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World Travel Destinations

Ladakh

Nubra Valley Travel Guide | Everything You Need To Know

May 3, 2020 by sarita

With its turquoise sky, rugged terrains and snow-capped mountain peaks, Nubra valley is one of the most stunning places in Ladakh. The valley is blessed with dramatic landscapes of soaring mountains, vast stretches of sand dunes and green valley beds with vibrant flowers.

Nubra Valley Travel GuideNubra Valley Travel Guide

What makes this sight even more pleasing is the smooth flow of the dual rivers of Nubra and Shyok curving through it. A haven for hikers and explorers, no wonder it is one of the top places to visit in Ladakh.

Nubra Valley Location

Standing at 3048 m above the sea level, Nubra lies around 155 km north of Leh. It is a high altitude cold desert with little vegetation. The valley is located at over 10,000 feet above sea level and Siachen Glacier lies to its north. From Leh, a thrilling drive via the Khardung La Pass takes you to Khalsar, from where the road forks into two- one leading towards the Shyok river and the other towards Nubra river. The Y-shaped valley lies at the intersection of these 2 rivers.

Nubra Valley location map
Nubra Valley Location map
 

Places to Visit in Nubra Valley

Along the Nubra River:

  • Panamik
  • Tiger
  • Surmur

Along the Shyok River

  • Hunder
  • Diskit
  • Turtuk

Places on the Route:

  • Khardung La Pass
  • Khalsar

How to Reach Nubra Valley from Leh

Nubra Valley from LehNubra Valley from Leh
 
An ideal way to reach Nubra from Leh is to rent a car or and an SUV. If looking for more adventure, go for a heavy-duty bike like a Royal Enfield. Although the ride can get a little bumpy, given the condition of the road, what makes the journey truly remarkable is the sight of jaw-dropping views of rocky mountains, clear sky and deep valleys with every turn.

 

Time Required to Reach Nubra Valley from Leh

Nubra Valley By Car

It takes about 6 hours to get there from Leh. However, if the weather is bad or there is too much traffic, it can take anywhere between 8-10 hours.
 

Nubra Valley By Bike

Expect a further addition of 2 hours to your travel time if riding via a bike.
 

Preparation for Nubra Valley

1. Acclimatize Well

The air pressure and oxygen level drops significantly at the Khardung La Pass, so, it is highly recommended that you acclimatize for at least 2-3 days in Leh before heading towards Nubra Valley.
 

2. Prepare for Khardung La Pass

You must arrange for Khardungla pass beforehand. The passes can be purchased from Leh town. Be informed, that without the pass, you won’t be able to reach Nubra Valley. Considered as one of the highest motor-able passes in the world, Khardung La lies at 5,359 m and tests both your physical and mental strength. No wonder you feel exhilarated after crossing it. Khardung La holds historical importance as it falls on the silk route from Leh to Central Asia. While today it serves as an entryway to Shyok and Nubra valleys, in the past, tens of thousands of camels and horses used to cross it to facilitate trade.
 

3. Things to Carry before starting off the journey

Since it is going to be a long ride from Leh with hardly any shops on the way, it is best to carry the following:
 
  • A good stock of snacks and water.
  • Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and an additional blanket to avoid getting cold.
  • If riding by bike, make sure to carry a couple of gallons of petrol with you.

Nubra Valley Accommodation

Nubra Valley AccommodationNubra Valley Accommodation
You can find a few budget as well as mid-range hotels alongside both Nubra and Shyok Rivers. There are also a few guesthouses or homestays at Diskit, Hunder and Surmur. Hunder also offers some camping options, right at the foothills of the mountains.
 

