What is the first thing that strikes you about Ladakh? To me, it is the location of Ladakh, an unparallel beauty that lies in the Northern most region of India. It is probably the most breathtaking location one could imagine to be in and is the coldest desert in the world. The Karakoram Range lies to the north of Ladakh, while the great Himalayas are present to the south. Thousands of tourists across the world make sure to include Ladakh as one of the must see places in the world. It is aptly referred to as the "Little Tibet" where Mahayana Buddhism flourishes. Ladakh is also a favorite destination for adventure seekers. Adventure enthusiast can indulge in trekking, biking, mountaineering and white water rafting. Ladakh is open to tourists throughout the year and the best time to travel there is June to October which also happens to be the best time for trekking. The Ladhak Festival, celebrated in the month of September, gives an insight into the pageantry, richness and depth of Ladakh's centuries-old heritage, traditions and culture.
Biking
Being the highest motorable roads in the world, Ladakh is very popular destination for bikers from across the world. The Khardung La Pass, Rohtang Pass, Baralachala Pass , Lachalangla Pass and the Tanglangla Pass are some of the highest passes on the biking circuit. One must be a very good bike rider to tackle these high passes . 80% of the roads are paved and the distances are not too long. To enjoy the breathtaking view of the mighty Himalyas, one must also have a support car which can carry the luggage. The best time is between June and September.
Fairs and Festivals
Many of the Ladakh fairs and festivals are held in the winters. But there are some which are held in the summer. The Losar festival (new year) is celebrated by feasting, dancing and the singing of folksongs and forms a part of its living heritage. The festivals that are monastic are the integral part of all festivals performed by the monks. The Hemis Festival is the most important one of them which is held for three days, in the month of June. The other festivals include, the two days Karsha and Spituk Gustorfestival, the Dosmochey Festival, which is also celebrated for two days, the Stok Gruru Tsechu famous for its mask dancers and a few more.
Trekking
Ladakh offers some of the best trekking opportunities amidst amazing Mountain pass of the Himalayas for adventure seekers. Some of trekking routes are famous among trekkers. Apart from the joy of trekking through these passes, trekkers and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscape like snow clad peaks, , rugged barren terrain,translucent lakes etc. The most beautiful trek is probably the 9-10 days Lamayuru to PadumThe best season to go on trekking in Ladakh is between July and September. The Markha Valley Trek has been the most favorite trek among trekkers for quite sometimes now. This is because of beautiful valley of Markha which is overshadowed by Kanyatse and other peaks.
Rafting
Rafting options in Ladakh are available on both the Indus and the Zanskar rivers. Out of the two, the Zanskar course is more exciting and difficult. The water levels of the rivers remain high during the month June till late August and this is the best season for a fascinating rafting experience. The white water of the Indus has rapids of I and II grades. Experienced rafters may want to try the more challenging route in the Zanskar river. Ladakh is not only a breathtakingly beautiful destination but the thrills of river rafting here can also be a very good experience.
Monastries
Much like a Buddhist monastery a Tibetan monastery too is meant to be the center for worship, meditation and teachings of the Buddha. Apart from the attraction of the scenic beauty, travellers to Ladakh also make sure to visit as many Monasteries as possible. The ever scenic valley of Ladakh is dotted with monasteries that belong to various orders of Buddhism schools. Most of the monasteries are situated at scenic isolated locations, away from the hustle and bustle. This lends to the tranquility to them. These gigantic monasteries amplify the magnificent beauty of Ladakh further. Each of these monasteries has an amazing collection of paintings, scriptures and sculptures.
Biking
Being the highest motorable roads in the world, Ladakh is very popular destination for bikers from across the world. The Khardung La Pass, Rohtang Pass, Baralachala Pass , Lachalangla Pass and the Tanglangla Pass are some of the highest passes on the biking circuit. One must be a very good bike rider to tackle these high passes . 80% of the roads are paved and the distances are not too long. To enjoy the breathtaking view of the mighty Himalyas, one must also have a support car which can carry the luggage. The best time is between June and September.
Fairs and Festivals
Many of the Ladakh fairs and festivals are held in the winters. But there are some which are held in the summer. The Losar festival (new year) is celebrated by feasting, dancing and the singing of folksongs and forms a part of its living heritage. The festivals that are monastic are the integral part of all festivals performed by the monks. The Hemis Festival is the most important one of them which is held for three days, in the month of June. The other festivals include, the two days Karsha and Spituk Gustorfestival, the Dosmochey Festival, which is also celebrated for two days, the Stok Gruru Tsechu famous for its mask dancers and a few more.
Trekking
Ladakh offers some of the best trekking opportunities amidst amazing Mountain pass of the Himalayas for adventure seekers. Some of trekking routes are famous among trekkers. Apart from the joy of trekking through these passes, trekkers and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscape like snow clad peaks, , rugged barren terrain,translucent lakes etc. The most beautiful trek is probably the 9-10 days Lamayuru to PadumThe best season to go on trekking in Ladakh is between July and September. The Markha Valley Trek has been the most favorite trek among trekkers for quite sometimes now. This is because of beautiful valley of Markha which is overshadowed by Kanyatse and other peaks.
Rafting
Rafting options in Ladakh are available on both the Indus and the Zanskar rivers. Out of the two, the Zanskar course is more exciting and difficult. The water levels of the rivers remain high during the month June till late August and this is the best season for a fascinating rafting experience. The white water of the Indus has rapids of I and II grades. Experienced rafters may want to try the more challenging route in the Zanskar river. Ladakh is not only a breathtakingly beautiful destination but the thrills of river rafting here can also be a very good experience.
Monastries
Much like a Buddhist monastery a Tibetan monastery too is meant to be the center for worship, meditation and teachings of the Buddha. Apart from the attraction of the scenic beauty, travellers to Ladakh also make sure to visit as many Monasteries as possible. The ever scenic valley of Ladakh is dotted with monasteries that belong to various orders of Buddhism schools. Most of the monasteries are situated at scenic isolated locations, away from the hustle and bustle. This lends to the tranquility to them. These gigantic monasteries amplify the magnificent beauty of Ladakh further. Each of these monasteries has an amazing collection of paintings, scriptures and sculptures.
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