Ladakh (Srinagar, India)

The hill resort of Ladakh is surrounded by the Karakoram Range in the north. The Himalayas border Ladakh in the south. The Indus River flows through Ladakh and divides it into Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, lower Ladakh and Rupshu. Geographically speaking the landscape of Ladakh comprises of uplands,craggy,barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Popuraly known as 'Hermit Kingdom',Ladakh is a land of snow carved peaks,translucent Lakes,barren terrain and mystic culture. It is also known as little Tibet and has a great Buddhist tradition. Visit the various mosteries out of which Shey,Thikse,Hemise,Lamayuri,and Likir are the most important ones. Every year in the month of June Hemis Festival is held which is a unique experience.This is the highest inhabited region in India and the River Indus with its tributaries,slice their way through the ranges. The rich cultural past of Ladakh is revealed in the Buddhist simplicity. The Tibetan culture and the Buddhist monasteries not only offer the gorgeous gompas to the tourists but also have a vital part to play in the social lives of the people.

The Ladakh Festival is a regular tourist event at Ladakh. The adventure tourism is also a well-developed activity in Ladakh. A white water river rafting expedition along the 26-km stretch from Phey to Nimo along the mighty Indus River is a thrilling experience for the tourists coming to Ladakh. The climbing season extends from mid - May to mid -October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon, which holds sway over most of the Himalayas. Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liasion Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness. Ladakh is a popular hill station among tourists mainly from the plains of northern India. The hill station has pristine beauty, peace and pleasant weather, which attract the tourists.

Sightseeing:

Buddhism in Ladakh:
A religion that has bestowed mankind with the spirit of humanity is Buddhism. This revered compassion of mankind indeed is one of the greatest discoveries in the world of spirituality. Purity echoes the mantra of peace and ardent adoration for mankind and a deep anchored desire to serve human race.

Kargil:
The second town of Ladakh, is situated on the Suru River just short of its confluence with the Dras-shingo. Almost equidistant, at a little over 200-km from Leh, Srinagar, Padum in Zanskar and Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, it was in the old days the centre of a network of routes joining these places. Since Partition, Skardu has been lost to Ladakh, but Kargil remains the main staging-point between Srinagar and Leh, and the Gateway to the Suru valley and Zanskar.

Sindhu Darshan Festival:
The Sindhu Darshan or Sindhu Festival aims at projecting the Indus as a symbol of India's unity and communal harmony. Whilst promoting tourism to this area, this festival is also a symbolic salute to the brave soldier of India.

Lakes in Ladakh:
The Tso Morari Lake is one of the largest lakes in Ladakh region and is almost like an inland sea. At an altitude of almost 4,500 meters, the Pangong Tso is only 8-km wide at its broadest but is an amazing 134-km long. Kyaghr lake is the halting place for trekkers moving from the Kiangdum camping ground to the Tsomorari Lake.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

How to reach: Ladakh can be easily accessed through air or road.

By Air: The airport at Leh is the nearest to Ladakh. Regular flights to the Leh airport connect Leh and in turn Ladakh with Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar.
By Road: Ladakh is connected to other places through a road network too. The various routes link Ladakh with Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, Manali and Keylong. Local transportation in places in and around Ladakh is not a problem. You may go in for buses for hire jeeps for commuting and sightseeing.

So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in Ladakh with us.