Central Ladakh: Historic Heartland

Central Ladakh or the Indus Valley with Leh town at its centre is the historical heartland of Ladakh. Most of the historical, heritage and religious sites are located in this region. It extends from Lamayuru, 120 km. North of Leh to the high altitude plateau of Changthang area, 150 km. South of Leh. Ancient monasteries of Lamayuru, Alchi, Likir, Ridzong, Phyang, Spituk, Thiksey, Thaktok and Hemis are located here. Besides, most other historic sites, palaces and forts are also located in this region.

Leh town, the Headquarters of the region at one time was a major resettlement on the Asian ‘ Silk Routes’ and a commercial capital in its own right. It has many historic monuments to visit, like the 17th century Palace, 15th century Tsemo Gompa, and 17th century Jamia mosque, Sankar Gompa and the early 18th century Zorawar Fort. Besides, the main market area is a sightseeing attraction. Exploring the lanes and by-lanes of this town looking into curio shops is an engaging experience. There is bargain shopping for semi-precious stones, jewellery, antiques, and dazzling arrays of souvenirs. Many handicrafts show rooms’ stock local handmade Tibetan carpets, pashmina & woollen shawls, dragon paintings, thankas, lacquered tea tables- all ideals as souvenirs.

Nubra Valley: Revisiting ‘Silk ‘ Route

Between the mighty Karakoram Range and the Ladakh Range is the Nubra Valley, through which flows the Shyok River. The road from Leh to Nubra Valley passes through the Khardongla Pass (5455M)- the highest motorable road in the world. This was the ancient trade route between North India and the Central Asian cities of Yarkand and Khotan. Major attractions are the headquarters town of Diskit (118 km from Leh) with its hilltop monastery and the rolling sand dunes at Hundar, (7 km from Diskit) with a small population of double-humped Bactrian camels, a legacy from the Central Asian trade caravans. Visitors can avail of a marvelous moonlight camel safari on the dunes. North of Diskit is Samthanling, where the hillside monastery is the attraction. Further down the Valley, 25 km from Diskit is Panamik famous for its Hot Springs. These are used as a traditional spa by throng of people for curing various ailments.

Changthang- The Land of Changpa Nomad, High Altitude Lakes and Wildlife

The highland plateau of Changthang, Rupshu and Korzok areas of Southeast Ladakh with rolling hills, meadows and exotic landscape is the home of the Changpa Tribe, a pastoral and nomadic community. This area is possibly the most attractive as far as scenic beauty, lakes and wildlife are concerned. Notable lakes are Pangong (largest brackish lake in Asia), Tsomoriri, Tsokar and Statspuk Tso.

Pangong Lake - At an altitude of 4267M, this lake is 154 km from Leh. It is 130 km long and 5-6 km wide, straddling across the border between India and China. The ochre hills of Changchenmo Range surrounding it from north provide a spectacular backdrop to the blue and green expanse of its brackish waters. It is believed that lake is remains of the sea water captured in the high mountains by the collision of the two continental plates, the main Asian and the Indian sub-continent (Gondwana) millions of years ago.

Tsomoriri Lake - The Leh- Manali road goes through the high-altitude desert plateau of Rupshu inhibited only by the nomadic Changpa herdsmen and their flocks of pashmina goats and sheep. This desolate landscape is the setting for the spectacular Tsomoriri Lake and other lakes in the area. At an altitude of 4572m, this lake is 140 km from Leh. It is breeding ground of the rare bar- headed geese and home to number of rare bird species. The small village of Korzok with its hilltop monastery is the only habitation in the area.

Wildlife - Changthang has abundance of exotic wildlife. Kyang, the Tibetan wild ass and the snow leopard are found here. Wild asses are generally found grazing near Tsokar pastures and they seem moving in flocks. Rare and exotic birds like the Bar headed goose, the rare migratory Black Necked Cranes and the Tibetan Cranes also found here.

Zanskar Valley- Trekkers’ Paradise .

Known as the ‘lost kingdom’ this is most isolated all Himalayan valleys; it remains inaccessible for 7-8 months in a year. It is a very popular destination with trekkers. Set in a wide plain where two swift flowing tributaries join to form the Zanskar River, is Padum, the main habitation and the sub-divisional headquarters. Close to the town is a set of ancient rock carvings and two picturesque monasteries, the Stagringmo and Pibiting gompas. A two-hour trek from Padum takes one to Karcha, the largest and the wealthiest gompas in the region. It dates back to the16th century. Other interesting monasteries include the castle- like gompa at Sani (6km from Padum), the splendid Stongdey (18 km) perched on a rocky outcrop, Bardan (12 km) and the spectacularly located Phugtal just off the Padum- Manali trail.

Suru Valley

It is one of the prettiest areas of Ladakh and extends 140 km beyond Kargil to Penzila Pass, the ‘Gateway’ to Zanskar Valley. Unlike most other parts of the region, the inhabitants of this area gets two crops in a year due to abundant water and warmer weather conditions. The view along the Sankoo- Panikhar tract is magnificent. The open valley adorned with alpine meadows strewn with wild flowers, groves of poplars and willows are set against the majestic backdrop of Himalayan peaks covered with perpetual snow. At Thangbu,a small village, the travellers get first glimpse of the spectacular Nun (7135m) and Kun (7035m) massif. The road goes past the glaciers of the Nun-Kun massif to descend to Rangdum, set in wild and beautiful surroundings. It is located at the farthest end of the Suru Valley before the Penzila pass (4401m). Set on a hillock is Rangdom Gompa with a little stream forming moat around it, like an ancient fort protecting the valley.