends on the duration of your trip and the itinerary prepared for your Ladakh tour packages. You should know about the places you are going to visit prior to the trip. Its climatic conditions, things available at those locations, nearby places to visit, etc.

Here we tried to list the best places to visit in Ladakh in our point of view: 

  • If you are visiting Leh from Srinagar: Lush Green Valleys, Zoji La, Namika La, Fotu La, Lunar Landscape, Indus Zanskar River Confluence, Magnetic Hill, Tiger Hill, Hangro Loops, Kargil War Memorial, Good Kashmiri Food, Lamayuru Monastery, Redzong / Rizong Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Phyang Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Mulbekh Monastery / Maitreya / Buddha Statue, Basgo Monastery / Basgo Palace, Thajiwas Glacier- These are the places to visit in Leh if you are travelling from Srinagar.

  • If you are visiting Leh from Manali Leh Highway: Manali, Rohtang La, Jispa, Deepak Taal, Baralacha La, Suraj Taal, Shaheed Sainik Bhawan, Gata Loops, Nakeela, Lachulung La, Moore Plains, Tso Kar, Tanglang La - These are the most popular places to visit on your way to Leh from Manali Leh Highway.

  • Places to visit in Leh: Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Jama Masjid, Daatun Sahib, Sankar Monastery, General Zorawar Fort, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame- These are the famous places to visit in Leh.

  • Places to visit around Leh: Shey Palace, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Stakna Monastery, Matho Monastery, Stok Palace, Stok Monastery, Phyang Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Sindhu Ghat, Leh Main Market, Mani Wall, Basgo Palace / Monastery- These are the popular places and a list of Monasteries to visit near Leh.

  • Nubra Valley: It is the most visited places among all the places and there are many attractions at Nubra Valley too: Khardung La, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactrian Camels, Maitreya Buddha, Hot Water Springs, Samstanling Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Yarab Tso, Ensa Gompa, Hunder Gompa, Lachung Temple, Zamskhang Palace, Shyok River, Siachen River Road to Siachen. 

  • There are plenty of lakes to visit in Ladakh: Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Startspuk Tso, Yaye Tso, Mirpal Tso, Ordong Tso, Yashu Tso, Kyun Tso, Lam Tso and Kiagar Tso. Also, there are numerous Passes in Ladakh namely Chang La, Marsimik La, Wari La, Polo Kongka La, Namashang La, Charchagan La, Salsal La, Photi La, Tsaga La, Kakasang La, Horla and Umling La. 

  • Major Hot water springs are:Chumathang Hot Water Springs and the Panamik hot water springs in Nubra Valley. 

  • Monasteries in Ladakh that allow Night Stay: Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar Valley, Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, Lamayuru Gompa, Ladakh, Rangdum Gompa, Zanskar Valley. 

*Please note these monasteries provide basic amenities which may not be comfortable for everyone*

THINGS TO DO IN LADAKH:

  • Sightseeing in and around Leh and Ladakh
  • An excellent place for Photography lovers
  • Play and enjoy in the Snow
  • Do Camping in Ladakh 
  • Go on Trekking
  • Driving 
  • Motorcycling
  • Cycling 
  • Local Festival shouldn't be missed
  • Behold the Mountain Ranges
  • Experience the scenic views of Lakes in Ladakh
  • Feel the tranquillity of Monasteries
  • White Water Rafting 
  • Paragliding 
  • Mountaineering 
  • Shop in the vibrant bazaars of Ladakh
  • Savour the flavour of Ladakh food at Cuisine of Ladakh
  • Discover numerous Flora and fauna with plenty of Wildlife
  • Relish the amazing Skygazing experience 
  • Experience the Magic of Magnetic Hill
  • Go for a Desert Safari
  • Try Yak Safari
  • Escape in the beauty of nature while you walk by the Glacier
  • Take a romantic boat ride by the lakes
  • Get a chance to see the Dalai Lama if you are lucky

This was a guide on how to plan and prepare for a trip to Leh, Ladakh. Worried about how to Obtain Inner Line Permit for Ladakh? Want to make your Leh, Ladakh trip hassle-free? Book your Leh, Ladakh tour package with Sushant Travels as they will provide you with the best accommodation and the best services will be rendered throughout your trip. Plan according to your budget and the number of days you would want to stay. Get the best discounts and offers in the city with Sushant Travels. So what are you waiting for? Contact Sushant Travels now and Book your Leh Ladakh tour Packages.