Famous Places to visit in Ladakh
Have a great experience in stunning Ladakh on your next vacation to Ladakh tour packages with Travel Ride Holiday Packages. With the beautiful Gompas, fluttering prayer flags, exotic places, Ladakh is truly an amazing destination to explore. Ladakh is a place of unique landscapes.
Apart from all the scenic places, one can indulge in thrilling adventures too. There are a lot of places one can witness here. Here is the list of some of the major attractions and the best tourist landmarks that should not be missed-
Leh
Leh is situated at an altitude of 3524ft and a good distance of around 434 km from Srinagar. Head towards this beautiful destination for thrilling adventure and yes for spiritual and exotic places. Make sure to pay a visit to Matho Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Spituk Monastery and Thiksey Monastery, that is considered to be spiritual places. There are some astounding places that one can explore during their Ladakh Trip Package - Zorawar Fort, Stok Palace and Jama Masjid. Adventure junkies can go for mountain Biking and Trekking.
Nubra Valley
Want an Arabian Nights-like experience? Then head towards the serene Nubra Valley. The sand suns of the Nubra Valley give one Arabian Nights like experience. This valley is renowned for its two-humped camels. Nubra Valley is a tri-armed valley towards the northeast. Add some astounding places to your tour itinerary to visit here like- Samstanling Monastery and Panamik village that is known for hot sulphur spring.
Plan a Ladakh Holiday Tour Package with Travel Ride during the autumn season that is between July to September as it is the perfect time for exploring.
Pangong TSO Lake
Pangong TSO Lake is one of the prominent attractions in beautiful Ladakh. The tranquil setting of this lake makes it a fantastic place for a surreal camping adventure. There are several Bollywood movies shot here like- 3 Idiots. The aptest time to visit this lake is between June to September.
Kargil
Do not miss visiting Kargil in your Ladakh Holiday Packages, it is one of the major tourist attractions in the beautiful Ladakh. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh and is situated on the banks of the Indus river. Kargil is a paradise for adventure seekers.
One can enjoy trekking and mountaineering here that surely will give you a great experience. Head towards this place in the summer season that is between May to July as the temperature is cool and pleasant.
Uncover The Hidden Gems of Leh Ladakh
1. Turtuk Village
One of the most northernmost villages in Ladakh, Turtuk village is one of the hidden gems of Leh Ladakh. One visiting this place gets a chance to capture the majestic views of the astounding mountains, green valleys, and cold desert landscapes. Explore the local culture of Ladakh in its rawest form in this village.
Enjoy the comfortable stay at homestays, the lip-smacking local food here that will surely amaze you and give you a memorable experience for a lifetime.
2. Rumtse
Rumtse is a remote village located on the Leh-Manali highway. This village is home to only 20 families. Rumtse reflects the real culture of Ladakh and is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. Just take a walk in Rumtse and capture the views of the Rainbow Mountains with Travel Ride Ladakh Tour Packages.
3. UleyTokpo
A pretty village Uley Tokpo is situated on the west of Leh and makes a fantastic stopover for those visiting Ladakh from the Srinagar-Leh highway.
This village is home to some awesome monasteries like- Lamayuru monastery, and the Alchi monastery. Visit this village to witness some pretty art and culture.
4. Basgo
Are you a history lover? Then Basgo is the place for your Ladakh Travel Packages. This town is home to Basgo monastery and the historical ruins of the Royal Precinct. This place will give you an insight into the remains of the ancient fort, temples, royal palace, stables, residencies and arts. Explore this place and visit the famous Basgo monastery to know about the interesting stories and history of Ladakh.
5. Sumur
Sumur is a tranquil village situated in Ladakh. This village holds a pretty 150-year-old gompa that is renowned for its intricate frescos and thankas. Tour Packages to Ladakh offer to capture the astonishing views of the Nubra valley, bright yellow-colored mustard fields and the amazing views of the serene valley that will surely leave you speechless. Just take a walk around the village and witness the tranquil view of the Siachen river with the backdrop of Ladakh’s glorifying mountains and valleys.
6. Changthang
The Changtang plateau is located in southeastern Ladakh. This plateau is a natural reserve that houses numerous exotic and endangered species. Book Your Ladakh Group Packages and explore the local flora and fauna of Ladakh. Get a chance to witness the vast pretty lakes, huge marshes, and wildlife that will surely amaze you.