Nubra Valley Top Things to Do & Places to Visit

What makes the Nubra valley magical is not just the sight of majestic mountains but also fruits trees like walnuts, almonds and apricots. Although Nubra is known as the valley of flowers, there are a lot more things to do in Nubra than just admiring flowers. Take a look below:

1. Go for an ATV Ride at Khalsar

ATV Ride at Khalsar Nubra ValleyATV Ride at Khalsar Nubra Valley
 
The adventure begins right at Khalsar, before you even reach the Nubra valley. The 15-minute ATV ride takes you on white sand dunes, right till the shore of the
Shyok river and offers panoramic views of the high mountains.
Price: Rs. 1200 per ride
 

Attractions Along Shyok River

A left turn from Khalsar takes you to these places:

 

2. Diskit Monastery at Diskit Village

Diskit Monastery Nubra ValleyDiskit Monastery Nubra Valley

Famous for its towering statue of Maitre Buddha, Diskit monastery is truly a wonder to visit. It lies in Diskit village which is also known as the ‘orchard of Ladakh’ given its fertile land and green valley beds. The road to the monastery is lined with colorful flags and once you reach, a short climb takes you to the top of the Gompa. The monastery is 350 years old and houses the magnificent 32 m tall statue of Buddha in an open courtyard from where you can also enjoy 360 degree views of the scenic Nubra valley.

 

3. Lachung Temple

Lachung Temple Nubra ValleyLachung Temple Nubra Valley

Situated just above the Diskit monastery, the Lachung temple is one of the oldest temples in the valley. The temple holds a huge statue of Tsong Khapa, who was the founder of the Gelugpa clan.

 

4. Go for a Camel Safari in Hunder

Camel Safari in Hunder Nubra ValleyCamel Safari in Hunder Nubra Valley

Known for its captivating white desert, Hunder is one place that cannot be missed. It lies 8 km north of Diskit and offers an extraordinary landscape of sand-dunes and mountains in one frame. The village is home to the double-humped Bactrian camels and an ideal way to enjoy the day is to go for a camel safari. The owners take good care of the camels and opting for a ride is a good way to support the locals.
Price: Rs. 200
 

Attractions Along the Nubra River

Nubra Valley AttractionsNubra Valley Attractions

And, in case you take a right turn (from Khalsar), you’ll head towards the northeast of Nubra valley, where you’ll find the villages of Sumur and Panamik. Make sure to visit the following places here:
 

5. Visit the Samstanling Monastery

Colorful prayer flags and clear blue sky will welcome you on the road to Samstanling Monastery. Located at Sumur, the monastery was established in the 18 th century. Boasting of beautiful architecture and walls with large murals, the monastery is definitely a must-visit place.
 

6. Halt at Zamskhang palace in Tiger village

The Royal palace of Zamskhang is the highlight of the small Tiger village. The palace belonged to the King of Nubra, in the 19 th century and is well preserved even till today.
 

7. Take a dip at the hot springs at Panamik Village

Panamik is the last accessible village of Nubra and is known for its hot sulfur springs. So, make sure you take a relaxing dip in the healing waters before heading forward. The village also serves as a base camp for Ensa Gompa and you might also spot a few pashmina goats here.
 

8. Yarab Tso Lake

Drive a few km ahead of Panamik to see the spectacular Yarab Tso Lake.
 

Days required to Explore Nubra Valley

To make the most out of your trip to Nubra Valley you must spend Minimum 3 days. Check out this 3 days Nubra Travel Itinerary. 
 

Additional Tips & Information

Hunder Army Medical CampHunder Army Medical Camp

Hunder Army Medical Camp

We hope that you never have to visit this facility, but it is good to know that Hunder has an army medical camp where you can go if you feel any uneasiness. Also, make sure to carry layered clothing, a warm cap, gloves and sturdy yet comfortable shoes to make the most of your trip. You sure will remember Nubra valley all your life!
 
 
 

Filed Under: India Travel, Ladakh Tagged With: India, Ladakh, North India

Ladakh – Basgo Monastery and Basgo Palace | Must Visit!

December 9, 2017 by sarita

Ladakh’s mesmerizing beauty, amazing history and fascinating heritage makes it a popular and most loved travel destinations in India. The surreal landscapes of Ladakh hide a number of mysterious places that have a legend attached to it. One such place is the Basgo Palace perched atop a stone and clay hill.  

Ladakh - Basgo Monastery and Basgo PalaceLadakh – Basgo Monastery and Basgo Palace

Basgo Palace FACT

The palace is Enlisted among World’s 100 most endangered heritage sites by the US World Monument Fund. 

In this post/video we will try to explore the mystic charm of the Basgo Palace and Basgo Monastery.

