Tag Archives: Sumur Village

Places to Visit in Ladakh.

Ladakh means  ‘The Land of High Passes’  is at an average altitude of more than 10,000 feet above sea level and lies between the Kunlun mountain range on the north and the Himalayan Mountain range to the south.

A view of the High Passes of Ladakh.
A view of the High Passes of Ladakh.

Ladakh is not only a trekker’s paradise, but a delight to every traveler as it offers serenity and tranquility amidst picturesque and scenic views of nature.

A view of the picturesque landscape of Ladakh.
A view of the picturesque landscape of Ladakh.

Tourist will surely be spoiled of choices as there are so many places to visit in Ladakh. We at TripPlatform have carefully listed out attractions that will be a win-win situation for all, whether you are a nature lover and wish to soak youself in the idyllic beauty of nature or you if are an avid adventure seeker looking for thrills and frills on your trip.

Leh

Best time to visit Leh: June to September.

Leh is the capital and the largest town of Ladakh. It comprises of a New Town and an Old Town. The Old Town is dotted with monasteries and crumbling mud brick houses, steep ridges topped by an imposing Tibetan style palace and forts.

The panoramic view of the Old town of Leh
The panoramic view of the Old town of Leh

Today, Leh is a highly preferred destination for tourist and adventure sports enthusiast as it is home to numerous trekking trails, river rafting in the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, picturesque valleys and lakes, there is certainly a lot to see for all in this amazing piece of land.

Picturesque view of Leh city
Picturesque view of Leh city

Leh is also an important trading centre and offers visiting tourist a great shopping experience and has an impressive collection of Tibetan handicrafts and jewellery, exquisite carpets and woolen clothes.

Markets of Leh

On arrival to Leh initially take things easy; being on a high altitude most tourists initially suffer mild headaches and breathlessness. To prevent this drink plenty of fluids like water or ginger tea and avoid strenuous activity. It’s always wise to wait for a couple of days before taking a trek or go on a jeep excursion to Tso Moriri or Pangong Lake.

Leh Palace

Visiting hours : 07:00 a.m.  to  04:00 p.m.  Open on all days.
Entry fee : INR 15 for Indians  /  INR 100 for Foreign Nationals.

The Leh Palace was built during the 17 th century as a royal residence for King Singe Namgyal. It was deserted during the 19th century after an invasion and the members of the then royal family shifted base to Stok Palace (now Stok Palace Museum). In present times the Leh Palace is in ruins but it still maintains an old sophisticated charm and provides breathtaking views of the snow clad mountains and landscape of Leh. The Leh Palace is just above the old Leh city and small gullies (lanes) will lead you up to the base of the palace from where the palace is just a few minutes climb.

The Majestic Leh Palace
The Majestic Leh Palace

The Leh Palace is nine a storied structure, where the upper floors were occupied by the members of the royal family and the lower floors were used as storerooms and stables. The palace is an excellent example of the medieval Tibetan architecture which resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), though comparatively smaller in size. The huge fortified walls and suspended wooden balconies are the exciting features of the Leh Palace; some frescoes still adorn the walls of the Leh Palace and speak volumes of the royal grandeur of the bygone era. Just above palace is the grand Victory Tower that was built in honor of the brave Ladakhi soldiers who fought the invading armies in the early 16th Century.

Prayer Room inside the Leh Palace.
Prayer Room inside the Leh Palace.

The Leh Palace also has a museum which boasts of a wide variety of painted or embroidered thangkas (i.e. scrolls), jewellery, paintings amongst other things. Tourist will also get a glimpse of some royal ceremonial dresses, crowns and old pieces of jewellery and ornaments belonging to the bygone era. Some of the paintings here are believed to be about 450 years old.

Shanti Stupa

Visiting hours : 5:00 a.m.  to 9:00 p.m.    Open on all days of the week
No Entry Fee.

Perched on a hill top overlooking the city of Leh is a Buddhist white dome called the ‘Shanti Stupa’. The Stupa was built in collaboration with the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhist monks to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa is home to the relics of Buddha at its base and is considered as a symbol of friendly ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh.

Shanti Stupa from outside

The Stupa is elegantly situated on a hilltop in Chanspa and due to its positioning it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape; this is the main reason for the Shanti Stupa becoming a tourist attraction, apart from being a place of religious importance.

