[tps_header]Ladakh, a word which means “Land of passes”, is a mountainous region in northwest Jammu & Kashmir, in North India and in the area known as Trans-Himalayas. A hill station and a cold desert, Ladakh is one of those places with unparallel beauty.”Little Tibet”, “Heaven of Adventures”, “The Moon-Land”, “Biker’s paradise”, are the phrases Ladakh is often associated with. The well preserved Tibetan culture is a main attraction in Ladakh along with its unique natural landscapes. Read on to learn more about the amazing treasure-trove of Ladakh…[/tps_header]
- [tps_title]ZANSKAR VALLEY[/tps_title]
Nestled in between the majestic Himalayan ranges, Zanskar valley is considered to be the most fascinating and adventurous hub for tourists. It is higher than any other valley in Ladakh and is isolated and scantily inhabited. A devour of pretty landscape and cultural diversity, Zanskar is rich in pungent, therapeutic foliage and aromatic plants. The area remains inaccessible for most part of the year due to heavy snowfall. Summer time is ideal for visiting Zanskar.
The valley features lush green landscape, snow-capped mountains dotting the horizon. There are many natural trekking routes for adventure enthusiasts.
In winters ‘Chadar’ or the frozen-river trek is very famous among adventure seekers. It has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The mesmerizing journey through the frozen Zanskar River is a voyage to the heart of this isolated place and there are adventures and mysteries hidden in every nook and corner of this river valley. While in summers river-rafting and kayaking are done on Zanskar river.
The natural beauty of an unspoiled landscape with breath taking scenery of marvelous glaciers makes a spectacular panorama. Major tourist-destinations in Zanskar are:
Padum
Padum is a small town and administrative headquarter of Zanskar. It is located at an elevation of 3505m above the sea level. It has quite a few facilities including an internet cafe, phone booths and a bunch of hotels and restaurants.
The landscape-composition is wonderful with different shapes and colors of the mountains, rocks and boulders. Yaks and Dzo graze calmly in green and golden fields
Zangla
Zangla is a small village. It has an old castle which is in ruins except for a small monastery. Exquisite frescos adorned the monastery in nearby village called Tsa Zar
An old nunnery worth visiting displays the austere lifestyle of the small monastic community of nuns.
Zongkul
Zongkul has an amazing cave monastery. The monastery is linked with the famous Buddhist Yogi Naropa who lectured in the universities of Nalanda and Vikransil. It was used by him for solitary meditation purpose. It stands on the rock face of Ating gorge like a nest. The frescos and murals reflect high degree of artistic accomplishments. The murals are said to be done by Zhadpo Dorje, who was a celebrated scholar/ painter.
Phugtal
Phugthal is the most amazingly located monastic establishment in ladakh. It is a challenging destination because it is located high on the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge. Its foundation dates back to early 12th century and is now housed by a community of about 40 -50 monks. The interior of the monastery displays frescos and ceiling decorations reflecting strong artistic and iconographic influence.
Stongde
Stongde is located at an elevation of about 3500m. The village has some historic gompas or monasteries. You will come across a couple of lakes on the way surrounded by marmots- holes. Beautiful scenery of green meadows, snow-clad peaks and swift flowing rivers make it a perfect place for picnic-spots and for nature-lovers
Shagma Kharpu
Shagma Karphu is known for its spectacular views of the sunset and sunrise, and adjoining mountain peaks. The land is dotted with marshy lands that are formed by the melting of snow. The grass in autumn has shades of orange color making the place a speechless beauty.
Karsha
Karsha has the famous Gelupa monastery. The place is a perfect retreat for travelers.
- [tps_title]NUBRA VALLEY[/tps_title]
Nubra valley, popularly known as the valley of flowers, is located at the confluence point of two rivers namely Nubra river and Shyok river. Khardung-la pass 5602m abv sea level, the highest motorable road in the world, is the gateway to Nubra valley.
Travelers are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit from Leh distict office to visit the place. It can be easily obtained.Camel-safari is a famous activity carried out in Nubra. Major tourists destinations are:
Deskit
Deskit is the administrative centre of Nubra.Deskit Gompa ia an old monastery located on the highest crest of the town. The monastery is as old as 350 years and houses a giant Maitreya Buddha statue. It is home to over hundred monks. The architecture of the monastery reflects Tibetan style and culture.
