Leh Ladakh — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour Highlights
- Don’t miss Leh, Ladakh’s capital, that boasts monasteries, a former palace and an atmospheric old quarter that is ideal for exploring on foot.
- Visit ancient monasteries that are at the heart of Ladakhi culture. Some of the most important include Lamayuru, Tikse and Alchi.
- Make the most out of the rewarding trekking opportunities Ladakh offers. Trails range from relatively simple two-day walks to much longer paths that will test your endurance and resolve to the limit.
- Travel to Nubra Valley for striking terrain, isolated monasteries and the chance to catch sight of the mighty Karakorum mountains. Access is via the pass at Khardung La, one of the highest in the world open to motor vehicles.
- Head to Tso Moriri Lake to the southeast of Leh for abundant wildlife, barren countryside that is almost devoid of human habitation and views of some of Ladakh’s loftiest peaks.
Travel Tips
- Leh and much of the rest of Ladakh lies well above the height at which altitude sickness can set in. Plan on allowing yourself a day or two to acclimatize before undertaking any strenuous activities — especially those arriving by plane.
- Permits are required to visit some areas, notably the Nubra Valley, Rupshu (including Tso Moriri) and others. The necessary ‘Inner Line Permit’ is available at the District Magistrate’s Office in Leh, but it is easier to pay a tour operator there to obtain it for you. Some other sensitive border areas still remain completely off-limits.
- The best time to go on a Leh Ladakh tour is from late June to late October when daytime temperatures are comfortably warm — although nights can still be cold. Winter temperatures are punishing, and from December to February, temperatures can drop to -40° and below.
- Around Leh, buses are reliable, but to reach more distant locations, you will need to arrange alternative transportation. One option is to hire a taxi for the day. Alternatively, it is possible to rent motorcycles – but be aware that roads can be poor or non-existent.
- It is possible to fly in but taking the road into Ladakh from Manali to Leh is much rewarding. This breathtaking journey requires two days or more, taking you through a remote region of unsurpassed mountain scenery.
For more trip ideas in some of the coolest destinations in India, check out these India tours.