7. Hanle
Hanle in Changthang locale of Ladakh is a standout amongst the most serene, tranquil places in India. This place is home to Hanle Monastery. It also houses an Indian Astronomical observatory that is the world’s most elevated observatory on the planet. So, do not miss visiting this place during your Ladakh Trip.
8. Alchi
Alchi is a beautiful village nestled in the Himalayan region of Ladakh in the valley of the Indus river. This village is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back to 900 years. During your, Ladakh Vacation Tour Package do not forget to visit the Du-Khag, the oldest temple, founded by Kal-dan Shes-rab around the 11th century A.D.
It is said that Alchi was once a significant route for trade and cultural relations with India. The aptest time to visit Alchi is between June to September.
9. Markha Valley
Markha Valley is one of the most famous trekking routes in Ladakh and is accessible from Ganda La Pass near Spituk in the west, which is the beginning point of the trek. This valley is renowned and visited for its astonishing views, its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and remote villages too.
Tourist attractions in Ladakh
Magnetic Hills
Visit the Magnetic Hills and satisfy your curiosity regarding the tales prevalent about the Magnetic hill. The amazing thing about this hill is that the vehicles moving uphill require no burning of fuel in the carburettor. One can climb uphill in their vehicle with vehicles ignition off but to come down one needs to accelerate their vehicle.
Zanskar Valley
Zanskar Valley is one of the exotic places located in Ladakh and is one of the most loved tourist places in beautiful Ladakh. The perfect time to plan Leh Ladakh Trip Package to visit the valley is between June to September. During these months the road is clear of snow and the temperature is also salubrious and one can easily opt for the visit to this place. The valley is one of the bleak places in the Himalayan range of this region.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is a Buddhist ashram situated in Leh and was built by Ladakh’s king, Tashi Namgyal in 1430. It is a crag-top shrine situated close to Tsemo Castle.
This monastery houses a three-leveled golden statue of a futuristic Buddha. This monastery has sculptures of Alokistesvara and Manjushri both of which are revered elements of the Buddhist faith.
Royal Leh Palace
The Royal Leh Palace is situated in Leh. Royal Leh Palace resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa. It is situated on a cliff. The pretty town of Leh is spread beneath the cliff giving an astonishing view. The glory of the olden days can be gauzed by just walking around in the palace.
One can find a good collection of crowns, ceremonial dresses, ornaments and jewellery at the Palace Museum during the Ladakh Holiday Trip. The Buddha statue at the back of the palace amazes the beholder. Make sure to visit in August that is the perfect time to visit this Palace.
Shanti Stupa
If one is in search of peace and serenity, then Shanti stupa is the place where one will find them. The hill at Chanspa, which is in Leh is where Shanti Stupa is proudly located. Being a Buddhist monument it offers peace due to its tranquil aura. Sunrise and sunset views are an added attraction to this place. Capture the picturesque surroundings that will surely allure you.
Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery or Deskit is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley. This monastery houses a school that is run in collaboration with an NGO named The Tibet Support Group. Diskit monastery is known for its festival Dosmoche, translating into the festival of the Scapegoat. The main hall of the monastery also sites numerous images of fierce guardian deities alongside massive drums.
Hemis National Park
Visit Hemis National Park in your Leh Ladakh Holiday Trip which is home to endangered mammals like leopards, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, the Eurasian brown bear and the red fox. It is truly a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. Make sure to visit this national park and get a chance to encounter some endangered animals.
Tso Moriri Lake
The Tso Moriri lake is located in the Changtang wildlife sanctuary. This lake is also known as Mountain lake. Its location is in itself so serene that it simply is awe-inspiring. There are snow-capped mountains in the background that add to the beauty of the place.
Tourists coming here to witness this pristine lake can find several beautiful birds like Brahmin duck, brown-headed gull, bare-headed goose and great crested grebe.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is the largest monastery in central Ladakh. The major attraction of this monastery is the Maitreya temple that was built to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in the year 1970.
This temple has a 15m tall statue covering two storeys of the building. The aptest time to visit the Thiksey monastery is during the Gustor festival in October/November.
Highest Mountain Passes in Ladakh
The Land of High Passes, Ladakh has several high altitude passes that are quite famous among tourists. The passes are the major attractions in Ladakh Packages and crossing them is itself a thrilling experience.
Ladakh is home to numerous mountain passes but only some of them are accessible to tourists. Here is the list of some of the most famous Passes that one cannot miss exploring-
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La is the highest motorable road in the whole world. It is a high-altitude mountain pass located around 40kms from Leh. KhardungLa Pass is the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valleys and is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation. All kinds of vehicles from two-wheelers to heavy trucks ply this road. This Pass is truly a prominent tourist attraction of Ladakh Tour Packages offered by Travel Ride.
