Union Territory
Ladakh is a Union Territory in India.
Ladakh is bounded by China to the north, east, and southeast. The Himachal Pradesh State to the south, Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west.
Ladakh is divided into 2 districts (Leh and Kargil). Leh is the capital of Ladakh.
How to Reach Ladakh
There are best way to go to Leh by air. Airfare is 4000-8000 Rupee ($52.69-105.38) by local flight. Few hours journey. Several flights fly to Leh. But during winter, flight schedule can be changed due to weather condition.Buy cheapest air ticket from the app below or check flight fares in Indian Rupee. Or check airfares in other currencies - USD, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Russian Ruble, Bangladeshi Taka.
Type your destination "Leh" and select it from drop down menu. Enter your Depart date and Return date. If one-way then cross the Return date. If more than 1 passenger, enter. If you want business class click on "Business class" and click on search.
Most traveler love to visit by road. But all routes to reach Leh are closed from November to May, because of heavy snowfall, therefore traveling via air is the only option to reach Leh. By road you have to visit only from mid of June to mid of September/October.
There are two routes to reach Leh from Delhi.
1. Delhi – Manali – Leh
2. Delhi – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh
Delhi to Leh via Manali
There are public buses run from Delhi to Leh. It remains available from mid of June until mid of September. Total duration of the journey is approximately 52 hours which covers 1100 km. Fare 1380 Rupee ($18.18) per person. You may need to book two different tickets. The first ticket is for Delhi to Keylong fare 800 Rupee ($10.54). Then again at Keylong you will extend your ticket to Leh for 500 Rupee ($6.59).
The Delhi to Leh Bus starts from Delhi ISBT at 2.30 pm every alternate day, reaches Chandigarh between 8-9 pm. After a break, it starts and reaches Kullu early in the morning by 5 AM, then Manali between 7-8 AM. After a break at Manali, it starts at 10 AM and arrives by late afternoon at Keylong. It halts at Keylong for the night. Passengers are required to make their own accommodation arrangements and you can easily get a hotel near the bus stand for 600–800 Rupee ($7.90-10.54). Bus starts next day early in the morning between 5–6 AM, arriving at Leh the same day by 6–7 PM.
In this way your total bus cost is 1380 Rupee + 1 night stay hotel Cost (500 Rupee) + 3 days 2 night meals cost.
Delhi to Leh via Srinagar
From Delhi there are buses and trains go to Jammu. Buses fare 600 Rupee ($7.90) and Sleeper train fare 400 Rupee ($5.27). Then stay night at Jammu near Srinagar bus counter.
Next day morning starts for Srinagar by bus. Fare for Jammu to Srinagar is 445 Rupee ($5.86) for MCV, 392 Rupee ($5.16) for Hi-Tech, 321 Rupee ($4.23) for Deluxe, 230 Rupee ($3.03) for Semi Deluxe and 213 Rupee ($2.81) for an Ordinary bus. Stay night at Srinagar near Dal Lake bus counter.
Next day early morning starts Srinagar to Leh by bus. Usually it is just one bus every morning. There are three types of buses - Luxury bus, Deluxe Bus and Semi Deluxe. There is also ordinary bus but not day basis. So for lowest rate consider Semi Deluxe. The bus departs at 8 AM from Tourist reception center near Dal Lake. Arrival at Kargil is in evening between 4-5 PM. Next day it departs from Kargil at 6 AM and arrives at Leh by 4 PM. You have to manage night stay hotels. Fare Luxury bus - 1300 Rs. Deluxe bus - 919 Rs and Semi deluxe bus - 737 Rupee from Srinagar to Leh.
In this way your total bus cost is 400+230+737 = 1367 Rupee + 3 nights stay hotel Cost (1500 Rupee) + 4 days 3 nights meals cost.
Which route is best
According to time - via Manali is best
According to cost – via Manali is best
According to scenery – via Manali is best
But via Manali to Leh route passes five high altitude. So those who are new travelers, they will face high altitude problem. For them via Srinagar is the best.
