Ladakh
Bordered by the mighty Himalaya and the Karakoram mountain range, Ladakh is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir which consist of two districts Leh and Kargil. It is surrounded by PoK in the West, China in the North and East and Himachal Pradesh in South. A happening place for trekkers, the district is basically an mountainous desert with many isolated villages, monastic settlements and blunt valleys.
Leh is famous for its 17th century historical palace which is nine storied. It is an epitome of great Tibetan architecture. The altitude of Leh is 3505 m, whereas that of Kargil is 2750 m. The temperature ranges from 25 degree Celsius during Summer to .5 degree Celsius during Winter. Rainfall is 15 cm. Best season for visit is from June to September.
Sights Around
Leh: Leh Palace, Tesemo Gompa, Leh Mosque, Sanker Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Stock Palace and Museum, Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Likir and Alchi, Lamayuru.
Kargil: Mulbek Chamba, Shergol Gompa, Suru Valley, Nun-Kun, Drang-Drung, Padum, Rangdum Gompa, Karsha Gompa, Sani Gompa, Phuthai Gompa.
Clothing
Cotton and light woolens in Summer and heavy woolens, wind proof upper garments in Winter.
Do's and Don'ts
Take complete rest upto 36 hours after arrival. Move slowly and breath deeper to get used to higher oxygen levels. Refill your water bottles at refill points in Leh market. Hire a local taxi within Ladakh, no outside vehicle is allowed. Don't wear short skirts/sleeveless blouses or tops, in public places. Ask permission for taking photographs. Don't carry plastic bags.
Stay, Lunch and Dine
A, B, C and D economy categories hotel rooms and guesthouses. Contact: All Ladakh Hotel and Guesthouse Association, Tel: 09419179390
How to reach
By Air: Indian Airlines and Jet airways operates regular flights to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. Indian Airlines (City Office): 01982-252076, Airport: 01982-252255, Jet Airways (City Office): 0198-250444, 250132, Airport: 01982-250380, 250487
By road: From Kashmir valley through Srinagar-Leh highway (434 km) open for traffic from early June to mid-November. Manai-Leh road (473 km) open from early July to September. J&K State road transport corporation operates buses between Srinagar and Leh. Taxis are also available. On Leh -Manali route, J&K SRTC and H.P Tourism operate buses.
Contact
STD Code: 01982
Dy. Director Tourism, Leh. Tel: 01982-252297, 252095
Tourist Officer, Kargil, Tel: 01985-232721, 232266
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