Capture the astounding views of Leh city and the surrounding mountain ranges that greet one along the way. One needs an Inner Line Permit to visit Khardung La Pass. Make sure to visit Ladakh Vacation Package between March to May and September to October as these months are considered to be the perfect months to visit. Do not spend more than 20 minutes as there is a chance of Altitude mountain sickness due to the extremely low oxygen and air pressure.
Chang La Pass
Want to capture the surreal views? Then head towards Chang La Pass, which is the third-highest motorable mountain pass in the world. This pass lies en route to Pangong Tso Lake. Chang La Pass is situated at an altitude of around 5360 m. This pass got its name after a renowned saint, Changla Baba. There is a temple here that is dedicated to this saint whose blessing is a must before crossing the pass.
Chang La Pass is almost 15kms long and is maintained by the Indian Army. Capture the astonishing views that are worth capturing. One can enjoy a cup of tea take a rest at a tea point here on the Holiday tour to Ladakh. Visit this pass between May to June as these months are considered the best month to visit. Do not spend more than 20-25 minutes at this pass as there is a chance of suffering from Altitude Mountian sickness.
Tanglang La Pass
Located at an altitude of 5328m, Tanglang La Pass is indeed one of the highest altitude mountain passes in Ladakh. This high-altitude mountain pass in Ladakh is located on the way from Debring to Gya and is almost 49kms long. The sharp turns and twists call for an experienced driver to take the wheel rather than an amateur one. This pass cuts through rocky mountains that are crisscrossed by gently flowing streams.
Travel Ride offers Group Ladakh Tour Packages to Capture the snow-covered peaks that are truly worth capturing. Click some pictures at the signpost that informs one that one has arrived at Tanglang La Pass. Make sure to visit between June to September as the weather at this particular time is quite salubrious.
Lachulung La Pass
Located at an altitude of 5059m Lachulung La Pass runs along the Manali Leh Highway. It is around 54kms from Sarchu and almost 24kms from Pang. The major attraction of Customized Ladakh Packages, its serene beauty and fabulous views of the landscape of Ladakh. One can find a signpost that shows that one has arrived at Lachulung La Pass.
The signpost is decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. This pass is popular among the trekkers and the hikers who stop here to get drenched into the beauty of the surrounding. This pass is open from March to June. No extra permit is required to visit this pass.
Namikala Pass
Namikala Pass is a high mountain pass that is located at a good height of 3700m along the Srinagar-Leh Highway. It is on the NH1 highway that connects Srinagar to Leh. It is one of the highest passes between Leh and Kargil.
Just stop at this pass and enjoy the views of the landscape with the majestic mountains that are cut by serpentine trails. Make sure to plan Travel Ride Ladakh Family Tour here from late June to September. There is no extra permit required to visit Namikala Pass.
Baralacha La Pass
Baralacha La Pss is located in the beautiful Zanskar valley that is one of the major attractions in the Ladakh Trip Packages. Baralacha La Pass is a good 8kms long pass along the Leh-Manali Highway that connects Leh district in Ladakh to Lahaul district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the highest motorable passes in India. In the proximity, one can witness the river Bhaga that originates from the Surya Taal Lake or Suraj Tal lake and is the third highest lake in India and 21st highest in the world.
What makes this pass so famous is the astonishing beauty of the surroundings. The entire region looks so ancient and one can witness the snow falling even in June. Baralacha La Pass is also the stop for trekkers who are on their way to Chandra Taal Lake. Make sure to visit this pass between April to October as it is considered the apt time for Ladakh Packages. The Indians need to carry valid photo identity cards along with attested photocopies of important documents like- passport, Aadhar and voter id cards. Foreign citizens need to carry their visas and passports.
Fotu La Pass
Fotu La Pass is the highest point on the Srinagar Leh Highway and is the major tourist attraction of Ladak Adventure Packages for its fantastic photography opportunities. This pass is located at an altitude of 4108m on the way from Heniskot to Lamayuru.
On the way towards this pass one pass lunar-like landscape. Enjoy the fantastic views of the snowclad mountain ranges that will surely allure you. Plan a Holiday Trip to Ladakh between June to September that is considered the apt time to visit.