Hotels in Leh
There are plenty of hotels in Leh. Starts from 500 Rupee. So you need not to worry about that.Book your hotel in Delhi online.
Write "Leh" in box and select Leh, India from drop down menu. Enter your Check in and Check out date and click on Search.
Tourist Places in Leh
I have described 144 Best Places to Visit in Leh. Those are Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Leh. Among them some are Must-Visit Attractions in Leh. Also described The Best Things to Do in Leh and Fun Things to Do in Leh.So that you can able to know the Famous Leh Tourist sights and Attractions and make your itinerary for Leh Attractions & Sightseeing.
You need approximately US$ 192 to visit all the places listed below. With that amount of money, you have to add Food cost, Transport cost, Hotel rent and air fare to travel in Leh.
Inner Line Permit in Leh
Remember one thing, you can visit anywhere in Leh without permission except few places such as – Nubra valley, Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Dah, Hanu Villages, Man, Merak, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Chusul, Hanle, Digger La, Tangyar. To visit at these places, anyone (Indian and Foreigner) needs permission which is called Inner Line Permit from Leh DC office with a nominal fee around 500 Rs. Inner Line Permit valid for a period of 3 weeks for Indians, and 1 week for foreigners. Tourist from Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan or Burma, or a diplomatic visa holder will not get the Inner Line Permit so they cannot visit at these restricted places. They have to approach the Ministry of Home Affairs at Delhi for issuance of permits. It's a hassle. So leave it, there are more beautiful places waiting for you in Ladakh.Travelers have to collect the permit form from the stationery shop located just outside the Leh DC office. Fill the form and submit it at the counter along with ID proof copies of all the people traveling and revised charges. The following documents can work as your Identity proofs: Driving License, Election Card, Aadhar card, Passport and Pan Card.
DC Office Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM on all 7 days.
Lunch Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Ensure to submit all these documents before 3 PM. After collecting the signed Permit, make 15 or more photo copies of the paper, from the stationery shop located outside the DC office. Minimum 2/3 copies will be required in each region for submission at the check posts en route.
First I'm describing the restricted areas. Traveler those do not have permission can omit this section.
After getting the Inner Line Permit, those who are traveling via public bus, must set plan of your visiting date, when, where are you visiting and then start, cause buses are not available everyday. So keep reading and set your itinerary.
Nubra Valley
Diskit village is the main headquarters of Nubra Valley.Bus goes to Diskit from Leh 6 AM 197 Rupee ($2.59). every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It will take 5 - 6 hours to reach Diskit.
The bus from Diskit to Leh returns the next day and leaves from Diskit at 7.00 AM in the morning.
On the way of Diskit (Nubra Valley) from Leh you will get a break at Kardung La Pass.
Kardung La Pass
High Altitude PassIt claims the highest (18380 feet) motorable road in the world. It is advisable that not to stay there over 15 minutes, as oxygen density is very less in atmosphere. Take some selfies with sign boards and leave the place. There is a Buddhist temple at Khardung la, but nothing special. So omit this.
After that you will reach in Diskit village. It's almost noon. If you want to catch the next day bus for Leh then you don't have enough time. So start visiting.
Diskit Village
Visit Diskit Monasteries. A 106 feet tall Maitrey Buddha statue in Diskit. Visit also Lachung Temple which is close to monastery.Panamik Village
Panamik village is located around 20 km north from Hunder. The daily bus from Panamik to Diskit runs every day at 7.30 AM. The one-way bus fare for Panamik – Diskit bus service is about 75 Rs. Panamik has hot water springs. These hot springs have high amount of sulphur. Visit a sacred Yarab Tso lake. Panamik is a good place to buy Pashmina shawls and woolen socks. You will also found dry fruits like walnuts and almonds at a very reasonable price.Hunder Village
Visit Hunder Village. Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari on cold desert. Camel ride cost is around 200 Rupee ($2.63) per person. Enjoy the local cultural dance at Hunder sand dunes, at nominal costs of 50 Rupee ($0.66) per person. Also visit Hunder Gumpa.There are camps on sand dunes in hunder surround by cold desert and icy mountains. You can stay in camps from 500 to 3000 Rupee ($6.59-39.52).