WATCH Ladakh Basgo Palace VIDEO

Ladakh – Basgo Palace and Monastery Location

Leh-Srinagar Highway

The Basgo Monastery and ruins of Basgo Palace, lie at a distance of 42 km, West of Leh and is on the way towards Sham valley and Lamayuru on the Leh-Srinagar Highway.

Ladakh - Drive Towards Basgo MonasteryLadakh – Drive Towards Basgo Monastery

How to Reach Basgo Palace and Monastery in Ladakh

After crossing Indus-Zanskar Confluence point, 6 kms ahead of Nimmu Village, a right turn on the road goes to the Basgo Village.

This narrow straight road goes through the village for around 1 and half kilometers. The winding road that starts soon after you cross a small bridge slowly ascends towards the Basgo Monastery and the Basgo Palace.

The Ruins of Basgo Palace

From the road It’s difficult to form an opinion about the kind of a palace it is until you cross the last curve and reach the open space, entire place holds a mystic charm.

Ladakh - Basgo PalaceLadakh – Basgo Palace

Made of mud and rocks, The surreal castle ruins perched on a steep hill give an impression of huge anthills emerging from the ground. It makes one wonder about what the palace originally looked like.

History of Basgo Palace and Basgo Monastery

Ladakh - Basgo Palace Basgo MonasteryLadakh – Basgo Palace Basgo Monastery

Earlier, Ladakh was divided into 2 parts –  the upper Ladakh ruled by Takbumde from Leh and Shey & the lower Ladakh ruled by Takpabum from Temisgam and Basgo. A former king of Basco named Bhagan,  brought back together Ladakh by conquering the Leh’s King and took on the last name Namgyal which means triumphant. The new kingdom later set up by him continues to exist till date.

Basgo Monastery

The complex includes the ‘ruins of the castle’ and a ‘Monastery’ – called the Basgo Monastery, and is noted for its Buddha statues and old Murals.

Ladakh - Basgo Palace and MonasteryLadakh – Basgo Palace and Monastery

The Castle and the Monastery were set up on the hill top in the year 1680. While the castle is in a state of ruins, the monastery is now re-established. UNESCO and the Basgo Welfare Committee have united to restore the ancient castle compound. 

Buddha Temples 

Ladakh Basgo Monastery Buddha TemplesLadakh Basgo Monastery Buddha Temples

A small walk towards the right takes you to the Monastery which houses three different Maitreya Buddha temples – Serzing & Cham Chung Temple on the left & Chamba Maitreya on the Right. A monk who resides there will happily take you to a tour around the 3 temples.

Chamba Maitreya

Ladakh Basgo Monastery Chamba MaitreyaLadakh Basgo Monastery Chamba Maitreya

The biggest of the three is the Chamba Maitreya set up on a hill top. The temple can be accessed by climbing up  a number of steep vertical stairs which might be a bit exhausting for some. From the top one gets beautiful views of the entire complex and the village. The temple holds a huge 14 meters high golden copper-gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Ladakh Basgo Monastery Chamba MaitreyaLadakh Basgo Monastery Chamba Maitreya

The walls of the temple are adorned with various painting of Buddha and other celestials beings. 

Serzing Temple

Ladakh Basgo Monastery Serzing TempleLadakh Basgo Monastery Serzing Temple

On the lower downhill, in the opposite side lies the second temple the Serzing temple and is ancient than Chamba MAITREYA. To reach the temple, One has to walk through the narrow paved pathway lined with white washed walls on either sides. The unexpected dramatic turns with astonishing views of the surroundings kept us thrilled and left us wondering about what we might stumble upon next.

The temple houses a large copper-gold Maitreya Buddha statue and the walls are adorned with colorful Paintings and murals. The conservation of this temple is being undertaken by the Basgo Welfare Committee.  

Cham Chum Temple

Ladakh Basgo Monastery Cham Chum TempleLadakh Basgo Monastery Cham Chum Temple

The third temple to the right is the Cham Chum temple. Its was built by a Muslim Balti princess to offer her namaz, but later converted into a Buddhist temple when she adopted Buddhism. It’s the smallest shrine in a not very good shape. Efforts are being taken to preserve the structure.

The temples offer beautiful views of the entire complex, the surrounding mountains and the village below.