Things to do in Ladakh
Want a surreal vacation? Then head towards the fantabulous Ladakh Holidays Tour Packages with Travel Ride. Do not miss to explore the numerous pretty places here like- Lamayuru, Tso Moriri Lake, DhaHanu, Zorawar Fort, Magnetic hill, and Nubra Valley. Apart from exploring astounding places one can even explore the famous markets of Ladakh that sell pretty handicrafts and wares, silver and stone jewellery, Pashmina shawls, woollens and other stuff.
Main Bazaar, Tibetian handicraft emporium, Dalai Lama Charitable Trust handicraft emporium, Moti market, and Ladag Apricot Store are some famous places from where one can purchase according to their interests.
If you are hunting for some adventure in Ladakh Tour Packages then go for trekking. There are numerous trekking options available here like- Chadar Trek, Markha Valley Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, are some of them. One can even enjoy camping for some more thrilling experience. One can go to Camel Resort Camp, Camp Water Mark, Bikamp at Leh and Nature’s Nest Camp at Pangong Lake for an amazing camping experience.
Indulge in rock climbing that will surely bring much- much adventure to your Ladakh trip. If you are interested in water sports then river rafting is for you. Get indulge in river rafting in Indus and Zanskar rivers that will surely give you a thrilling experience. Do not miss Quad biking, it is another adventure in Nubra Valley to enjoy. One can even enjoy the ATV ride on the highest motorable regions. There are a lot of other things to do on your Ladakh trip Packages at Travel Ride that will surely be going to transfer you to another world.
Bike Ride in Ladakh
What can be as adventurous as exploring Ladakh on Bike? Yes, enjoy the crazy Ladakh bike Trip as it offers splendid vistas that can be cherished round the year except for the monsoon season. It is truly one of the most satisfying road trips one could ever take. The journey from Manali-Leh -Ladakh is one of the most exotic routes that allow one to ride on one of the highest motorable roads in India. The Biking ride through Khardung La Pass and Chang La Pass makes its way to the beautiful Nubra Valley that makes for the most gratifying expeditions in India. The perfect time to go on Ladakh bike Tour Packages is from June to September.
Jeep Ride in Ladakh
A jeep ride is another thrilling thing to do when in Ladakh. This ride is the most exciting and offers an enthralling experience of witnessing the wild and exotic Ladakh Holiday Packages. Some of the world’s highest mountain passes like- Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass, Lachungla Pass, Tanglang La Pass, Changla Pass, Khardungla, remote villages, and the sacred monasteries can be explored during Jeep rides. Inner Line Permits are required to access certain locations in Ladakh.
One needs to carry photocopies of one’s valid ID proof and passport size photograph on his Ladakh Trip. Jeep ride is mostly preferred on routes like- Leh-Khardung La-Nubra Valley, Manali-Leh Highway via the popular Gata Loops, Leh-Pangong-Tso Moriri, and Kargil-Suru Valley-Zanskar. The most perfect time for a jeep ride is between June and September. During this time Zoji La and Rohtang Pass are open for reaching Ladakh from Srinagar and Manali respectively.
Trekking in Ladakh
Trekking in Ladakh is one of the most exotic things to do that Travel Ride offers in its Leh Ladakh Trip. Just walk past the desert mountains into the narrow passes over the highest roads. For beginners there are some treks that one can choose from- Lamayuru to Alchi trek- is of 5 days and the best time is between May to November, Ripchar Valley trek- 9 days, June to September, Padum to Darcha Trek- 12 days, Juen to September, Lamayuru to Darcha trek- 18 days, July to September. Markha valley trek- 8 days, June to September, Lamayuru to Stok Kangri – 12 days, Mid June to September, and Lamayuru Stok Kangri-12 days, June to October, are the three moderate treks that are recommended only for those with prior experience of trekking in Ladakh.
Now comes the challenging treks that require both mental and physical preparation. Chadar trek- 9days, Mid January to February, JhunglamHemis to Padum trek- 12 days, August to October, KangYatse and DzoJongo trek,- 13 days, July to September, Snow Leopard trek- 8 days, Mid November to Mid March and Stok Kangri trek- 9 days, mid-July to Mid September. This trekking expedition needs constant acclimatization to the unsettling temperatures.
Camping in Ladakh
Book Leh Ladakh Tour Packages with Travel Ride & sit under the star-lit sky and enjoy camping in Ladakh. Capture the unmatched landscape of lofty barren mountains that makes the fantastic background and the alpine lakes create the fabulous view for enjoying the camping experience in Ladakh. One interested in camping can enjoy two types of camping- leisure camping and adventure camping.
