If you ask me which Indian destination comes to my mind immediately when asked about an offbeat, adventurous and spiritual one, it has to be “Ladakh” topping the charts all the way. From the very first time I laid my eyes on Ladakh’s landscape, I knew it is going to be one of a kind and a super special trip. Especially during the month of October, it is every snow baby’s paradise. For the summer holidays, April to June is the best time to visit. It gained a lot of popularity after the famous Bollywood film 3 Idiots as the iconic last scene was shot at its picturesque Pangong Tso Lake. But I’m so happy that despite it becoming a hot favourite destination for many, Ladakh has still retained its charm and is away from the typical commercial hype the touristy destinations have. Ladakh happens to be the highest region with a livable settlement located in the Northern part of Jammu & Kashmir. Think of rugged landscapes, offbeat locations, open skies, beautiful lakes, preserved wildlife, desert valleys and most welcoming locals all combined in one. Yes, that’s LADAKH for you!!! We were really lucky to be guided this well, get the best experiences and we also happened to travel with the right company, as I truly believe the right tour company can make or break any trip. We would have had no other way and since India Someday and Unplugged Life specialize in bespoke vacations, they were ideal for Salman and I as we seek a balance between adventure and leisure no matter where we travel to. And Ken from Unplugged Life is known to customize your trips no matter where you want to travel to be it in India or anywhere in Asia. We totally trust them, their suggestions and services.
So without any further adieu, here are our
MOST FAVOURITE AND TOP THINGS TO DO IN LADAKH :
Gangba Homestay
If you’re looking at the most perfect start to your Ladakh trip, then definitely consider staying at the Gangba Homestay in Leh. The Gangba family has been in Leh for generations so you’ll get to know from them about so many hidden gems, places to visit, lunch recommendations and so much more. The owners are very warm, welcoming and friendly and we totally enjoyed their authentic Ladakhi meals and masala chais every day of our stay there.
I personally loved the spacious rooms, their balconies and seating areas, lush green gardens and apple orchards in their premises and beautiful views surrounding the homestay. Plus, you’ll spot Ladakhi Blue Magpies here on any given morning from your balconies. The famous Leh market was also a walk away from this homestay that means we could drop by multiple times. Yayy!! Lastly, staying at homestays also presents you with an opportunity to support locals as this is the only means of livelihood which is on only for a certain time of the year. I loved interacting with the owner’s daughter every day. She was so full of energy and I remember she used to tell me each morning how she hates brushing. Took me back to my kiddie days. These are some of the golden moments of my life!
Stok Leh Place
Stok Palace was constructed in 1820 by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. It is now converted into a heritage hotel and we were really lucky to be invited by the royal family to walk through their majestic structures.
We saw their royal suites where once the ruling king and queen resided and it boasts of 200+ years of history. Stok Palace also holds a significant place when it comes to fortified palatial residences belonging to Indus Valley. Salman and I loved a visit to their museum which showcases their 400 old ancient artefacts, royal seals, ornaments, paintings, utensils, outfits and so many other belonging to the monarchy. You’ll also get to see an actual knotted sword at their museum.
The Sangam (Confluence)
When researching must-see places in Ladakh, the Sangam Point stood out the most and immediately caught our attention. It is the meeting point of two rivers – Indus and Zanskar. This beautiful confluence stands harmoniously surrounded by the mountains and is a sight you don’t wanna miss out on especially during the winter season.
It is located towards the South-East region of Nimmu Village in Ladakh and is approximately 35 km from Leh. The famous Chadar Trek which takes place in the Zanskar region is every adrenaline junkie’s dream. Zanskar river is frozen during winters and this trek is world-famous as it sees so many seasoned professionals partake in the Chadar Trek. January to February is the time when winter is at its peak and the temperature is way below minus making it bone breakingly cold. This trek is all about pushing your limits and coming mentally and physically prepared or trained for this. Chadar translating into a sheet, white sheet when talking about the frozen river, sees tourists from all over the world experience this one of a kind expedition. I could just sit here sipping on my chai for the rest of my life!
Khardung La
The famous Khardung La Pass is in the Leh District of the Indian Union Territory!!! These landscapes look straight out of a movie set. So serene, untouched and historic in so many ways.