A view of Shanti Stupa from inside.
A view of Shanti Stupa from inside.

Tourist can reach the Stupa by a drivable road or on foot using a series of 500 steps to the hilltop. The best time to visit is during Sunrise or Sunset as tourist can get the best views of the Stupa and the surrounding areas. As night falls the Stupa is at its best beautifully illuminated with glittering lights, every year a large number of tourist come to Leh and visit this wonderful monument of peace.

Hemis Monastery

Visiting Hours : 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.  All days of the week.
Entry Fee : INR 50.

The Hemis monastery is located at about 50 km from the town of Leh on the western banks of Indus River near Karu.This monastery is believed to be the biggest and the wealthiest monastery in Leh. It was first built during the 11 th century however later it was reconstructed again in its present form in the year 1672. The Hemis monastery belongs to the Dugpa order(An order of Buddhism) and follows the tantric vajrayana teachings the monks of this monastery perform tantric worship.

The Hemis Gompa
The Hemis Gompa

Every year the Hemis Monastery hosts an annual festival known as the ‘Hemis Festival’ to celebrate the victory of Guru Padmasmbhava over the evil forces. It is celebrated on the 10th and 11th day of the 5th Tibetan month as the birthday of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.During the festival masked dances are performed with themes depicting a fight against evil and win of good and Buddhism.Every year this festival is celebrated during the months of either June or July of 2 days and a public holiday is declared in Ladakh owing to the popularity and significance of this festival.

Hall of Fame Museum

Visiting hours : 09:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open on all days.
Entry fee : INR 25 for Indians / INR 50 for Foreign Nationals.

The Hall of Fame Museum in Leh
The Hall of Fame Museum in Leh

The Hall of Fame Museum is located near the Leh Airfield and this museum was constructed and is maintained by the Indian Army in the memory of the brave Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo – Pak wars.

Inside the History Room of the Museum.
Inside the History Room of the Museum.

The museum has been divided into different sections; one part of the museum showcases the vibrant culture and heritage of Ladakh. Also on display are facts about the flora and fauna of the region, the people of Ladakh and their lives, rituals they observe and festivals they celebrate. There is historical information on the various rulers of Ladakh and the battles they fought.

The War Memorabilia at the Museum.
The War Memorabilia at the Museum.

The Upper floor of the museum displays the military ammunition i.e. the guns and equipment that were seized by the Indian Army during its fight with the Pakistan Army. On display are seized grenades, guns, documents and passports belonging to the Pakistani army. Another section has been dedicated to the Siachin area which has on display apparel and equipment used by the Indian Army in the region.

A glimpse of the way our soldiers dress up at Siachen.
A glimpse of the way our soldiers dress up at Siachen.

A short documentary of about 20 – 25 minutes on the Kargil war is shown to the tourists, which helps them to understand the hardships that the army has to face during the war and the courage shown by the armed forces during those trying times.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib

Visiting hours : 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.  Open on all days.
No Entry fee.

Gurdwara Shri Pathar Sahib is situated 25 km before the town of Leh on Srinagar – Leh Road. It was built in the year 1517 in memory of the founder of Sikh religion and the first spiritual guru, ‘Shri Guru Nanak Devji’.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib Aerial View.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib Aerial View.

There are several legends associated with this place one being an impression of the saint on a large rock. The rock has now been enshrined within the premises of the gurdwara and is covered with a holy cloth. Devotees believe that these were the imprints of Guru Nanak Devji’s head, shoulders, back, along with his foot prints.

The sacred stone inside the Gurdwara.
The sacred stone inside the Gurdwara.

Currently the Gurudwara is being maintained by the Indian Army and at the entrance of the Gurudwara tourist will see the Mool mantra, which has been placed on a white board, this is the root rhyme, taken from the Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees consider and believe that after the attaining enlightenment, Guru Nanak Devji first uttered the Mool Mantra.

Stok Palace Museum

Visiting hours : 08:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. & 02:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. Open on all days.
Entry fee: INR 50.

Stok Palace Museum is a four storey palace belonging to the royal family of Ladakh near the Indus River close to Leh.It was constructed in the year 1814 by the last ruler of Ladakh and since then it has been the official residence of the royal family. The palace has more than 80 rooms, out of which only 5 have been opened to public.

