Travel to Ladakh Hill Station

Ladakh is a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh consists of two districts - Leh and Kargil. Leh is at an altitude of around 3505 m while Kargil is roughly at an altitude of 2750 m. Due to the strong influence of Tibetan culture on it, Ladakh is often called 'Little Tibet'.

Popularly known as the Lama Land or little Tibet, Ladakh has it all from trekking and mountaineering to Buddhist tours of various monasteries. There are interesting tourist attractions in Ladakh. Those on a pilgrimage tour should visit the Hemis monastery, the largest monastery in Ladakh.

How to Reach Ladakh

Ladakh, "The Land of High Passes" is known universally for its unique culture and tradition which has been preserved beautifully. The mystic aura of this snow-covered desert attracts tourists from all corners of the world.

Connectivity has been provided on the arduous routes of Ladakh through air as well as road. The Ladakh region is open for tourist from May to October; reaching Ladakh becomes difficult during winters in Ladakh.

By Air

The nearest airport in Ladakh region is in Leh. Flights to Leh are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar and several other cities.

By Train

The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is about 700 km away from Ladakh. From Jammu Tawi to Ladakh taxis are available and are rather costly, it takes nearly 2 days to complete the journey.

By Road

There are only two routes to reach Ladakh. One is from Srinagar and the other from Manali. The route from Srinagar to Ladakh via Kargil remains open from early June to November.

However, due to Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir the main route now is the Manali-Leh Highway from Himachal Pradesh. The Rohtang Pass on the Manali-Leh highway opens between July and September.

The HRTC and J&K SRTC operate daily bus services both deluxe and ordinary from Manali and Srinagar. Various transport facilities like mini coaches, shared taxis and rented motorbikes are also available to reach by road and the rates are pretty reasonable.

Places to Visit in Ladakh

Ladakh is the largest of the ten provinces of Jammu and Kashmir is bordered by the Karakoram chain of mountains in the north and Himalayas in the south. Ladakh covers a total area of about 59,000 square kilometers and is made up of two administrative districts - Leh and Kargil.  

Hemis Monastery

There are interesting tourist places in Ladakh. The Hemis monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh.

Hemis is famous for the huge painting of Buddha displayed once in 11 years to the public.

Thiske Monastery

The Thiske monastery near Leh is known for its architecture while the Shey Monastery houses a huge gold plated copper statue of the Buddha.
Gompas in Ladakh
Alchi, Likir and Lamayuru are amongst the oldest Gompas of Ladakh. Sankar Gompa, 3-km north of the town centre, is among the most accessible monasteries in central Ladakh.

For those keen on history can stop at Alchi is one of the significant historical sites in Asia on the Srinagar-Leh highway. So are Dah and Hanu on the far side of the great Indus river replete with legends and myths, which the locals can relate to you if are not tired, and if you can communicate with them.

Nubra Valley
The beautiful Nubra valley with its breathtaking views transports you back into a nearly forgotten 'Shangri La'.

Once the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass, it is one of the most recently opened area of Ladakh.

Lakes in Ladakh
Ladakh is blessed with some beautiful lakes. The Tso Morari Lake is one of the largest lakes in Ladakh region and is almost like an inland sea, the Pangong Tso, at an altitude of almost 4,500 meters and 134-km long is an amazing sight.

Kyaghr Lake is the halting place for trekkers moving from the Kiangdum camping ground to the Tsomorari Lake.

Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary

Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary, the high altitude national park beckons the wild life enthusiast.

Shopping in Ladakh

If you wish to take some memorabilia from the world's highest hill station, then shopping in Ladakh will be the ideal option. You can find traditional curios and all kinds of trinkets in the colorful markets of Ladakh.

The popular items of shopping in Ladakh are Pashmina shawls, stoles and woolen garments. Hand-made woolen socks, gloves, caps and sweaters, which are locally made, are also favorites with tourists. You can also check out the hand-woven rugs, carpets and shawls which are available in a range of prices. With floral or geometric designs or dragon motifs on them, they can also be hung as decorative wall hangings.

If you are interested in Tibetan handicraft items, then you can find fascinating ones like the prayer wheels, Buddhist masks and thangka paintings. Also popular are the Tibetan silver jewellery and traditional turquoise jewellery from Ladakh. If you wish to take some delicious edibles as souvenirs from Ladakh, then apricots are the best.

The main markets in Leh are the Tibetan market of Leh Road and Moti market near the bus stand. There are both government run craft emporiums and the open markets, the latter requiring skillful bargaining

Eating Out in Ladakh

There are a variety of choices for eating out in Ladakh as there are several multi-cuisine restaurants in Leh that serve a spectrum of dishes that include Chinese, Korean, Continental and Tibetan food. 

As far as the traditional food of Ladakh is concerned, lots of dry fruits and spices are used to provide an exotic aroma and special flavour to the food. Roghan Josh, Yaknee, Gushtaba and Marchwangan Korma are some the special non-vegetarians dishes that you may try here.

Budshah Inn is the place if you want to try authentic Kashmiri Cuisines you may also try the Chinese cuisine there.

Leh hosts the grand feast 'Wazawan', which was started way back in the 15th century by the master chefs of Kashmir. Wazawan is a 36-course delicious meal comprising mostly non-vegetarian dishes. The Himalaya Cafe is popular for Tibetan cuisine. Dreamland Restaurant is the place to go for Tibetan, Kashmiri, Indian and Italian food.

