Places Of Interest

Leh Palace was built by King Singe Namgyal in
17th century.It is a nine-storey high structure and is
apparently a miniature replica of the great Potala Palacein Lhasa. This Palace was damaged during the Dogra assault is 1834 and the royal family having been exiled to Stok.

Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese gentleman resident in India. It was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985.

Nubra Valley : Nubra means green and is popularly known as the Ldomra or the valley of flowers situated at an altitude of about 10000 ft. It was originally a part of the trade route between Tibet and Turkistan.There is a bifurcation into twin valleys of Shyok and Nubra rivers. Take the bridge across the river and head up the Nubra valley leading to the villages of Sumur and Tigre.The major attraction is the world highest road (Khardong la 18,380 ft) The capital of Nubra, Diskit is 118 km from Leh has a beautiful monastery(founded in 1420) on the hilltop just above the village. 7 km from Diskit is the village of Hunder, very famous for double hump camels which is only found in Central Asia and Nubra Valley. Other attractions are the villages of Trith, Sumur, Tegar (Samstangling Monastery ) and Panamik (hot springs). 7 to 8 kms from Panamik is Ensa Monastery 250 years old, can only go by walking. 3-4 hours.

Gompa or Solitary Place was the building where monks could isolate themselves from the world.They were the places of worship and also a residence for monks. They were built with its back to the hill face and the front facing a water body. Leh is the place for gompa hopping there are as many 9 within striking range.They are-: Thiksey, Liker, Spituk, Stakna, Phyang, Stok and the most famous of all being Hemis Gompa.

Chang La is the world's third highest motorable road in the world at 17,800 ft high. This road further leads to one of the famous rivers in the world which is the largest in Ladakh and is called Pangong Tso.

Pangong Tso, to the north-east of Leh is the largest lake in Ladakh, about 160km long and 6-7km wide at its broadest point. It is a salt-water lake like most lakes in this part of Ladakh. It has its limit upto only 25% in India and the rest 75% extending into Tibet.

Ladakh

Ladakh means 'Land of High Passes' is at its extreme northern end of India surrounded by Zanskar, Ladakh & Stok ranges, situated on the Northern part of India at an altitude of 9000 feet to 25000 feet, bounded by the Great Himalayas, in the Karakoram ranges. It is believed that Ladakh was once under water centuries ago. A Buddhist saint, Dha Chomba Nomegung came from Kashmir and prayed for the existence of human life there. His prayes were listen and water receded, giving way to mountains and valleys.
This was our trip during christmas vacations and I went with my hubby on an exotic holiday in Leh since our very own unit was there in the base camp(Siachin Glacier). Now to tell you all of that adventurous trip we would now turn the steering and wheels to the most scenic and spectacular land of WILD ROSES i.e. LADAKH with an itinerary that unfolds the history of Buddhists.

Now come and explore Ladakh with us through our eyes though it is impossible to write all but lets give it a try.

How to get there : Manali -Leh 473 Km, opens in around 15th June, closes around 1st Nov. Srinagar - Leh 434km, opens in around 15th May, closes around 1st Nov. (Opening and closure of roads depend on the weather). Taxis and buses are available from these places.
Road-Map to Ladakh

Weather : Summer max. 27 deg C and winter max -30 deg C.

People : The Ladakhi people are hospitable, smiling, hardy lot, friendly and open. Their staple diet is barley and a local brew called chhang also distilled from barley. Another favourite is gurgur chai or butter tea made from a kind of green tea boiled with salt and soda for an hour before butter is added to it. Their traditional dress is colorful and picturesque yet practical. It is called gonchas.