Introduction
Leh Ladakh beauty and peacefulness are best experienced with your eyes; words cannot do it justice. . . Pictures and movies cannot capture the breathtaking happiness that Ladakh provides. The venue is even more remarkable because it accepts a wide range of visitors. Ladakh is ideal for all kinds of travellers, from those seeking solitude to those wanting to indulge their passion for motorcycle riding.
Lake Pangong:
Pangong Lake is the top tourist destination in Ladakh.A landlocked endorheic lake, it is situated at a height of 4350 metres. It is also known as Pangong Tso and extends from India to Tibet. It measures 12 kilometres. About 60% of the Tibetan Autonomous Region is covered by Pangong Lake. The lake has the peculiar quality of changing colours all year long, even during the day, from azure to light blue to green and even grey! Because it was the location for the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots,” tourists refer to it as Ladakh Lake.
Khardung La Pass:
A high mountain pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Khardung La—often written Khardzong La—is near to Leh. Khardung La is recognised as India’s highest motorable road, rising 5602 metres above sea level. Contrary to popular belief, Dungri La is India’s highest motorable road pass at 5359 metres above sea level.
Mountain bikers, people looking for peace and quiet, and thrill seekers would all appreciate a break at Khardung La pass. To enter and travel via the pass, tourists need an Inner Line Permit. The Khardung La pass is blocked from October to May because of heavy rain and snowfall.
Sangam:
At Sangam in Ladakh, the Indus and Zanskar Rivers converge. Nimmu, located on the Leh-Srinagar route, is 35 kilometres from Leh. . One can now observe the two rivers coming together on their own. The Zanskar River appears murky green, while the Indus River appears brilliant blue. It is an incredible sight to behold.
Depending on the season, the two rivers near Sangam have variable flows. While the Zanskar River is swollen and rapids in the summer, the Indus River is tranquil. While the Indus has even less flow during the winter, Zanskar slows down and virtually freezes.
Shanti stupa:
A magnificent white-domed Buddhist building, the Shanti Stupa in Leh is set on a rocky hilltop at an amazing 11,841 feet above sea level. Its presence of Buddha relics that have been blessed by the 14th Dalai Lama makes it a holy place for Buddhists. It is especially favoured by tourists because it offers a panoramic view of Leh and the nearby hamlet of Changspa. The stupa looks particularly stunning on full moon nights when it is naturally illuminated by the moonlight.
In 1991, Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura constructed the Shanti Stupa. The building was constructed jointly by Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the end of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace. It is a part of the mission of the peace pagoda, which attempts to advance peace by means of the teachings of Buddha. Shanti Stupa is the perfect refuge for those seeking peace through prayer to God and those seeking to be mesmerised by nature’s spectacular beauty.
Kargil:
Kargil is a popular tourist destination that travellers heading from Srinagar to Leh frequently stop in, and it is small enough to be explored on foot. Kargil, which is near the line of control, is a troubled area as well. Apart from its illustrious heritage, Kargil is endowed with adventure and natural beauty. The biggest draw of the area is the war memorial at Kargil.
It has great potential for mountaineering and trekking and is the location of the renowned Nun Kun Peaks. Kargil, which is located on the Suru River, provides exceptional river rafting options. With a long history that dates back to the 16th century, Kargil combines Turkish and Buddhist architecture.
Likir monastery:
The Likir Monastery, the oldest monastery in Ladakh, is situated in the charming Likir town, some 52 kilometres from Leh. A 75-foot-tall seated figure of Maitreya Buddha that is covered in gold and belongs to the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism is this location’s main draw. The walls of assembly halls are also decorated with thangkas, murals, and other paintings of protective deities.
Ngari Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama’s youngest brother, resides in the monastery. Likir, which meaning “The Naga-Encircled,” refers to the physical forms of the two powerful serpent spirits Taksako and Nanda. These snakes are thought to have protected the monastery.
Alchi:
The oldest and most well-known of a group of Buddhist temples, Alchi Monastery is situated in the Ladakh village of Alchi. The traditional architecture of the monastery is a monastic complex with three different temples, known as Dukhang, Sumstek, and the Temple of Manjushri. Unlike other monasteries in Ladakh, it is erected on a flat piece of land.
