ladakh

Ladakh, known by Moon land, Little Tibbet, Roof of the world and many more nicknames is one of Union Territory of India and highest plateau of India.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Kushak Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

By Road: Manali-Jispa-Leh or Srinagar-Kargil-Leh

I boarded morning flight from Delhi to Leh(8:20am-(1h)-9:20am), booked taxi (Rs 500/-) from airport to hotel which was at walking distance from Leh market.

Day 1: Acclimatization

We checked into hotel with a Leh Palace view and took plenty rest as it is advised to acclimate oneself in Leh. In the evening, we went to explore Leh market and its momos, Tibbetan jewellrey, warm shawls and clothes, women selling dry fruits and saffron on road etc.

Note: One can take Diamox tablet before arriving to Leh to avoid any nausea, dizziness at heights. We were not aware of the fact but headache was manageable with resting whole day in hotel room.

Day 2: Leh City tour

Leh city tour includes sightseeing like Hall of Fame which is a museum constructed by Indian army in the memory of brave Indian soldiers in the Indo-Pak wars; Spituk monastery which offers panoramic view of entire Leh town with Kali Mata temple; Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, houses a boulder with imprints of head, shoulders and backside of Guru Nanak dev ji and have interesting folklore like a demon decided to kill Guru and threw a huge rock on meditating Guru while rock turned into molten wax and took his shape.It offers delicious langar and tea. We had lunch at Gurudwara and went to next destination. Magnetic hill, phenomenon that defies gravity. When vehicle is parked at the indicated spot on the road(Magnetic road), vehicle moving forward at speed of 20km/hr. We tried traditional Ladakhi attire 'gonchu'(100/-). Next stoppage was Sangam point(confluence of River Indus and Zanskar).

One can rent bike, scooty(600/-) or cabs(2500/-) for city tour from Leh main market.

We tried to cover other sightseeing in opposite direction in same day but it was bad decision. One should reserve another day for city tour. We tried to cover Shey palace and monastery, and rest were left out like Thiksey monastery and Hemis monastery towards Manali highway and Leh Palace in city.

Day 3 : Journey to Nubra Valley

We hired a cab to Nubra valley and Pangong lake for 1N2D from hotel itself which costed us Rs 20000/-. One can have shared taxi by contacting tour operators a day before in Leh main market, they'l note down your name and will inform if other groups/people contact them with similar itinerary which will cut down cost among number of passengers in a cab.

Khardungla pass

Highest motorable pass in the world with altitude of 17982ft. I was feeling altitude sickness issue at pass while walking or playing on snow. We halted approx 15min as more time is not advisable to stay due to heights and went for next destination.

Diskit monastery

Oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra valley. Famous for its 106feet Maitreya Buddha sculpture.

Hunder Sand Dunes

Ladakh have its own cold desert with sand dunes along the courses of Nubra and Shyok Rivers. One can enjoy Bactrian double humped camel ride (Rs 500/- for 30min). It was very different experience as one can have in Jaisalmer camel ride. These Bacterian camels are bit shorter in height and double hump will give extra support to your back.

We were transferred to Shayok homestay(booked by hotel in Leh) and it was beautiful to enjoy traditional stays with carpet seating arrangements at floor for dining, surrounded by snow laden mountain views.

Day 4: Journey to Pangong lake(3 idiots, jab tak hai jaan )

After 4-5hours of journey, we visited world's highest saltwater lake known for changing colours, appearing green , blue at different times. One can stay at cottages with lakeview but at our time it was not advisable as temperature drops down quite low in night.

I took pictures on 3 idiot yellow scooter (100/-), one can also rent Kareen kapoor bridal dress for photoshoot. Took few more pictures on Shahrukh Khan bike(100/-) from movie Jab tak hai jaan.

We spent 2hours at lake then left for Leh city witnessing Chang la pass, believed to be second highest motorable road in world.

Day 5: Back to delhi from early morning flight.

Recommendations: Leh hotel food was not that good so we lived on Punjabi restaurant in Leh main market for dinner