Ladakh- The farther you go, the prettier it gets

My journey to Ladakh was of a different kind, as I spent a total of 5 weeks over there. So, the most I can do is share the highlights of my journey with this travelogue.

I believe, no place shares its secrets easily. You have to look dearly and unceasingly, wait for it to unfold, or maybe grab your hand and take you somewhere not all people have been. As I say, the farther you will go, the prettier it will get.

How long should the trip to Ladakh be? If you are planning on covering the lakes and the valleys all together, please spare a minimum of 12 days for Ladakh. Your body will need at least one and a half days to just get used to the atmosphere, so the best would be, to use that time for rest and local sightseeing. Here's what an ideal itinerary for Ladakh looks like, according to me.

Day 1- Reach, give time for acclimatization

Day 2- Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastrey, Hemis Monastrey, Stok Palace, Shanti Stupa

Day 3- Leh Palace, Phyang Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Sangam, Local Market

Day 4- Nubra Valley- stay at Hunder after exploring Diskit

Day 5- Head to Turtuk, stay overnight

Day 6- Head to Pangong Tso, stay overnight

Day 7- Head back to Leh, take rest

Day 8- Head to Tso Moriri, stay overnight (Can also cover Chumathang and Tso Kar, which are on the way)

Day 9- Head to Hanle, stay overnight

Day 10- Back to Leh, take rest

How to commute in Ladakh?

The most popular means of covering all the tourist places in Ladakh is the motorbike. However, the journeys are long and tedious, and most parts uncomfortable. If you are not a hardcore biker, there are other ways to get to all the villages of Ladakh.

As a solo traveller on a budget, I preferred taking the local bus. The fares were cheap and the journey more comfortable than bikes (I am speaking from experience, as I went to Tso Moriri on bike). It helped me save a significant amount of money. The only drawback of the buses is that they follow a unique schedule. For example, the bus to Tso Moriri runs only on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of each month. For Pangong, the bus runs thrice a week, and for Nubra Valley, one bus departs every day. It is the best to check the bus schedule in advance to making a plan. The fares vary from 200-400 per person, depending on how far the destination is.

Another convenient way of commuting is by shared taxis, which, although a little expensive, save you the hassle of long and tiring road journeys. Shared cabs are easily available from Leh. A cab usually takes 4 to 5 people, and charges 2500-3500 per person for a 1N-2D trip (bargain is possible up to some extent).

Where to stay?

If you are looking for something dirt cheap, go for homestays. All the villages of Ladakh offer homestays, which are cosy and comfortable. Most importantly, they introduce you to the locals, and through their houses and stories, you get a glimpse of the Ladakhi culture, food, and traditions. The hosts are very friendly, and upon asking them about the place, you will get to know way more than any catalogue in a hotel will ever reveal.

If you are looking forward to a relaxing, luxurious trip, you will easily find accommodation in 3-star tents, hotels, and guest houses at the lakes as well as in Nubra Valley. Leh being a popular as well as established tourist destination, boasts of multiple ultra-luxurious 5 star hotels as well. In most cases, no prior booking is required.