What are some of the interesting facts about Ladakh?
• Ladakh is the area with the least population and the highest residential point in India.
• Ladakh houses the world's highest optical, in-framed, and Gamma rays telescope.
• Did you know about the Magnet Hill of Ladakh? The hill where cars "defy gravity" and start rolling uphill? Well, the hill just creates an optical illusion that makes the downhill seem like its going uphill, thus when cars are parked at neutral at a certain spot, it seems to go uphill.
• Ladakh is the only place in India where the twin-humped camel is found.
What are some 'must-knows before visiting Ladakh?
• Ladakh is situated very close to the borders of the other countries, as well as houses many tribes. Thus, it is a Protected Region that required having ILPs or Inner Line Permits for visitors. But from August 2021, Ladakh no longer requires ILPs for Indian citizens.
• Protected Area Permit (PAP) of Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is still required for foreign travelers.
• Travellers visiting Ladakh have to pay a Green Fee or Environment Fee of INR300 and Red Cross Fund Fee of INR100.
• Carrying an ID proof while visiting Ladakh is necessary for Indian citizens.
• Plastic is banned in Ladakh, thus, you must avoid carrying or throwing plastic bags while visiting Ladakh.
• To respect the local citizens residing there, you must not click their pictures without consent.
• It is advised to carry a certain amount of cash with you since Ladakh has very few ATMs and some stop operating during bad weather.
How to reach Ladakh?
Bike rides to Ladakh are a very famous activity. But how can you reach Ladakh by road? Ladakh is connected by road to Srinagar, Manali, and Chandigarh. Apart from bikes, you can hire a jeep or cab or book a bus seat to reach Ladakh by road from these cities. Ladakh can also be reached by railways, from the station Jammu Tawi, which is connected to major cities of the country. From Jammu, cabs, jeeps, and buses are frequently available to take you to your dream place(Ladakh). The nearest airport to Ladakh is in Leh, which has flights from all the major cities of the country.
What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
Tourists visit Ladakh in winter and summers as well. You may be wondering that why would people visit a cold place during winters? Well, winters in Ladakh give rise to many adventurous and thrilling snow activities which satisfy the "adventure-junkies". Yet, during winters many of the tourist spots are closed due to dangers that can occur during heavy snowfall. Summers are the best time to visit Ladakh for everyone since the temperature is moderate and ice has melted and all the major tourist spots are easily accessible. Monsoons in Ladakh must be avoided at all costs, since heavy downpours might bring with it landslides and flash floods, causing disturbances to mobility.
What can you do in Ladakh?
The mountainous region of Ladakh makes the territory home to a wide range of thrilling activities. Trekking along the slopes of the mountains not only provides the adrenaline rush but also allows you to witness the rich wildlife of Ladakh. Mountaineering, river-rafting, jeep safaris, motor-biking, skiing, and camping are some of the adventures you can experience in Ladakh. Shopaholics are also easily satisfied in the Bazaars of Ladakh that sell Tibetan woolen clothes at a very reasonable price. Festivals can also be enjoyed in Ladakh that bring to life the colors and traditions of the land. Or you can just sit at a warm, cozy cafe along the streets of the city and enjoy some steamy hot Thukpas, Butter Tea, or Momos. Mouthwatering, right?
What is the budget of a Ladakh tour package?
Accommodation in Ladakh can be very cheap or costly depending on the luxuries you are looking for. Homestays are available for as cheap as INR400-1000. Luxury five-star hotels can cost around INR4,000-15,000 depending on the amenities available. Meals are generally added to the accommodation price of hotels, but if you want to dine in a restaurant, meals will cost you around INR500-INR1500.