Panamic
Panamic is an astonishing piece of nature’s work. It is a famous picnic spot and has an outstanding hot water natural spring of medicinal qualities. It is the final frontier of India towards Tibet.
Samstalling
Samstalling is a famous and beautiful town. It lies between Kyagor and Sumur village. Its monastery is famous for its collection of Buddha idols, frescos and Buddhist scrolls..
Ensa
Ensa features an amazing 250 years old monastery perched on top of a rock that overlooks the snow-capped mountains of Nubra valley. It is a six-hour trek to reach Ensa Gompa via Panamik. At night the sky provides an amazing view, it is studded with stars that seem oversized (due to the altitude) and the shooting stars seem to fall slower than usual, leaving behind a long shimmering trail. You will also come across small waterfalls on the way.
Hunder
Hunder is an example of sheer beauty. Hunder Gompa has old frescoes,idols,thankas or Buddhist religious scrolls and a statue of Buddha. The place offers a nice view of sunset/sunrise and camel-safari is a favorite tourist activity here in Hunder.
- [tps_title]SURU VALLEY[/tps_title]
Suru valley is one of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh. It forms the mainstay of Kargil district. The land presents a spectacle of breathtaking features; snow-capped mountains, unparalled slopes draining into streams of clear water, large glaciers descending to the river-bed. Major tourist-destinations here are:
Panikhar
Panikhar is one of the most scenic site of Suru valley. It lies at the border of the valley and is renowned for a ruined fort constructed by Zorawar Singh when he intended to conquer Tibet but failed.
Rangdum
Rangdum is a small town which is sparsely populated and is situated between Padum and Kargil. The landscape is spectacular due to the surrounding hill, pastures, streams and glaciers. It is an excellent site for trekking base-camps. Rangdum Gompa is also interesting place to visit.
Sankoo
Sankoo is a picturesque town surrounded by few villages and vibrant rocky mountains. There is a dense plantation of poplar, willow and ‘sia’ or wild roses in this bowl-shaped valley.
Trespone
Trespone village, spectacular and sprawling, is worth visiting. It has a quaint mixture of Islamic and Tibetan elements in its construction style. It’s a place where trading and making of ancient Scythan bow is still carried out by some families.
Penzella Pass
Penzella pass is located at a height of about 4200m over Zanskar Range .It separates Zanskar Valley from Suru Valley. On either side of the pass there are camping grounds, used by migratory grazers, communities and travelers. One can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding ranges and countryside from the mountain top.
Dara-Drung Glacier
Dara-Drung Glacier has speechless beauty. The glacier begins to make its appearance with the cool chill in the wind owing to its large ice-reserve. It is located at an elevation of 3500m above sea level and in indeed a feast to the eyes.
- [tps_title]SHAM VALLEY[/tps_title]
Sham valley is situated in lower Ladakh and the western part of Leh with beautiful landscapes, villages and monasteries. The trek along this valley is a gentle trek as the highest elevation does not rise above 4100m unlike other parts of Ladakh. There is ample time to explore monasteries and Buddhist culture during the trek as each day of walking/hiking is relatively short.
The trail crosses numerous villages, some of which are very rich in terms of agricultural produce and resources. The people here have kept their Ladakhi ways of custom and tradition intact. This valley is also known as Apricot valley due to the abundance of apricot orchards.
Sham valley starts from Nimmo village and stretches up to Mulbek village. En route there are famous monasteries of Ladakh like Bazgo, Likir, Saspol, Alchi, Ridzong, Mangue, Temisgang and Wanla. Almost all of them are accessible by road, but some may only be reached by trekking and hiking.
Each monastery in Ladakh is distinct in itself and for those who wish to experience the uniqueness of Ladakhi monasteries, repository of age old Tibetan Buddhism, this trek is an ideal opportunity. There is also the option of staying in local houses or home-stays during this trek where you can experience the Ladakhi way of living and taste some of the home-made local delicacies.
