Must include places for a perfect getaway to Ladakh

 Leh is a perfect getaway for adventure and nature lovers. For people who want to rediscover themselves and even for those who are seeking some tranquility and peace. Going on a Ladakh tour once in your life will turn you into a storyteller, give you peace and satisfaction beyond words. The beauty of Ladakh will intoxicate you and simply take your breath away. This heaven of high passes – Ladakh, is located to the north of Karakoram mountain ranges and south of the Himalayas. Ladakh is unparalleled when it comes to beautiful blue skies, royal and ancient monasteries, artifacts, handicrafts, and not to mention the snow capped mountains. For anyone with a knack for adventure and serenity, a Ladakh trip is the calling you must consider!

Ladakh is a mix of Buddhist and Tibetan culture. You will be fascinated by the unique characteristics, history, the warm feel with which the locals of the villages receive you and stories about ancient mysteries. Ladakh woos everyone, and people fall in love with this wonderful and mystical land. Let us see the popular destinations this picture-perfect land has to offer that should be a part of your Ladakh tour package.

1. Monasteries in Ladakh:

Monasteries in Ladakh largely contribute towards Ladakh tourism and few popular ones are generally included as part of the Ladakh Holiday package. While many of you may come to Ladakh for trekking or biking expeditions, find time to visit these amazing monasteries through your Ladakh tour to explore the finest architectures in Ladakh. These monasteries are not just religious buildings, but the peace and tranquillity you find here is surreal and cannot be expressed in words. Set against the backdrop of stunningly beautiful landscapes, these monasteries offer rare and amazing views of Ladakh.

Hemis Monastery is most famous in Ladakh. Visiting Diksit monastery at Nubra valley is an absolute treat to the eyes. Apart from these, there are several other monasteries such as Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Shey Monastery, Matho Monastery and a few others. Itinerary of the Ladakh Holiday Package can be planned to try and cover most of these in your Ladakh trip. These purifying havens are a must-visit for a rejuvenating experience. 

2.  Pangong Tso:

Your dream to take picturesque postcard pictures will come true once you visit Pangong Lake. It is located 4,350 meters above the sea level at a distance of 150kms from Leh. No words can define the beauty of this lake that extends from India to Tibet. This location has to have a spot in your Ladakh Holiday Packages. Visiting this place as part of your Ladakh tour will mesmerize you by the jaw-dropping visuals of this narrow and enchanting lake. The drive to this lake is also dramatic and memorable, which will hold you speechless all through the way for hours. The unimaginable beauty of nature attracts a lot of tourists here from all around the world. Besides the adventurous drive, the changing colors of the lake is unmatched and an absolute delight to watch. Do not miss going to the spot where the famous Bollywood movie ‘3 idiots’ was filmed. Camping by the lakeside under the night sky lit with bright stars is a memorable experience. Various Ladakh Holiday packages offer this overnight camping experience at Pangong.

3. Khardung La Pass:

Khardung La pass is a famous landmark of Ladakh and the most awaited visit in the Ladakh trip. Driving to this place will literally take you to the top of the world as it is the highest motorable pass in the world. This pass is a gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley. The roads are loved by adventure seekers, and they come here to enjoy the sheer thrill of driving through twisting roads up to the dramatic landscapes and awesome valley views. The supplies to the Siachen Glacier are taken using this road. It is an inspirational place, and most of the tourists come here to experience mountain biking. This pass is situated at an altitude of 5,602 meters above the sea level and is at a distance of 39kms from Leh. The breathtaking views here make this experience a journey of a lifetime.

Almost all Ladakh Holiday packages include a visit to Khardungla Pass on the way to Nubra Valley. But, if you have additional days in your Ladakh tour then you may visit and return back to Leh on the same day. 

4. Leh Palace:

Leh Palace is a famous ancient palace erected in the 17th century for the then royal family. This palace is one of the tallest buildings of its time and resembles the popular Potala Palace of Lhasa. Depicting the wonderful Tibetan architecture, this palace is one of the most famous attractions of Leh and Ladakh region. The magnificent views of the Ladakh mountains and villages from this palace are simply breathtaking. The place also provides alluring views of Stok Kangri. The monastery here consists of Lord Buddha statues, old and artistic paintings along with Tibetan Thangka and a rich collection of crowns, jewelry, and dresses. The palace is built in old Leh, at a distance of 5 km from Leh city, on Tsemo Hill. The palace is most visited and easily accessible through Zangsti road or Jama Masjid.

5. Shanti Stupa: 

Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist domed stupa established by a Japanese Buddhist monk Bhikshu Gyomo Nakamura, and it was enshrined by the Dalai Lama himself. Built at the height of 4,267 meters above the sea level, this Stupa offers beautiful panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountainous landscapes. At a drive of 5 km from Leh, you have to climb 500 steps to reach this majestic structure. The presence of this Stupa is seen and felt all over the city of Leh. The purpose of building this giant structure was to bring around world peace, promote spiritualism and prosperity. The white-domed structure gives a magnificent view during the golden hours and also during the night hours as the entire dome is illuminated with white lights. The Stupa is a popular tourist attraction of Leh for its aura and vibrancy.

Most Ladakh Holiday packages would cover this destination on the day designated for acclimatization upon reaching Leh before you start your Ladakh tour.

Leh Ladakh is a dream destination and Ladakh tour is a dream journey that offers various places and adventurous experiences. Ladakh is a destination full of surprises and mysteries. Besides the above list of destinations, you should include a visit to the mystical ‘Magnetic Hill’ in your Ladakh Holiday package. It offers a fascinating optical illusion of a car (engine switched off) appearing to move uphill without any force applied to it. The brain perceives the downhill drive to be uphill. Visiting the museums and war memorials, watching the changing colors of lakes and the Chadar Trek in winter is an unbelievable experience. 

Ladakh is a paradise for adventure junkies – The Zanskar river is most visited for paragliding, trekking or river rafting. This is not a standard activity as part of your Ladakh Holiday package itinerary. Customize your Ladakh tour to include this for an adventure of a lifetime.

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