Note that, Those who are traveling by public bus they have to remember, their bus from Diskit to Leh returns on the next day and leaves from Diskit at 7.00 AM in the morning. If you want to stay at camps in Hunder you have to go to Diskit before 7 AM and confirm your ticket. If you don't want to stay in camp then return to Diskit and take a hotel to stay.
Those who have private car, can stay one more day here at Nubra Valley cause there are still remaining few places to visit specially Turtuk.
Turtuk Village
Turtuk is about 95 km from Diskit. There is a bus from Diskit to Turtuk at 2.30 PM daily. It reaches Turtuk at around 6 PM. From Turtuk, there is a daily bus to Diskit at 6 AM every morning. One way fare is about 80 Rupee ($1.05).Note that, if you go to Turtuk by public bus, then you must have to stay 2 nights in turtuk. First day you will reach at 6 PM. You can't visit in the dark. Stay at hotel. Next day Diskit bus at 6 AM. If you return, you can't visit anywhere. Visit Turtuk the whole day, stay 2nd night at hotel then next day at 6 AM by bus return to Diskit. If you do so you have to make a proper plan cause Diskit to Leh bus service is only Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
There are few things to visit in Turtuk are - 16th century Minarets and Mosques, the Royal House of the Yabgo dynasty, the ruins of Pun Khar, K2 Peak’s view, and the villages that can be explored through camping and cultural tours.
Note that, there is a direct route between Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso. So those who have the private car or rental taxi, they can easily heading to Pangong Tso. It will save you from wasting a full day and night. On the other hand you have to go from Nubra Valley to Leh and Leh to Pangong Tso on the next day.
Pangong Tso
Saturday and Sunday bus goes to Pangong from Leh 6.30 AM 256 Rupee ($3.37). and return on the next day morning. Bus time will take to reach Pangong Tso from Leh about 6-7 hours.You will only get a tea break at Changa La pass on the way, as they claimed the third highest motorable pass in the world. This is about 20 minutes break.
If you go by Public bus then you have to stay at night Pangong Lake cause bus will return on next day to Leh. You will see single or dorm tent at Pangong lake side. Dorm tent cost about 300 – 400 Rupee ($3.95-5.27) per person and the two meals will cost about 125 – 150 Rupee ($1.65-1.98). But remember, night can be extremely cold, so be prepared. Bring a torch as electricity is shut down after 10 PM at the camps.
Tso Moriri
10th 20th 30th day of each month, bus goes to Moriri from Leh 6.30AM 370 Rupee. and return on the next day morning. So you have to stay at night.Note that, there is a route between Pangong to Moriri. So if you are using taxi to visit these places, then you can make a option. Such as, keep Pangong and Moriri visit at the last in your Ladakh tour places. After visiting all places, then visit Pangong, stay night at Pangong then come to Moriri on the next morning. After visiting Moriri then go to Keylong or Manali without returning Leh again. It will save your 2 days and 2 nights of Ladakh tour as well as money.
Tourist Places in Leh Non-restricted Areas
The places all can visit in Leh without permission, are describing now.Day-1:
Early in the morning start Visit
Kyigu Drak Gompa
Buddhist TempleOn the way of temple from bus stand you will see Leh main gate and Prayer Wheels.
How to go: It is located north of Leh bus stand on the up on the hill.
Leh Buddha Park
ParkHow to go: It is located about 430 meters from Leh main gate towards north.
Jokhang Gompa Leh
Buddhist TempleJokhang Gompa Leh was built in 1957.
How to go: It is located about 300 meters from Leh Buddha Park towards north near Leh Main Market.
Central Asian Museum
MuseumIt was open on 23-24 August 2011.
How to go: It is located about 60 meters north of Jokhang Gompa Leh.
Moravian Mission Church
ChurchHow to go: It is located about 160 meters from Central Asian Museum towards northwest.
Leh Palace
PalaceAlso known as 'Lachen Palkar Palace' was constructed around 1600 by King Sengge Namgyal (Reign: 1616-1642).
It is nine storeys high, the upper floors accommodated the royal family and lower floors held stables and store rooms.