Ladakh View from Basgo MonasteryLadakh View from Basgo Monastery

Best Season and Timing to Visit Basgo Palace and Baso Monastery

Morning : before 11:00 am

Evening : between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

These are the best timings to watch the beautiful landscapes. The hilltop offers beautiful views of the Basgo village below surrounded by mountains.

Time Required to Explore Basgo Palace in Ladakh

Exploring the Palace and Monastery will not take more than half an hr.  One can easily spend hrs admiring the beauty of the surroundings and the castle ruins. 

Additional Information:

– There is an Entry fee for all the 3 temples

– Photography is allowed inside the temples

– Wear comfortable footwear

– Amazing place for photography

VERDICT!

Despite of being such an amazing place, the Basgo palace gets a very few tourists. One must visit this place to experience the mystic charm of the monastery, The crumbly mud mountains, the landscape and the surreal Basgo palace in ruins.

MUST VISIT!

So that’s it friends. Stay tuned for more Ladakh posts/videos coming up shortly. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE our channel India Ghoomo so you don’t miss any videos. We will see you soon in our next post. Till then take care. Bye!

Ladakh Travel GuideLadakh Travel Guide

Ladakh LandscapeLadakh Landscape

Ladakh Sham Valley Basgo PalaceLadakh Sham Valley Basgo Palace

Ladakh Basgo Palace viewLadakh Basgo Palace view

Ladakh Basgo Monastery and PalaceLadakh Basgo Monastery and Palace

Ladakh Basgo Monastery hillLadakh Basgo Monastery hill

Ladakh How to Reach Basgo Monastery and PalaceLadakh How to Reach Basgo Monastery and Palace

Ladakh Basgo Palace India GhoomoLadakh Basgo Palace India Ghoomo

 Ladakh India Ghoomo Basgo Palace

Ladakh India Ghoomo Basgo Palace

Filed Under: Ladakh Tagged With: India, Ladakh, pilgrimage

Leh – Ladakh Travel Guide – Planning, Preparation, Itinerary, Things to Keep in Mind

October 9, 2017 by sarita

Namastey, from Team India Ghoomo. It’s Sarita & Kamal, welcome back to Ladakh series on our blog . In this Ladakh travel guide video/post, we will help you plan your trip to this magical land in India which has the best landscapes in the world along with stunning natural wonders.
One cannot decide to travel to Ladakh all of a sudden. A trip to Ladakh requires a precise planning in terms of booking flights and hotels, deciding on the best time to visit, finding a tour operator and finalizing the itinerary.  All this will require at least 4 months.

How To Reach Leh Ladakh ?

One can reach Ladakh via Road or via Air.
Leh Ladakh via Road – There are two different routes that lead to Ladakh
  • Srinagar to Leh with night stopover at Kargil ( 422 kilometers NH1D ) – 2 days
  • Manali to Leh via Keylong with a night stopover at Sarchu (475 kilometers NH3) 2 DAYS
Leh Ladakh via Air –
Take a flight from Delhi to Leh from major airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Go Air.
For those who plan for a short trip to Ladakh, opting the air route is the best choice.
In this ARTICLE/VIDEO we will focus on this route and provide valuable information that can be helpful for you to plan your trip to Ladakh within a strict timeline.

WATCH THE VIDEO – 

LEH – LADAKH – 11 Days Travel Itinerary 

In the following 11 days travel itinerary to Leh Ladakh, we will try to include all the famous tourist destinations that you should consider visiting.
Ladakh Travel ItineraryLadakh Travel Itinerary
Day 1 ) Reach Leh & Acclimatize
Evening – Shopping at Leh Market
Day 2) Explore Leh 
  • Shanti Stupa,
  • Leh Palace &
  • Leh Hall Of Fame

Day 3) Visit Leh Monasteries  (Leh – Manali Highway)

  • Hemis Monastery,
  • Thiksey Monastery &
  • Shey Palace

Evening – Stok Village & Monastery

Day 4) Leh – Lamayuru (Overnight stay at Uleytokpo)

Reach Uleytokpo, rest and then head out to Lamayuru to see the

  • Lamayuru Moonscape &
  • Lamayuru Monastery

Day 5) Lamayuru – Leh (cover Sham Valley Attractions)

