Ladakh – A journey through the land of high passes
When you visit Ladakh you will see why it has been selected at Time Magazine’s Top 50 Greatest Places to visit in 2023. You witness ancient river valleys, experience a culture as old as human kind and be mesmerized by the beauty of mountain landscapes and vast starry skies.
Ladakh is situated in the far north-western part of India and is as full of tradition and ancient culture as it is with wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. A trip to this region is more than a holiday or vacation, it is a truly immersive journey into culture and nature.
Ladakh has something for everyone any time of the year. In the spring you will see valleys full of flowers, fruit trees and vast flowing rivers. In the summer experience festivals celebrating Buddhist culture or take time to trek many of the peaks, valleys and national parks. Stroll through the streets of Leh or visit an ancient monastery. In the fall and winter get ready for a snow filled experience while you search for the elusive but stunning Snow Leopard or take a trek across a river of ice and witness the sheer beauty of winter.
No matter why you visit or when you visit, you will experience a journey of a lifetime and find many reasons to return again.
Here are just a few reasons we would like to help you plan your journey to Ladakh:
The Beauty of Nature
Stunning Natural Landscapes – Throughout your visit you will walk the shores of some of the highest and clearest glacier fed lakes in the world, stroll through river valleys where nomads and traders have roamed for centuries and witness landscapes of one of the highest deserts in the world. Highlights include Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, the Zanskar Valley and Nubra Valley among many others.
Hemis National Park – Wildlife lovers and wildlife photographers from around the world visit this national park and wildlife sanctuary to view alpine meadows, a large variety of bird species and a host of high altitude animals.
Star Gazing – If you are a star gazer then you are in for one of the highlights of visiting this area as the there are more clear nights during the year than most anywhere in the world and with the newly designated Dark Sky Reserve Park in the village of Hanle, you will live your star gazing dream.
Adventure
Snow Leopard Treks – Trekking through the snow-covered mountains of Ladakh, with the possibility of spotting a snow leopard in the wild, is a challenging and rewarding adventure that attracts wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Apart from Snow Leopard, there is also a chance to see elusive high altitude wildlife that includes the Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal), asiatic ibex, tibetan wolf, eurasian lynx, red fox, himalayan marmot, golden eagle and more.
Trekking and White Water Rafting – Throughout the entire region you will not be disappointed if you are a lover of outdoor adventure. There are numerous options for trekking whether climbing mountain peaks or walking through valleys. You also have the option of white water rafting during the spring and summer. You can raft down the Indus or Zanskar River, Trek various mountain peaks and valleys or trek across the snow covered rivers and hills during the yearly Chadar Trek.
True endurance Marathons and Ultra Marathons – Marathons and Ultra Marathons are on the rise in popularity around the world and Ladakh offers some of the highest runs in the world. These runs are truly unique in their landscapes as well as in their challenges. A highlight is the Ladakh Marathon with various categories including one of the highest runs in the world.
Culture
Ancient Monasteries, Temples and Palaces – Steep yourself in the ancient knowledge of monasteries, temples, mosques and palaces. The region of Ladakh is filled with various places to find spiritual solace as well as ancient palaces. Highlights include the Leh Palace, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Gompa and the Spituk Gompa.
World famous Buddhist Festivals – This region is steeped in culture and tradition, most importantly the Tibetan Buddhist culture. There are many stunning and culturally rich festivals held throughout the year. Highlights include the Losar Festival, Hemis Tsechu and the Sindu Darshan.
Delicious, culturally rich foods – Ladakhi cuisine is a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian flavors. Some popular dishes include momos, thukpa, skyu, and chhang, often made with barley, wheat, and yak meat. This is reflected in the foods served, whether at restaurants, palaces or within the smaller villages, you will discover dishes that meld cultures as well as highlight local, traditional delicacies.
Village life & Culture – Many people only think of the main sights to be seen in Ladakh and its capitol city Leh. But if you go off the beaten path just a bit you will see the true Ladakhi culture still much as it has been for centuries and dotted within the wild landscape of Ladakh. You can take a drive to visit various villages or take a helicopter from Leh to a few more remote villages.
Places to stay – During your visit you will be offered places to stay in welcoming home-stays, sustainable camps, traditionally built boutique hotels as well as in complete luxury. In Ladakh the emphasis is always in sustainability.
Time Magazine’s pick for one of the best places to visit in 2023 – Yes, it’s true. Time magazine has chosen Ladakh as one of the best places to visit in 2023. This remote Union Territory in northern India, steeped in tradition, wildlife, and sheer beauty, is a must visit destination. Contact us to plan your journey to the Land of high Passes.