The Stok Palace Museum in Leh.
The Stok Palace Museum in Leh.

A small museum within the palace has an intriguing collection of Buddhist weaponry, art, old coins, thangka paintings, seals and other items belonging to the royal household, but the major attraction here is the Queen’s ceremonial jewellery and ceremonial headgear of the past rulers of Ladakh.

Pangong Lake

Remember the film ‘3 Idiots’? and the climax scene between Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor on the scooter!! That place is the Pangong Lake in Ladakh and ever since then the lake has become a star attraction with domestic travelers.

Pangong Lake 1

The Pangong Lake is 160 km from Leh and it is about a 5 hour drive, but once you reach the long drive will soon be forgotten as you get the first glimpse of the blue waters of the Pangong Lake that will soothe your eyes, it is a lifetime experience worth taking at 14,500 feet above sea level.

Pangong Lake 2

This miracle lake is over 144 km long and 5 to 6 km wide near the Indo – China border with 60 % portion in China and 40 % in India. The water of this lake sparkles in distinct shades of blue, purple, green and violet during the day and is very transparent and clear to a good depth. The mountain ranges in the backdrop appear painted in colors of green, brown and violet which add to the scenic beauty of the Lake.

A view of the frozen Pangong Lake in winter
A view of the frozen Pangong Lake in winter

During winters the Lake freezes completely and since the water is very salty there are no fishes or any other aquatic life in the Lake except for some small Crustaceans. However there are numerous water birds, Brahmani ducks, rare Black necked cranes and Seagulls over the lake surface.

Water birds at the Pangong Lake
Water birds at the Pangong Lake

The peace and tranquility here is unmatched and travelers can enjoy the solitude for a day or two. For hardcore adventure lovers there are camping sites on the shores of the lake. The entire region is a photographer’s delight and camping overnight at the Pangong is the only option if travelers wish to see the sunrise and the sunset by the Lake.

A Campsite at the Pangong Lake
A Campsite at the Pangong Lake

Enroute: Pangong Tso is 5 hours from Leh and the route passes through the beautiful countryside of Ladakh. The first stop is the Thiksey village famous for huge monasteries, and then beyond this remote village there is nothing but extreme mountain ranges for your company. The second stop over is the Changla Pass @ 17,350 feet above sea level, this is the 3rd highest pass and is a great test for ones lungs, for the lack of oxygen in this region.

A view of the Chang La Pass en-route to the Pangong Lake.
A view of the Chang La Pass en-route to the Pangong Lake.

Activities: Sightseeing, Camping and Trekking.

Boating is not permitted in the Pangong Lake, but one could be lucky if there is a presence of army boats and only if one’s request is entertained by the Indian army.

Boating at the Pangong Lake with the help of the Indian Army.
Boating at the Pangong Lake with the help of the Indian Army.

Permit: An Inner line permit is required to make a trip to the Pangong Lake and the permit can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioners office in Leh.

Best time to Visit: Anytime between May and September. During winters this lake freezes and entry is not allowed due to harsh climatic conditions.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley also known as Ldumra (the valley of flowers) is at a distance of 150 km to the north of Leh and is situated at an average height of about 10,000 feet above the sea level.

A view of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh.
A view of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh.

Nubra Valley has simply everything a traveler would want snow, mountains, rivers, lush greenery and sands all in one frame. Nubra valley has a very old history and is said to have been part of the legendary Silk Route which was spread from Central Asia to China through India.

A view of the majestic mountain ranges of Nubra Valley.
A view of the majestic mountain ranges of Nubra Valley.

Khardungla Pass:

Khardungla Top 1

40 km from Leh, the Khardungla Pass can be visited while going to Nubra Valley. If you are an adventure freak then hire a bike and go riding up to the Khardungla Top which is at about 18,300 feet, the highest motor able road in the world. You can a hire a car but the feeling just might not be the same.

Khardungla Pass with Bike 1

The pristine air, scenic beauty, and the feeling of being on top of the world have made Khardung La Pass a popular tourist attraction. South Pulu is the entry point and North Pulu is the exit point where the vehicles have to be registered for entry and exit.

