Ladakh

Ladakh is a unique state in the region. North India, Bordered to the north and east by Tibet (China), and to the west by Pakistan, which affects the type of population found there - most of the population are Tibetan Buddhists, there are also Muslims and Hindus.
Ladakh as a whole is a high-altitude desert that ranges from 3000 m above sea level in the valleys between the mountains and reaches heights of 6500 m at the peaks. The combination of the arid region with the high altitude above sea level creates a wild and pristine desert and spectacular landscape phenomena such as snowy peaks and clear streams in the middle of the arid desert and a poor population that has learned to live in difficult conditions of altitude, cold and isolation from the rest of the world. Only in recent decades has the area been opened to travelers and in the meantime it has remained so authentic and special. The amazing landscapes in Ladakh that cannot be seen in many other places in the world attract many tourists from all over the world.
The capital of Ladakh is Leh, and it is unique compared to cities in India. It has special Tibetan buildings and a particularly pleasant atmosphere amidst the magnificent desert landscape. Leh is located at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level.

Important to know:

Staying at heights:

Every region of Ladakh is located at a high altitude that we are not used to from our daily lives in Israel. For those who are first-time visitors to high altitudes, especially those landing in Leh on a domestic flight, it is recommended to consider taking altitude pills, be attentive to your body and feelings, and even take the first few days to rest and adapt to the altitude. Depending on a doctor's recommendation, you can consider taking altitude pills even later in your trip to Ladakh, which usually includes reaching much higher altitudes than the city of Leh, such as the highest mountain pass in the world that rises above 5,000 m.

Hospital and Chabad House –

Both are located in the capital, Leh.

ATMs, money changers, agencies, etc. –

They are only found in the capital Leh or Kargil (the other major city in Ladakh).

Recommended season in Ladakh:

The season for traveling to Ladakh is from July to September. Due to the high altitude of Ladakh, the roads to it are only open during these months (during these months they open and close intermittently, depending on the weather of the current year, so you should pay attention and stay updated), this is the height of summer, all the ice melts in the valleys and you can travel. The weather is very desert - hot and dry during the day and cool at night.

How to get there?

-Domestic flight: The most common way to reach Ladakh is by domestic flight. This is the most common way because many travelers come specifically to Ladakh for a trip and return home. In addition, the paved road to Ladakh is very long and tiring, passes through heights and twists and makes many people feel unwell, so many travelers prefer to avoid it. Flights to Leh usually arrive from Delhi and Kashmir.

-Arrival by road: They are completely paved, and anyone who chooses to drive them will be rewarded with hours of breathtaking views and will not be able to take their eyes off the window. The most beautiful in the worldThey are completely paved, and anyone who chooses to drive them will be rewarded with hours of breathtaking views and will not be able to take their eyes off the window. 

Of course, this is a more economical way than a domestic flight.
You can travel by taxi/jeeps that are booked through travel agencies, or by local bus that leaves daily from Manali. The advantage of a taxi is that you can split the trip into two days and not exhaust yourself and the driver too much.

Enjoy Ladakh’s capital city

The capital of Ladakh is completely different from most capital cities in India. The city captivates with its power and beauty, and from every simple window in the guesthouse you can see a dreamlike view of snow-capped mountains and a wild desert that looks like it's from another planet.
Leh is a pleasant and pastoral city, with beautiful and interesting Tibetan architectural features. It is recommended to spend a few days wandering around and experiencing it. The city has a beautiful central pedestrian street with lots of shops, restaurants and cafes. There are markets with authentic Tibetan goods, temples, palaces and various religious buildings, modern restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the city, and also lots of small and modest tea houses inside ancient stone buildings, with balconies overlooking the beautiful city against the backdrop of the desert and mountains. In addition, there is no shortage of things to do in Leh and the surrounding area:
– Leh Palace – Leh Palace – Located right in the city center and can be easily reached on foot.

–  Painting workshop – The Tibetan people have stunning traditional art with various types of paintings, especially mandalas. In the area of the palace there are mandala painting shops where you can do workshops. In addition, you can find other local artists who can help you paint amazing paintings of various types.
– Shanti Stupa – A large stupa (Buddhist prayer building) located on a hill at the edge of the city that can be reached on foot or by rickshaw. It is not a long climb, but because it is at a high altitude, it may take longer than expected.
– Tour of monasteries – Around Leh there are many stunning and interesting temples, monasteries and palaces. Tibetan architecture is characterized by light-colored buildings carved into the desert or on the mountainside. You can take an organized tour through one of the agencies in the city or do it independently with the help of maps.
– A short drive from Leh is the highest paved pass in the world – 5600 m above sea level. A particularly popular attraction is to go up to it in a vehicle that takes you along with a pair of bicycles and go down the long descent by bike. The road is paved and smooth and is all downhill, so you don’t have to be an experienced cyclist to do it. Just keep in mind that it is a climb to a high altitude and should only be done after you have acclimatized to the altitude.

What to do in Ladakh?

Ladakh is a large and incredibly beautiful country and there are lots of places to travel to and see.
– Trip to the Nubra Valley: The Nubra Valley is a beautiful valley in Ladakh. It is a completely virgin desert area with a small number of small villages with modest Tibetan houses. The popular villages to pass through are Diskit, Hunder and Turtok. Diskit and Hunder are close to each other. Near Hunder there are beautiful silvery sand dunes where you can go camel riding. Turtok is a more remote and isolated village, pastoral and stunning in its beauty. In Turtok you will see a few houses and guesthouses among fruit trees, green fields of crops against the backdrop of the arid desert. It is recommended to spend at least two nights in Turtok and enjoy the pleasant and calm atmosphere in the village that feels like it is at the end of the world. Next to Turtok flows a large river that splits into small, clear streams with beaches along them, perfect for bathing. 

– Pangong Lake – A huge and stunningly beautiful lake located at an altitude of 4225 m above sea level, on the border between Ladakh and Tibet (China). The lake is deep blue and surrounded by earth-colored desert mountains. It is very large, and only 40% of it is in Ladakh, the rest is in Tibet and China. The lake is about a six-hour drive from Leh and the Nubra Valley. There are equipped tents and rooms to sleep there, and it is recommended to spend at least a night there and watch the sparkling lake change its colors at sunset and sunrise. Bring warm clothes!
– Lake Tsu Moriri – Another lake about 8 hours drive from Leh, in a different area from Pangong and Nubra, located at a high altitude of 4500 m above sea level. Lake Moriri is also beautiful with deep blue shades against the backdrop of the desert mountains. It is less common than Pangong and the accommodation options there are poorer, there are a number of tents where you can sleep (with beds and a shower, usually). Bring warm clothes!

– The Marka Valley Trek – A beautiful trek that takes 5-6 days at a medium difficulty level, at the peak you pass a 5200 m pass, so you need to adapt to the altitude. The ascent is gradual. The trek passes through diverse and spectacular landscapes, and through modest villages where you can stay overnight, receive a hot meal and a packed meal for the next day.

– Baby Trek – The Baby Trek is a shorter, less difficult trek that takes two to three days. It also passes through spectacular and changing landscapes and is more suitable for those who have not yet adapted to the heights and do not have much experience in trekking.