- SCENIC DESTINATIONS IN LADAKH
- NUBRA VALLEY
- TSOMORIRI
Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso/Lake is located in the Himalayan Mountain Range on the Indo-China
Border. It is about 4,250 m (13,900 ft) in altitude and 134 km (83.3 m)
long. One of the most memorable features of Pangong Tso is its ability
to freeze in the winter even though its a salt water lake. The flora ,or
lack of it, is very unique to Pangong Tso. According to credible reports,
the lake is devoid of both micro-vegetation and acquatic life, such as
fish and crustaceans. However, the lake is an important breeding ground
for migratory birds, including the Bar-headed geese and Brahmini Ducks.
Getting there: Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh,
most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road traverses the
third-highest motorable pass in the world, the Changla pass, where army
sentries and a small teahouse greet visitors. The spectacular lakeside
is open during the tourist season, from May to September.
Khardung La
Khardung La Pass is situated 37 km by road from Leh. Its a rugged trip,
with portions of the road paved and others primarily loose gravel. Khardung
La Pass takes you to the Nubra Valley.

Indus and Zanskar River Confluence
Visit the confluence of Indus and Zangskar river via Sikh Gurudwara. This
confluence results in the longest river in Pakistan and the third longest
river, in terms of annual flow, in the region. It is often considered
the life-line of Pakistan by the people. It provides the key water resources
for the economy, specifically for the nation’s agricultural production
in the Punjab province. The Indus River originates in the Tibetan plateau
in the vicinity of lake Monsarovar, where it begins at the confluence
of the Singe Khabab river and runs a course through Ladakh, then heads
into Pakistan where it merges with Arabian Sea near Karachi.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Leh, transfer to hotel, and acclimatize
for the rest of the day. Local excursion to market, Leh palace, or Shanti
Stupa.
Day 2: Excursion to local monasteries including Shey
Palace, Thiksay monastery, and Hemis monastery.
Day 3: Leh to Pangong Lake to Leh(320Kms). Early morning
departure with arrival around 12:00 pm. Pangong is the highest salted
lake in the world. Enjoy the beauty of the lake on the banks of Pangong
while appreciating the changing colour and fascinating high altitude of
the lake. Return to Leh. Meals included.
Day 4: Visit to Khardung La pass, the gateway to Shyok
and Nubra Valleys. Then head to the Indus and Zanskar rivers confluence
via Gurudwara Pather Sahib. Return to Leh. Meals included.
Day 5: Return to Delhi with memories of Ladakh.
Back to the top
The Nubra Valley is situated about 140 km north of Leh. The average altitude
of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above sea level. The Sasser Pass and
the famous Karakoram Pass lie to the northwest of the valley which connect
Nubra with Xinjiang. Historically, this was a critical trade route from
East Turkestan and Central Asia. Along the Nubra river lie the quaint
villages of Sumur, Tiger, Tirith and Panamik. Sumur is also known for
an important Gompa or monastery called Samstanling; while Panamik is noted
for its hot springs. Across the Nubra at Panamik, is an isolated Ansa
Gompa located on a hill. Most of the people are of mixed Tibetan and Central
Asian origin and speak varieties of the Balti language. The Nubra valley
is a fertile tract of land producing a variety of fruits and nuts.
The beautiful village of Bogdang is also located in the valley. It is
famous for its people, who have startling blue eyes, auburn hair and ruddy
cheeks as compared to the typical mongoloid features of the Ladakhis.
Local lore has it that they were a Greek tribe who came in search of Jesus
Christ’s tomb and settled here. Hunder, a village in Nubra valley, is
famous for its roaming camels.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Leh and acclimatize.
DAY 2: Local excursions to the market, Leh Palace, or Shanti Stupa.
DAY 3: Drive to the Nubra Valley. After checking out of the hotel, we
drive on the highest motorable road in the world over the 18,380 ft. Kardung
La pass. The road descends from the pass down a spectacular gorge through
the Kardung village, and on down to the valley floor, where we set up
camp at the village of Sumur.


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