Khardungla Pass View 4

The temperature on the top at Kardungla pass even in May is at minus and with such high altitude it is extremely essential that travelers should take all precautions to be clothed appropriately and do not over stay at any point for more than 20 minutes as you may get an AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) easily and that could spoil your entire trip. Oxygen is in short supply here and you should avoid exerting yourself. One must carry a few bottles of water, eatables, vital medicines and an oxygen cylinder.

Khardungla Pass View 3

The Pass offers amazing views of the valley and on the Kardungla Pass travelers will find a temple, an army souvenir shop selling jackets, t-shirts, and apricot oils. Make sure you stop several times in between for some photography, while the kids can play and enjoy with snow that is all around in abundance.

Khardungla Pass View 5

It’s a lasting experience traveler’s will never forget and no trip to Leh is complete if you have not visited the Kardungla Pass (Highest Point), Taglang La (Second Highest Point) and Chang La (Third Highest Point).

Diskit Village :

Diskit is the capital of Nubra Valley having many government offices and is well connected by road with Leh. The main attraction of Diskit is the Diskit Gompa (Monastery) which was built in 1420 A.D. and is the oldest and the second largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh after Thiksey monastery. The Monastery is set atop a small hill and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Diskit Monastery.
Diskit Monastery.

Traveler’s visiting Nubra valley prefer to stay at Diskit as there are phone facilities available here and have good hotels and guest houses which travelers can choose from within their budget. Travelers can spend time exploring Diskit village which is also dotted with many apricot plantations.

Sunset at Diskit Village
Sunset at Diskit Village

Activities : Visit the Diskit Monastery, Sightseeing and leisurely walks around the village.

Hunder Village :

Hunder village is another important place in Nubra Valley and is about 10 km from Diskit.The cold desert between Diskit and Hundur is a major attraction for travelers who throng the cold deserts to watch the sand dunes and experience joy rides on the Bactrian camels (camels with two humps), these Bactrian camels were once the main mode of transport when Ladakh was an important stopover on the ancient trade routes with Central Asia.

Tourist enjoying camel safaris on the Bactrian camels at the sand dunes of Hunder Village
Tourist enjoying camel safaris on the Bactrian camels at the sand dunes of Hunder Village

The village of Hunder is set amidst fields of rye and barley and surrounded by fruit orchids and sand dunes; here travelers can enjoy stunning views of moonscape scenery and dipping sun. Hunder Gompa(Monastery) has some old frescos and a statue of Buddha which is another tourist attraction.

An aerial view of Hunder Village.
An aerial view of Hunder Village.

Activities : Enjoy camel safaris on the Bactrian double – humped camels; Visit the local Monasteries, Sightseeing.

Panamik Village:

Panamik is a beautiful scenic village in the Nubra valley located near the Tibetan border and is surrounded with snow clad peaks and lush greenery. The village is 150 km from Leh at an elevation of 10,500 feet above sea level and can be accessed via the Khardung La Pass.

Panamik village 2

This village is renowned for its hot sulphur springs which are believed to have healing powers and these springs are located on the outskirts of the village on a small hill top. Owing to its health benefits these hot springs are visited daily by people from neighboring villages and by tourist alike.

Hot Sulphur Springs
Hot Sulphur Springs

The village also has a hot bath complex with an entry fee of Rs 20/-. This complex has been done up well for visiting tourist and has a large pool for men and women with cubicles along with showers and changing rooms. The water is hot and it is impossible to be in the water for too long, but a dip in the water is recommended for one and all.

Hot Bath Complex in Panamic village.
Hot Bath Complex in Panamic village.

Also since this village lies on the Indo – Tibetan border it serves as a base for a trek to the Ensa Monastery which is famous for its Buddhist murals which are believed to be about 250 years old. Visitors can enjoy splendid views of the Nubra River that flows along the Panamic village.

A view of the Ensa Monastery
A view of the Ensa Monastery

Accommodations here are limited to guest houses and home stays which are pretty basic and there are no restaurants in this village. Tourist can buy Kashmiri carpets, Pashmina shawls and Woolen socks while apricots, walnuts, apples, almonds are worth buying since they are pretty reasonable priced.

