Ladakh, ‘the Land of High Passes’, is a beautiful region in India. Snowcapped peaks, clear blue skies, barren mountains with meandering rivers, Ladakh is picturesque! It’s not only known for its scenic beauty but also for some of the most difficult treks. Bike lovers enjoy this trail of rugged mountains.
Ladakh (meaning “land of high mountain passes”) is a mountainous region in North India. Leh, the main city is situated at 3500m above sea level nestled in the great Himalayan, Karakoram, Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. Ladakh is known for remote mountain beauty, studded with monasteries and stupas. Ladakh is often referred as “Little Tibet” due to its geographical proximity and strong links to Tibetan culture.
Capital: Leh
Area: 98 000 square km
Altitude: altitude ranges from 2750m at Kargil to 7672m at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram
Languages: Ladakhi, Zanskari, Tibetan, English and Hindi
The predominant language is Ladakhi, it is closely related to Tibetan though is not mutually intelligible with it. A Ladakhi phrasebook “Getting Started in Ladakhi” by Melong publication is available in bookstores.
Population: 250 000 out of which 23 000 live in Leh
Religion: Buddhist (77.3%), Muslim (13.8%), Hindu (8.6%)
Climate: Ladakh is a rain shadow region of the Himalayas, the annual average rainfall in Leh is 100 mm. In summer, temperature reaches 25°C and it drops down to -15°C in winter.
The high passes are closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ladakh Tour Packages
Ques. How much will a Ladakh trip cost?
Ans. Ladakh tour packages can be availed at varying rates, depending on the season, accommodation preferences and activities that you choose. A 5 nights and 6 days package will cost you ₹ 41,151 per person, while a package for 6 nights and 7 days will cost you approximately ₹ 46,921 per person. You can also expect to pay around ₹ 55,225 per person for a 7 nights and 8 days holiday package in Ladakh.
Ques. Which is the best month to go to Ladakh?
Most people prefer booking Ladakh tour packages for the months between April and June. This is the best time to visit the region with clear and sunny skies and warmer temperatures during the day. You do get to witness snow-laden mountain peaks and frozen lakes in this period, although the weather conditions are pleasant enough for outdoor excursions and activities. The off-season is between the months of November and February, due to the strong winter chill and the closure of trekking routes owing to massive snowfall. If trekking is your sole purpose, then you may alternatively consider visiting between September and October, with a nip in the air and sunnier days.
Ques. Are 4 days enough for Ladakh?
There are several Ladakh tour packages that cover just three days. While this duration is not enough to extensively explore the region, you can still maximise your time here. 4 days will be sufficient for checking out the famous Pangong Tso Lake and the Zanskar Valley. You may also visit the Nubra Valley, Khardung-La Pass, Kargil and the Spituk Gompa. Other options include the Magnetic Hill and the Hemis National Park.
Ques. How to plan a 7-day trip to Ladakh?
If you are checking out a 7-day Ladakh tour packages, then you may consider any of these sample itineraries: Itinerary 1- Day 1- Land in Leh Day 2- Go to Alchi and then return Day 3- Visit Nubra Valley from Leh Day 4- Travel to the Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley Day 5- Visit the Tso Moriri Lake from the Pangong Lake Day 6- Return to Leh from the Tso Moriri Lake Day 7- Departure from Leh Itinerary 2- Day 1- Land in Leh Day 2- Go to Lamayuru Day 3- Journey to Leh from Lamayuru Day 4- Visit Nubra Valley from Leh Day 5- Go to Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley Day 6- Travel to Leh from Pangong Lake Day 7- Return home from Leh Itinerary 3- Day 1- Land in Leh Day 2- Visit the Nubra Valley Day 3- Go to Turtuk and return to Nubra Valley Day 4- Arrive at Pangong Lake Day 5- Visit the Tso Moriri Lake Day 6- Return to Leh Day 7- Departure from Leh
Ques. How to travel to Ladakh on a low budget?
Ans. Are you looking for budget Ladakh tour packages online? Here are some tips that you should keep in mind: Compare accommodation options in order to find lower prices. Chadar tents are affordable choices for accommodation in several remote areas. Eat at local eateries and dhabas and you can stay on a budget. Book your Leh flight well in advance to save on plane fares, which shoot up during the peak season. Book two or three months beforehand to save money. It is advisable to travel in a group to save money, rather than going solo. Local shared taxis or buses are affordable options for visiting tourist landmarks and exploring Ladakh.
Ques. Can we go to Ladakh by a small car?
