Ladakh: The Land of High Passes

Known as the 'Land of High Passes', Ladakh is one of the top destinations in India that I want to visit. Located in the northernmost part of India, Ladakh is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, serene monasteries, and thrilling adventure activities. Read on to know more about the  Ladakh tour package and Chadar Trek.


Pic Credit: Eatcha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit: John Hill, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit: Narender9, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LADAKH
Ladakh is known for its stunning landscapes, serene monasteries, and thrilling adventure activities such as trekking, rafting, and camping. A Ladakh tour package is the best way to explore this beautiful region. A package usually includes a visit to some of the popular tourist destinations in Ladakh such as Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri Lake. Many packages also include visiting famous monasteries such as Hemis Monastery, Diskit Monastery, and Thiksey Monastery. The region has a rich cultural heritage, and most of the people in Ladakh follow Tibetan Buddhism. The best time to visit Ladakh is from June to September, but for winter adventure activities like the Chadar Trek, the best time to visit is from January to February.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LADAKH
The best time to visit Ladakh is from June to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are open. However, if you are looking for a winter adventure, you can visit Ladakh in January and February.  

Summer in Ladakh: June to September is considered the summer season. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the roads are open, making it easier to explore the region. The temperature ranges from 20°C during the day to 10°C at night. This time is ideal for adventure activities like trekking, camping, and rafting. The monasteries and cultural festivals are also accessible during this period.
Winter in Ladakh: However, if you're an adrenaline junkie, the best time to visit is from January to February. During this period, the temperature drops to -30°C, making it a challenging but exciting adventure. One of the unique things to do in Ladakh is the Chadar Trek where you get to experience walking on a frozen river, surrounded by snow-capped mountains!

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Pic Credit: Traveller Natalia Kudashkina, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit: WikClick, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN LADAKH
Leh: Leh is the capital city of Ladakh and a popular tourist destination. The city is known for its beautiful landscapes and serene monasteries. Leh is also a hub for adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, and camping. The city offers a unique experience of cultural tourism. The local bazaars and shops are a must-visit for travelers looking to buy traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Nubra Valley: Nubra Valley is a beautiful valley located in the northern part of Ladakh. The valley is known for its dunes, monasteries, and hot springs. The main attractions in Nubra Valley include the Diskit Monastery, which is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the region. The sand dunes at Hunder are also a popular attraction, where you can enjoy a camel ride in the midst of the desert. The valley is also home to the unique double-humped Bactrian camels. Nubra Valley is also a great destination for trekking, camping, and mountain biking.
Pangong Tso Lake: Pangong Tso Lake is a beautiful lake located in the eastern part of Ladakh. The lake is known for its blue water and serene surroundings. The lake is a popular destination for tourists and has gained fame after it was featured in the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. The lake is located on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China. The area around the lake is considered to be a sensitive border area and requires a special permit to visit. The best time to visit Pangong Tso Lake is from June to September, as the weather is pleasant and the lake is accessible. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the banks of the lake or camp under the stars. The lake also offers various adventure activities like boating and rafting.
Tso Moriri Lake: Tso Moriri Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The lake is known for its serene surroundings and beautiful landscapes. Changthang region is a high-altitude plateau and home to many nomadic tribes. Visitors can interact with these tribes and learn about their unique way of life. The lake is also home to various bird species like bar-headed geese, brahminy ducks, and crested grebes. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, camping, and trekking in the surrounding areas. The lake is located in a remote area, and visitors are required to obtain a special permit to visit. Tso Moriri Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to experience the beauty of the high-altitude lake.

Pic Credit: Goutam1962, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit: Goutam1962, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

CHADAR TREK - AN OVERVIEW
The Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling adventure activities in Ladakh. This trek is done on the frozen Zanskar River during the winter season. The trek starts from Chilling and ends at Nerak. The trek takes around 7-9 days, and the distance covered is around 105 km. The Chadar Trek starts from the village of Chilling and goes up to the frozen waterfall of Nerak. The trek is about 105 kilometres (65 miles) long and takes around 8-10 days to complete. The trek takes place during the winter months, from January to February when the temperature drops to as low as -25°C (-13°F). 
The Chadar Trek is a unique experience as trekkers have to walk on the frozen river, which can be quite challenging due to the slippery ice and freezing temperature. The trek also offers stunning views of the frozen river, snow-capped mountains, and the unique lifestyle of the Zanskari people who live in the region.

BEST TIME TO DO CHADAR TREK
The best time to do the Chadar Trek is from January to February. During this time, the temperature drops to -30 degree Celsius, and the Zanskar River freezes, making it possible to walk on the river. However, the Chadar Trek is not recommended during the early and late winter months (December and March), as the ice on the river may not be stable, and there is a risk of accidents. Additionally, during the monsoon months (July to September), the Zanskar river is not frozen, making it impossible to do the trek. Therefore, it is important to plan the Chadar Trek during the winter months and check the weather and ice conditions before embarking on the trek. It is also advisable to consult with experienced trek operators who can provide guidance and support during the trek.

HOW DIFFICULT IS CHADAR TREK?
The Chadar Trek is difficult, and it is recommended only for experienced trekkers. The trek involves walking on the frozen river, and the temperature can drop to -30 degree Celsius. Trekkers have to navigate through narrow gorges, frozen waterfalls, and steep climbs, which require a certain level of technical skills and experience. The trek also involves camping in sub-zero temperatures and facing harsh winds, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. It is also important to note that the trek involves a high altitude of over 11,000 feet, which can cause altitude sickness. Trekkers are advised to acclimatize properly before embarking on the trek and to consult with experienced trek operators who can provide guidance and support during the trek. Being a winter trek, it also requires you to carry a compatible sleeping bag, a headlamp with extra batteries, snow trekking shoes that will help you not slip & fall and trekking poles to help you balance further. You should be strong enough to carry them all!

Pic Credit: Goutam1962, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit: Goutam1962, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ladakh is a beautiful region with mesmerizing landscapes, serene monasteries, and thrilling adventure activities. The Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling adventure activities in Ladakh, and it is recommended only for experienced trekkers. Now that Roopkund has been closed for good, Chaddar makes me excited! I dunno if I'm physically up for a Chaddar trek, but it is indeed very tempting. Chadar or not, I should really, really should plan my trip to Ladakh!

The article was written by a guest author.

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

1 comment:

  1. Reading this blog makes me realize why I haven't visited Ladakh.

    ReplyDelete

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