Locals of Panamic village enjoying a game of volley ball
Locals of Panamic village enjoying a game of volley ball

Activities : Sightseeing, trekking to the Ensa Monastery, hot sulphur spring bathing, camel rides on the Bactrian camels, shopping for souvenir items.

Sumur Village :

Sumur is at 10,900 feet above sea level and is a quiet, peaceful and a lesser known village in the Nubra valley. It is at about 110 km and a 6 hour drive from Leh city.

A view of a quiet and  peaceful Sumur Village.
A view of a quiet and peaceful Sumur Village.

The village of Sumur is famous for the holy monastery named ‘Samstem Ling Gompa’ and this village is considered more of a religious stop over and a place for hikers and backpackers where they will find plenty of trails and paths that will take them to the high altitude places in this region.

Samstem Ling Gompa in Sumur Village.
Samstem Ling Gompa in Sumur Village.

Sumur being a small hamlet of 40 odd houses can be easily explored on foot and has accommodations that are very basic with guest houses and home stays. There are no restaurants in this village.

A view of the Samstem Ling Gompa
A view of the Samstem Ling Gompa

Sumur is popular with visiting tourist as it is the venue for the Silk Route Festival that is celebrated every year as locals celebrate Nubra’s archery, food and camel culture.

The annual Silk Route Festival being celebrated at Sumur Village
The annual Silk Route Festival being celebrated at Sumur Village

Activities : Sightseeing, Trekking, Visit the Monastery, Take long walks and explore the village life.

Yarab Tso Lake :

The Yarab Tso Lake is situated near Sumur village and is about 15 km from Diskit Village in the Nubra valley. This Lake has been away from the eyes of mainstream tourism and is considered to be holy and is referred as a hidden lake by the locals of Nubra Valley.

A view of the Yarab Tso Lake in the Nubra Valley.
A view of the Yarab Tso Lake in the Nubra Valley.

The Yarab Tso Lake has crystal clear water and it can be reached after an easy trek of about 15 – 20 minutes from Panamik village, which is the last village in Nubra Valley. The Lake is surrounded by beautiful brown mountains and lush greenery making it a picturesque site and an ideal place for photography.

Activities : Camping, Trekking and Photography.

Turtuk Village:

Turtuk is a beautiful village at 9,000 feet above sea level; it is sparsely populated and is home to the Balti tribe who belong to the Muslim community. The most interesting thing about this village is that it is very close to the border of (POK) Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and was once a part of Pakistan but was captured by the Indian Army in 1971 and ended Pakistan’s illegal occupation over the village.

A scenic view of the mountain ranges of Turtuk Village.
A scenic view of the mountain ranges of Turtuk Village.

As soon as you enter Turtuk village you will fall in love with it instantly as it is surrounded by rocky mountain ranges, has a windy landscape, and you will feel the chill and frost of Turtuk. Turtuk was thrown open to travelers in the year 2010 hence this makes the place pristine and unspoilt by tourism.

A view of the Turtuk Village
A view of the Turtuk Village

Once here tourist can take leisure walks in and around the village which is surrounded by lush greenery. While exploring you will observe houses with walls made of uneven stones and cobbled walkways which give this quaint village an old world like charm. Overall the village is very scenic with plenty of small colorful flowers and apricot trees spread all over the village.

A typical house in Turtuk village.
A typical house in Turtuk village.

Travelers can opt for home stays as they are affordable and will give them an experience of the local culture. The best things to buy here are sun dried apricots and wood carved products.

Tourist enjoying the views of the village from a bridge.
Tourist enjoying the views of the village from a bridge.

Turtuk is 210 km from Leh City, 90 km from Hunder Village and 88 km from Diskit Village, travelers can plan their visit accordingly.

Activities : Sightseeing, Visit the Turtuk war memorial, a Monastery, a Waterfall, a Natural fridge, and an old royal house in the village, Try Kisir (local buck wheat pancakes). Travelers can spend about 3 hours exploring this village and can leave on the same day.

Important Facts about Nubra Valley:

There are no ATM’s in or en-route Nubra Valley so only option is to carry enough cash before leaving from Leh.

There are only limited to no restaurants & eating joints available on route or in the villages of Nubra Valley. Food is mostly provided in the camps, home stays or in guest houses only. So kindly carry enough eatables for your journey and for your stay in the Nubra valley.

