From June to September each year, there is no better place in India to travel to than in Leh / Ladakh, otherwise known as the Valley of Flowers and the Land of High Passes. Enchanting Travels recommends our choice of top 10 things to see in Ladakh on your own private trip with us!
“The earth laughs in flowers” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ladakh – a place like no other!
Nestled within the Himalayas, Ladakh in India redefines the concept of pristine beauty.
What would you call traveling through three of the five highest traversable passes in the world where the region meets two borders?
How would you describe the second highest saltwater lake and the second coldest habitable place in the world, with three diverse terrains, three disparate cultures and five mountain ranges potentially accessible just three months a year?
The Land of Mountains
Discover the end of the road at the top of the world!
We promise you won’t miss out on those memorable moments.
See the virgin beauty of glistening lakes, swooshing rivers, colossal mountains, mystic lamas and meet welcoming people.
If you can brave low oxygen levels coupled with a few difficulties, then brace yourself for a truly enchanting holiday.
The number of things you can do and the experiences possible here are endless, so let’s get going with the ones we like best. Take a look at some of our top 10 things to see in Ladakh.
DISCOVER THE HIMALAYAS
History that amazes and calms
1. Diskit Gompa
This is the town’s largest and oldest Buddhist monastery founded in the 14th century, housing a large solemn Maitreya statue in the central prayer hall.
2. Hemis Monastery
Interestingly, this monastery is located inside a gorge, and is the region’s largest and wealthiest monastery.
It was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630 AD.
3. Spituk Gompa
This is a three chapel monastery dating back to the 11th century. The Dukhang or main temple has a high throne reserved only for the Dalai Lama.
4. Stok Palace and Museum
Home of Ladakh’s royal family, the palace is an amalgamation of ancient and modern architecture.
It houses rare artifacts and family heirlooms like royal attires, the queen’s ancient turquoise-gold yub-jhur (crown), a photo of the young king in sneakers, prayer tools, and Thangkas depicting the life-teachings of Lord Buddha.
5. Alchi Gompa
Built in 1000 AD, legend has it this fabled Gompa was built by a Kashmiri army of thirty-two sculptors and woodcarvers, displaying distinct Kashmiri influences in its art and architecture.
See Tibetan and Gandhara style murals, frescos and Buddha images.
6. Likir Monastery
The Naga-Encircled! Built in 1065 AD, the Gompa is enclosed by the bodies of two great serpent spirits – Nanda and Taksako, popularly identified as Nagas encircling Likir.
Over 100 monk students live and learn here.
Astounding spots to woo you
7. Nubra Valley
Smell the flowers! The Orchard of Ladakh was originally called Ldumra, meaning the Valley of Flowers.
Lofty Himalayan snow-clad peaks engulf Nubra.
Look south over the Indus valley and admire the Zanskar mountains or find the Siachen Glacier to the north and see Khardung La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road.
Experience a Bactrian camel ride along sand dunes or the ancient silk-route; enjoy scenic vistas and visit Buddhist monasteries.
8. Zanskar Valley
Vignettes of a valley enveloped by snowcapped peaks betwixt two tiny alpine lakes.
Known for its awesome scale and as one of the least inhabited Himalayan valleys, Zanskar offers stunning natural beauty, deep gorges, snow glaciers and several small religious spots. Enjoy seasonal white-water river rafting.
9. Pangong Lake
Wish to discover enchanted waters? Tibetan for ‘long, narrow, enchanted lake’, lose yourself in the mesmerizing blue color and the ever changing hues of the world’s highest brackish lake.
For Bollywood buffs, the movie scene in 3 Idiots where Kareena Kapoor rides a scooter to meet Aamir Khan, was shot by the very same lake.
10. Prayer Wheels
Prayer wheels or manis in different sizes are found throughout Ladakh, offering messages to the Gods.
Hand-held prayer wheels or chokhors are for worshipers on the move.
These wheels are embossed hollow metal cylinders on a rod handle, containing a mantra-scroll inside attached with a chain for rotation.
Each clockwise rotation (mudra) evokes 50 blessings. Hurry, spin your prayers off to the netherworld!
11. Tibetan Market
Shopaholics Wonderland: The Tibetan Refugee market is a shopper’s delight.
Find abundant keepsakes, artifacts and local items.
You can find Afghanistan’s lapis lazuli at bargain prices, unpolished silver or turquoise jewelry, embroidered Persian and Kashmiri rugs and carpets, Thangka paintings, small prayer wheels and music bowls.
Discover Ladakh in luxury on a tailor-made private tour with Enchanting Travels.
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