1. Pangong Tso Lake : Ladakh Tourism

The most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh, Pangong Lake, is an endorheic (landlocked) lake situated 4350 meters. Also known as Pangong Tso, it is 12 kilometers long and extends from India to Tibet. Almost 60% of Pangong Lake lies in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. A unique feature is that it does not remain blue throughout the year or even the day. Instead, it changes colors from azure to light blue to green and grey too! It is as famous amongst tourists as Ladakh lake, where the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots” was shot.

Since the enthralling Pangong Lake falls on the Sino-Indian Actual Line of Control, an inner line permit is required to visit it. The Indian Nationals can quickly obtain individual permits while other foreign nationals need to get a group permit, with at least three persons in the group, accompanied by an accredited guide. The permit can be obtained at the tourist office in Leh for a small fee. Owing to its altitude, the Pangong Lake temperature ranges from -5°C to 10°C. As a result, it freezes entirely during winters despite its salinity. Read More.

2. Khardung La Pass : Leh Ladakh Tourism

Khardung La, also known as Khardzong La, is a high mountain pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, near Leh. It serves as the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valleys. Khardung La is famous as the highest motorable road in India at an elevation of 5602 meters. However, contrary to the belief, its actual elevation is 5359 meters making Dungri La the highest motorable road pass in India.

The pass is a perfect getaway for adventure enthusiasts, peace seekers, and mountain biking aficionados. The tourists require an Inner Line Permit to enter the pass and travel through it. Due to heavy rains and snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from October to May.

Khardung La was built in 1976 and was opened for the public in 1988. The pass is crucial for India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen glacier. From the top, you can get picturesque views of the Karakoram range and the Himalayas. Read More.

3. Magnetic Hill In Leh : A Zero Gravity Place Of India

The famous Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is a cyclops hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. To experience this phenomenon, park the car in neutral gear in the yellow box marked a few meters ahead of the Magnetic Hill road. From this point, the car starts moving at a speed of 20 km ph.

Even though there are some myths regarding the mysterious magnetic hill, the fact is that the layout of the area and the surrounding hills give it an optical illusion. The downhill road appears to be an uphill road that leads to the car slowly gaining momentum, which seems to be going uphill against gravity when it is rolling downhill. Read More.

4. Zanskar Valley, Leh : How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

Located in the Kargil district to the east of Ladakh (around 105 km) lies the bewitching Zanskar Valley. Pronounced as Zahar or Zangskar locally, it is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range, part of The Tethys Himalayas. Zanskar is known for raw landscape and is mostly traveled for trekking and river rafting.

The easiest way of reaching Zanskar is from Kargil through Suru Valley. The semi-desert region is flanked by snow-capped mountains and sparkling clean rivers along with distinct flora and fauna. It is cut off from the rest of the world for over nine months because of heavy snowfall in the region. The only way to reach Zanskar from December to February is to undertake the challenging Chadar Trek. Read More.

5. “Orchard of Ladakh” Nubra Valley Tourism

Nubra Valley lies in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, at a distance of around 140 Km from Leh. Located on the ancient Silk Route, the valley has Shyok and Nubra rivers snaking through it and some beautiful monasteries.

Most tourists travel to Nubra Valley from Leh through Khardung La. The region is currently under military supervision because the road further leads to the Siachen base camp, which happens to be the highest battlefield in the world. All foreign nationals need to get a protected area permit, and Indian travelers must obtain an Inner Line Permit to enter the Nubra valley. It would be best if you handed over the photocopies of your travel permits to the soldiers in the pass.

With arid mountains in the backdrop, Nubra Velly is famous for the Bactrian camel rides. Bactrian camels are of the rarest sort, having two humps, and were the primary source of transportation in the silk route. It is also famous for its Hippophae shrub, popularly known as Leh Berry.

In Diksit, you can buy some lovely Kashmiri or Tibetan artifacts, Pashmina shawls, woolen socks, almonds, apricots, apples, and other things that define Kashmir. Read More.

6. Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh

The Shanti Stupa in Leh is a magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument located atop a steep hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet. It is a religious place for Buddhists as it holds the relics of Buddha, consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. It is also popular amongst tourists as it offers a sweeping view of Leh and the nearby Changspa village. Shanti Stupa looks exceptionally beautiful during the whole moon night when the moonlight naturally illuminates it.

Shanti Stupa was constructed in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The construction was jointly done by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and promote world peace. It is a part of the peace pagoda mission, which aims to spread peace through the preaching of Buddha. Shanti Stupa is a perfect getaway for both- those looking to obtain peace from offering prayers to God and those waiting to be mesmerized by nature’s wondrous beauty. Read More.

7. Tso Moriri Lake, Leh Ladakh

Tso Moriri Lake is the largest high altitude lake in India, situated at 4,595m. Located between Ladakh and Tibet in the Changtang region, it is a twin to the Pangong Lake. This lake offers a scenic place of peace and tranquillity flanked by mountains, measuring about 28 km in length from north to south and 8 km wide. An inner line permit is required for visiting Tso Moriri.

The stunning Tso Moriri can be visited only during the summer months, starting from April when the lake starts to melt. May, June, July, and August are the peak tourist season. Tso Moriri remains inaccessible and entirely frozen from January to March.

Tso Moriri is a declared Ramsar site which means one cannot set up a tent or construct anything near the lake. It is also called the ‘mountain lake,’ owing to the peaks surrounding it, towering at the height of 2000 meters, shutting it off from the outside world. Several birds can be spotted at Tso Moriri, like the bare-headed goose, the great-crested grebe, the Brahmin duck, and the brown-headed gull. Himalayan hares are abundantly found here too. Read More.

8. Thiksey Monastery, Leh Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery is a Tibetan-style monastery located 20km south of Leh, on Leh Manali highway. The twelve-story monastery is located on top of a hill, giving magnificent views of the town and the Indus valley below. The main highlight of Thiksey is the Maitreya Temple which houses a 15-meter high Maitreya Buddha statue. It covers two stories of the building and is the giant statue in Ladakh.

Thiksey consists of numerous white buildings arranged in hierarchical order, which stand out against the rocky golden brown hills. It resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Thiksey consists of 10 temples and is currently home to over 100 monks. The monastery houses Buddhist stupas, thangkas, swords, wall paintings, and statues. Other main attractions at Thiksey are Tara Temple, Lamokhang Temple, Assemnly Hall, Nunnery, Library, and the rooftop. The monastery also serves as a residential monastery for monks. Read More.

9. Hall of Fame Museum, Leh Ladakh

Located at approximately 4 km from Leh on the Leh-Kargil Road, the Hall of Fame is a museum was built in memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting for India at the Indo-Pakistan war.

Maintained by the Indian Army, the Hall of Fame showcases seized arms and amenities of the Pakistani Army, pictures, and biographies of brave soldiers. A section of the museum also displays the Siachen area, exhibiting apparel and amenities used by the Indian Army in the region. Apart from this, one can also witness items related to Ladakhi culture, history, vegetation, and wildlife found across the globe.

10. Sangam, Leh Ladakh

Sangam is the confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers in Ladakh. It is located 35km from Leh in Nimmu, on the Leh Srinagar highway. The two rivers can be separately seen meeting at this point. While the Indus River appears shiny blue, the Zanskar River appears muddy green. It is a spectacular sight to witness.

Zanskar River is formed in the Zanskar Valley region. The flow of the two rivers at Sangam changes according to the season. While the Zanskar River is swollen and rapid in summers, the Indus River is calmer. In winters, Zanskar slows down and almost freezes while the flow of Indus is even lesser. The Indus is one of the longest rivers in Asia and originates in Tibet.