For leisure camping, one can head towards exotic locations like- Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, the pretty Hunder village of Nubra Valley while adventure camping can be done at some astounding places of Ladakh tour Packages that include confluences of rivers, alpine meadows, amongst the nomadic tribes and in Zanskar valley. Adventure camping is best during trekking in Ladakh where you can set your tent at some astonishing places. Plan camping between June to September as these months are the most ideal time for camping in Ladakh.
Two Humped Camels Safari in Nubra Valley
Apart from several thrilling activities, one can enjoy a two-humped camel or the Bactrian camel safari in the beautiful Nubra Valley that is quite entertaining and adventurous. Travel Ride provides Customized Leh Ladakh Tour Packages for travelers who want to enjoy the camel safari on their trip. The camel safari in Ladakh starts from Hunder and Diskit villages situated in Nubra valley that is around 150kms from Leh and is located at an altitude of 12000 feet.
One is taken through the serene landscapes of Nubra valley that is surrounded by lush apricot orchards, rugged mountain terrains, frozen deserts and yes with remote villages too. Make sure to enjoy the Bactrian camel safari that will take you to the areas like- Tiggur, Pinchimik, and Yulkam that fall on the historic Silk route. One gets a chance to stop at Buddhist monasteries in his Ladakh trip Package where you can take a dip in the hot springs of the region that are believed to possess therapeutic properties. Plan a Ladakh tour between July to September as this time is considered to be the most perfect time to enjoy a camel safari in Ladakh.
River Rafting in Zanskar River at Ladakh
Add some adventure to your Ladakh trip by indulging in river rafting in the Zanskar river. Zanskar river has rapid grades ranging from I to V. Most of the stretches of this river have Grades I to III. The adventure of river rafting can be enjoyed by beginners as well as experienced ones.
There are two rafting routes on the river of Zanskar. The first is from chilling to Nimmu that is amongst the most famous routes with IV+levels of rapids. Enjoy the exotic views of Zanskar valley on your Leh Ladakh trip. The best time for river rafting is between June and September.
What type of tours can you do in Ladakh?
The USP of the Ladakh terrain is that it has massive mountains, forests, deserts, pristine lakes, rivers, waterfalls in one dynamic geography. It features most of the world’s highest motorable passes with the magical beauty of snow-capped mountains. Admired for its unparalleled tranquil views, icy lakes and swirling roads, Ladakh has become the most exotic destination among travellers. There are a lot of exciting Ladakh tour packages one can go to visit Pangong Lake, the world’s highest saltwater lake that changes its colours from shades of blue to green to red. Make sure to visit the SECMOL the real 3 idiots school founded by Dr. Sonam Wangchuk. Here is the list of some of the exotic tours you can plan for-
Bike trip in Ladakh
Plan a Bike trip in Ladakh for an amazing and thrilling experience. A bike trip in Ladakh is all about the feel of snow-clad mountains, rugged landscapes, soaring peaks, dangerous routes and roaring bike engines. The aptest time to go on a Ladakh Bike Tour is from June to September. Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh are the two main routes that offer the best road conditions and tranquil views.
Srinagar to Leh route does not overlap and forms a complete circle from end to end. Leh Ladakh bike trip Package route from Manali encircles the rugged mountainous landscapes, offers fantastic views and increases the level of difficulty. Add some amazing places with Travel Ride to cover on your bike trip to Ladakh- Pangong Tso, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Zanskar Valley, Shanti Stupa, Royal Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Drass valley.
One should be above 25 years of age with a valid driving license. There should be at least a group of six people for your entire Leh Ladakh Trip. One is required to carry a valid government-issued photo id proof, address proof, and photocopies of these documents. International tourists must carry an international driving permit issued by their home country along with their passport. Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit in case they want to visit the protected areas in Ladakh.
Before going for a bike trip some points needs to be followed-
- Carry a sturdy helmet and put it to use all the time while riding.
- Keep valid photo identity proofs and a driving license with you.
- Carry an extra pair of trekking shoes, tees, leather jackets, riding goggles, first aid kit, jeans, shirts, tracks and other clothing items with you.
- Do not forget to keep camping tents, cooking utensils, sleeping bags and other camping equipment.
- Leh has only connectivity from Leading operators of Airtel, BSNL.
Trekking- Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek or the Frozen river trek is one of the challenging treks in Ladakh Trip Packages. It is one of the popular winter treks and is also one of the longest trekking trails in the Indian Himalayan region that covers an entire stretch of 90kms in 8 days.