The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of jewellery, ornaments, ceremonial dresses, crowns, Tibetan thangka and paintings.
The roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas
Visiting Time: 7 AM to 4 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 100 Rupee ($1.32) for foreigner and 15 Rupee ($0.20) for Indian.
How to go: It is located about 2.2 km from Leh city center.
Guru Lhakhang
Buddhist TempleGuru Lakhang is one of four temples that are considered part of the Leh palace complex.
How to go: IT is located immediately below the palace with no easily identifiable path to it from Leh old town.
Gompa Soma
Buddhist TempleHow to go: It is located in Leh Palace complex.
Tsemo Maitreya Temple
Buddhist Temple
How to go: It is located in Leh Palace complex.
Day-2:
Bus from Leh to Spituk (every one hour from 8.30 AM to 6 PM).
Bus from Spituk to Leh (every one hour from 9 AM to 6 PM).
Kalachakra Stupa
Buddhist Stupa
Raoundabout before Leh main gate.
How to go: It is located about 90 meters from Ley Bus Stand towards southwest near Memorial Park.
Spituk Monastery
Monastery
It was founded in the 11th Century by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od. The monastery contains 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali. The monastery is located at height of 10,852 feet from sea level.
Every year the 'Gustor Festival' is held here from the 27th to 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
How to go: It is located about 2.3 km from Hall of Fame towards south at Spituk. Bus from Leh to Spituk (every one hour from 8.30 AM to 6 PM).
Palden Lamo
Buddhist temple
How to go: It is located near Spituk Monastery.
Hall of Fame
Museum
The museum is run by the Indian Army. It exhibits weapons and history. It has a souvenir shop.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 25 Rupee ($0.33).
Photography: 50 Rupee ($0.66).
How to go: It is located about 5 km from Leh bus stand towards southwest after Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport).
Zorawar Fort
Fort
It was built in 1836 for Zorawar Singh Kahluria, a military general of Dogra Rajput ruler Gulab Singh.
The museum now exhibits the treasures of the rulers as well as coins and postage stamps.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 20 Rupee ($0.26). Free for those who have Hall of Fame ticket.
How to go: It is located about 900 meters from Kalachakra Stupa towards northwest.
Gomang Stupa
Buddhist Temple
Beautiful in the late afternoon light.
How to go: It is located about 900 meters from Leh Main Market towards northwest.
Sankar Gompa
Buddhist Monastery
It is a daughter-establishment of Spituk Monastery. It is the residence of the Abbot of Spituk.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Gomang Stupa towards northeast.
Shanti Stupa
Buddhist Stupa
It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission.
Sunrise and sunset are considered to provide the best views from Shanti Stupa. The stupa is illuminated with lights at night.
Visiting Time: 5 AM to 9 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about 1.5 km from Sankar Gompa towards southeast.
Day-3:
Daily Bus goes to stock from Leh 8 AM to 5 PM 26 Rupee ($0.34).
Bus from Leh to Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
Bus from Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) to Leh – 4.30 PM Departure, 5.30 PM Arrival
Stok Museum
Museum
It was constructed in 1820 by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. It is now converted into hotel and a museum.
The museum exhibits ornaments, Thangkas, the ceremonial dresses, crowns, and centuries-old pieces of jewellery, which reflect the lifestyle and history of royal family.
Visiting Time: 8 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 50 Rupee ($0.66).
How to go: Daily Bus goes to stock from Leh 8 AM to 5 PM 26 Rupee ($0.34).
Stok Monastery
Monastery
It was founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in the 14th Century. It has a notable library including all 108 volumes of the Kangyur.
Next to the monastery is the 71 feet high seated Gautama Buddha statue and temple, constructed between 2012-2015 and consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama on 8 August 2016.
How to go: It is located about 2 km from Stok Museum towards southeast.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery
Monastery
It was built in 1976.
How to go: There is bridge on the way from Leh to Stock on the Indus river. It is located about 560 meters from the bridge towards southeast at Keylong-Leh Road, Choglamsar.
