Leh Travel Guide

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  On day one, as you go towards your first monastery (gompa or gonpa) visit to Hemis (3740 m; 12,270 ft.), the river Indus flows towards you on your right. The drive is smooth and the breeze is so pure. You drive up to Karu village, a distance of only 35 kms. Then you branch... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  On day six, you return through the same thrilling scenery back to Leh. If you did not get proper sleep the previous night, blame it on the height of Tangtse (4,322m; 14,180 ft). There are locations for a helipad here but security concerns may not permit this. However, before... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  The lake is over 130 kms long and 5-6 kms broad. However, the major portion of the lake lies in Chinese territory (Tibet).The water of the lake is clear but has high salt content which prevents normal marine life from flourishing. Birds of various varieties are present... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  Day five, you travel to Pangong Tso or Lake (4,420m; 14,500ft ; 146 kms; 4 ½ hours) in the Changthang valley after negotiating the pass at Changla (5,360 m; 17,586 ft.), the third highest pass. At Karu, you show your permit, go past the picturesque Chimrey Monastery (300... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  The entire journey from Leh to Diskit, Nubra Valley and to Hunder is 118 kms and it takes roughly four and a half hours.Kalsar is 59 kms (3 hrs) away. You may take your lunch here but as Diskit is only 30 kms away, you might as well wait. Along this journey, River Shyok... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  By day three, you’ll feel like a pro in Leh and will be rearing to go past one of the world’s highest motorable pass, the Khardungla on to Diskit and the Nubra Valley. However, it’s best to remember that in a matter of 1 hr and 15 minutes, you’ll traverse 39 kms to reach... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  Once you reach Leh, head straight for the Tsemo Gompa located on Namgyal Peak (Victory Peak) and the Khar or Lachen Palkhar or Royal Palace. The monastery, the fort and the red Maitreya temple, are all in ruins though attempts are being made now by the ASI to renovate these... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  Alchi Choskor (religious enclave), 35 kms away, is one of the oldest shrines in Ladakh and is the oldest among the 20 branches of the Likir Monastery. It is situated in Alchi village (3165m; 10,384 ft). You will heave a sigh of relief as there are no steep stairs to climb;... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  A little further on, 2 kms to be precise, is the Sangam or Confluence of the two mighty rivers, the Indus and the Zangsar. You can make out the two rivers by their distinctive colours (dark brown of Zangsar and foamy white of the Indus before they merge and flow towards... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  Thereafter, you carry on to Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib (‘pathar’=’stone’), about 25 kms from Leh on the Leh-Srinagar road. This place of worship is dedicated to Guru Nanak who is believed to have visited Ladakh in 1571. Legend has it that at this place, when Guru Nanak was... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  Only 2.5 kms from the Gurudwara is the Magnetic Hill, a natural phenomenon that adds to the wonder of your holiday. Drivers routinely stop their vehicle at the spot marked on the road, keep the gear in neutral and wait. After barely a few seconds, the vehicle is literally... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  On day two, start with the Hall of Fame, barely 7 kms from the town along the main airport road. This is an Army initiative and one which encapsulates the history of Ladakh region in the first two rooms, gives one room to the exploits of the Indian Air Force and takes over... 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  If you require an experienced and well-behaved driver and a vehicle, try out Shri. Sabir (+91-9419326234). We booked him for 6 days and he took us everywhere we wanted to go at any time in his Innova. The owner of the vehicle is one Shri. Nangyal (+91-9419219412). 

 anilpradhanshillong Says:  While at Leh, you might want to try out Ladags Apricot Store at LBA Shopping Complex, Zangsti, on the main road itself. This store sells eco-friendly, organic local products of Ladakh. The owner is Skarma C. Namtak. Organic, local produce, including beauty products.