10 top reasons why Leh is a must visit this summer

Get away from the heat and dust of Delhi, visit the hills

Ten Reasons to Visit Leh This Summer

It is the diversity of landscape that makes India a unique country. Why not explore the cold desert of Ladakh this summer?

A barren, cold desert made Ladakh an inhospitable and inaccessible region but a marvellous work of engineering, the 9.2-kilometre Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway has provided tourists with easy access to Leh from Manali. Before the opening of the Atal Tunnel, the Rohtang Pass was a popular tourist destination in the Kullu district, with a large influx of tourist vehicles during the summer.

A person needs to adjust to the thin air before they begin to enjoy the stark landscape, where white, brown and blue dominate. The other notable features include Tibetan monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, whitewashed stupas, intricate murals and red-robed monks.

Best time to visit Ladakh

The best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer season, from April to July, when temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winters are harsh.

Connectivity

The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh is well-connected to the country's major airports, including the Delhi airport. The city centre is about 9 kilometres from the airport. You can take a prepaid taxi or bus to and from the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.

The 490-kilometre Manali-Leh road via Rohtang pass is one of the best experiences. Make sure to reserve your pass permit online through the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Council.

Another beautiful drive from Srinagar to Leh Ladakh is through the Khardung La pass. This road is more convenient than the Manali-Leh route because it has more amenities such as gas stations and restaurants.

Things to keep in mind for a trip to Ladakh

• The high altitude ranges from 11,500 feet to 18,300 feet above sea level, making the air thin, especially at the mountain passes. If you have Asthma and breathing problems, it is advisable to carry portable oxygen cans with you or purchase them from the medical shops in Leh for around Rs. 500, should they be needed.
• Carry medicines for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), especially if flying to Leh.
• Consume enough fluids to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the air.
• When travelling, always bring some packed food with you like chocolate and other ready to eat snacks.
• Prepaid phones do not work in J&K. If you want to stay connected, you should carry a postpaid SIM card if you are travelling to Leh this summer.
• As the temperatures go down and roads have scant traffic, riding after sunset is not advised in Ladakh.
• Rent bikes and cars, but check their servicing for long travel.

 It is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and show you a completely different side of the world. Long roads through spectacular valleys can make you wonder, "Do I want to get somewhere?" "I could ride this path indefinitely."

 Leh Local Sightseeing

• Shanti stupa

The white stupa, built by the Japanese, is 5 km from the city centre and has serene surroundings.

• Royal Leh Palace

A dun-coloured building, reminiscent strongly of Potala in Tibet, was built in the 14th century and has amazing views of the area from the upper storey.

• Shey monastery

It is part of the palace complex with a massive copper sculpture of Shakyamuni Buddha and other rare paintings and illustrations.

• Hemis monastery

45 km from Leh, the bright colours of the monastery are a sight to behold. Priceless artefacts and paintings are housed here.

• Namgyal monastery

Locally referred to as the temple of the Dalai Lama, this monastery exuded peace and beauty.

• Patthar sahib gurudwara

Nestled among mountains, the holy shrine, built in the 15 th century, is managed by the Indian army. Enjoy the langar here.

• Hall of fame

It is a museum for the brave soldiers of the Indo-Pak war and Kargil heroes.

 Check into Verda New Antelope for a wonderful stay near the Leh market.

Pangong Tso, Chang La

It is a 150-kilometer ride that can take 5-6 hours. The blue lake is surrounded by mountains, which lend their colour to the lake. It is a saltwater lake, with about 35% of the lake in India and the rest in China. There are many cafes and camps where you can eat well and relax.

Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Diskit, Sumur, Hunder

Many camps are organised in Nubra where you can enjoy the starry night if you are visiting Leh this summer. Nubra Valley, about 140 kilometres from Leh, is close to Pakistan. The climb begins as soon as you leave Leh, but the roads are wide and not as steep. The permit papers are checked at an army post called South Pullu, and an hour later, the highest motorable road in the world, the Khardung La pass, is reached. North Pullu in the army outpost on the other side of the pass. It's another two hours to Diskit, a town in Nubra Valley. The scenery is breathtaking, with massive mountains and lush valleys.

In Nubra Valley, there are 2-3 small towns like Sumru and Diskit, where you can find a place to stay. Visit the famous Diskit monastery.

Tso Moriri, a beautiful lake on the Manali highway, is not as well-known as Pangong Tso, but according to the locals, it is the more beautiful, of the two lakes.

Hundar

Hundar, famous for its Bactrian camels and dunes, was once the capital of the former Nubra kingdom, and visitors can explore the ruins of ancient buildings, including the ruins of the King's Palace, the Langchen Khar. Then there's Gula, which is a fort. Hundar is about 160 kilometres from Leh. The dunes between Hundar and Diskit are the highlight of this trip.

Check into Verda New Antelope for a wonderful stay near the Leh market.

Magnetic Hill, Confluence point

Following a visit to Hemis, drive along National Highway-1 (the road to Srinagar), a thrilling ride, to see the magnetic hill and the confluence. After a few kilometres, a magnificent sight awaits you: the Indus River will join you on your journey, and the blue water will merge with the green-looking water of Zanskar. 

Book through the user-friendly Fabvenues website for easy booking of hotels in Leh.