Sindhu Ghat
Ghat
Mt Kailash view can see from the ghat on the bank of Indus river.
How to go: It is located 1.5 km from Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery towards southeast.
Day-4:
Bus from Leh to Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) - 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
Bus from Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) to Leh – 4.30 PM Departure, 5.30 PM Arrival
Shey Monastery
Monastery
The original palace was built in the 10th century by Lhachen Palgyigon, the king of Ladakh (then called Maryul).
The current Shey Palace and Monastery were built in 1655 by Deldan Namgyal.
How to go: It is located about 4.3 km from Sindhu Ghat towards southeast.
Druk Padma Karpo School
School
Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh, popularly known as 'Rancho's School', for the movie '3 Idiots' starring Aamir Khan.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Shey Monastery towards east.
Thiksay monastery
Monastery
Thikse Gompa on top of a hill in Thiksey at height 11,800 ft. It is the largest gompa in central Ladakh. It is a twelve-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords.
In 1433, Sherab Zangpo founded a small village monastery called Lhakhang Serpo "Yellow Temple" in Stagmo. In the mid 15th century, Palden Zangpo continued the monastic work started by his teacher, Sherab Zangpo.
Later Palden Zangpo and his disciples found a new place, about few km from Stagmo for new monastery 'Thiksey'.
How to go: It is located about 4 km from Shey Monastery towards southeast.
Stakna Monastery
Monastery
It was founded in the late 16th century by a Bhutanese scholar and saint, Chosje Modzin.
Stakna means tiger's nose. Stakna has a residence of approximately 30 monks. It is the only Bhutanese Drukpa Kagyu monastery in Ladakh.
How to go: It is located about 6.8 km from Thiksay monastry towards southeast in Stakna.
Matho Gompa
Monastery
It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery was Founded in 1410 by Lama Dugpa Dorje.
Annual Oracle Matho Nagrang Festival, held on the 14th and 15th days of the first month of the Tibetan calendar.
How to go: It is located about 5 km from Stakna Monastery towards west.
Stamba House
House
House in a beautiful location catch the eyes of tourist.
How to go: It is located about 600 meters from Matho Gompa towards west.
Day-5: Martselang
Bus from Leh to Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) – 8.30 AM Departure, 9.30 AM Arrival
Bus from Martselang (via Changa and Hemis) to Leh – 4.30 PM Departure, 5.30 PM Arrival
Hemis Monastery
Monastery
Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century. It was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakh king Sengge Namgyal.
How to go: Bus from Leh to Martselang (via Changa and Hemis).
Chemrey Monastery
Monastery
It was founded in 1664 by the Lama Tagsang Raschen. The monastery has a Padmasambhava statue.
The monastery holds every year the Chemrey Angchok festival of sacred dances on 28th and 29th day of the 9th month.
How to go: It is located about 10 km from Hemis Monastery towards northeast.
Takthok Monastery
Monastery
The name Takthok, literally meaning 'rock-roof'. The monastery was founded around the mid-16th century during the reign of Tshewang Namgyal on a mountainside around a cave in which Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in the 8th century.
How to go: It is located about 7.8 km from Chemrey Monastery in Sakti village.
Igoo Monastery
Monastery
How to go: It is located in Igoo village about 12 km from Martselang towards southeast.
Day-6:
Tso Kar Lake
Lake
How to go: The lake is on the way of Leh-Keelung road. Go to Upshi (about 12 km from Martselang), then turn right to Manali road and go about 80 Km to TSO Kar Lake. There is a budget hotel to stay.
* If you have permission of TSO Moriri then you can also visit there from Tso Kar Lake.
Day-7:
Pathar Shahib Gurudwara
Gurudwara
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib was built in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder Guru of the Sikh faith.
How to go: about 25 miles away from Leh, on the Leh-Kargil road.
Magnetic Hill
Hill
The layout of the area and the surrounding slope create the illusion of a hill. The hill road is actually a downhill road. On hilly roads, objects and cars can be seen ascending in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downwards.
How to go: It is located about 3.5 km from Pathar Shahib Gurudwara towards southwest through Leh-Kargil road.
