Colourful Indian Holidays

Ladakh – A gifted region with some unusual sights

The beautiful tourist destination of Ladakh draws numerous nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts from across the globe with its spellbinding natural beauty. A semi-arid region, this captivating place fascinates people with its snow-capped mountains and scenic nature.

People who visit this region can enjoy many unique and unusual sights. Even if this destination is more like a cold desert, many backpackers and adventure lovers visit this place for having fun and excitement. Located in the Jammu and Kashmir state, it is an ideal place for those who look for a memorable holiday experience.

Adorned by picturesque valleys, captivating mountain ranges, and elegant monasteries, a trip to Ladakh will certainly refresh your body and soul. Camping high up in the mountains in this region with your loved one shall be a unique way to spend some holidays. Enjoy some best time in this beautiful tourist spot through Colourful Indian Holidays – India tour Operator.

Leh – A true treasure trove for adventure lovers

People who plan a Ladakh tour do not forget to enjoy a trekking tour to the alluring city of Leh. Leh, the summer capital of the Himalayan Kingdom once, is nestled in the midst of snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. One of the main attractions of this marvelous tourist spot is its monasteries and people who visit Ladakh do not miss them. Every adventure lover should visit Leh and Ladakh at least once in their lifetime. Eye-catching mountain ranges and tranquil valleys give this destination an exquisite character. It is also a region with cultural diversity. Get ready to explore the enchanting nature of Leh and Ladakh through one of our exciting tour packages.

Places to visit in the Leh- Ladakh region

People who visit Leh-Ladakh will realize that it is a paradise filled with amazing natural beauty. It is a wonderful place perfect to soothe your soul and make your mind at ease. Leh is famous for many adventure activities, but it also offers several scenic places to explore. Some of the beautiful places that you can visit during your Leh trip include:

Nubra Valley – valley of flowers

Leh Ladakh trip has a lot to offer to its visitors. Travelers who visit this region want to spend weeks here by exploring its picturesque attractions and indulge in thrilling activities. Nubra Valley is a must-visit destination in Leh which is almost 100 kilometers away from this city. Also known as the Orchard of Ladakh, one can visit this tourist spot throughout the year. You need to take trekking through the rocky trails to reach this majestic tourist spot in Leh which is a unique travel experience for everybody.

Popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’, you can see varieties of colorful and vibrant flowers in Nubra Valley. This beautiful valley is nestled on the scenic banks of the river Nubra, and many people find it an ideal place for camping. It shall be memorable for them to spend some time in the beauty of this picturesque valley. Ensure to include this tourist spot during your Leh-Ladakh trip.

Pangong Lake – An enchanting saltwater lake

Visiting the Leh-Ladakh shall be an exhilarating experience because of its scenic tourist attractions. With snow-capped mountains and mystical ambiance, the Himalayan destinations always attract people from across the globe with its mesmerizing nature. The Pangong Lake with crystal clear water is one such great tourist spot in Leh which became very popular among people after the release of the Bollywood movie, ‘3 idiots’.

The literal meaning of Pangong is the high grassland lake, and the micro-vegetation in this lake is very low. Although it lacks any fish or other aquatic species in this lake, you can watch numerous gulls and ducks on the surface of it. This lake is also a breeding place for plenty of avian species. The water of this lake freezes completely during the winter season which allows people to walk over it easily. It is mandatory to collect an inner-line permit from the concerned authority to visit this beautiful Lake to enjoy its charm.

Magnetic Hill – for an experience of a lifetime

Each traveler will come across so many spectacular sights during their trip to Leh-Ladakh. One such beautiful view is the Magnetic Hill which is located nearly 30 kilometers away from the Leh town. A yellow signboard with wordings ‘the Phenomenon that defies Gravity’ that instructs you to park your vehicle in the box marked on the road.

Vehicles started to move forward in this spot at a speed of around 20 km/h. Different theories like optical illusion or the magnetic force theory explain this unique phenomenon in one way or other. People who visit the magnetic Hill try quad biking which is a thrilling activity for them. The beautiful Nimmu Valley and the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara are nearby attractions to this picnic spot worth visiting.

Tso Moriri Lake – An ideal spot for camping

There are many stunning spots in Ladakh that give you amazing travel experience and the lovely Tso Moriri Lake is one such place. It is a pristine and serene lake with crystal clear water amidst breathtaking mountain ranges offers beautiful views of the surroundings. The serene ambiance and the cool winds provide a mind-blowing travel experience for each visitor to this mountain lake.