  • Alchi Monastery
  • Likir Monastery
  • Basgo Palace
  • Indus & Zanskar River Sangam
  • Magnetic Hill and
  • Pathar Sahib Gurdwara

Day 6) Leh – Nubra Valley (via Khardungla Pass) 

Reach Nubra Valley & Rest

Day 7) Nubra Valley 

  • Hunder
  • Diskit &
  • Turtuk

Day 8 ) Nubra Valley – Leh

  • Sumur
  • Panamik
  • Tiger
  • Khalsar &
  • Back to LEH

Day 9) Leh – Pangong  (via Changala Pass)

Overnight stay at Pangong

Day 10) Pangong – Leh

Overnight stay at Leh

Day 11) Leh – DEPARTURE

Ladakh Travel GuideLadakh Travel Guide

Leh LADAKH – Things To Keep in Mind

1) Offbeat Holiday
Leh Ladakh is an offbeat holiday destination. One needs to be fully prepared to explore the arid, high altitude region of Ladakh. Visit Ladakh for its beautiful and unique Landscapes, Monasteries, Stupas and colorful prayer flags.

2) Expect the Unexpected

High altitude sickness and unpredictable weather are the two major challenges that travelers face in Leh Ladakh.

  • Unpredictable weather

Leh Ladakh weather is a mystery, though there are certain guidelines that one must follow but overall it is difficult to say that you will get only this kind of weather at a particular time of the year. You should be prepared for everything – sun, heat, heavy rain, low temperatures, landslides as well a snowfall and pack accordingly.

At one moment you will feel warm and the other it will be chilling cold. The key to dressing up in Leh Ladakh is layering. Even if you are visiting during peak summer season. Always keep your woolens or Jackets handy even if you are going out for a walk in afternoon. Also carry your Sunglasses and a cap all the time.

  • Delays & Plan cancellations

Landslides are very common in the hills and Ladakh is no exception. Landslides may cause delays, since the passes remain closed until the roads get cleared causing delays and plan cancellations. This is something you will have to take into account before heading out and keep a couple of spare days in the itinerary.

4) Leh Ladakh Health Concerns, Precautions & Warnings

  • High altitude sickness  – Irrespective of your mode of transport, route and your fitness level, there is no way you can avoid the symptoms of mountain sickness at such high altitudes. Some of the common symptoms of altitude sickness that you experience on landing at Leh are mild breathlessness, dizziness, lack of sleep, hallucination, headache and weakness. The way out is to give your body time to acclimatize to high altitude. It’s recommended to spend first 2-3 nights in Leh, in order to acclimatize and unwind before proceeding higher.
  • Warning – If you suffer from heart / lung disease, please consult your physician before making a trip to Ladakh. Make sure you are physically fit enough for Ladakh trip.
  • Precautions – Here are a couple of measures everyone should take irrespective of age/gender/medical condition:
  1. Spend first 2-3 nights in Leh, in order to acclimatize and unwind before proceeding higher.
  2. Keep yourself hydrated all the time.
  3. Keep preventive medication handy. Diamox is preferred by Mountain travellers. However, it is advisable to have your doctor prescribe the AMS medication.
  4. Do not indulge into any kind of physical exercise such as running or brisk walking at least the first 2-3 days.
  5. Avoid heavy meal. Have light meals at frequent breaks.
  6. Avoid alcohol for the first 2 days.
  7. Keep yourself warm and cozy and dress up in layers.
  8. Incase of uneasiness, visit a doctor or an army base for treatment and medications.
  9. Carry small oxygen cylinder, easily available at a chemist in Leh. (optional/ as required)
  10. Don’t rush or over-exert at high mountain passes like Khardung La or Chang La. At that altitude oxygen level is extremely low. Running around in excitement may cause serious health issues and you may faint. It’s important not to lose breath and remain calm.
  11. Don’t stop too long at the top of mountain passes. Have a look, roam around, sip your tea and move on.
  12. Descend immediately if detect signs of AMS and visit a doctor or an army base for treatment and medications.