Mid-January to February is considered the perfect time for this trek as at this time the upper layer of the Zanskar river freezes. The river looks like a sheet of ice and thus it is known as Chadar. There are a series of caves that are the only accommodation each night that protects from the bitter wind.
Adventure Tour
Dotted with Himalayan mountain peaks, gushing rivers and high passes make Ladakh Tour Packages the perfect destination for adventure. Apart from camel safari, trekking, river rafting, and Jeep safari, there are a lot of adventurous activities one can get indulge in. Here is the list of some of the mind-blowing activities to experience-
Peak Climbing
The Himalayan Zanskar and Karakoram ranges are home to numerous mountain peaks for Leh Ladakh Holiday Packages that attract climbers every year. Stok Kangri, Zanskar range, Kun in the Himalayan range, Saser-I, Saser-II and Saser-III in Karakoram range are some famous peaks for mountaineering in Ladakh. The months between June to September are considered to be the perfect time for peak climbing. The climbers are required to obtain a permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
Motor Biking
Book Tour Packages to Ladakh and enjoy the thrilling experience and explore some of the exotic places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, monasteries, high altitude passes like Khardung La. The biking trip to Ladakhallows one to explore Ladakh in its most surreal form. There are two routes one is Srinagar to Leh and the other one is Manali to Leh. The route from Manali to Leh is the difficult one but offers one the most exotic views. June to September is the most perfect time to go on a bike tour and requires 10 to 11 days.
Mountain biking
Making your way through the meandering trails through the mountains, lakes, villages and monasteries is a thrilling experience. The perfect places to enjoy this activity are Pangong Tso, Leh-Zingchen, Skiu-Chilling, Leh-Sankar Gompa, and Stok, Stakna and Thiksey monastery. June to September is considered the perfect time for this adventure Ladakh Holiday Trip.
Horse Riding
Travel Ride offers to explore the landscape through horse riding in its luxury Ladakh Tour Packages which is another adventure thing to do in Ladakh. Enjoy horse riding in Changthang, Tso Moriri Lake, and Zanskar valley. June to September is considered to be the best time for horse riding.
Permits Details during Ladakh trip
If you are planning for Holidays to Ladakh then a tourist permit for both international and domestic tourists is required. An environment-free and red cross fund fee is introduced as the Ladakh tourist permit/Inner Line permits for both tourists- international as well as a domestic tourist by the government. The permit is required to visit the Inner line Region of Ladakh- Nubra valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri.
The foreign nationals and NRIs having PIOs or OCIs need PAP- Protected Area Permit or Restricted area permit- RAP to visit the Inner Line Regions of Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Tso Moriri, Turtuk, Dah Hanu villages.
To apply for the Protected area permit, foreigners must be in a group of two or more in their Ladakh Group Packages. The permit can be applied at the DC office, Leh with the required fees. It can also be applied through a registered travel agent in Leh or the official website of the Leh administration. For the domestic tourist, one can get the permit issued by the DC office, Leh with the required fees. The permit can also be applied online through the official website of the Leh administration. The Ladakh tourist permit is valid for 1 week for both domestic and international travellers.
Famous Markets in Ladakh
Apart from exploring all the scenic places do not miss exploring the famous markets in Ladakh Tour Package that sell unique items. Grab some amazing items according to your taste from the below-listed markets of Ladakh-
Main Bazar Road
Do not miss to stroll in the Main Bazar located in Leh to experience the authentic ambiance of Ladakh Packages. Items sold here are quite affordable. Grab some pretty artefacts made by the shopkeepers, the world-famous jewellery of Lakdah that is quite pretty. There are other items too that are worth buying. If you are looking for some pocket-friendly shopping then Main Bazar is for you.
Moti Market
Hunting for traditional Tibetan garments? Then head towards one of the oldest markets, Moti market that is located in Leh. This market not only sells Tibetan garments but also woollen clothes and clothes too. Purchase the pretty Tibetan handicrafts from here that is truly worth purchasing.
Tibetan Market
Grab some pretty handicrafts, precious and semi-precious gems, the hand-spun rugs, shawls, carpets and antiques from the famous Tibetan market in your Ladakh Tour Packages. This market is situated among the pretty surrounding, the mountains full of snow and verdant forests that makes this market a must-visit.
Shar Market
Shar Market is running parallel to the Main Bazar road this market is the perfect place to buy traditional Ladakhi dresses. Shar Markt has a range of stalls and small shops that sells pretty handicrafts and antiques. Go for the Ladakhi dress-Goncha that attracts a lot of travellers.
