Ladakh Info

Ladakh literally means ‘Land of the high passes’. However, it is more popularly and affectionately known as the Little Tibet in India.

Vastness, isolation, rigor, hospitality, spirituality, traditions and splendor are some of the words one can use to sum up Ladakh.

Ladakh moves you, no matter where you look. And if you come here, it will open your heart.

Traveling to Ladakh, you are consumed with a vast serenity and a quiet sense of peace. Despite this, the military presence here reminds us that we are on a strategic land disputed by India, China and Pakistan.

In the north the Nubra Valley lies resplendent, irrigated by the waters from the Karakoram glaciers. The sediments of the largest continental glaciers of the world have formed sand dunes which camels call home.

No one can feel indifferent when discovering peaceful villages tucked away in such an isolated valley of the world.

In East Ladakh, the narrow valleys open up and spread out as mountain lakes turn into flooded plains at over 4500 meters. You will be awestruck by the majestic beauty of Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar.

In the South and the West, the chain of Zanskar, one of the largest mountain chains with peaks reaching above 6000 m, will reveal all the secrets of the Himalayan geology before your eyes and expose the many animal and plant species in the region.

The elusive snow leopard can be seen in the Hemis National Park.

In the heart of Ladakh is the Indus Valley. The valley is only accessible by crossing passes over 5000 m. In fact, this is the meaning of Ladakh, “The land of high passes”.

Ladakh also houses the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the world. Despite the arid landscapes of the Indus and its tributaries, every village and monastery appears as an oasis, as the villagers and monks organize their land into fertile terraces by channeling the flowing torrents of glacial water towards their land.

You can reach Ladakh by road or by air.

Ladakh by road

For your acclimatization to such high altitude, we recommend you to spend a night at Manali, then a second night at or near Keylong (Jispa).
From Keylong you can then reach Leh in one day. It is a long drive of almost 10 hours. If you wish to enjoy the landscape of the Manali to Leh road, you could spend one more night between Keylong and Ladakh.
The two options for a third night before Ladakh are Sarchu and Pang. Both these places are above 4200 m. So, you may experience altitude sickness during the night.

The second road to Ladakh starts from Srinagar in the Kashmir area. The distance is slightly shorter and the road is also very scenic but the geopolitical situation in Kashmir is uncertain. For your safety you may prefer to choose going via Manali.

Ladakh by air

It is very easy to reach Ladakh by air from Delhi. But the problem is your acclimatization to the altitude. Leh being at an altitude of 3500 m, reaching by air may give you altitude sickness when reaching. It usually takes two days to feel better.
Therefore, we recommend our travellers to reach Ladakh by road and to come back by air.

Do you want to go to Leh by road in the best and safest way ? Enquire now !

Ladakh has a continental climate.
The weather is warm with plenty of sunshine in the summer. However it can get very cold and dip below freezing in the higher reaches of Ladakh even during the day in summer.

Unpredictable weather conditions can add days to your journey. It is always advisable to keep one or two days free in case you are stuck somewhere because of a landslide, flood or so. For instance, in 2010, there was a terrible flood in Ladakh that has affected a lot of visitors.

The winters of Ladakh are very cold. Winter visitors are only those who want to trek on the frozen Zanskar river or those who wants to spot the Snow Leopard.
In case you want to reach Ladakh overland (recommended) you can only come in summer and in autumn since the high passes are closed the rest of the time due to snow.

Do you want to plan a trip to Ladakh in the best and safest way ? Enquire now !

Planning a Ladakh adventure? Discover the best modes of transportation for your Ladakh journey!

Ladakh is vast ! And the roads are not always in good conditions because of the harsh environment.
So to visit most of the places you will need to move with a good vehicle that we provide.
Himalayan Ecotourism offers you two options.

Ladakh in a private vehicle

Travel with our team in a private jeep/minibus. Our Ladakhi drivers and guides will take you safely on the roads of Ladakh. Having your guide with you in the vehicle is a big advantage as he can tell you all the facts and stories of the different places on the way.
Prefer traveling in a private vehicle for your safety and comfort !

Ladakh on a motorcycle

You travel Ladakh on a motobike (Royal Enfield).
We will provide the best bikes available and you will be going with our team that follows you in a backup jeep.
In the team you have the jeep driver, your guide and a mechanic to help if you have any problem on the way.
You will have to drive carefully as the roads can be dangerous, especially on the high passes.
Biking experience required !

We organize tours in Ladakh for many years. Trust our experience : Enquire now !

Ladakh has now a lot of different options for your stay, especially in Leh and in the Indus valley.
Stay in Leh is easy and you will find any accommodation that matches your budget : luxury hotels, budget guesthouses or even homestay.

But as soon as you are off the beaten track, you may not have so much of options.
Especially after crossing one of the high passes, there is rarely permanent residences.
Hence, you may have to camp ! The locals set up camps as soon as the passes open and they close them just before the passes are going to close.
This is the case on the Manali to Leh highway for instance.
Ask our advice if you want to visit the lakes of Ladakh or the Nubra valley.

In some cases we also offer that you go in the wilderness with our team of mountain experts who will set up the camp on the way, with you, wherever you feel like having a night stop !
Don’t worry, we provide the best camping equipment for safe and comfortable stay in the wilderness of Ladakh.

When you are on a trek, you will either have the option of staying in a homestay or camping. The camping equipment is carried by mules.

Let’s know your preferences, we will make it for you. Enquire now !

In the mystical land of Ladakh, festivity takes on a whole new meaning, as its people infuse their celebrations with a unique blend of tradition and cultural richness. As in any other region, Ladakh’s festivals are a testament to their distinct way of life. From the joyous Tibetan New Year to the exuberant onset of harvest season and the breathtaking flowering period, Ladakhis revel in these occasions with unparalleled zeal and fervor.

One cannot help but be captivated by the vibrant tapestry of Ladakh’s culture and heritage, which finds its most splendid expression in the monastic festivals held within the serene confines of Buddhist monasteries scattered throughout the region. These festivals are not mere events; they are grand showcases of Ladakh’s deep-rooted traditions, complete with colorful processions, mesmerizing masked dances, and melodious chants. As you immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of the traditional drums and the intricate performances of the masked Lamas, you’ll feel the very essence of Ladakh coming to life.

These celebrations are not just about rituals; they are a vibrant affirmation of life itself in the heart of this majestic valley. Ladakh’s festivals, much like its landscapes, are a treasure trove waiting to be explored and experienced. So, if you’re seeking an authentic Ladakhi experience, make sure to time your visit to coincide with one of these magnificent celebrations that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Read more about festivals of Ladakh