Top 6 experiences of Kashmir and Ladakh
Kashmir and Ladakh region is situated in the northern part of the the Indian subcontinent. Here you will find pristine snow glaciers, beautiful lakes and valleys, green forests that extend beyond the horizon, rapid rivers and other wonders of nature. Kashmir and Ladakh region is amongst the most beautiful places to visit in the country. If you want to make the most of your visit to Kashmir and Ladakh then make sure that you visit the following places.
1. Pangong Lake in Ladakh
Pangong Lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world. It is situated at a height of almost 4350 mts and in appearance, looks like a calm lake that’s been dyed blue. The color of the water is openly contrasted against the colors of the mountain that surround this lake. The Pangong Lake extends to almost 160 kms in total. Almost 2/3rds of this lake lies within China.
At Pangong Lake, you can enjoy a spectacle that’s truly surreal. The best time to visit Pangong Lake is between May and September. Otherwise, you might find the lake frozen.
2. Boat cruise / houseboats on Dal Lake
When you are in Srinagar, don’t miss out on booking a houseboat on Dal Lake. The houseboats in Dal Lake are known for presenting an air of royalty and comfort. If you want to relax in the lap of nature, then booking a houseboat on Dal Lake might be exactly what you need. The cost of renting these houseboats vary between Rs. 5000 and Rs. 20,000 per night.
You could also choose to go on a boat cruise through the region. Enjoy picturesque sceneries while taking in India like you never have before.
3. Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam – valleys, meadows and glaciers
If you want to see fields of beautiful flowers blooming in various colors then don’t forget to visit the hill stations at Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. These places are best visited during the summer. At Gulmarg you’ll find large meadows and beautiful valleys. Sonmarg has fewer valleys but the field of flowers more than make up for it. Pahalgam is great for a one day visit, which allows you to take in all the sights this location has to offer.
4. Monasteries of Ladakh
In Ladakh, the most popular monastery that you should consider visiting is the Shey Monastery. Also visit the Thiksey Monastery, the Alchi Monastery, the Hemis Monastery, the Lamaryu Monastery, and the Spituk Monastery. Of these, the Thiskey monastery is one of the most famous. Learn about Buddhism and the buddhist history of the region, by visiting the various monasteries in Ladakh.
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5. Picturesque Nubra Valley
Also known as Dumra, the Nubra Valley is deeply associated with the history of Ladakh. This place is known for being blessed with natural bounties. Particularly famous in this area is the Hunder Village, which is a cold desert situated in high altitudes. There are several villages in Nubra Valley that you can choose to stay in. These include Turtuk, Sumur, Diskit and Panamik.
6. High altitude passes Of Ladakh
There are twelve mountain passes that you can choose to visit in Ladakh. The most famous of these as the Chang La, the Khardung La, and Fotu La. You could also visit Wari La which links Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso. This is one of the most high altitude passes, and one that’s rarely visited as well. Covering this pass might be difficult, so please consider that.
Jay Kajaria is Founder of Bespoke India Holidays. Bespoke India Holidays is an award-winning company that specialises in creating luxury trips to India and the subcontinent.
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Jay Kajaria
Jay Kajaria is the Director of Erudite Travel Consultants LLP – the company that owns Bespoke India Holidays. The company specializes in offering high quality bespoke tours, offbeat experiences to guests traveling to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Dubai and Southeast Asia region. The company has received National Tourism Award and has been nominated as a leading Luxury tour operator in Asia by World Travel Awards for year 2020, 2021 and 2022. Erudite Travel Consultants LLP is a responsible travel company focusing on community tourism, animal friendly tours, reducing carbon footprint and engaging in CSR initiatives.
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Friends did a houseboat on Dal Lake a few years ago. Their pictures were fabulous.
I expect Pangong Lake is equally as beautiful when frozen – though I expect the travel might be more arduous!
My geography is appalling, a map would be useful. How far are these places apart? How many hours of travel would you have to do to see all 6?
A fascinating read on my commute into work. I sometimes think that the only thing that gets me through my Monday morning commute is the hope that A Luxury Travel Blog gives me, I get so many dreams of great places that I can visit.
Last time I was in Delhi I remember talking to a carpet trader who was telling me about a large carpet that had been produced in Kashmir.
The carpet had been around 3 weeks work for the whole family. Is there anywhere in Kashmir where you can call in to see that sort of family carpet work?
There are some brilliant recommendations here for travels in India. Some of these would be perfect for us.
I’d love to do the high altitude passes but I think that we’d both have to do a lot of work on our fitness to make the trip worthwhile.
I went to Kashmir, Zanzkar and Ladakh in 1984! It was a magical trip over three weeks of trekking out from Padam in Zanskar to Alchi in Ladakh and starting from Kashmir. I would recommend including Zanskar in a visit. There is a 5 day circular trek and you see the amazing monastery at Fuktal.
I’ve been to India twice now. Once to Delhi and more recently to Goa. This post has got me thinking. Last time, in Goa, we may have spent too much time on the beach and by the hotel pool. Reading this has made me think that on next visit to India we ought to be more adventurous and there will be a next time as we both love the country.