5) Inner line Permits for traveling in Leh Ladakh

If you have booked the trip via agent/resort, you don’t have to worry about getting the inner line permit. However, if you chose to travel on your own then you will have to obtain your permits. Inner line permits are issued at Leh DC office by filling and submitting inner line permit application form. You can download the form online and fill it in advance to avoid rush at the office. Carry self attested photocopies of nationality proofs and valid photo id’s – it’s a must. Always carry extra photocopies of the Inner line permit. Inner line permits are valid for 3 weeks if you are an Indian and 1 week if you belong to foreigner country.

6) Do’s & Dont’s in Leh Ladakh

  • Carry water bottles, energy drinks and light snacks while traveling from one region in Ladakh to another.
  • Photography is restricted in some of the monasteries and monuments in Ladakh. Make sure to seek permission before clicking pictures.
  • Kindly, don’t litter around and pollute the lakes and valleys. Protect the ecology and do not disturb the flora and fauna.

7) People, Food & Culture in Leh Ladakh

Ladakh people have a cheerful nature and are peace-loving. 45% of this area are Buddhist by faith and the rest are Muslims. They traditionally lead a nomadic rustic life and are sincere and honest. They have established a remarkably rich culture of their own and there festivals are major tourist attractions. The warmth, love and hospitality of the Ladakhis provides the region with actual beauty.

8) Leh Ladakh Delicacies

Thukpa, Qahwa, Butter Tea, Momos and Cheese from Yak’s Milk are some of the specialities of Ladakh which you must try.

9) Leh Ladakh Trip Cost & Budget

How much a trip to Ladakh will cost totally depends upon your mode of traveling, number of days, mode of transportation and accommodation. It may vary anything from 15K to few Lakhs.
Following the travel Itinerary mentioned in this video/article will cost you around INR – 1.5- 2 Lakhs

Follow the trave tips and precautions to make your Ladakh trip a truly memorable and joyous one.

 

LEH LADAKH PICTURES

Ladakh Via AirLadakh Via Air

 

Ladakh LandscapeLadakh Landscape

 

Ladakh MonasteriesLadakh Monasteries

 

Worlds most scenic Airport Leh IndiaWorld’s most scenic Airport Leh India

 

Leh Ladakh Aerial ViewLeh Ladakh Aerial View

 

Ladakh aerial viewLadakh aerial view

 

Leh Ladakh Himalayan RangeLeh Ladakh Himalayan Range

 

Leh Ladakh Road TripLeh Ladakh Road Trip

 

Leh City LandscapeLeh City Landscape

 

Leh Ladakh hotels resortsLeh Ladakh hotels resorts

 

Leh Ladakh CampingLeh Ladakh Camping

 

Leh Ladakh Road Trip PlanningLeh Ladakh Road Trip Planning

 

Ladakh Travel Guide planningLadakh Travel Guide planning

 

Ladakh Travel Guide planning PreparationLadakh Travel Guide planning Preparation

 

Leh Ladakh MountainsLeh Ladakh Mountains

 

Shanti Stupa in Leh LadakhShanti Stupa in Leh Ladakh

 

Leh LandscapeLeh Landscape

 

Leh PalaceLeh Palace

 

Stok Monastery LehStok Monastery Leh

 

Hemis Monastery LadakhHemis Monastery Ladakh

 

Monastery LadakhMonastery Ladakh

 

Nubra Valley LandscapeNubra Valley Landscape

 

Ladakh ATV Ride HunderLadakh ATV Ride Hunder

 

Ladakh Camel Safari - HunderLadakh Camel Safari – Hunder

 

Thiksey Monastery Leh LadakhThiksey Monastery Leh Ladakh

 

Leh Ladakh MonasteriesLeh Ladakh Monasteries

 

LehLeh

 

Leh Ladakh Village StokLeh Ladakh Village Stok

 

Ladakh LamayuruLadakh Lamayuru

 

Ladakh Lamayuru MoonscapeLadakh Lamayuru Moonscape

 

Leh Ladakh PlanningLeh Ladakh Planning

 

Leh Indus Zanskar SangamLeh Indus Zanskar Sangam

 

Pangong LakePangong Lake

 

Leh Ladakh TravelLeh Ladakh Travel

 

Leh Ladakh Travel Guide top thingsLeh Ladakh Travel Guide top things

 

India Ghoomo Kamal UpadhyayIndia Ghoomo Kamal Upadhyay

 

India Ghoomo Sarita UpadhyayIndia Ghoomo Sarita Upadhyay

 