Basgo gompa
Monastery
The monastery was built for the Namgyal rulers in 1680.
How to go: It is located 14 km from Magnetic Hill and 40 km from Leh through Leh-Kargil road.
Ney Gompa
Buddhist Temple
How to go: It is located about 5 km from Basgo gompa towards north in Ney village.
Buddha Statue
Statue
How to go: It is located about 1.5 km from Ney Gompa towards northeast in Ney village.
Day-8: Saspul
About 17 km from Basgo. there you will find very few hotels to stay.
Likir Gompa
Monastery
It is located at 3700 meters elevation. It was established in 1065 by King Lha-chen-rgyal-po (5th king of Ladakh).
The Gonkhang was created in 1983 when the monastery underwent renovation and was completed a year later.
There is a 75 ft high gilded gold statue of Maitreya Buddha. It was completed in 1999.
How to go: It is located about 11 km from Saspul towards northeast. It is located about 52 km from Leh on Leh-Kargil road. It is picturesquely situated on a little hill in the valley, in Likir village.
Alchi Gompa
Monastery
According to local tradition, Alchi Monastery complex was built by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. But a inscription refers to the foundation of the monastery around 1200.
It is located at an altitude of 3,100 metres. The monastery complex has three major shrines: the Dukhang (Assembly hall), the Sumtsek and the Temple of Manjushri, all dating from between the early 12th and early 13th centuries. There are 2 types of chortens (stupa) are the Great Chorten and the Small Chorten to the early 13th century. There are also three other chortens, which have ancient paintings. There are two other important temples in the complex, the Translator's temple called the 'Lotsabha Lakhang' and a new temple called the 'Lakhang Soma'.
How to go: It is located about 4 km from Saspul towards southeast. It is located about 65 km from Leh in Aichi village.
Day-9: Ulleytokpo
Ulleytokpo village is about 10 km from Saspul through Leh-Kargil road.
Rizong Gompa
Monastery
Rizong Monastery was established in 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima. The monastery is also called "the paradise for meditation" and is noted for its extremely strict rules and standards. The nunnery is located about 2 km from the monastery, where nuns are reside.
It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the caves around Rizong years before the monasteries were built. The boundary of the hermitage was marked by three types of fences and no women are allowed to sleep even in the outer most boundary of the hermitage.
There is a relic shrine, and assembly hall, with the statue of Shakymuni Buddha. In the sacred Chamber on the west, the Thin-Chen shrine and Julichen nunnery.
How to go: It is located about 14 km from Saspul towards northwest and about 73 km from Leh. Go to 10 km away in Ulleytokpo village towards Leh-Kargil road. There you will get staying facility. From there hike 4 km towards north.
Lamayuru Monastery
Monastery
The oldest surviving building in Lamayuru is a temple called Seng-ge-sang at the southern end of the Lamayuru rock, which is attributed to the famous builder-monk Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055 CE).
How to go: Go by road to 26 km from Khaisi village to Ulleytokpo village. There are staying facilities here. From Khaisi Village you have to go another 15 km towards southwest. There are few hotels in this area.
There are bus service Leh to Kargil 578 Rupee. Buses starts early in the morning. Stay at night in Kargil.
Tourist Places in Kargil
Day-1: KargilApati Buddha Statue
StatueThe huge rock sculpture of the Maitreya Buddha.
How to go: It is located about 16 km from Kargil towards Kargil-Leh road at Apati.
Shargole Cave Monastery
Buddhist TempleHow to go: Shargole village is about 25 km from Kargil towards southeast.
Mulbekh Monastery
MonasteryMulbekh Monastery or Mulbekh Gompa consist of two gompas, one Drukpa and another Gelugpa Buddhist monastery.
How to go: It is located about 7 km from Shargole towards southeast.
Rgyal Cave Monastery
MonesteryHow to go: It is located 4.5 km from Mulbekh towards east.
Chiktan Fort
Fort
Tahtah Khan, Prince of Baltistan, took shelter in Chiktan area and decided to construct a fort here in the 8th century but managed to build only a small palace. It was built in the 16th century by Balti craftsmen. The castle served as a royal residence for centuries.