Located inside the renowned Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, it has about 28 kilometers length and approximately 100 feet in depth. Another interesting feature of the Tso Moriri Lake is that it is home to several animal species like cows, yaks, and goats. Camping is a good activity that you can enjoy in this place. You will certainly feel blessed once you reach this place and witness its enchanting nature.

Lamayuru Monastery – the oldest monastery in Leh

The Himalayan regions are home to several beautiful monasteries which draw a large number of travelers from different parts of the world with its rich culture and history. The renowned Lamayuru Monastery is one of the finest tourist attractions in Ladakh which is located at a distance of nearly 125 km on the Srinagar-Leh road.

Your journey towards this beautiful monastery through the rugged regions shall be an exciting one because of the picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains. It is certainly an important destination to add in your bucket list of Leh-Ladakh tour.

Shanti Stupa – A white-domed Buddhist stupa

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Leh-Ladakh is a favorite destination for many nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Both national and international travelers find it a good place to refresh and recharge their lost energies.

The Shanti Stupa situated almost 5 kilometers away from the Leh City at an altitude of about 4267 meters is a must-visit destination during your Leh-Ladakh trip. It is an ideal place to experience peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Situated in Chanspa on a hilltop, this stupa was built by Japanese monks to promote Buddhism and world peace. People visit this place not only to experience peace and serenity but also to enjoy marvelous vistas.

Shey Monastery – a monastery with the copper-gold gilded statue of Lord Buddha

Located at a single enchanting hillock on the Leh-Manali road almost 15 kilometers away from Leh city, the beautiful Shey Monastery draws tourists with its elegant copper-gold gilded statue of Lord Buddha. The uniqueness of this monastery is that it holds the second largest statue in the Ladakh city.

King Deldan Namgyal built this monastery in the 16th century which is located inside the Shey Palace. Between July and September are the best time to visit this tourist spot in Leh but many people love to visit it during its two festivals, Shey Loo Doo and Shey Rupla to be a part of its festivities.

Diskit Monastery – A fourteenth century monastery

Perched on a hilltop amidst mind-blowing surroundings at an altitude of 3142 meters, the Diskit Monastery is another must-visit destination in Leh. The rocky steps would lead you towards the prayer hall of the monastery where you can see the statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

This old monastery is belonging to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and famous for the scapegoat festival, Desmochhey. Monks perform dances during this prayer festival to show the power of goodness over evil. Since this festival held in February during heavy snowfall, mostly the people in Nubra Valley attend it. Ensure to visit this monastery during your Leh-Ladakh trip.

Thiksey Monastry – a monastery with iconic architecture

Visiting the monasteries in Leh is a wonderful experience as each of them has a unique appearance. The Thiksey Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in this region located about 18 kilometers away from Leh town on a hilltop fascinates travelers with its iconic and eye-catching architecture.

This 12-storied monastery has an assembly hall in addition to 10 shrines. Since the buildings of this monastery are arranged in a hierarchal order, it offers an attractive view from any angle. There is a big statue of Maitreya in this monastery and offers stunning views of Indus Valley. People in this region celebrate the Gustor Festival of this monastery with great enthusiasm.

Moonland – known for unique geographical features

Located on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, the Moonland is a beautiful attraction in Leh because of its unique geographical feature. This is a mesmerizing part of Ladakh which draws thousands of tourists each year. Since this landscape has the appearance of a moon, it is fondly called as Moonland.

Full moon days are the best time to visit this destination during which you can watch exotic views. Located near the Lamayuru, travelers can watch the beauty of this place at its best by climbing the Meditation Hill. Many monks from this region are living at a high altitude in the Moonland hill. Visit this place during your Leh-Ladakh trip to enjoy an amusing sight.

Royal Leh Palace – draws travelers with its medieval Tibetan architecture

Leh Palace is an ancient palace in Leh-Ladakh region located in the scenic Himalayan region now maintained by the ‘Archaeological Survey of India’. Now it is transformed into a museum where you can watch artifacts even more than 450 years old.

Besides, visitors can watch picturesque views of the snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges from the top of this palace. Many architecture lovers and historians visit this palace to see its medieval Tibetan architecture.

Nestled atop the old Leh city overlooking the majestic Namgyal hill, it resembles the renowned Potala Palace of the Lhasa. With nine stories, this palace was among the tallest structures in Leh during the good olden times.

