Ladakh: The Land of High Passes & Moonscapes

At an average altitude of 3,500 m, Ladakh (“La-dags” – Land of High Passes) is India’s most dramatic and soul-stirring cold desert. Snow-capped 7,000 m peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries perched on cliffs, and vast barren valleys that feel like Mars — Ladakh is not just a destination, it’s a life-changing experience.

Why Ladakh Feels Like Another Planet

• World’s highest motorable roads (Khardung La, Chang La, Umling La)
• Some of the clearest night skies on earth (perfect for stargazing & astrophotography)
• 800-year-old living Tibetan Buddhist culture
• Zero humidity, razor-sharp sunlight, and silence so deep you can hear your heartbeat

Must-Visit Places in Ladakh

1. Leh & Around

The charming capital with Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, bustling Main Bazaar, and Hall of Fame museum.

2. Nubra Valley

Cold desert with double-humped Bactrian camels, Diskit Gompa (giant Buddha statue), and the surreal sand dunes of Hundar.

3. Pangong Lake

The dazzling blue high-altitude lake (4,225 m) made famous by 3 Idiots — 1/3 in India, 2/3 in China.

4. Tso Moriri & Tso Kar

Remote, less-crowded lakes with nomadic Changpa herders and wild kiang (Tibetan wild ass).

5. Hemis, Thiksey & Alchi Monasteries

Ancient gompas with priceless murals, giant Buddha statues, and morning prayer ceremonies.

6. Lamayuru (“Moonland”)

Otherworldly eroded landscape that genuinely looks like the surface of the moon.

7. Zanskar Valley

Remote, dramatic, and home to Phugtal Gompa (built inside a cave).

8. Magnetic Hill & Sangam (Indus–Zanskar confluence)

Classic Leh day-trip stops.

Adventure Highlights

• Royal Enfield ride over Khardung La
• ChadAR Trek (frozen Zanskar River – Jan/Feb only)
• Markha Valley & Stok Kangri treks
• River rafting on Zanskar & Indus
• Camping beside Pangong under a billion stars

Practical Travel Information (2025)

• Best time to visit:
  – June–September: Roads open, pleasant days (10–25°C), cold nights
  – October & May: Shoulder season, fewer crowds
  – Winter (Nov–April): Only Leh town accessible by flight; extreme cold (−20 to −35°C)
• How to reach**:
  – Flight: Direct to Leh (IXL) from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar
  – Road: Srinagar–Leh (434 km, 2 days) or Manali–Leh (473 km, 2 days) – open mid-May to Oct
• Permits**:
  – Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri – free online at lahdc-leh.nic.in
• Stay**:
  – Leh: Luxury (The Grand Dragon, Chamba Camp), mid-range, homestays
  – Pangong & Nubra: Swiss cottage camps & homestays
• ATM & Network** – ATMs in Leh market (carry backup cash); Jio/Airtel work well, BSNL everywhere
• Altitude tip** – Land in Leh and rest completely for 24–48 hrs. No rushing to Pangong on day 1!