A trip to Leh Ladhak is there almost in everyone’s bucket list. The movie Three Idiots introduced India to this paradise when Amir Khan’s character Rancho reunited with his friends on the banks of the crystal blue Pangong Lake. Thanks to social media and travel influencers, what was once an arena for adventure junkies and serious bikers is now a main stream travel destination.
And why not? A trip to Leh Ladhak is one of the most amazing experiences that you will ever have. However, travel to Ladhak takes planning and you cannot just pack your bags and head out. Based on our experience, we have put together this travel guide that will help you plan for your trip.
Why Should You Visit Leh Ladhak And Is It Safe?
Leh Ladhak is one of the most awe-inspiring places in India. It has a haunting natural beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else. Rugged landscape, pristine lakes, warm people and Buddhist monasteries characterize this arcadia.
Most of us have experienced the Himalayan mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and North East, but the true of majesty of the Himalayas can only be seen in Leh Ladhak. Any time you visit, the tall peaks will be laden with snow.
Even with the surge in tourism, we are often asked if Ladhak is safe to travel? The answer is “Yes” but with terms and conditions applied. There is no civil unrest here but at the same time, it borders Pakistan and hence some areas are restricted. Additionally, Ladhak is a high altitude desert and hence health precautions need to be taken. Last but not least, the terrain is difficult. Although, the infrastructure is much better developed now than a decade back, most of Ladhak is unpopulated and hence you have to be careful not to get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
When Is A Good Time To Visit Leh Ladhak?
The main tourist season is from May to September. Although theoretically Ladhak is now open for tourism throughout the year, the winters are harshly cold not everyone’s cup of tea. Only real adventure enthusiasts would venture here in the cold weather.
Travel to Ladhak in the tourist months depends on your budget. The peak months are May and June. If you are planning to travel in these two months, make all your bookings in advance as it gets crowded. July and August are tricky months due to the rainy season. We had to cancel one of our trips to Ladhak due to heavy rains preventing flights from landing. The unpredictable weather can put a damper on your plans. The number of tourists start abating and hotels and taxis are available at budget.
End July, early August as well as September are festival months. The Hemis Festival usually takes place in the last week of July or first week of August and Ladhak festival takes place in September.
Getting To Leh Ladhak and Local Commute
You can travel by road or by air. If you are planning to travel by road, you have the option to travel either via Manali-Leh highway or the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Some travelers believe that travelling by road is better for acclimatization. If you are planning your holiday in May, opt for the Srinagar-Leh route as it opens around end April while the Manali-Leh route open only end May or early June. Alternatively, if you are planning your trip post mid-June, you can travel either routes.
Within Leh Ladhak, most people hire taxis or alternatively, if your trip has been organized by a travel agency, they will also arrange a vehicle for you. Solo and budget travelers can use the shared taxi option.
We opted to travel by the local bus which was fun but slightly time consuming as you have to plan your itinerary as per the bus schedule. For example, bus from Leh to Diskit in Nubra valley is scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of the week and the return bus leaves on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday of every week. So if you are planning to travel to Nubra Valley on Thursday, you can return on Sunday. If you miss the bus, you will be stuck in Nubra till Wednesday unless you get a lift or space in a shared taxi.
Ladakh borders both Pakistan and China and hence, everyone visiting here is required to obtain a permit from the DM office. This permit is not applicable for reaching Leh city but is a mandated for visiting other areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong, and Tso Moriri. You can easily apply for the Inner Line Permit online here.
How To Plan Your Itinerary For Leh Ladhak
Planning your itinerary properly is the most important part of your trip. Over the last decade, several tour operators have started producing factory itineraries which rush tourists through the key landmarks. Ladhak is a melee of stunning landscapes, hair raising adventure, ancient monuments and age old Buddhist traditions and customs. Experiencing Leh Ladhak really depends what are your interests.
Many tourists as well as travel experts have blogged about their experiences. Some travel influencers have travelled here often and are very well versed with this place. Before you finalise your itinerary, we suggest you read these blogs and YouTube videos. Some of the must see places include Thiksey Monastery, Pangong Lake, Hemis Monastery, Hunder Village, Turtuk Village, Kargil, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Khardungla Pass.
Typically, we recommend a minimum 10 to 12 days’ trip. Spend the first couple days acclimatizing in Leh town. Ladhakh’s high altitude leads to lower oxygen levels and this can cause altitude sickness. Acclimatization is not an option and tourists who do acclimatize properly are at risk of AMC (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Check out a 10 days Ladhak Itinerary
Where To Stay And What Foods To Taste In Ladhak
There are many hotels – luxury, boutique and budget – in Leh Ladhak. A great alternative option are Homestays. Many Ladhakis have opened their home to tourists and this is a great way to experience the local hospitality and cuisine. You can book these home stays via Air BnB.
In Pangong, stay in tents on the bank of the lake and similarly, at Hunder also you can opt for the tent stay. These tents are fitted with heater, bathrooms and warm water.
Food here is a fusion of Kashmiri and Tibetian. Since the region is so remote, Ladakhi people are self-sufficient and grow most of their own food. It’s common to walk into a little family-owned joints, which serves vegetables and meat harvested from their own gardens and flocks. Recently fine dining options like TSAS by Dholkar resorts have come up and Leh town has cafés and restaurants that offer global cuisine.
Definitely try Khambir Bread, Yak Milk Cheese, Thukpa, Gur Gur Chai, and Chutagi (dumpling and vegetable soup is an iconic Ladakh dish).
What To Pack For Your Trip
Finally, it’s important to pack right for your trip. The weather can fluctuate and it can get very cold at nights especially at Pangong and Nubra. So we recommend that you carry thermals, windproof and waterproof jacket and woolen cap.
Carry a heavy sunscreen and wear a cap as the sun can be strong. Add Diamox to your first aid kit to counter mountain sickness.
Finally, get a postpaid mobile connection. Prepaid phones don’t work in Leh Ladhak. Airtel, BSNL and Jio have the best coverage.