Are you planning to travel in a small car during Ladakh holiday? If yes, then you should be careful about your choice of vehicle while booing your Ladakh tour packages. Many people do explore Ladakh in sedans and hatchbacks, although there are always risks of higher wear and tear on challenging roads. It is always recommended that you visit Ladakh in a 4×4 SUV which will have higher ground clearance and can comfortably traverse the mountain slopes and passes. An SUV like the Mahindra Thar could be a good choice if you are travelling with friends, while SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari or Toyota Fortuner, among others are better options for trips with the family.
Ques. What is the new rule for Ladakh trips?
Ans. Those booking Ladakh tour packages will have to compulsorily abide by a new directive of the authorities here. Going by this regulation, all tourists landing in Leh should go through acclimatisation for 48 hours prior to starting their journeys in areas with higher altitude such as Pangong Lake and Khardung La. In these 48 hours, tourists can only visit nearby localities from the Leh town. Acclimatisation for 48 hours will help tourists get used to the weather conditions and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations that can lead to major health issues.
Ques. Is food expensive in Leh-Ladakh?
Ans. You will find affordably priced Ladakh tour packages in most cases. While accommodation is on the reasonable side, food is also cheaper in the region. Most remote areas do not have any other options apart from dhabas and eateries. Hence, your meals will be cost-effective on average. Expect ₹ 1,100-1,200 each day for one person in Ladakh. It will be sufficient to take care of all major meals and snacks alike. If you are looking at transportation expenses, then it should be anywhere around ₹ 700 per head (per day) approximately. Hotel accommodation will cost you around ₹ 2,500-3,000 or more for two people (per day).
Ques. Can I swim in Pangong Lake?
Ans. Visiting the Pangong Lake is a vital part of several Ladakh tour packages available online. However, once you visit the lake, you should not go swimming or dip your feet in the waters. It may seem tempting to take a dip in the crystal clear and beautiful water, but it is not recommended for several reasons. The lake is a holy site for local people and they may not appreciate you swimming here. At the same time, the water is unbearably chilly. Swimming in the Pangong Lake may turn into a life-threatening affair, since there are no hospitals nearby. It is always best to avoid the same.
Ques. How do I prepare for a Leh-Ladakh trip?
Ans. There are varying Ladakh tour packages that cater to almost every traveller, be it families, adventure lovers and trekkers. However, there are some universal tips to prepare for your Leh-Ladakh trip that you should keep in mind. These include the following: You should be wary of AMS (acute mountain sickness) symptoms and go through the acclimatisation period of 48 days as per the rules. You should gradually scale up the altitude levels throughout your trip. Keep yourself hydrated without going over the top. Do not doze off at higher altitudes, while bypassing overexertion. Sleep in an upright manner if it is possible. Do not smoke or drink alcohol along with taking other depressants. Consume carbohydrates in sizeable amounts. Keep the body warm and comfortable. Have a medicine kit ready to combat AMS and other potential issues. Always have a compact oxygen kit with you. Descend swiftly if you or anyone else in the group is in bad shape. The best way to check is to ask an individual to walk in an absolute straight line, by placing one toe after another. If he/she cannot do the same, then it indicates ataxia and you should descend instantly.
What is the difference between Leh and Ladakh?
Ladakh is the name of an entire region within Jammu & Kashmir state, and the name of the district. Leh is the capital of this region, and the point of entry into this place if you are arriving by air. Leh is also the main town in the region. Most lay persons tend to use the terms Leh Ladakh together.
Is it safe to travel to Leh Ladakh?
Leh and Ladakh are some of the safest areas you can travel to in India. Yes it is a remote region, but there is a strong military presence which helps keeps any mischief makers away. Also, Ladakhi people are some of the most gentle and friendly people you will ever meet. Ladakh is safe for travellers of all kind, even solo travellers. Ladakh is also hundreds of miles away from the India – Pakistan border so it is not impacted by any tensions on that side.
Which car is best for a Ladakh trip?
The terrain in Ladakh is such that a normal sedan car would not be suitable for driving around this region. For a Ladakh trip, one should only book or drive an SUV or MUV car. This is why MakeMyTrip only uses MUV cars for their Leh Ladakh tour packages.
Which is the best time to visit Ladakh?
The best time to visit Ladakh will depend on what you wish to do and where you are planning to go. If you just want to visit Leh and see its main surroundings, you can visit anytime from April till October. On the other hand, if you wish to explore further around Leh and are considering Leh Ladakh packages that include places like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, then ideally you should travel to Ladakh between May and September for the best experience. If you wish to enjoy winter experiences around Leh such as walking on a frozen lake, or even just seeing the snow around Leh, then visit in the winter from December to February. You could also visit in January of February if you wish to do the Chadar Trek.
Does Leh have snow?
Leh is a valley and receives snowfall during winter. Areas at higher altitude around Leh will have snow even in spring and autumn months, and it is possible that you will get to see some snow at places like Khardung La pass, Chang La pass etc. depending on when you visit.