Our country – India is a continent full of treasures. We have all grown up on tales of heroic feats and ancient folktales that have their seeds in the lesser explored parts of India. Being a land which is the most versatile, we are home to desserts, snow-capped mountains, vast oceans down to the south and enormous valleys and forests that occupy a large part of the continent. One of the country’s most respected landscapes is the Buddhist town – Ladakh or we can also say the town of Dalai Lama. Lying within the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh has a mix of Tibetan and Kashmiri culture and is surrounded by some of the highest mountain ranges in the world.
Ladakh as Seen by Most People
Be it trekking in the Himalayas, rafting in Indus or road trip and mountain biking, trip to Ladakh gets you high on never ending adrenaline rush. If you want to experience complete solitude, then it is here. If you want to experience complete happiness, then it is here. If you want to experience complete contentment, then it is here. Such is Ladakh, whosoever comes here, doesn’t want to leave and wants to be lost in the mystic fervour of this place. Also called the ‘Land of High Passes’, this part of the country is bestowed with towering mountains, fascinating peaks, extremely rugged terrains, barren meadows, and a lot more!
While one may find lots of Ladakh tour packages with most tour operators, let’s understand what a Ladakh tour looks like to someone who is probably opting for a Ladakh tour for the first time:
Scenic Ladakh (6-day tour)
As you start this tour, driving down along Leh – Kargil Highway, you visit the Hall of Fame (Museum Constructed by India Army) near Leh and proceed further to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Visit the Magnetic Hill which defies the law of gravity and is such a magical thing to experience. Visit Spituk Monastery and Indus Valley Monastery. You will also get to see the Gompas and Thiksey Monastery along with Shey Palace, 3 Idiots Rancho School and Sindhu Ghat.
Crossing Khardongla Pass, the world highest motorable pass, drive to Nubra Valley which is 125km from here. With a Camel Safari on the double-humped camels which are found only in Nubra, visit Diskit Monastery and explore the white sand dunes. Drive back to Leh via Khardongla pass after visiting the Samstanling Monastery.
Cross Changla Pass and enjoy a full day excursion to Pangong Lake which lies east of Leh. You will also get to view some of the amazing villages here as you drive in the Changthang region of Ladakh. This place also has some of the gorgeous lakes of the Asian subcontinent. Explore the lake and enjoy a romantic walk along the lake in the afternoon. This place is so peaceful that you wouldn’t be able to hear anything here apart from your own thoughts and your heartbeat.
As you unwind this Ladakh trip package, you will realize what a vacuum we spend our lives in. As we spend our lives mostly in our native cities, we stay so ignorant to the beauty and charm that lies just a few miles away. When you visit Ladakh and leave this place, this is what you take away with you – a new wisdom!
While you are on any of the Ladakh tours, remember to carry the below stuff with you:
ID Proof Compulsory
Round neck T-shirts
Fleece Sweatshirt / Sweater
Windproof Jacket
Leggings from a Track-suit, shorts
Cotton Socks, Woollen Socks
Thermal Inners, Lower & Upper
Raincoat / Poncho
Torch with spare batteries
Hat / Cap
Woollen cap
Warm Scarf, Pair of Woollen Gloves
Pair of sturdy sports shoes with rubber sole
Medicines as specified by a doctor
Camera, Cam charger, Mobile Charger.
Sunscreen lotion, min 30 SPF, Toiletries
As you are a first-time traveller you should keep some things in mind while paying for a particular Ladakh trip package and opting for a tour operator. Remember, there would be some things which would be included in your tour package and some others which will be excluded from it. Most tour operators will give you a package which has the below inclusions and exclusions:
Inclusions:
Accommodation in mentioned Hotels
Breakfast at all hotels
As per itinerary, transportation using A/C Innova or any other car
Arrival assistance
Service of an English speaking driver
Driver’s expense, Parking, Toll
All Taxes
Exclusions:
Flight / Train tickets
Extra meals or Drinks
Tips
Telephone charges
Laundry & other expenses of personal nature
Facilities/services not included above
Since you are a first-time traveller, make sure you select the best tour operator who gives you every information regarding the tour and the place beforehand. If you have any health conditions, seek the advice of a doctor and be open about it to your tour operator also.
Above all, be safe and healthy and enjoy Ladakh in its full glory….all you need to do is, make lots of memories to cherish for a lifetime and perhaps come back again for a second trip, right?