It was constructed in the year 1976 but was open for public access only in 1988. The pass is of great strategic importance to India and is to date maintained by the Border Roads Organisation. It also is the most important caravan route which links Leh and Kashgar. Khardung La stands tall at a height of 5359 meters and is considered to be the highest motorable road in the entire world. Fun Fact – During World War Two, they made an attempt to transfer war well to China using this pass.
Nubra Valley (Diksit & Hunder)
Nubra Valley is in the Northern part of Ladakh, situated around 120 kms from Leh. This again is a hotspot for all you adventure seekers and trekkers. Plus, it is famous for the double-humped camels. I had heard so much about them that when I finally got to see them in person I was smiling ear to ear as you can see.
These double humped aka Bactrian camels are the survivors of the Silk Route and they were almost on the verge of extinction. Did you know that they are found in just 2 places in India out of which Nubra Valley is one of them? They belong in extremely cold conditions in regions like China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan, apart from Ladakh. So no points for guessing why we highly recommend the “double-humped camel safari”, which also is a way to help and support the locals there who work so hard even during the “not so easy to deal with’ weather. The tourists come in only during the peak season, leaving the locals with almost no work during the offseason. Hence they take their jobs very seriously and are so diligent. Remember to do your bit and be kind to them and help them out in any small way possible. Also witnessing the “Valley Of Flowers” is hands down one of the most memorable experiences of the Nubra Valley. Take in the valley views and enjoy these landscapes.
Pangong Tso Lake
A quick survey on my story led the majority of my readers to suggest that we NEED TO visit Pangong Tso Lake on our Ladakh trip.
I instantly remembered 3 Idiots after I saw the famous “bum scratching step” from the film converted into bum seats around the lake. So that fans of the movie can hop in and re-create those steps. It’s untouched, so pristine and it literally breathes LIFE into you, it’s that heavenly!!! Pangong Tso Lake lies in the Changthang region of Ladakh and also happens to be the only lake situated at such a high altitude (4350 meters). Almost 60% of the length of this lake extends into Tibet and you also get a peak of the Chinese territory on a clear day.
Remember – since Pangong Lake is very near to the Line Of Actual Control, you need to get an Inner Line Permit in advance whether you are travelling as an Indian or as a foreigner. And it’s very important to allow your bodies to get acclimatised properly before you decide to head here. Altitude sickness is REAL and it’s not the same as mountain or road sickness. Please talk to your doctors and guides and let them know about any pre-existing conditions. Your bodies should easily adjust and acclimatise in 2-3 days. So please avoid any strenuous activities during the initial few days. We stayed overnight here in the tents that are available right beside the lake and oh my God, it was such an experience. The magnitude of Pangong Tso Lake will make you humble while its different shades of aqua blue have you mesmerised.
Chang La
Remember, with great adventure comes GREAT RESPONSIBILITY!! So travel responsibly to Chang La which is the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world! It is at an altitude of 5360 meters above sea level. So time your visit here and do not stay here for more than 15 minutes since it can cause dizziness, difficulty in breathing and other problems.
Chang La means a pass leading towards the South and the nomadic tribes currently living there are known as Chang-Pa. Guarded and patrolled by the Indian Army, Chang La receives snowfall throughout the entire year and you will also be very close to the Chinese borders from up here. It truly is a once in the lifetime of opportunity to witness Chang La’s beauty so up close. Fun Fact – While reaching Chang La, you will pass by the DRDO high-altitude workstation. This location has won a spot in the Limca Book Of World Records for being located at such high altitudes.
Shanti Stupa, Leh
The famous Shanti Stupa is so beautifully and naturally illuminated during a full moon night that it is every photographer’s paradise. Constructed in the year 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, it celebrated the completion of 2500+ years of Buddhism and is a symbol of world peace.
This white-domed Buddhist monument is located on a hilltop at a height of 11,841 feet. I also met two of my followers here who came over to say hi (these are my memories for life and sooo super special). I decided to sit down and take in all the breathtaking views of Leh and the nearby Changspa village from up there.
Tip for travellers: Higher ground clearance vehicles will be a blessing while travelling through Ladakh.
OH LADAKH, UNTIL WE SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN WE WILL MEET THROUGH THESE PICTURES!!!
