Summers are the time to plan a trip to Ladakh. The roads are open and the weather gets bearable. If you are planning to go this year, then you must visit these places for sure. And be sure to carry your camera, because the wilderness will urge you to keep clicking non-stop. To quote an ace photographer, even first timers can click award-winning pictures in this region. Here’s your travel guide, so be sure to check out these places.
Basgo
This small town is 80kms west of Leh. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to check out the Basgo Chamba Gumpa and the citadel compound. The murals are spectacular and images of Buddha cover the ceiling. There are no places to eat and sleep here.
Nubra Valley
The Khardung La Pass is the gateway to the Nubra Valley. If you have never been there, imagine the Indus Valley in the South and the Zanskar Range in the north. It is like heaven on Earth, in its most wild form. You can find the famous double-humped camels here.
Lamayuru Gompa
Every gompa in Ladakh is more beautiful than the last one you saw. But if you want to really soak in the beauty of a beautiful and almost perfect monastery, then visit the Lamayuru monastery. Check out the caves carved out in the mountainside. This place is also referred to as MoonLand, as some say the soil here is very similar to that on the moon.
Pangong Lake
You must visit the highest brackish lake in the world. It is at 160kms from Leh. The topography might look barren, but it will still take your breath away. We are yet to meet a traveller who does not get mesmerized by the blue colour of the lake. For reference, it was here that the final scene of the blockbuster 3 Idiots was shot. Remember?
Zanskar Valley Trail
This mountain range covers 7000sq. kms and if you are looking for a desolate place then this is it. The amazing factor of this range is its scale. The Zanskar river too is famous for white river rafting and once you hit the river, you are taken to its confluence with River Indus.
Khardung La
