And this winter, Experience the Hidden Gems of Leh for an Adventure like Never before

Experience the Offbeat Beauty of Snow Capped Zanskar

Zanskar valley is a hidden gem in Leh, one of the places visited mostly by offbeat travelers with so much to offer. From the sublime scenic views of the Himalayan mountain range, the Chadar trek, pristine blue lakes, and its majestic jaw-dropping landscapes, Zanskar is everything a traveler is looking for.

Here are some offbeat experiences you should try in Zanskar Valley

1. Visit the Stongdey Monastery

This is the second largest Monastery in the Zanskar valley, about 18km from the Padum in Zanskar. You can book a taxi from Padum to reach the Monastery. During your visit to the Stongdey village, Local homestays are the only option. The temperature varies from -10 degrees to -25 degrees celsius.

There is a steep hike of almost an hour to reach the Monastery. The unique thing about the place is the breathtaking views, and you may also be lucky enough to witness the Blue sheep and foxes seeking refuge near the Monastery.

And the view from the roof of the Monastery will leave you amazed. But that is not it; while climbing down during sunset, the landscapes and the views are so jaw-dropping that you will be in a different world altogether.

Explore the Last Village called Turtuk

This village was once a part of Pakistan and was acquired by the Indian Army in 1971. The exquisiteness of the town and the hospitable nature of the locals is hard to miss.

You can take a trek to the waterfall high up on the mountain. In some places, the waterfall hugs the hills. Although trekking to this waterfall is a bit challenging, you will find the view from the top utterly captivating as you reach there. You can also catch a glimpse of the mighty K-2.

Take advantage of a visit to the Buddhist Monastery (Gompa), situated at the village's far end. Like every other Monastery in the valley, this one also offers a mind-boggling view of the entire valley. Take a stroll on the banks of Shyok River and experience the beauty and surreal peace away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Experience the Serenity where Monks Live in Sapi Village

The Sapi village is behind an unheard mountain pass called Sapi La in the Kargil district. The monks of this village live very modestly; they have to carry water in Winter and do not have connectivity. The people here are happy and very welcoming, despite all that.

Every inch of the town is a natural beauty, including landmarks, the Monastery, and any random spot on the road. You might also find the hidden waterfall on your scenic drive. Sapi is a perfect escape to the same old city life and offers stunning views that help you enjoy Ladakh in its purest form.

Also, if you want to experience the Adrenaline rush, take advantage of the Sapi Gang Tso Trek, the frozen lake of Sapi. The only option to stay here is local homestays, and the trek is accessible in mostly in Summer.

And how can you missout on the Snow Leopard Village called Uley

At almost 4,000 meters above sea level stands Ulley, a small village in West Ladakh that lies just north of the Indus River. The spectacular landscape of the Ulley Valley is home to an array of Himalayan wildlife species, including the iconic snow leopard.

Although found across a relatively broad swath of Central Asia, snow leopards are among the most challenging wildlife to see in the wild. The village and surrounding Ulley Valley area have only recently been developed for snow leopard tracking. Photographers from across the world visit Ulley for capturing Snow

Staying in local houses with villagers is the best possible option here. Or you can also book your stay and witness the Snow leopard from this Snow Leopard Lodge. You can also witness the milky way galaxy from Ulley. This village in itself is a different world.

Visit the Chumathang Village And its Sulphur Hot Springs

Chumathang Village is a pristine village of Leh, and this spectacular region is famous for its Hot Springs and the most picturesque mountain trails in any season. While the town is blooming with the greenest grasses and the meadows in the summers, the snow-covered place in the mountain view is surreal.

The Chumathang is located on the Banks of the River Indus, and the treks' beauty across the Chumathang valley is unparalleled and limitless.

But did you know that the Chumathang hot springs are a unique experience?

A walk nearby the Sulphur springs forming a steam cloud bed on the banks of the River Indus is epic. Also, the Springs are believed to have medicinal and healing values. And you can bathe in these hot springs, which will be a perfect mode of relaxation from headache, fatigue, and tiring muscles. Those traveling to Tso Moriri Lake can make a pit stop here for a while, as Chumathang lies en route.

Visitors can be lucky enough to spot wildlife like blue sheep, marmots, and yaks.

Take advantage of this Photogenic Village called Kanji Village.

The village of Kanji, located in the Khalsi Tehsil, is a beauty and one of the campsites for the Kanji La or the Lamayaru circuit treks from Leh to Leh in Zanskar valley. Kanji is a typical Tibetan style village with stupas and flat roofs.

You can find the famous Ladakhi Beer called Chaang in this village, and if you are lucky enough, you will witness this Hot waterfall also.

Visit Korzok - The highest permanent Settlement

The village is considered to be home to about seventy monks. The town is home to a 300years old monastery called Korzok Monastery. Korzok mainly attracts travelers during the Korzok Gustor festival, which is held in July/August.

The gorgeous aspect of the village is the 'mountain lake,' also known as Tso Moriri. This village is a beautiful backdrop of Snow-capped mountains with a pristine lake.

The wildlife that will catch your eyes in this area includes foxes, marmots, Himalayan birds, and wild ass, also called Kiang.

And Visit the Hidden Village in Leh called Ney

The Ney village is a village in Leh hidden behind the dry mountains. The town was green with excellent adventurous roads, beautiful sunsets, and water flowing everywhere.

Small-town values, guided growth, and preservation of historical, cultural, and natural heritage are core principles that make the place feel like a home.