Location: Ladakh
Top Things to do in Ladakh
Countries
The 5 Best Scenic Drives in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Bounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, Ladhak is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The landscape of Ladhak, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting. While rafting options are available on both Indus and Zanskar rivers, the Zanskar course is more difficult and exciting. The trekking options range from short, day-long walks to visit monuments or monastic settlements to long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. Ladhak celebrates a numbers of monastic festivals - annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladhak Festival, that gives a peek into the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage. One can witness the best samples of the region's performing arts, Archery contests and the Ladhak Polo Cup.
Restaurants in Ladakh
1. Khardung La
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 657 reviews
Reviewed By SavvyFernwehBlog - New Delhi, India
Khardung La pass in Ladakh, India is at a very high altitude of 5,359 meters and is the getaway to Nubra and Shyok valley when you are travelling from Leh. Siachen Glacier lies way up from the Nubra valley ahead. Local summit signs claim Khardung La to be the highest motorable road in the world. Travelers love to get clicked with this signboard. However, It is debatable because there are even higher altitude passes like Mana Pass (5454m, in India-Tibet border), Semo La (5565m, in Tibet) and few others. But undoubtedly, Khardung La is the most popular and frequently travelled pass. We didn't expect such snowfall in Khardung La in Ladakh, India. I was super happy and excited to experience the first proper snowfall in my life in Khardung La, Ladakh. Suddenly it was all white as far as we could see. But Khardung La is a busy tourist route. All the tourist vehicles, bikes, army trucks etc. cross this route to reach Nubra or Shyok valley. So suddenly, there was long traffic congestion. The vehicles fully stopped for a small period of time and started skidding in the snow as soon as they started. All drivers followed instructions and put chains in the tyres. All throughout those freezing weather I found groups of people working outside clearing the snow from the road. Hats off to them and such initiatives. AMS is very common in such high altitude and it is recommended not to remain there too long (20 mins maximum as claimed by the sign boards). During snowfall there are also risks of slippery snow. Some travelers fell and injured themselves. So better to be constantly cautious about the grip of your shoes. There is a temple in the top with many colorful flags. It was also submerged in thick snow. There are also a café and a police check post. We experienced the thickest clumps of snow while driving from Kardungla towards Nubra valley.
2. Changla Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By 215rabisankard - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Chang la pas is the second highest motorable pass in the world. I went there in last May en route Pangong lake, the road from Leh to Chang la was simply thrilling and a few kms before Chang la snow was found on sides of the road and when we reached Chang la it was snow all around. I visited Chang la baba temple which is situated there and one thing I liked of Chang la is that it was less crowded than Khardung la pass. My visit to Chang la pass was well nigh enjoyable and memorable too.
3. Tanglang La
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Ujjawaljio - Ahmedabad, India
The highway takes you to Manali..A beautiful place through beautiful journey...You would enjoy your ride..Here you will find many things to see out from your car..
4. Wari La Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By SivaramSi - Bengaluru, India
I chose to take a public shared taxi ride in a scorpio to Nubra from Leh...on the day I chose to travel to Nubra from Leh did not seem right - sudden bad weather a day before brought heavy snow and Khardung La pass was closed for traffic and we were told it might take a day or 2 to open...this sadness turned to be a blessing in disguise within a couple of hours... I and other passengers tried hard to convince our driver to not wait for Khardung La to open instead take us to Nubra via alternative route...he suggested we could take a longer duration and more distant route (hence costlier by Rs.200) via Thiksey, Sakti, Wari La and Agham...finally we started from Leh around 1130am... this Wari La route was not only scenic and thrilling but also remote and almost zero tourist traffic...this route is used by locals at their own risk...unlike Khardung La and Chang La, this road has less presence of BRO and limited cleaning of snow...we got stuck at a few places before Wari La Pass due to heavy snow on both sides of road and ice on roads hence it was very skiddy...our driver had chain and ably supported by locals who were fellow passengers we made through the Wari La pass...ride was thrilling and exciting...route was very scenic and from ascent to descent, our vehicle and one more local vehicle who was passing by but started helping us and no one else on the road...driver was well aware of the route and had immense experience of traversing the tricky icy road...we passed through Wari La Pass at around 5200 mtrs and descended to the beautiful valley where I saw many shepherd nomads and made it to Agham and stopped for maggi and tea...then we continued along Shyok river to reach beautiful Sumur, in the Nubra valley... Leh City Polo Ground to Sumur in Nubra Valley via Khardung La - costs around Rs.500 to 600 Leh City Polo Ground to Sumur in Nubra Valley via Wari La - costs around Rs.700 to 800 - extra distance and money well worth the ride... I returned to Leh from Sumur via Khardung La so I got the opportunity to experience two mountain passes Word of Caution: As Wari La is less traveled route and there may be limited help, it is risky for any personal driving adventure...unless able local drivers are driving, travel through this pass could be at their own risk
