Pangong Lake / Local Stay Leh
Historical Hub
Leh, located in the northern part of India’s union territory of Ladakh, is a breathtaking destination known for its rugged landscapes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and unique culture. Here’s a guide for tourists planning to visit Leh:
1. Natural Wonders:
- Pangong Lake: One of the most iconic attractions in Leh, famous for its stunning blue waters surrounded by rugged mountains. Visitors can enjoy camping by the lakeside and witness the changing hues of the lake at different times of the day.
- Nubra Valley: Known for its dramatic landscapes, including sand dunes, lush green valleys, and the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers. Tourists can also experience a camel safari on the double-humped Bactrian camels.
- Tso Moriri Lake: Another breathtaking high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering serene surroundings and opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
2. Monasteries and Cultural Sites:
- Thiksey Monastery: One of the largest and most visually stunning monasteries in Ladakh, housing numerous stupas, statues, and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings).
- Hemis Monastery: The largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, known for its annual Hemis Festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.
- Leh Palace: A former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can explore the museum inside the palace to learn about Ladakhi history and culture.
3. Adventure Activities:
- Trekking: Leh is a paradise for trekkers, with numerous trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Popular treks include the Markha Valley Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, and the Chadar Trek (in winter).
- Rafting: The Zanskar and Indus rivers offer thrilling white-water rafting experiences, with rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade IV.
- Mountain Biking: Explore the rugged terrain of Ladakh on two wheels, with mountain biking routes ranging from leisurely rides around Leh to challenging trails in remote valleys.
4. Local Cuisine and Shopping:
- Try Ladakhi Cuisine: Sample traditional Ladakhi dishes such as Thukpa (noodle soup), Momos (dumplings), Butter Tea, and Apricot Jam.
- Visit Local Markets: Explore Leh’s vibrant markets, such as the Leh Main Bazaar and Tibetan Market, to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, Tibetan artifacts, and Pashmina shawls.
5. Altitude Considerations:
- Leh is located at a high altitude (around 3,500 meters above sea level), so tourists should take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. It’s recommended to acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity upon arrival.
6. Seasonal Considerations:
- The best time to visit Leh is during the summer months (May to September) when the weather is pleasant and most trekking routes and attractions are accessible. However, some remote areas may only be accessible during certain months due to road closures caused by snowfall.
Leh offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Itinerary
On arrival at Kushok Bakula Airport Leh - 3500m above sea level you will be transferred to a hotel and checked in. Half a day at rest for acclimatization. Evening drive to visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed Stupa on a hilltop in Changspa, It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and is part of the Peace Pagoda mission. Later visit Leh Palace. In the evening walk around the local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh.
The Day starts with the Hall of Fame, which was constructed by the Indian Army to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers during Indo-Pak wars, Kali Mata Temple, followed by Spituk Gompa - an 11th-century structure, Next on the list of attractions is the majestic Gurudwara Patthar Sahib. Nestled deep in the Himalayas, it was constructed by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to honor the visit of Guru Nanak Dev - the founder of the Sikh faith. Drive another few km to witness the magic of Magnetic Hill that defies the law of gravity. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked in neutral gear on this metallic road, it seems to slide up and further. Driving through a picturesque landscape, we reach the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Proceed back to the Hotel via the same route. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel in Leh
Today at the morning drive to Nubra Valley, driving over the highest motored pass in the world. The exciting journey through serpentine roads leads you to the Khardungla Pass at an awesome height of 5550 meters. We stopped at the pass to admire and click some photographs of the fantastic view. The valley is situated on an old caravan route at the confluence of the Shayok and the Nubra rivers. On the way visit the charming valley, of Deskit – the tiny capital of Nubra. We will visit the Deskit Gompa, perched on a rocky spur above the village, with a commanding view of the entire valley. At Deskit Monastery you will visit the 106-foot-high, statue of Maitreya Buddha atop on the hill. The monastery has intriguing images of many deities. From Deskit we will drive to Hunder past an area of sand dunes and get acquainted with the famous Bactrian camels, a small population of shaggy double-humped animals, which in the old days, were used as pack animals on the Central Asian Trade routes are now used as riding animals in the high deserts. We will ride the double hump camel at Hunder on a direct payment basis. In the evening we will drive back to the camp/hotel. Dinner and overnight in camp/hotel at Nubra.
After breakfast at the camp/hotel, we drive to the next destination Pangong Lake (situated at 14, 500 ft above sea level) via Shayok and onto Tang Tse and Spangmik (Pangong). It’s a short cut and it's a beautiful route. The road follows the Shayok river and climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shayok village. It takes less than an hour to reach Shayok, and you will be delighted at the sight of the rather big village surrounded by barren mountains, the entire setting is very picturesque. Afternoon we reach at Pangong Lake and enjoy your day at Pangong Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Get up early morning to witness the sunrise view at the lake. Enjoy your breakfast and drive back to Leh via Changla Pass 5486 Mtrs. Arrive in Leh and check in at the hotel. Evening free for shopping or leisure. Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for your further journey.