10 Reasons Why Ladakh should be on your bucket list in 2021

The beautiful magical views of Ladakh

Majestic beauty, beguiling meadows, imposing mountains, swift rivers, lots of adventure, serene lakes, and what not? There are a plethora of reasons to plan a trip to Ladakh right now! Break the monotony of city life and get ready to explore the wonders of Ladakh, the ‘Land of High Passes’. Ladakh is a paradise for any kind of traveler and a treasure trove for anybody who really wants to soak in the charm of this wonderland.

You can never have enough of this hauntingly beautiful place. It is a land of contrasts. The harsh brown mountains and the sky a hue of blue you will never see anywhere else. The cold, unforgiving winters and the warmth of the Ladakhis as they say “Julley”. This place attracts millions of people who visit this place for its various elements. Are you confused about whether or not to choose Ladakh for your next vacation? Here are 10 top reasons why you should visit Ladakh.

1. Soak-in the beauty of the pristine nature

The beautiful Pangong Tso

Ladakh is not just a barren land! It is the place where nature dwells in its purest form. From lush green pastures to scenic lakes like Pangong Tso, the natural bounties adorn Ladakh in a charming way. An unbelievable, magical and superb landscape makes this cold desert an extremely awe-inspiring place. All the nature lovers can treat their eyes with just nature and all its untouched beauty. There are also many natural sights that can present a visual retreat for the spectators.

Natural attractions of Ladakh:

  • Pangong Tso
  • Tso Moriri
  • Leh
  • Shey
  • Stok Palace
  • Nubra Valley

Do you want to travel to a place where you are surrounded by clear blue skies, lofty snow-capped mountains, and raw beautiful nature everywhere you go? Nestled cozily between the Karakoram and the Himalayas mountain ranges, Ladakh is known for its exquisite beauty, small hamlets, and friendly people. 

2. Ladakh is dotted with numerous scenic monasteries-

The majestic Thiksey Monastery

Ladakh is not only jam-packed with adventure activities, but it is also dotted with various picturesque monasteries. These quaint monasteries in Ladakh portray the most remarkable feature of the place. The serenity prevailing at these Gompas makes them the best places to visit in Ladakh. Devotees throng at the monasteries to offer prayers. Not only the natives but international tourists also revere these monasteries equally. Beautifully created, these monuments are truly an architectural wonder. Festooned with flags and owning religious value, the monasteries are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

Popular Monasteries in Ladakh:

  • Hemis Monastery
  • Thiksey Monastery
  • Spituk Monastery
  • Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
  • Hundur Monastery

3. Marvel at the Ancient Architectures-

The Prayer Wheel at the entrance of Shey Monastery

A number of ancient Gompas and monasteries add to the glory of the Ladakh. Nestled at breathtaking locations, the monasteries are noted for spreading Buddhism in India. A treasure trove of ancient manuscripts, amazing architecture, and superb décor and antiques make these prehistoric structures stand out amongst the rest. The best time to visit Ladakh for exploring these centuries’ old monasteries is during the winter. Many sacred thangkas and ancient relics are carefully preserved at these monasteries.

4.   Culture

Ladakhi women carrying the goods for their family

Ladakh has a unique Buddhist culture with impacts from traditional beauties. Over the years, this culture has become an essential backbone for tourism. The land’s traditional culture and lifestyle make the cuisine, dressing, dance forms, and others. The festivals of the land gain more attention thanks to the exclusive culture of the land. This is one of the few places where you can find dancing monks enjoying festivals just like you

5.   Mountain Passes

Zig-zag curvy roads which leads to the high mountan passes

Since medieval times, the mountain passes of the region were of greater importance. The passes were the economic routes for trading spices, silks, and others. Exploring the mountain passes on a bike is an important activity of Ladakh. This is the most signature activity of Ladakh. Covering the mountain passes is easier during the right season. Top passes to cover are Khardung La pass, Bara-lacha la pass, Chang La pass, Taglang La pass, Umling La pass, Namikala pass, and others.

6. To truly connect by disconnecting

The first view of Pangong Lake is so magical that it urges you to disconnect from the outer world

We spend so much time glued to technology and gadgets that we forget to really connect with people, or even ourselves. Ladakh’s natural beauty – its lakes, national parks, monasteries, and valleys have a surreal quality about them. They make you want to just sit back, and tune into nature. Discover yourself, or have conversations with your partner, friends, or kids while you take long walks in Leh, or sip some hot yak-butter tea.

7.     Riding the world’s highest motorable road-

Enroute Khardung-La

How does the idea of riding a motorcycle on the world’s highest motorable road sound to you? Ladakh’s Umingla Pass located at an altitude of 19,600 feet is the world’s highest motorable road.

8.     Double-humped camel rides-

The white and cold Nubra Valley is known for its phenomenal beauty but also for the double-humped Bactrian camel rides. Travel to Hunder Gompa, the oldest monastery in Ladakh, and on your way back to Leh indulge in some sunset camel ride.

9.     Taste of nomadic life-

These black tarmac roads satiates our want for the feel of a nomadic life

Ladakh is the perfect getaway if you want a break from your fast and hectic digital life. Once you reach Leh, switch off your phone and interact with the locals. They are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Far from the regular populated places in India, Ladakh provides a first-hand nomadic experience. Still developing technologically, Leh-Ladakh creates a raw space where a vacation can truly be enjoyed the way it is meant to be.

10. To indulge your click-hungry instincts

There are numerous such bridges that will make you stop your car and take countless pictures and still leave you with the want to click more

In this age of selfies and Instagram, treat that photographer in you to some breathtakingly beautiful shots. It’s unbelievable how many different colors you will see in one shot that has just mountains, the sky, and the road. Browns, oranges, blues, greys, white, and tons more. The gushing streams, charming houses, narrow paths taking you closer to the Himalayas and the spectacular nature make it the apt place for post-card style photography. The arid mountain gives a magical background to your pictures. Not just nature, the architectural beauties, interiors of monasteries, and fluttering prayer flags make the place a classic destination for photography.

 If you’re biking to Khardung La or further, make sure your companion records the trip either through still images or a video. Capture the icy blue Pangong Lake at various times in the day.

A completely different land surface, free from the commotion, mess, and crowd, and vegetation too (well, almost!), you can always opt for a trip to Leh Ladakh to spend your vacation.

So, now that you have enough reasons, what’s stopping you from visiting amazing Ladakh, the doorway to heaven!

The confluence point of Indus river and Zanskar river

Till then- KEEP TRAVELLING. KEEP WANDERING.

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