If you’re looking for holiday destination that’s a little off the beaten track, India’s beautiful region of Leh Ladakh should be top of your list. From adventure to history, this is a holiday you’re sure to remember well into the future.
Located in the north of India, Leh is the largest town in the Ladakh region and is surrounded by the impressive Ladakh Range (an extension of the Karakoram Range, which includes some of the world’s highest peaks – including K2). Leh is known for being one of the highest permanently inhabited towns in the world at 3,520m elevation and is home to a wealth of attractions and sights.
So, why should it be your next travel destination? In summary, there is something here for every type of traveller! Keep reading to learn more.
#1 – Abundant Nature
The Leh Ladakh region has been preserving its natural beauty for hundreds of years. Come here to experience unparalleled views of the mountains, clear blue skies during the day and starry vistas at night. There’s also enchanting lakes (like Pangong Tso, one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes), and gorges so deep that it seems as if they delve into the earth’s core. The region is also considered the world’s highest desert, with the surrounding rocky terrain a sight to behold.
Ladakh is also home to unique wildlife, including the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and Himalayan black bear. The rugged terrain creates the perfect habitat for these amazing creatures, which you can experience in many Leh tour packages.
#2 – Rich Culture
With a rich culture and history that begs to be explored, why not plan your trip around one of the many festivals that take place in the region each year, such as the huge Hemis Tse Chu festival? The area is highly influenced by their Buddhist and Tibetan neighbours, hence the beautiful monasteries dotted around (including Hemis – the largest and most important Buddhist monastery in the region, Thiksey, and Spituk).
#3 – Amazing Adventure
Many people book Leh Ladakh tour packages in pursuit of adventure – whether you’re a seasoned adventurist or a first-timer, there’s sure to be something for you. The Khardung La and Chang La passes are popular amongst motorcyclists, known for being some of the toughest rides in the world – but highly rewarding at the end. Other adventure activities that the region is known for include white water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, ATV rides, camel and yak rides, camping, and jeep safaris.
Hundreds if not thousands of trekkers flock to the area each year; Leh is the logical setting-off point for several nearby treks (including the Markha Valley, Chadar, Stok Kangri, Kashmir Great Lakes, and the Ripchar Valley treks).
#4 – Rewind, Reset, Relax
Leh Ladakh is not just about adventuring – it’s also the ideal destination to take a step back and focus on rejuvenation. You will find yoga retreats, Buddhism centres, and meditation workshops to help you achieve this. Some monasteries even allow you to stay there and be a part of their daily meditation and spiritual teachings, which many people find highly rewarding in their pursuit of inner peace.
#5 – Fabulous Feasts
If you’re a foodie, Leh will not disappoint. The cuisine is a mix of Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese – we highly recommend trying the yak-butter tea, thukkpa (a hearty noodle soup often made with yak meat), momos (steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), khambir (a thick and fluffy bread), and chutagi (a dumpling soup, the region’s signature dish) to get the full experience.
The destination is an ideal one for chai lovers – you’ll find tea stalls at almost every corner so you can sip while you explore. Although drinking is not a big part of the culture, chang (a local alcoholic beverage made from fermented barley) is another must-try.
#6 – Photography aplenty!
The region is a hotspot for both amateur and professional photographers who are looking to capture some truly unforgettable shots. While the natural surroundings are certainly stunning and will make beautiful focal points, there is a lot of architectural beauty in the area to be captured (from charming houses to intricate monasteries). Fluttering prayer flags is another popular shot that photographers are looking to capture.
Final thoughts
If you would like to explore the real India or are looking for a holiday destination that is outside the norm, one of the many Leh Ladakh tour packages available could be for you. While June to August is the best time of year if you’re in search of warm temperatures, the minus degrees of winter is when a lot of the fun happens – it doesn’t matter when you visit, it’s sure to be the experience of a lifetime. It’s time to pack your bags, book your tickets, set your out-of-office message, and set out on a trip that energises your mind, body, and soul.
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