All these regions have distinctive cultural and geological features. The lush and colorful valleys of Srinagar are very different from the arid lands of Leh in Ladakh. Why Ladakh? Ladakh is an arid and cold desert situated at over 10,000 feet above sea level. It is sure to leave you breathless in its barren beauty. Lofty mountains, glaciers, barren slopes, colorful lakes and amazing monasteries are waiting for you at Ladakh. How to reach Ladakh? You can reach Leh by air on all seasons, but for road trip to Ladakh, you must avoid winters when the snow blocks road transport.
For road access, you have to reach Ladakh via Srinagar or Manali. If you’re planning on going by car, make sure you select cars with high ground tolerance. Also, be prepared to handle travel emergencies as you may not be able to avail roadside assistance on your way to Ladakh. What about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)? If you are a plain dweller, then be prepared to face the extremely high altitudes of Ladakh. The air is thinner and oxygen levels may decrease by 40%. This leads to headache, nausea, dizziness, stress, sleep loss, insomnia and fever – which are the symptoms of AMS.
If you are travelling by flight, then you are more likely to find yourself uneasy. Drink plenty of water and keep Disprin and other medications at hand and take at least a day’s rest before you are acclimatized to travel around in Ladakh. Once acclimatized, what to do in Ladakh? Places of prime sightseeing attraction in Ladakh are: The Lake Circuit consisting of Pangong Lake, Tso-Moriri Lake, Tso-Kar Lake and Statsapuk. The Nubra Valley Circuit consisting of Khardung La, Nubra Valley (Diskit), Hunder, Sumur and Panamik.
The Drok Pa Circuit consisting of Dah/Hanu village settlements, Chiktan Fort and Kargil. The Zanskar Valley Circuit from Kargil, consisting of Penzi La, Drang Drung Glacier, Padum and Zanskar. The grand monasteries of Ladakh including Hemis, Thiskey, Likir, Stakna, Alchi, Matho, Shey, Lamayuru, Phyang, Spituk and Rizong. How is the weather in Ladakh? Ladakh is known to be the only place in India where one may catch frostbite and get a sun stroke at the same time! The cold winds and piercing sun at this high altitude region makes for extreme weather conditions.
Sunscreens and sun blocks are very important for days. Cold winds blowing in the night or at daytime call for warm thermal clothing and plenty of winter-wear. Jackets, boots, gloves, mufflers, winter kurtis for women, woolen socks and thermal underwear are essentials to carry on your Ladakh trip. Best time for Ladakh trip? May-October is the perfect season to plan your Ladakh trip. For winter trip, make sure you have advance accommodation bookings. You must have at least 10 days at hand before you plan to visit Ladakh.