Only the post paid mobile network works in Ladakh(Jammu and Kashmir) region. BSNL and Airtel post paid SIM cards are your best bet to stay connected to the world.

Tso Moriri Lake :

Tso Moriri Lake is one of the most picturesque and captivating destinations in Ladakh, located in the Rupshu valley at a distance of 210 km from Leh city it is also well – known locally as the ‘Mountain Lake’

Tso-Moriri-Lake 1

Tourist visiting Ladakh flock to the lake in order to enjoy the wonderful sceneries in the lap of nature. Tso Moriri Lake is about 28 km long, 6 km wide at its broadest point and has an average depth of 100 feet.

Tso-Moriri-Lake 2

Since the lake offers natural beauty and a pleasant environment it is home to migratory water birds like Black-necked Cranes, Brown-headed Gulls, Ferruginous Pochard and endangered species like Ovis ammon and Lynx.

Water Birds in Tso Moriri

Unlike Pangong Lake this Lake is entirely within India and there are 2 routes to reach Tso Moriri Lake from Leh.

Tso Moriri Route Map

Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Mahe – Puga – Tso Moriri.
Leh – Upshi – Debring – Puga – Tso Moriri.

Enroute to Tso Moriri Lake
Enroute to Tso Moriri Lake

Driving through these routes is a wonderful experience as for most parts of the route you will be accompanied by flowing rivers and streams and will be surrounded by gigantic mountain ranges whose shades are just out of the world like green, purple, yellow, white, cream and tiger skin like colored mountains.

Korzak Monastery
Korzak Monastery

The village of Karzok is the main attraction of this place and is located in close vicinity of Tso Moriri Lake. There is a 400 year old ‘Korzok Monastery’ in the village where the ‘Korzok Gustor Festival’ is held every year.

Korzok Gustor Festival is enjoyed by both locals and visiting tourist.
Korzok Gustor Festival is enjoyed by both locals and visiting tourist.

Tourist can plan an overnight stay at the Tso Moriri Lake and enjoy the splendid views of the sunrise and sunset over this picturesque lake. Also tourist must note that since this is a remote place there is limited accommodation available in camps and tents and they should also carry their own food provisions in case of emergency.

Campsites at Tso Moriri Lake
Campsites at Tso Moriri Lake

An entry permit will be required to visit Tso Moriri Lake.

Activities : Sightseeing, Visit the Korzok Monastery, Enjoy Photography and Bird Watching, Take leisurely walks along the banks of the lake.

Sham Valley

Best time to Visit : May – October

The Sham valley is located at about 13,100 feet in the lower region of Ladakh or towards the western part of Leh and is full of beautiful landscapes, villages and monasteries. This valley is also popular as Apricot valley due the presence of several apricot orchards.

Sham Valley 1

Trekking is the major attraction here and it is pretty easy to trek in this region and involves a series of pass crossings, dubbed as the ‘Baby Trek’ the trail crosses numerous villages some among the most beautiful and richest in Ladakh in terms of agriculture produce and resources. A trek in this region is an excellent way to get acquainted with the monastic way of life of the Indo – Tibetans their cuisine, ritual practices, festivals and hospitality.

Strange Deja Vu

Sham valley starts from Sneymo village and stretches up to Lamayuru village and En-route travelers will discover some famous villages and monasteries of Ladakh like Basgo, Likir, Saspol, Alchi, Ridzong, Mangue, Temisgang, Wanla etc and almost all of them are accessible by road and a few by trekking and hiking.

Activities : Trekking, Hiking, Sightseeing, Photography and Camping.

Magnetic Hill

The Magnetic Hill is about 30 km from Leh and at an elevation of 14,000 feet.What is fascinating  about this place is that even while the ignition of the car is off the vehicles move up a steep hill.But this magnet magic has to be experienced to be believed.

Magnetic Hill 1

At the specific spot where this phenomenon takes place, a sign board has been put up. All you have to do is drive your vehicle to that spot, switch off the engine, and watch the vehicle move up the hill at a steady speed of 20 km/hr.

Magnetic Hill 2

Not only automobiles but even aircraft’s and helicopters get the feel of the same magnetic impact.Local residents and the Border Police personnel’s claim that the aircraft’s and helicopters that pass through this area have to fly at a greater speeds to avoid the magnetic impact of the Magnetic hill. And in-case an aircraft or helicopter comes within the radius of the Magnetic Hill, it experiences a jerk.