Pattharsahib Gurudwara – a must-visit holy place in Leh

It is another must-visit tourist destination in Ladakh located about 25 miles away from the Leh city at an altitude of around 12000 feet. This gurudwara was built to commemorate the Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. It is believed that Guru Nanak vanquished a demon at this place centuries ago.

Even if most of the locals in this region follow Buddhism, they visit this temple to worship this Sikh Guru. Travelers on the way to Kargil do not forget to stop at this place to offer prayers to Guru Nanak. Ensure to visit this holy place during your Leh-Ladakh holidays.

Donkey sanctuary – Home for helpless Donkeys

Visiting the ‘home for helpless donkeys’ truly give you an unforgettable experience in Leh-Ladakh. This place certainly touches the heart of each visitor as it is home to many old and sick donkeys, mules and asses. Farmers usually send their donkeys to this sanctuary once these creatures become old and no longer in use instead of left them on the streets.

This sanctuary established by Stany and Joanne gives shelter to poor donkeys from the severe winters and provide grass and wheat on time. Located in the market area of the Khakshal Village on the Korean Temple Road, one can reach this sanctuary within 20 minutes walk.

Trekking

If you are an adventurous person planning to explore the unique culture of Ladakh, then plan for some trekking. Ladakh is a beautiful place with breathtaking landforms such as high peaks, rocky cliffs, terrains and abundant vegetation and trekking is the best way to explore all of them.

One of the great advantages of this mountain region is that it offers numerous trails to enjoy this activity. Travelers can choose the trail based on their preference, difficulty level. People on Leh-Ladakh holidays ensure to enjoy this adventure activity to one of the popular trekking destinations in this region such as the Markha Valley, Nubra Valley trek, Zanskar Range Trek, Kharnak trek and Tsomoriri Trek.

Travelers who choose the Markha Valley Trek need 6-7 days to complete which covers hiking, diverse landscapes, visiting the famous Buddhist monasteries and stunning mountain villages. The Zanskar Range Trek requires 9-10 days to complete in which you can enjoy the charm of the Zanskar mountain ranges beyond the Indus Valley.

This trekking route also covers many monasteries, homestays and ancient forts. Travelers can complete the Nubra Valley Trek within 7-8 days which is among the most scenic trail in Ladakh. You can enjoy a complete view of the majestic Karakoram ranges during this trekking.

If you choose the high-altitude Kharnak trek, you need to spend at least two weeks to complete it. One of the great attractions of this trekking trail is that it covers the Changthang plateau which is the home of several yak-carrying nomads.

The Puga Valley in Changthang valley is the abode of some rare wildlife such as bar-headed geese, brahmini ducks and black-necked cranes. Rumptse to Tsomoriri Trek is another popular trekking option for the Leh-Ladakh adventure lovers.

The spectacular Tsomoriri Lake is the main attraction of this trekking route. Besides, you will get the opportunity to pass through many river crossings, mountain passes and plenty of barren lands. Make your trip to Leh-Ladakh more interesting by adding trekking to one of the most popular destinations.

Cycling

There are several cycling routes in Ladakh that certainly take your breath away. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on every side, cycling is the best way to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of this destination.

Some of the most popular cycling tours in Ladakh are Manali to Leh, Leh to Pangong Tso, The Monastery Circuit, Leh to Tso Moriri, Leh- Dha/Hanu- Chiktan- Lamayuru- Leh, Leh- Khardung La- Nubra Valley and Leh to Alchi.

Some of the best spots for cycling in and around in this destination include Pangong Lake, Chang La Pass, Khardung La Pass, and Lukung. Plan some cycling tour in Ladakh to enjoy its mesmerizing scenery.

Motor Biking

Another great adventure activity that is getting outstanding recognition in Ladakh these days is motorbiking. It is the best way to enjoy the awe-inspiring and breathtaking landscapes of Leh-Ladakh.

Each biker will get spellbound experience by watching the snow-capped mountains, high passes, scenic lakes and famous monasteries in this Himalayan region. Some of the routes that you can choose for your Leh-Ladakh bike trip are the Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali and the Delhi – Manali – Leh – Delhi.

For enjoying a comfortable and hassle-free bike trip, you need a properly maintained and well-kept bike. Remember to service your bike thoroughly beforehand to avoid unwanted situations. Carry everything required to fulfill your basic needs, but your travel bag must be light. Try to carry an extra pair of good shoes and gloves if possible.

