Leh - Ladakh Tourism

Situated in the rain shadow area of the mighty Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is known as the 'Cold Desert'. The snow covered mountain peaks and the panoramic views of the place attract plenty of tourists every year. Owing to the difficult terrain and the arduous conditions prevailing here, it is very sparsely populated with just about two persons per square kilometer. The Buddhist monasteries and the alien looking enviorns of the place make it one of the most exquisite destinations in the world. Some of the world's most scariest and highest passes are situated in Ladakh. The bewitching beauty of Ladakh is sure to capture the imagination of one and all.

Leh
Leh is famous for its Buddhist monasteries, the Leh Palace and the Tibetan handicraft items. A lot of adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, camping and water rafting can be enjoyed here. The best time to visit Leh is from June to October.

Drass
It is situated at an altitude of 3300 m. above sea level. It can get extremely cold during the winter months and is generally covered with a thick blanket of snow during that time. Because of the high altitude and the difficult terrain very few touristscome here which has helped in preserving its natural appearence.

Nubra Valley
Located in the north of Leh, the Nubra valley is famous for Bactarian Camels, Khardung-La Pass, the world's highest motorable pass at an altitude of 18380 feet, and the monasteries like Samstaling. Other places of interest in the state are Kargil, Zanskar and Chang Thang.

The climate in Ladakh is very dry and the air is freezing cold. Owing to the high altitude, the sun rays in this area are very strong, posing a risk of sun burn. The temperature in the area generally remains below twenty seven degrees and can go down to about minus twenty degrees in winter.

Proper winter clothing and sun screen lotion should be carried along by tourists visiting this place. The best season to visit the place are the months from June to October as during that time most roads and passes remain open.

The cultural heritage of Ladakh is one of a kind. It is sparsely populated so the festivals which are generally held in winter serve the purpose of arranging for social gatherings. The sports of archery and a traditional version of polo are popular amongst the local people. Most of the festivals are held during the winter months as due to heavy snowfall the people don't have much to do. The people are very friendly, hard working and always have a smile on their faces.

By Road
By road Ladakh can be accessed through the Srinagar-Leh road where buses are easily available and which presents some beautiful and mesmerizing views. Another road route to reach Ladakh is the Manali-Leh road. Check the schedules before travelling through these routes as they remain closed at times of heavy snowfall. Some of the sites that can be enjoyed while travelling by road are the Rohtang pass on the Manali-Leh road which leads to the Lahaul and Spiti valley, Bara Lachha Pass and the Lachalang la Pass.

By Air
Regular flights are available for Leh from New Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh and Srinagar. The most handy way to travel within the city is by buses which move throughout the place on fixed routes and time. Another way is to hire a taxi.