India Ghoomo Sarita and Kamal UpadhyayIndia Ghoomo Sarita and Kamal Upadhyay

 

Leh Ladakh Travel Guide India GhoomoLeh Ladakh Travel Guide India Ghoomo

 

 

Filed Under: Ladakh Tagged With: India, Ladakh

Ladakh – Khardung La Pass Tips and Precautions

September 10, 2017 by sarita

Namastey from Team India Ghoomo. It’s Sarita & Kamal and welcome to Ladakh series on our channel. We are back from our 9 days trip to Ladakh in July 2017. The trip offered some of the most captivating sights and experiences. One of the most thrilling and adventurous one being a drive to the famous Khardung La Top at 18,380 feet above sea level.

In this video we are gonna give you an overview of Khardung la, tips and precautions to be taken and other useful information.

Ladakh Passes

The Great Himalayan Mountain Passes used to be the major trade routes in the past. At present, these passes serve as routes to supply goods and various military facilities.Today, these high mountain passes play an important role in the growth of the tourism of Ladakh and connect Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Khardung Pass or Khardung La is a mountain pass in the Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most famous landmarks of this place. At an elevation of 18380 feet above the main sea level, Khardung La is claimed to be the “world’s highest motorable pass”.

WATCH THE VIDEO :

Plz SUBSCRIBE our channel India Ghoomo for more travel videos. Now lets begin.

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION:

Ladakh - Khardung La Pass Tips and PrecautionsLadakh – Khardung La Pass Tips and Precautions

Khardung La Top Elevation – 18380 feet above sea level making it the World’s highest motorable mountain pass.
Distance from Leh – 40 kms.
Leh to Khardung La Route – Leh – Phyang – South Pullu – Khardung La Top

Road Conditions – Road from Leh to South Pullu is quite good but from there until Khardung La top is no in good shape. It’s primarily loose rock and occasional streams of snow melt due to frequent landslides.

 

How to Reach Khardung La 

Ladakh - Khardung La Pass roadLadakh – Khardung La Pass road

The pass is the safest gateway to Nubra valley, Shyok Valley & Siachen Glacier. If your travel itinerary includes a trip to Nubra or Shyok valley you will have to pass through the Khardung La Top.

Besides, Bikers from all over the world visit the Khardung La pass on their motorcycles and bicycles. A visit from Leh -Khardung La top & back to Leh is around 80 kms round trip.

Khardung La by CyclingKhardung La by Cycling

Cycling – Those who wish to reach Khardung La top by cycling, please note the ride is going to be a strenuous one. Attempt cycling only if you have enough cycling experience; both in plains and hills.

Best season for Khardung La

The pass in general remains open throughout the year and is used by the locals and the Army to cross over towards either Leh or Nubra Valley. However, the best time to visit Khardung La is during Summers between May – October. The weather and road conditions are comparably better than during the winter months. Snowfall starts from October which may block the pass thus, increasing the chance of getting tourists stranded in case the pass gets blocked.

Khardung La Permits

Inner line permit is required to visit Khardung La, Shyok and and Nubra valley so make sure to carry several photocopies of the permit which can be obtained from Leh. You will have to submit a copy at each check post – The South Pullu and the North Pullu. Khardung La Top is in between South & North Pullu check post.

Things to Keep in Mind at Khardung La Top & What to Expect

Ladakh - Khardung La Pass Travel GuideKhardung La Pass Travel Guide

Khardung La Altitude sickness & Acclimatization

  • Care is needed to visit 18380 feet high altitude pass. A number of people suffer from acute mountain sickness while at Khardung La Top. Therefore, Proper acclimatization is a must at Leh before visiting this pass.If you have taken air route and directly landed in Leh then spend minimum 3-4 days at leh or at any other nearby similar altitude place before heading towards Khardung La.
    However, If you are still suffering from AMS in Leh, avoid traveling towards Khardung La and wait for the symptoms to subside. If you were OK in Leh but start to notice AMS again as you start climbing up, best to give up the idea and descend back down.
  • Things to Carry – Carry sufficient warm clothes like a warm jacket, a pull-over, gloves, woollen caps and a warm blanket in your car because the temperature at the top is very low and you may have to wait many hours if the path gets blocked due to bad weather.
    Also, carry some food and sufficient water since nothing is available until you reach the top. There is a cafeteria at Khardung La Top which serves noodles and hot tea.

