The light of the Himalayas.
Ladakh or the ‘Land of High Passes’ is blessed with beautiful landscapes, sky-kissing monasteries, tranquil lakes and a high altitude lunar landscapes of a desert which cast a magical scenic beauty. This rooftop of the world at an altitude of 3,000 in valleys to over 7,000 meters on it's summits is also known as "The Little Tibet". The region is surrounded by the sands and mineral rocks of a cold desert that showcases the stark but beautiful landscapes. Streams and groves bring the relief of green in the valleys. This dry and barren landscape of Ladakh is full of historic Buddhist monasteries with colourfully robed Lamas inhabiting them, which gives it an incredible sight to behold and a timeless culture to explore. With innumerable lamaistic monastery festivals happening through out the year, the colourful extravaganze set against the stark background becomes an experience to cherish for a lifetime. The Indus River from which the name of India comes flows through Ladakh and is one of the five rivers originating from the Mansarovar Lake at the foot of Mount Kailash, the fabled home of Lord Shiva!
History and Culture
Leh was an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east, Kashmir to the west and also between India and China for centuries.
The region is surrounded by the alpine desert and beautiful landscapes. The dry barren landscape of Leh is full of historic Buddhist monasteries, which gives it an incredible sight to behold. Enjoy the mesmerizing view from the top of the Khardungla Pass, defy the gravity at the magnetic hill, feel the peace at Shanti Stupa, try to breathe out at the Drass Valley, pray for the war heroes at Kargil, and do many more such amazing things wandering at the hypnotizing sites in Leh, Ladakh.
Interesting facts:
- The Bactrian camel (two-humped) is a large, even-toed ungulate native. The Bactrian camel has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary camel; they are rare compared to single hump camels. These camels are one of the main attractions of the Nubra valley in Ladakh.
- The mystical Magnetic Hill which is also known as the “gravity hill”, is located near Leh. The alignment of the road with the slope of the background can give the illusion that cars can drift upwards.
- Ladakh is a desert, but it is still over 225 species of birds such as finches, robins, redstarts and Hoopoe are found here in abundance.
- The Khardung La or Khardung Pass in Ladakh until very recently was the world’s highest motorable road at nearly 17,600 ft., was usurped by an 86 kilometer road constructed in the same region, going via Umlingta Top, by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). This trail is at the height of over 19,300 feet.
Climate
The best time to visit Leh is in Summer (April - June). This is when the climate here is most pleasant, with the snow from winter all thawed and balmy weather.
- April - June