Tips :

• A road bifurcates on the Leh Srinagar Highway, where the Sangam is located. It is visible from the main highway.
• There are no local buses that specifically go to the Sangam point. You can board a bus traveling to Srinagar and get down at Sangam.
• Because of the high altitude, acute mountain sickness is shared here.

Khardung La, also known as Khardzong La, is a high mountain pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, near Leh. It serves as the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valleys. Khardung La is famous as the highest motorable road in India at an elevation of 5602 meters. However, contrary to the belief, its actual elevation is 5359 meters making Dungri La the highest motorable road pass in India.

The pass is a perfect getaway for adventure enthusiasts, peace seekers, and mountain biking aficionados. The tourists require an Inner Line Permit to enter the pass and travel through it. Due to heavy rains and snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from October to May.

Khardung La was built in 1976 and was opened for the public in 1988. The pass is crucial for India as it is used to carry supplies to the Siachen glacier. From the top, you can get picturesque views of the Karakoram range and the Himalayas.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Khardung La pass is between April to June and September to October. During summers, you will find the route less dangerous as the roads are dry. The sun shines bright, with the temperature lingering at 21 degrees Celsius. However, nights can get cold when the mercury dips down to 7 degrees Celcius. Incessant rains and heavy rainfall from July to August and November to February make the pass inaccessible. Often, the pass is even closed down during these months.

How To Reach Khardung La

The nearest town from Khardung La is Leh which is accessible by road from Manali and Srinagar. Also, direct flights operate between Leh and New Delhi. After reaching Leh, you can opt for daily buses that ply between Leh and Nubra valley via Khardung La pass. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi with an experienced driver or self-drive. Tourists also prefer cycling or riding a bike. At each checkpoint, photocopies of permits are required to be submitted.

Road Condition

Road condition is good for about 25 km on your way to the pass until South Pullu. From South Pullu to Khardung La, you will encounter bad patches and broken roads. For around 14 km, the route condition deteriorates with slush and water streams caused by melting snow.

For more information about Leh & Ladakh Tourism, visit https://leh.nic.in/tourism/

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Located in the Kargil district to the east of Ladakh (around 105 km) lies the bewitching Zanskar Valley. Pronounced as Zahar or Zangskar locally, it is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range, part of The Tethys Himalayas. Zanskar is known for raw landscape and is mostly traveled for trekking and river rafting.

The easiest way of reaching Zanskar is from Kargil through Suru Valley. The semi-desert region is flanked by snow-capped mountains and sparkling clean rivers along with distinct flora and fauna. It is cut off from the rest of the world for over nine months because of heavy snowfall in the region. The only way to reach Zanskar from December to February is to undertake the challenging Chadar Trek.

Best Time To Visit Zanskar Valley

Summer days from June to September is the ideal time to visit the Zanskar Valley. The region is accessible by road only up to October.

Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek or The Frozen River Expedition is one of India’s most unique and challenging treks. The 6-day chadar trek across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh occurs during the latter part of January until the end of February or sometimes even in the first week of March, depending on the weather.

How To Reach Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley is reachable via airways, railways, and roadways. Leh Airport, also known as Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, is the nearest to the city of Zanskar. This distance of about 60 km from the airport to Zanskar Vallery can be covered with a 75 to 90-minute drive.

Jammu Tawi is the closest railhead to Zanskar, and one could avail shared buses or taxis to the valley. Private cabs are pretty expensive, thus shared jeeps or buses would be a better option.

Zanskar valley is the most convenient to reach via Kargil. There are plenty of JKSRTC buses and shared taxis plying from Srinagar to Kargil. Taking a shared cab to Zanskar valley from Kargil would be a much reliable option than a bus.

Places To Visit In Zanskar

Although Zanskar is a beautiful small place, it does host some incredible places to visit too. Some of the top mentions include the Zanskar Valley, Zanskar River, Phugtal Monastery, and Padum. Pensi La Pass, Nimu, Zongkhul, Panikar, Baralacha La Pass, and Drang Drung Glacier are other significant attractions here.