Changspa Road
Changspa Road has an array of shops selling souvenirs, a host of eateries and hotels. One can find the Cottage Industries Exposition and Women’s Alliance here where one can get good quality clothes. Ladakh Trip Packages offer not to miss visiting Changspa road for an exciting shopping experience.
Famous food of Ladakh
The beautiful Ladakh is not only renowned for its picturesque locations, adventures, markets but it is also known for its traditional food that you cannot afford to miss. Here is the list of some of the famous food that you must try on your next Ladakh trip-
Thukpa
Thukpa is the Tibetian soup and is most famous in Ladakh. The soup is prepared with a lot of veggies. The soup has a nourishing effect and helps in the cold temperatures of Leh and Ladakh. Try this soup for an amazing experience.
Momos
Momo is a popular Tibetan dish that is also a popular dish in Ladakh. Momo is a stuffed dumpling that is cooked in a vessel – Mokto. The vessel at the bottom contains water and the other three vessels on top have small holes for the steam to pass and cook the momos and these vessels hold the dumplings.
Skyu
Skyu or Skew is a dumpling soup made like Chutagi. Skyu is a soup that has small balls of wheat flour in it. The balls are first cooked in water with veggies or meat and then put in the soup. Make sure to try this amazing food.
Thingmo
Thingmo is the most eaten dish of Ladakh. The dish is prepared by the fermentation and steaming of bread. Thingmo is then paired with stew making it quite likeable. The Stew may be veg as well as non-veg.
Chutagi
Chutagi- is a very popular pasta kind of dish, rich in vegetable-based sauce. The Chu means water and Tagi mean bread. This food contains bow-tie-shaped pieces of dough cooked in a thick soup made up of vegetables like peas carrots green vegetables.
Chhurpi
Chhupri is cheese made out of Yak milk. It is available in three flavours- salty, plain, and sweet. Chhupri is easily available in the market of Ladakh.
Butter Tea
The Butter tea is prepared with salt and butter. The tea tastes salty due to the presence of salt. The tea is made pink in colour. The butter present in the tea keeps the lips from getting chapped as the weather is very cold out here so, not to taste this tea in your Ladakh tour package. The addition of salt helps to stay away from altitude sickness.
Chang
Chang- chang is a traditional alcoholic beverage, a local beer of Ladakh that is made from barely 5to 7 percent of alcohol. Chang is served with a piece of butter on the brim of the cup.
Khambir done
Khambir is a kind of pan-shaped bread that is thicker than the usual bread. The bread goes well with Kahwa and butter tea. The bread’s texture is crispy. Khambir- it is a steppe food of Ladakh, it is also eaten with scrambled eggs and vegetables for breakfast.
Apricot Jam
Apricot jam- apricot or Chulli is the most famous locally grown fruit here in Ladakh. Try the apricot jam that is one of the famous delicacies. Apricot is also used to make syrup. Dried apricots are quite famous among the Ladakh people.
Famous Festival of Ladakh
The pretty synchronised masked dances, Buddhist rituals, ceremonies of numerous types and vigorous celebrations are what Ladakh festivals are about. The festivals of Ladakh in Ladakh trip Packages give an insight into the heritage and culture of the people of Ladakh. Several tourists not only domestic but international tourists attend the festivals on their Ladakh Holidays Trip Package that give one an idea of the cultural diversity of Ladakh. Here is the list of some of the festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show and are most famous because of their grand celebrations, cultural significance-
Hemis Festival
Hemis festival of Ladakh is one of the most celebrated festivals. It is celebrated in the Hemis Monastery every year on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Hemis festival begins with the followers seeking blessings of the portrait of the Guru early in the morning where musicians play music while the ceremony goes on. It is a two-day celebration that marks the victory of good over evil.
Enjoy mask dance performances called Cham.
The colorfully dressed Lamas brings enthusiasm to the whole crowd. Ladakh Tour Packages of Travel Ride offers to enjoy the fair and grab some Tibetan souvenirs. There is no ticket and fee for attending the Hemis festival.
Sindhu Darshan Festival
Sindu Darshan festival was started in the year 1997 to pay respect to the Indus river as this river is the symbol of civilization in the region and is also held to pay respect to our soldiers. This festival is marked by Buddhist prayers by senior lamas and several cultural programs by the known artists. Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated on the banks of river Sindhu at Shey Manila in June and is held for 3 days.