Some other must-have supplies include a tool-kit, a battery pack, a blue tooth headset, a torch, a headlamp, a first-aid kit, and a physical map. The rider must be in a good health condition and always be ready to face adverse situations. You must have a positive frame of mind if you plan a bike trip to the beautiful destination of Ladakh.

Indus River Rafting

trip to the northern regions of India is always thrilling because it offers plenty of adventure activities. Home to the famous Indus River, people to Ladakh try to enjoy a little bit of river rafting. Zanskar River is also an ideal spot to enjoy this activity.

With towering mountains, fresh air and chilly winds, whitewater rafting in Ladakh shall be a unique experience for each visitor. From June to August is the best time experience this activity in the Indus River as the water levels in it remain high during this period. Different types of difficulty level and rapids make it a suitable place for travelers of all types. You can pick up a raft based on your requirements.

Yak safari

People who look for a unique travel experience in Ladakh can opt for a yak safari. It is a huge animal with nearly 6 ft in height and about 1000 kilograms in weight.

Many people to this destination opt for a yak safari as it is a different way to explore the captivating beauty of nature. You can explore the snow-capped mountains, serene blue lakes, panoramic valleys of Ladakh on the back of a yak.

Spot snow leopard

Visit the Hemis National Park in Ladakh shall be a wonderful experience especially for the animal lovers. It is the best place in the country to spot the beautiful snow leopard.

Even though this park is home to around 200 snow leopards, it is difficult to spot this animal. Winter is the best time to visit this park if you desire to spot the snow leopard.

Enjoy the festivals in Ladakh

Ladakh is famous for a few festivals such as Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, Ladakh festival, and monastery festival. Many people visit this destination to watch the colorful Chhams performed by Llamas. You will be mesmerized to watch the dancers perform in vibrant clothes and dreadful masks in this colorful dance drama.

Numerous stalls are opened during the festival season in Ladakh from where travelers can buy different items like woolen clothes, caps, handicrafts and other souvenirs.

Try yak cheese and momos

The beautiful destination of Ladakh is known for its astonishing landscapes and unique culture. You can find plenty of excellent things to try during your visit to this marvelous mountain region. One of the great things you do not want to miss during your holidays in Ladakh is relishing some local delicacies.

Tasting the yummy yak cheese and the momos made out of this cheese is a unique thing to do in this place because you cannot find these delicious dishes in no other area of the country. Locally known as Chhurpi, this cheese can eat in its local form, or you can try the delectable momos made from it.

Camel safari

Each traveler to Ladakh loves the idea of a ride on the Bactrian double-humped camels. The uniqueness of these camels is that they store fat inside its humps instead of water. Camel safari through the lovely sand dunes of Hundar certainly makes your trip to Ladakh an unforgettable experience.

People used camels as a mode of transportation in this region approximately 3-4 centuries ago, especially for trade purposes. But this is still a practice in the awe-inspiring region of Nubra Valley. Travelers to Ladakh can enjoy camel safari from Hundar to Diskit.

Interact with the monks

Ladakh is a place blessed with so many monasteries, and travelers love to visit them where they can interact with the Buddhist monks. Many travelers prefer to stay overnight in one of the monasteries during their trip to Ladakh to attend the early morning prayers.

By staying in a monastery, you can experience the aura of the monks in it. Spending a night in the monasteries and interact with the monks shall be a rejuvenating experience for each visitor to Ladakh.

Stay with a local family

One of the great attractions of Ladakh is its unique culture, and the best way to experience it is by staying with a local family. It is not difficult to find a luxurious hotel to stay during your Ladakh holidays, but you can feel the life in the mountain region by opting to stay with a local family.

It is also a fine opportunity to taste the authentic Ladakhi cuisine. People who visit this destination do not forget to taste their hot butter tea. The local brew, chang, is another great thing you need to try in Ladakh which is made by fermenting miller n a porcelain cylindrical pot.

Ladakh, one of the most beautiful places in the state of Jammu Kashmir is a great choice for those who are in search of natural beauty and exciting wildlife. With a character of its own, this Himalayan mountain region offers many unique experiences for travelers. The snow-capped peaks, gorgeous valleys and serene greenery create more than just a paradise for nature lovers and skilled hikers.

Plan a trip to the Leh-Ladakh region and experience the heaven on earth. Choose an affordable Leh-Ladakh holiday package of Colourful Indian Holidays to explore the vicinity of this region and indulge in some thrilling activities.