Fauna

Zanskar Valley is home to a variety of species. They include domesticated animals like Yak, Dzo, Sheep, and Horse. Wild animals like Wolf, Snow Leopard, Bear, and Marmot are also found in that region.

History

Tibetans from high plateaux of the North-East settled in the Indus Valley around 500-600 BC. At that time, the Bon Tradition was followed. In the 7th Century, Buddhism was introduced in Ladakh by the Great Llama Songtsen Gampo. Its influence soon spread across Zanskar towards the Kashmir Valley.

Due to the isolation of Zanskar, the area has remained devoutly Buddhist, whereas the more accessible part of Kashmir has turned into Islam. After independence, with periodic internal conflicts, Zanskar was finally annexed by Ladakh in the 17th Century. The kings of Ladakh and Zanskar belonged to the same family, which ensured a period of peace. From 1842, Ladakh and Zanskar have become a part of Jammu and Kashmir, the only Indian state to extend to both sides of The Himalaya.

For more information about Leh & Ladakh Tourism, visit https://leh.nic.in/tourism/

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The famous Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is a cyclops hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move upwards on the hill when parked at the marked location. To experience this phenomenon, park the car in neutral gear in the yellow box marked a few meters ahead of the Magnetic Hill road. From this point, the car starts moving at a speed of 20 km ph.

Even though there are some myths regarding the mysterious magnetic hill, the fact is that the layout of the area and the surrounding hills give it an optical illusion. The downhill road appears to be an uphill road that leads to the car slowly gaining momentum, which seems to be going uphill against gravity when it is rolling downhill.

The Myth Behind The Mystery Of Magnetic Hill

We live in a strange world where sometimes there is no logical explanation of beliefs and superstitions. People say the hill has superpowers that transport the worthy to heaven. However, there is not one but two plausible scientific explanations behind this majestic magnetic hill.

The Optical Illusion Theory

The first theory states that this Magnetic hill is an optical illusion caused by the descending and rising terrain. The alignment of the road and the absence of a visible horizon creates a downward slope to appear like an upslope.

The Magnetic Field Theory

The second theory states that the hill exudes a strong magnetic force that pulls vehicles parked within its range. Many tourists and Indian Air Force officials have collaborated with this theory.

An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe. The hill lies at a distance of 30 km from the town of Leh on the Leh-Kargil highway, at an elevation of around 14,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the major tourist attractions and an almost essential stopover for all those who travel to Ladakh.

How To Reach

Leh-Ladakh has been a favorite spot for adventure-seeking bikers who like to ride it all the way and back. However, Leh has a well-connected airport from where taxies are readily available if that is not you. You can also journey by train to Jammutawi, 700 km from the valley, covered in a local taxi. The last and most convenient option is the Himachal Pradesh road transport buses. These state buses run regularly from Delhi-Manali-Leh, making it a comfortable and easy journey.

Location

Does the hill genuinely exist, or is it just a figment of a delusional tourist’s imagination? A secret you will never honestly know if you don’t experience it first hand. Nesting pretty at an altitude of 14000 feet above sea level. You have to take the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway to reach the destination. Found at a distance of 30 km from the scenic town of Leh, the magnetic hill is girdled by the Sindhu river on its eastern side and cradled in a picturesque backdrop of the Himalayan Range. Just park your vehicle inside the marked box and experience the geological wonder nature has to offer.

For more information about Leh & Ladakh Tourism, visit https://leh.nic.in/tourism/

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The most popular tourist attraction in Ladakh, Pangong Lake, is an endorheic (landlocked) lake situated 4350 meters. Also known as Pangong Tso, it is 12 kilometers long and extends from India to Tibet. Almost 60% of Pangong Lake lies in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. A unique feature is that it does not remain blue throughout the year or even the day. Instead, it changes colors from azure to light blue to green and grey too! It is as famous amongst tourists as Ladakh lake, where the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots” was shot.

