My wife and I visited Leh (Ladakh) for 8 days from October 6th - 13th. The trip was a suddenly planned affair, but thanks to the numerous low - cost airlines, we managed to get travel tickets. And being the off season, finding accommodation also was not a problem.
The place itself is magnificent. It is hard to imagine that one is still in India, one feels more like it is Central Asia / Tibet. At an altitude of 3,500 metres (11,000 feet), the oxygen levels in the air are lower than what we are normally used to. It takes between 24 - 48 hours for the body to acclimatise, and it is imperative that one rests till one is fully acclimatised. We took it easy the first day, but it still took us till the third day to be comfortable.
It was also extremely cold, with the temperature being around 5 degree celsius in the night. But the days were clear and bright. Interestingly, though it is cold, because of the high altitude, the sun feels extremely powerful. It is said that Ladakh is the only place where if one sits in the sun with his feet in the shade, one can get both sun stroke and frost bite at the same time!
We were also lucky that we had a full 8 days, so we were in no hurry to see the sights. We visited all the famous monasteries around Leh, but the highlight of the trip was a visit to Pangong Tso, a lake on the boundary of India with China (Tibet), and situated at an altiture of 4200 metres. To reach the place, we had to cross the world's third highest road - Chang La - at an altitude of 5,340 metres (17,800 feet). At that altitude, it is an effort to even stand and walk. And it is recommended that one does not spend more than 10 minutes there to avoid falling seriously sick. We took the mandatory photographs, and left the place.
We really enjoyed the place, and the time we spent there. When I started the journey, I was excited thinking that it would be a once in a lifetime journey. But I am not so certain that I would not be traveling there again. The next time, we plan to go in summer, and do some trekking.
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Dear Sanjay,
Thanks for your comment on my blog. Ladakh certainly was in my radar. next year either I will go to Ladakh or on the Gangotri - Gaumukh - Tapovan trek. As you have visited Ladakh, I would request you to post a full review of the place, like hotels, how to find decent accommodation, local sightseeing and travel agent, sightseeing, etc. It will be very helpful for fellow travellers like me. Once I had searched the net and did not found too much useful first hand info. Once done mail me the details / link to rups33@gmail.com
Can you please give me details of your itinerary? Your route of travel, hotels you stayed in and also what all places you visited?
Hi Anamika,
I flew from Delhi to Leh, and back. While I was initially staying at Hotel Shambha La, I quickly moved out and checked in at Khan Manzil Guest House. I strongly recommend this place, it is close to the centre of Leh town, managed by very friendly people, and very reasonable priced!
Visited Hemis, Thikse, Shey, Stok, Alchi, Basgo, Likir. But the best trip was to Pangong Tso.
Thanks for the reply, Sanjay. I will let you know when I make it there.
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