Wednesday 16 July 2014

Ladakh: The Land of Lama

Fondly referred to as the "Little Tibet", Ladakh is no more the India's best kept secret when it comes to tourism. This high altitude cold desert in India is a once in a lifetime experience.  Remember the ad of Mastercard…there are some things that money can’t buy?

Well Ladakh is one such thing. A trip to Ladakh - just like love - can’t be expressed in words. The mighty Karakorum with its cotton-wool peaks bounds Ladakh, a terrain characterized by vast barren valleys, lofty mountain passes, beautiful lakes, and the last undisturbed home of Tantric Buddhist population.

Ladakh’s arid terrain undergoes drastic weather changes owing to its elevation. Temperature varies in extremes both during summers and winters. That’s the allure of Ladakh. Summer is the best time to visit this magical land of Lamas and that is why it is the top tourist place in India to visit during summer.

Every summer motorcyclists from India and world gather in and around Delhi, Srinagar or Manali to embark on adventurous trip to Ladakh by road. Manali - Leh Highway is the favorite among the thrill seekers.

There are a score of high mountain passes including the tough Baralacha La and the second highest Taglang La along with the vast mesmerizing Morey Plains and the thrilling Gata Loops which is why motorcyclists - and even the four wheeler riders prefer Leh - Manali Highway for a road trip.

Do check out this travel journal  on motorcycle trip to Ladakh.

What are the attractions you ask?
Well the entire landscape of Ladakh is a sight to behold, the burnished mountainous terrain, sparse vegetation, snow capped mountains, the emerald Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar and Hunder - also referred to as the desert in the sky - along with the magnificent monasteries in the sky are what makes Ladakh so special.

Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh
Pangong Tso is one of the most prominent tourist places in Ladakh. Photo courtesy Ladakh by Road
Ladakh also has the power to bring out the pest of poet, thinker, writer and photographer in you. And if you are uncertain because Ladakh falls in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, know this that unlike the rest of J&K, Ladakh has seen almost no violence since India got Independence.

And if you are a woman traveling alone in India considering the safety issue, rest assured that Ladakh is the safest place on the planet when its come to the safety and security of women. If you are planning to visit any other tourist place in India, do check out our post regarding Is India safe for women traveling alone.

Where is the luxury you ask?

Well there won’t be a Leela Goa or Taj Lake Palace like luxury in Ladakh but the Grand Dragon in Leh offers a lavish stay. If you are heading to Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley, there are many luxury tents and deluxe accommodations with running hot water faciltity.

Don’t expect eclectic cuisines as you will be served basic Ladakhi cuisines if you are venturing out of Leh but then the sight of the emerald water of Pangong Lake bound by mountains and the desert safari in the double humped Bactrian camel at Hunder are once in a lifetime experience…and they more than suffice for a luxury suite or wholesome meal.

The  best time to visit Ladakh - especially if you are looking forward to motorcycle trip to Ladakh - is June and September. However Ladakh also happens to be the one of the top places to India to visit during monsoon as it seldom rains here.

Luxe Recommendation: Hire a Royal Enfield either from Delhi or Manali and embark on an unforgettable motorcycle trip to Ladakh via Leh Manali Highway. Have at least 15 days up your sleeve. Enjoy an awe inspiring ride along the vast stretches of arid landscape, high mountain passes, vasr stretches of plain and sporadic signs of human settlements as you drive from Rohtang Pass towards Leh, the administrative center of Ladakh. For family and couples here's this ultimate Ladakh Holiday Package.

Due to some restrictions and harsh climate, do refer to the travel essentials if you are planning a trip to Ladakh. Check out this Ladakh trip planner.

Fondly referred to as the "Little Tibet", Ladakh is no more the India's best kept secret when it comes to tourism. This high altitude cold desert in India is a once in a lifetime experience.  Remember the ad of Mastercard…there are some things that money can’t buy?
- See more at: http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2013/04/summer-holiday-destinations-india.html#Andaman
Fondly referred to as the "Little Tibet", Ladakh is no more the India's best kept secret when it comes to tourism. This high altitude cold desert in India is a once in a lifetime experience.  Remember the ad of Mastercard…there are some things that money can’t buy?
- See more at: http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2013/04/summer-holiday-destinations-india.html#Andaman
Fondly referred to as the "Little Tibet", Ladakh is no more the India's best kept secret when it comes to tourism. This high altitude cold desert in India is a once in a lifetime experience.  Remember the ad of Mastercard…there are some things that money can’t buy?
- See more at: http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2013/04/summer-holiday-destinations-india.html#Andaman

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