Since the enthralling Pangong Lake falls on the Sino-Indian Actual Line of Control, an inner line permit is required to visit it. The Indian Nationals can quickly obtain individual permits while other foreign nationals need to get a group permit, with at least three persons in the group, accompanied by an accredited guide. The permit can be obtained at the tourist office in Leh for a small fee. Owing to its altitude, the Pangong Lake temperature ranges from -5°C to 10°C. As a result, it freezes entirely during winters despite its salinity.

Camping In Pangong Lake

Camping next to the lake is no more allowed. One can, however, be based at Leh, which has numerous options for accommodation, and take a day trip to the lake. The ideal place to live is 32 kilometers from Pangong Lake in a place called Tangste. Also, there are places to live in and around the vicinity of Lukung, which is close also located close by and has the provision of eco huts.

Flora & Fauna At Pangong Lake

Due to the briny water, Pangong Tso does not support aquatic life other than oceanographers’ ocean bugs called crustaceans. Pangong lake is home to many migrating birds in summer, and one can witness numerous ducks and gulls “surfing.” Besides being a haven for these birds, the stunning lake is also an important breeding ground for birds like Brahmani ducks and seagulls. Some are lucky to spot a Kiang, a wild ass, or a Marmot, a brownish rodent native to Ladakh that can grow up to the size of a small dog.

Pangong Lake In Winters

Winter turns the landscape of Pangong into a shimmering and snowy extravaganza. The mountains exhibit a kaleidoscopic contrast, with sand dominating one side while snow appears on the other. The sun doesn’t make much of an appearance, and fog envelopes the landscape. However, the temperature here gets to a minimum of -14°C, so be sure to pack loads and loads of woolens! Pangong Tso freezes to an absolute turquoise, and you can even walk all over this frozen beauty.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

It is best to visit Pangong Tso in the summers, precisely from June to September, as in winter, due to its extreme weather and high altitude, the vacation would not be as enjoyable, and the lake would be frozen. A visit in summer will open an avenue to witness different migratory birds and other flora fauna.

Food At Pangong Lake

While options for food at Pangong lake are limited, you may find popular and local preparations such as Thukpa which is a noodle soup, Tsampa, known in Ladakhi as Ngamphe (roasted barley flourished barley flour), and Skyu which is a heavy pasta dish with plenty of veggies as well as the very popular and delicious Momos which are steamed dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat. There are a few eateries and stalls at the lake selling popular local items, Maggi and tea. One might want to, however, carry their food for a trip to the lake.

How To Reach Pangong Lake

It is a breathtaking 5-hour drive from Leh, with the entire route to this destination being the epitome of scenic beauty. The Lake falls on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control, and you must get Inner Line permission. Also, because Pangong Lake is situated very close to the border, you will be allowed to visit only up to the Spangmik village.

From Leh, you need to pass through the Changla Pass and then through Tangste. Regular buses by the state road transport corporation are also available. In addition to this, you can hire taxis, motorbikes, jeeps, and cars at reasonable prices. Make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle as there are no petrol pumps in Pangong.

The road journey from Leh to Pangong is thrilling in itself. Since the drive is tiring (though breathtaking), it is advised to avoid making the return journey the same day.

Pangong Lake & Its Bollywood Connect

The unadulterated natural beauty of Pangong Lake makes it a favorite destination among directors for shooting and filming. Several blockbusters have been shot here, which includes impressive works such as Dil Se, 3 Idiots, Heroes, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Sanam Re, Waqt, and Tashan, among many others. The Bollywood junkie in you will feel like a superstar here!

Important Facts

1. It is advised to carry more and sufficient warm clothes to withstand the cold weather.
2. It is an ecologically fragile place where littering is a serious offense. Kindly dispose of your waste wisely.
3. For security reasons, boating at the lake is not permitted.

For more information about Leh & Ladakh Tourism, visit https://leh.nic.in/tourism/

Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.