If you are wondering where to eat breakfast, visit Pumpernickel German Bakery, which offers lasagne and other meals.

Hotels in Leh ladakh

Leh Ladakh, the paradise-like city that crowns the country and lends it an exotic charm, has always been the first choice for a holiday in the hills. Renowned throughout the world for its enthralling sites, the place lets you enjoy several adrenaline-pumping activities like wildlife safari, trekking and mountain climbing.
 

Beside hotels and lodges, the travellers can attempt to spend days in the environmentally-friendly luxury tented resorts. The well-equipped weather proof tents and camps blend harmoniously with nature to provide a perfect experience to its visitors.  

Budget Hotels

Sun-N-Sand Address : Chanspa City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 01982-252468 Type : Budget Rooms in Hotel : 20 Maximum Room Rate : INR 1200 Minimum Room Rate : INR 500

3 Star Hotels

Hotel Caravan Centre Address : Skara City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 01982-252282, 251814 Fax No. : 01982-253779 Email ID : caravan@HotelCaravanCentre.com Website : www.hotelcaravancentre.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 28 Maximum Room Rate : INR 7500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3500

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Grand Dragon Address : Chulung Old Road, Sheynam City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 1982-257786 / 255866 / 255266 Email ID : hotel@thegranddragonladakh.com Website : hotel@thegranddragonladakh.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 50 Maximum Room Rate : INR 11506 Minimum Room Rate : INR 7261	Hotel Druk Ladakh Address : Shanti stupa Road, Yurtung City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : ?+91- 9419178448; +91- 9906999978; +91- 9697000999 Fax No. : ?91-1982-253303. Email ID : hotel@thedrukladakh.com Website : http://www.thedrukladakh.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 41 Maximum Room Rate : INR 7683 Minimum Room Rate : INR 7253
Hotel Ladakh Residency Address : Changspa road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 91-1982-258111258222 Email ID : http://info@ladakhresidency.com/ Website : http://ladakhresidency.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 15 Maximum Room Rate : INR 7015 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5538	Hotel Shangri-la Address : Old Leh Rd City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 00 91 9906975424 | 9419179137 | 9920380050 Email ID : salimladakh@gmail.com Website : www.shangrilaladakh.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 45 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5716 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5716
Hotel Ladakh Sarai Address : Saboo Village Rd, Saboo City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91-9419-179018 Website : http://www.ladakhsarai.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 22 Maximum Room Rate : INR 6100 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5500	Hotel Spic N Span Address : Old Road leh City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 1982 252765, 253007 Email ID : info@spicnspanladakh.com Website : http://www.spicnspanladakh.com Type : Luxury Maximum Room Rate : INR 12800 Minimum Room Rate : INR 7200
Hotel Lharisa Resort Address : Skara City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 09419177425, 09818281103 Email ID : info@ladakh-lharisa.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 20 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3800	Ule Ethnic Resort Address : P.O Box no. 168, Uleytokpo City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 - 1982253640, 09419178275, 09858060667, 941988 Email ID : ulecamp@gmail.com Website : http://www.uleresort.com Type : Luxury Rooms in Hotel : 44 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5340 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3400

Super Deluxe Hotels

Hotel Caravan Centre Address : Caravan Centre, Old Road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 01982 253 779 Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 25 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4251 Minimum Room Rate : INR 4189	Hotel Eco ?Poplar Resort Address : Leh City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 20 Maximum Room Rate : INR 3660 Minimum Room Rate : INR 2460
Hotel City Palace Address : City Palace, Upper Tukcha Road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 9419176722?/?7298793083 Email ID : citypalaceleh@gmail.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 28 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5784 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5476	Hotel Kaal? Address : Leh City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 1982 251333? Website : http://hotelkaalladakh.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 39 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4615 Minimum Room Rate : INR 2461
Hotel Lasermo Address : Lasermo, Chulung Old Road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 - 1982 - 252313, 257778 Fax No. : +91 - 1982 - 255203 Email ID : ?sandeep@tripindiahotels.com Website : http://www.hotellasermo.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 19 Maximum Room Rate : INR 8544 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5040	Hotel Namgyal Palace Address : Namgyal Palace, Fort Road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91-1982-256356? Fax No. : +91-1982-256479 Email ID : namgyalpalace@yahoo.com Website : http://www.namgyalpalace.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 28 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4100 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3200
Hotel Omasila Address : Omasila, Changspa City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Website : http://www.hotelomasila.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 38 Maximum Room Rate : INR 3258 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3196	Hotel Reenam Address : Sankar Road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 24 Maximum Room Rate : INR 7376 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3565
Hotel Shambhala Address : Shambhala, Near Zorawar Fort Road City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 09810035145, 09871766688, 09419177900 Fax No. : 0091-1982-252607 Email ID : ladakh@hotelshambhala.com Website : http://www.hotelshambhala.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 28 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5107 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3876	Namra?Hotel Address : Temisgam City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : 09419178324, 09419178325 Email ID : namrahotel@gmail.com Website : http://namrahotel.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 15 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5415 Minimum Room Rate : INR 4061
Hotel The Palace Address : Fort Road, Skara City : Leh Ladakh State : Jammu and Kashmir Pin Code : 194101 Phone No. : +91 9419176722?/?7298793083 Email ID : citypalaceleh@gmail.com Website : http://www.citypalaceladakh.com Type : Super Deluxe Rooms in Hotel : 20 Maximum Room Rate : INR 5784 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5476

Tourist Map of Ladakh