The fort was neglected after being attacked by the Dogra king, who destroyed parts of the fort. The fort remains ruined.
How to go: It is located about 75 km from Kargil.
Day-2: Suru Valley
Suru valley consist of few villages mainly are Sankoo, Panikhar and Parkachik.
There are daily bus service from kargil to Sankoo, Panikhar and Parkachik.
Sankoo
Village
Sankoo is a town in the Kargil district. It is about 42 km from Kargil towards south.
There is a small village called Kartse Khar in Sankoo. You can see the 7 meter rock carved statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Sapi Lake trekking from Sapi Valley, and a beautiful view from the lake. If you travel to this lake, stay at Sankoo. Sankoo has several guest houses.
How to go: There are daily bus service from kargil to Sankoo, Panikhar and Parkachik.
Panikhar
Village
After Sankoo come Panikhar for Nun Kun views. There is a tourist bungalow here, run by the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department. Stay at Panikhar.
The Nun Kun mountain, a pair of Himalayan peaks: Nun - 7,135 meters and Kun Peak 7,077 meters.
How to go: There are daily bus service from kargil to Sankoo, Panikhar and Parkachik.
Day-3: Suru Valley
Parkachik La
High Altitude Passes
The only way to reach this pass is an easy trek from Panikhar. If you are staying overnight at Panikhar, you walk up to the pass and return by evening. Another way is start from Panikhar, cross the pass and descend down to Parkachik, the last village of the Suru valley, on the other side. J&K tourism dept has a tourist bungalow here. You can stay at night. Parkachik La pass provides amazing views of Nun – Kun massif and other peaks in the main Himalayan ridge separating Kashmir from Ladakh.
How to go: There are daily bus service from kargil to Parkachik via Sankoo and Panikhar.
Day-4: Suru Valley
Parkachik Glacier
Glacier
Located at a little distance of Parkachik, it is a majestic mass of ice moving slowly down the slopes of Nun and Kun peaks. You can walk up to the glacier via a suspension footbridge over the Suru river. Huge slabs of ice occasionally peel off the 300 ft high front wall of Nun Kun and and fall into the Suru River, providing a magnificent view of the huge ice-fall.
How to go: There are daily bus service from kargil to Parkachik via Sankoo and Panikhar.
Shafat Glacier
Glacier
It is a 14 km long glacier in Suru valley which gives rise to the peaks of Nun and Kun and also provides base to climb these two mountains. Water from this glacier forms a stream known as “Shafat Nala” which adds to the flow of Suru river. It is a broken, ice falling glacier melting at an alarming rate due to the Global warming.
Note that, If you want to go farther to Zanskar Valley (Rangdum, Padum), is about 150 km from Panikhar, there is no public bus connectivity from Parkachik. There is only weekly bus come from Leh, stay Kargil at night and next day starts for Pedum via Suru Valley and Rangdum. Timing is uncertain. You may get shared taxi if it is coming from Kargil for Pedum and seats available. So you have to hire taxi from Kargil. Private taxi fare Kargil to Pedum one way is about 13000 Rs to 15000 Rupee. Too expensive! Shared Taxi fare about 1500 Rupee per person.
Day-5: Zanskar Valley
Zanskar valley is about 150 km from Suru Valley. Zanskar valley is closed from November to May due to heavy snow conditions.
Early morning wait for any bus or shared taxi coming for Pedum from kargil. If you found then you are lucky.
There are few hotels and guest houses in Padum. Stay the days you want.
On this trip few places you can visit
Rangdum Gompa
Monastery
Also known as fort of Rangdum.
How to go: 5 Km from Rangdum is the Rangdum Gompa. Located on a small but steep hill.
Pensi La
High Altitude Passes
Known as the Gateway to Zanskar, Pensi La is 4,400 meters above sea level. On the way of Pedum you will cross this place.
Ta Tso and the Lang Tso Lakes
Lakes
These are two small lakes located at the top of Pensi La pass.