Losar Festival
Losar is one of the biggest festivals in Ladakh Packages that marks the arrival of New Year in Tibetan Buddhism this festival is celebrated for good 15 days and is celebrated between February -March. During Losar ancestors, gods and animals are fed. People of Ladakh consume Chagkol or Tibetan beer during this grand festival. The major highlight of this festival is a staged fight between the forces of good and evil along with the Ibex deer dance.
Dosmoche Festival
The Festival of Scapegoat or Dosmoche festival is one of the most popular prayer festivals in Ladakh tour Packages and is celebrated in February every year for two days. There is a strong belief that celebrating this festival protects them from all kinds of natural disasters. During this festival, the monks from different monasteries gather at the courtyard of the Leh Palace to perform the masked dances. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. One can see the stalls set up by the shopkeepers in the Leh Bazaar, people clad in their colourful traditional dresses, play games like Tambola.
Ladakh Festival
The most popular Ladakh festival is celebrated between 1st to 15th September in the beautiful Leh. One can witness a large number of cultural troupes from different parts of Ladakh as they pass through the markets and streets singing and dancing to the traditional tunes. The key highlight of this festival is the wild lion and yak dancing to the music presentations, craft exhibitions, and delicacies. Witness the Archery and Polo competition that is held during this festival.
Tak-Tok Festival
Tak Tok festival is one of the most popular festivals and is celebrated at a cave of the TakTok Gompa. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 5th and 10th month of the Tibetan calendar that is the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. During Ladakh Holiday Packages, one can witness the dances of Lamas, mask dance and the religious offerings that are made to the lord. Attend this festival and become a part of the cultural programs organised throughout the day. One can even take part by wearing ethnic clothes. This festival is truly celebrated with lots of devotion.
Matho Nagrang Festival
MathoNagrang festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar and is a 2-day event at MathoNagrang Monastery. Capture the masked dance performances of the months of the monastery during this festival of Tour Packages to Leh Ladakh. The major highlight of this grand festival is the presence of 2 oracles who attend this festival after completion of 1 month in solitude and deep meditation. These two oracles appear in the courtyard accompanying the masked dancers and have the power to predict future events that would befall the place or people.
Phyang Tsedup Festival
Phyang Tsedup festival is celebrated on the second and third day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar that generally falls in July or August at Phyang monastery. One can see the huge Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk applique that depicts a Buddhist deity, scene or mandala hung in the courtyard during this festival. Attend this festival and enjoy the masked dance performances of the monks.
Saka Dawa Festival
Saka Dawa festival is celebrated to symbolise the birth of Gautam Buddha. It is celebrated for 1 day in June. No animals are killed or consumed on this day and a new flag pole is erected at Tarpoche. Saka Dawa festival represents the spirit of Buddhism as a whole. The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is chanted throughout the region of this festival.
Ladakh Harvest Festival
Ladakh Harvest festival is celebrated to mark the harvest s3ason. It is celebrated for 15 days in September. A major religious procession is also held during this festival. The major highlights of this festival are the masked dances, folk music, archery, concerts and theatre.
Best time to visit Ladakh
The best time for Ladakh Tour Packages is in the summer months that is from April to June when the weather is salubrious and one can easily explore this destination. The Summer season here starts in April and ends in June with the temperature ranging between 5 to 25-degree Celcius. Monsoon on the other hand starts from July to September. One planning to visit Ladakh can also plan his Leh Ladakh Trip in the monsoon season as the region receives very little or no rain and thus makes it an apt time to explore Ladakh.
The Winter season that is from October to February is the time when the temperature drops low as 10-degree Celcius. Snowfall occurs heavily during this time and thus causes road blocking, but one can plan for Ladakh Holiday Tour Packages for the Chadar trek during this season on the frozen Zanskar river and attend the festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
How to Reach Ladakh
Want to go on Ladakh Trip & wanting to reach Ladakh by air, train and by road can reach by any mode. The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport which is located in Leh. It is directly connected to some major cities like- Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu, Mumbai and Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi which is well connected to important cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
Tourists wanting to reach Ladakh for their Ladakh Tour Packages by road can board the JKSRTC bus to reach Ladakh. Travellers can even plan a Ladakh Holiday Tour on a bike from Srinagar, Manali or Chandigarh. Ladakh is connected to 2 roads- Leh-Srinagar National Highway and Leh-Manali road. These two open only in summer months and in winters the road is closed due to the closure of passes-Zojila, Rohtang Pass, Baralacha, Changl