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The
small town Leh is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh
means “land of high passes”. It’s situated between Kulnun and the Great
Himalayas mountain ranges. Leh is the second largest district in India after
Kutch in Gujrat and the largest town in Ladakh. The people are of Indo Aryans
and Tibetan descendants, though they are now either Tibetan Muslims or Shia
Muslims. It’s also called ‘Little Tibet’ because of its strong influence of
Tibetan culture. Over 1800 kms of motor able roads through beautiful mountains,
make this an ideal destination for bikers and driving enthusiasts. It’s a
little smaller than Scotland in terms of area. Other major parts of Ladakh
region are Nubra valley, Pangong Lake and Zanskar. The region is gorgeous and
is open only for a limited period time during the year, from May to September.
It has one of the world’s highest airports and is the world’s highest motor
able pass (Khardung-la, 5359m).
The
colorful prayer flags over houses and monasteries, fluttering in the air look
amazing in the scenic backdrop of Leh. Buddhist chants add to the captivating
sunsets in the valley. The ancient Gompas, serene valleys and the quiet
monasteries leave a deep impact on tourists. The most appreciated fact is the status
of women in the region. Unlike other north Indian states, the women enjoy a
highly elevated status in the society of Ladakh.
Famous places to visit:-
Shanti
Stupa, Leh
Palace, Hemis
gompha , Leh
Trekking Trails, War
Museum,Chamba
Temple, Jama
Masjid, Gurdwara
Pathar Sahib Jo
Khang Gompa, Namgyal
Tsemo Gompa, Sankar
Gompa, Stok
Palace, The
Victory Tower, Zorawar
Fort, Magnetic
hill .
The
famous Magnetic hill is believed to have magnetic properties. Cars seem to get
pulled uphill and aircrafts fly above their normal altitude to avoid the
magnetic effect . In reality, it’s just an optical illusion. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
is situated 25 kms from Leh town. Guru Nanak is said to have vanquish a demon
here. The Indian army manages it and it is used for worship by Sikhs and
Buddhists alike. The Leh palace or the Potala palace, was once used to be the
residence of the royal family.. Bikes are available on rent from INR 400-1500
per day. Pangong Tso (Pangong lake) is around 180 kms from Leh and is a very
beautiful lake. It has been used as a location for several national and international
movies. Visitors to the lake sometimes spend a night or two by the side of the
lake in tents. It is 134 km long and upto 5 km wide. It has no aquatic life and
freezes in winters, despite the water being saline.
Things to do:
Though
the town is small enough to be navigated by foot in less than an hour, there
are several unique things to do there.
1. Visit
the sanctuary established by a South African journalist to save the lives of
mules and donkeys that had been abandoned or injured. Several westerners adopt
an animal there and donate them for their conservation.
2. Pay
a visit to one of the local weaving centers where the ‘pride of Ladakh’- The
Pashmina wool, is used to make shawls and other woolen items. See how the
animals are sheered and the rigorous process of making Cashmere. This is where
Cashmere- the softest wool in the world, begins its journey into the world of
International fashion. The tribal people who produce this from their animals,
live in freezing cold, sometimes under -45 degree Celsius for a couple of
months and have no contacts with the rest of the world.
3. Help
out LOTI – Leh Old Town Initiative, an organization in association with UNESCO,
working for the restoration of the old Leh town. Several foreigners live and
work there voluntarily to help the cause.
4. Visit
Changs Pa- the famous market area, where one can shop for souvenirs, rent a
bike or trekking equipment.
5. The
Tibetan Buddhist deity- Rinpoche is said to have been born time and again and
this year, he is said to be born as a child in Nubra valley, brought to Leh by
H.H. Dalai Lama. The Spituk Gompa, the place where he lives, studies and
preaches, is a center of attraction for tourists and pilgrims alike due to the obvious
curiosity.
6. Take
a heritage walk across the Leh old town.
7. Treks
and expeditions are organized in the tourist season to several nearby mountains
and glaciers, both guided and non-guided.
8. Take
a Yak ride for less than a hundred rupees, something which is not found
anywhere, other than Leh.
Climate:
Long harsh winters from Oct to early March. Temperatures usually go below
freezing points during these months. Other months are generally warm.
Height:
The average elevation of the town is 11000 feet.
Wildlife:
Includes black necked crane, snow leopards, Tibetan ass and yaks.
How To Reach Leh Ladakh :-
By
Road:
Currently
only two highways lead to Leh.
a) Srinagar-
Leh highway (434 km)
b) Manali-Leh
highway (473 km)
By
Air:
Flights
operate to Leh airport in season time. The prices can be quite high as compared
to other Indian cities due to limited number of flights.
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