Drang Drung Glacier
Glacier
At the top of the Pensi La pass, you will find Drang Drung glacier on the right hand side of your journey to Pedum. It is a river of ice and snow. It is the source of Doda River.
Doda River
River
Also known as Stod River, it is a 79 km long river.
Day-6: Zanskar Valley
Sani Gompa
Monastery
This monastery is located at a distance of 8.5 km from Padum Market towards northwest through Padum-Kargil road.
Dzongkhul Gompa
Monastery
Dzongkhul Monastery or Zongkhul Gompa is located in the Stod Valley of Zanskar. Dzongkhul has traditionally been home to famous yogins.
Its foundation is attributed to Naropa (956-1041 CE), a famous Indian Buddhist yogi and monk of the famous Vikramshila University in Bihar. It is said that he meditated in one of the two caves around which gompa was built and the monastery was dedicated to him. His footprints can be seen on the rocks near the entrance of the cave. The gompa contains pictures and thankas of the famous Drukpa lamas. Some of the frescoes on the cave walls were made about 300 years ago.
Umasi La
High Altitude Passes
Accessible only by a tough trek, this 5342 meters high pass connects Zanskar to Lahaul valley. Getting on top this pass is a tough, several days long, trekking expedition.
Day-7: Zanskar Valley
Pibiting Gompa
Monastery
How to go: It is located about 1.5 km from Padum Market towards norhteast in Pibiting village.
Kursha Monastery
Monastery
Karsha Gompa is the largest and the most important monastery in Zanskar.
The oldest surviving structure, the Avalokiteshvara, has wall paintings which seem to associate it with the era of Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055).
The most important festival, known as the Karsha Gustor, is held with masked cham dances on the 26th to the 29th day of the 11th Tibetan month, which is usually in January.
How to go: It is about 7.5 km from Pibiting Gompa towards northeast and 14 km from Pedum Village. Taxi fare Pedum to Karsa is about one way 520 Rupee and both way 690 Rupee.
* The village has the facilities available for river rafting in the Zanskar river.
Stongdey Gompa
Monastery
Also called Thongde monastery was founded in 1052 by Naropa's disciple.
How to go: It is located about 18 km from Padum Market towards northwest through the road Zangla.
Zangla Fort
Fort
The ancient Zangla fort or palace was the residence of the king of Zangla. It is now ruined.
How to go: it is located about 32 km from Padum towards northeast. Taxi fare for Zangla is about one way 2000 Rupee and both way 3000 Rupee.
* Zanskar River is formed after Lungnak river merges into Doda river. Zanskar river finally merges in to Indus river near Nimmu. There is Chadar Trek - Trek on Frozen River. This trek only happens in the months of January and February. The sheet of ice frozen on the Zanskar river. Trek is from Nimmu to Padum and you walk alongside the frozen Zanskar river. So in the June to September you can omit this trek.
Day-8: Zanskar Valley
Phuktal Gompa
Monastery
Also called Phugtal Monastery. The Phuktal Monastery is built around a natural cave. It is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators and monks about 2,550 years ago.
This monastery also offers rooms for rent so you may go trek there, stay at the monastery for the night and return to Padum the next day.
How to go: about 45 km from Padum Market towards southeast. Almost 4 to 5 hour walk from the village of Anmu.
Shingo La
High Altitude Passes
How to go: This pass is on a long-distance footpath linking Zanskar and Lahaul valleys, from Darcha to Padum. For trekkers it is a relatively easier pass. A road running across this pass but now, it is only accessible by foot.
Bardan Monastery
Monastery
Bardan Gompa is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery. The monastery consists of a large Dukhang or assembly hall which has some grand statues of Buddhist figures and several small stupas.
How to go: Located approximately 12 km from Padum towards south.
Sheela waterfall
Waterfall
How to go: It is located in between Padum and Bardan Monastery.
* You may get bus from Pedum to Leh with one night halt at Kargil.
Note that, If your next destination is Delhi or Manali or Keylong then back to Leh then by bus go to there.
If your next destination is Kashmir then after staying at night in Kargil, by another bus go to Kashmir. The bus leaves from Leh via Kargil.
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