Precautions At Khardung La Top –

Avoid drinking, smoking or exhausting yourself while you are at top of the pass. Oxygen & air pressure level is extremely low at this 18380 feet high altitude pass. Control your excitement at the top. Running around or getting indulged into any strenuous activities can be dangerous. Just walk around slowly, click pictures, have noodles, sip in a cup of warm tea , enjoy the scenic beauty around and move on.
If you have any health issues such as Lung or heart problem, plz consult your Doctor before planning a trip to Khardung La.

If you feel any uneasiness, either descend back down or visit the army medical facility at Hunder in Nubra valley.

REMEMBER – Don’t spend more than 15- 20 minutes at the top and  avoid running around when you are at the top.

So, these were a couple of additional information that would make your Khardung La journey a pleasant and memorable one. We hope you found the informations useful and enjoyed watching the video. Stay tuned for more Ladakh Videos and blog posts.

Ghoomtey Raho!

Ladakh Khardung La Pass PICTURES:

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Ladakh Khardungla PassLadakh Khardungla Pass

Ladakh Khardungla Pass Road ConditionsLadakh Khardungla Pass Road Conditions

Ladakh Khardungla Pass Himalayan RangeLadakh Khardungla Pass Himalayan Range

Ladakh Himalayan RangeLadakh Himalayan Range

Bikers at Khardung La PassBikers at Khardung La Pass

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Filed Under: Ladakh Tagged With: India, Ladakh

Lamayaru: The Moonland of Ladakh

August 15, 2012 by sarita

Loacted 15 Km east of the famous Fotu La pass on the Leh-Srinagar highway, Lamayaru is popularly known as moonland by the local due to its peculiar land surface which closely resembles the surface seen on moon. The mystique of the Lamayaru monastery located here is unmatched by any other in the entire Ladakh region. The clear blue skies meet the rugged horizon of broken mud cliffs creating an atmosphere of lunar surface which has a powerful impact on the first time viewer’s psyche.   Lamayaru- moonland ladakh-rugged terrain The monastery at Lamayaru is considered one of the oldest Gompas of Ladakh and houses more than 400 Buddhist monks even today who are undergoing training to take up responsibilities in monasteries across the globe. Legend has it that originally the valley was a huge lake which was dried up by the 10th century Buddhist scholar Mahasiddhacarya Naropa to create a perfect learning center for monks. It is also believed that the area will once again be flooded in the future when the time ordained for it arrives as per Buddhist scriptures. Some mythological accounts even believe that the great sage Arhat Nyimagong cracked open the banks of the original lake using his super natural powers and predicted that a monastery will spring from the valley bottom to eventually become one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in the region. MUST WATCH  LAMAYURU VIDEO – The monastery is located on a sediment rock hill cliff and appears to be precariously balance by some strange mystical power unknown to human beings. Adjacent to the cliff is a deep gorge where the Lamayaru rivers meanders like a snake through the valley. The village is located below the monastery close to the river. The green fileds around the village and the stream called Drogpo which flows through the fields is a refreshing change from the otherwise out of the world environment around Lamayaru. As one approaches close to the place the golden yellow formations on the granite hills can be seen from far making it apparent as to why the place is so called. This peculiar surface condition is caused due to erosion of lakebed deposits of a glacial lake which existed at the place. The yellow color of the land here is distinct in its appearance providing the feeling being on some other planet. The access to moonland from Leh is through the Fotu La pass. ‘La’ in local language is a low land in a mountain range which was used by ancient travelers to cross over hence quite similar to the word pass in its implications. Located at about 14000 fett above mean sea level the pass has coiled roads leading up to it from both sides. This difficult and rugged road is maintained by the Border Roads Organization of the Defense Ministry round the year. The altitude of more than 13500 feet, the chill ib the breeze and brazen landscape filled with broken ground akin to lunar surface all present one of the most mesmerizing sights that Ladakh has to offer for tourists.  

Lamayaru- moonland ladakh-rugged terrain

Filed Under: Landscapes Tagged With: India, Ladakh, Mountain, North India

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