Magnetic Hill 3

Although there are many legends associated with this place, scientists have acknowledged that this is merely a result of an optical illusion formed by the hill and the surrounding topography.Today, Magnetic Hill is a popular attraction with visiting tourist and an ideal place for photography, wherein visitors can click pictures of the unspoilt and untouched surroundings.

Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers

The Indus River originates from the Himalayan ranges, while the Zanskar River originates from the Zanskar ranges. The water of Zanskar River is slightly muddy and blue in color; on the other hand the water of Indus looks clear and green in color.

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar River 1

The Zanskar River meets the Indus River in Nimmu valley which is located at a distance of 35 km from Leh.This is a scenic place for visiting tourist and they find it fascinating to mark both the rivers even after their confluence.The Confluence of Indus and Zanskar is at a whopping 10,800 feet and is blessed with breathtaking vista of nature, which makes it a wonderful place for clicking beautiful photographs.

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar River 2

Nimmu Valley is also a famous stopping point for all river rafting trips that are held every year on the river Indus. Kayaking and Rafting activities are popular at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers and it attracts thousands of tourist from across the world. The waters of this confluence have rapids of 1 and 2 category while 3rd and 5th grade rapids are found at some points of the confluence.

Zanskar Valley

The Zanskar Valley is a small and isolated region in between the Himalayan and the Zanskar mountain ranges. Located at a distance of 105 km from the town of Leh and amidst scenic locales it is one of the most unexplored places in Ladakh region.A pleasant climate, snow capped mountains, scenic vistas of barren landscapes and sparkling rivers makes Zanskar Valley a perfect holiday destination for one and all.

A picturesque view of the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh
A picturesque view of the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh

There are several attractions for tourist visiting Zanskar.

Zongkhul Monastery : An architectural delight this spectacular monastery can be reached by taking an exciting trek via the Padum – Kishtwar trail.

Stongdey Monastery : The Stongdey Monastery is the second largest monastery and one of the most fascinating attractions in Zanskar, the monastery is associated with a famous Tibetan yogi Marpa and is home to about 60 Gelukpa monks, the monastery houses many majestic shrines.

Zangla : Zangla is an old castle situated in the northern region of Zanskar.Here there is a small chapel which overlooks the desert valley below.When here tourist can also visit Tsa – zar a tiny village nearby which is home to exquisite murals.

Pensi – La Pass : Located to 14,436 feet this pass divides the Zanskar valley and the Suru valley.The beauty of the Pensi – La Pass makes it a favorite vantage point for nature lovers.Tourist can enjoy magnificent views of majestic mountain ranges and alluring countryside from the Pensi – La Pass.

Karsha : A small human settlement is home to the Gelugpa monastery and this place will give tourist an insight to the importance of religion in lives of the people of Zanskar, there is an impressive display of mural art at Labrang which is worth seeing.

Panikhar :  Here tourist can get a glimpse of the Panikhar Fort built by Zorawar Singh. Besides that Panikhar offers breath taking views of the verdant locales and natural splendor of the region.

Adventure Activities in Zanskar Valley :

Zanskar Valley is an exciting adventure destination, the undulating hilly ranges of the valley offers ample of opportunities for the adventure enthusiasts.

Chadar Trek a popular trekking expedition over the frozen Zanskar River.
Chadar Trek a popular trekking expedition over the frozen Zanskar River.

Mountaineering : When here get an experience of scaling the great heights of the majestic mountains and experience their ruggedness by taking part in the expeditions.

Trekking : Explore the breathtaking trekking routes and enjoy nature’s beauty at its best. During the winter season, a trek over the frozen Zanskar River is a major tourist’s attraction and is known as the ‘Chadar Trek’.

White Water River Rafting : Adventure seekers and rafting enthusiast can indulge in white water river rafting and enjoy the rapids of grade 3 and grade 4 of the Zanskar River.

Camping : Camping besides a flowing river can be carried out by the more adventurous, they can carry their personal tents and enjoy dinning and sleeping under the star studded sky amidst the high hilly ranges in the open which is truly a wonderful experience.