A land like no other with a superabundance of attractions to visit and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.
Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Ladakh is mystical in all the spheres it covers, from nature, geography, sceneries to the modest cultures that it fosters. Right from gompas to the sensational momos, the superabundance of attractions to visit makes this city make it heaven on earth. It is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.
For those of us living in the constant confusion about the difference between these twin locations, Leh-Ladakh, here is something that might help you. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three parts: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Ladakh, further is divided into two districts: district Leh, and district Kargil. The former district has a popular town “Leh”and is a great tourist attraction because of its beautiful monasteries, picturesque locations, and interesting markets defining the culture of the place.
Leh:
Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. Massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama’s former home (Tibet’s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town’s bazaar and mazelike lanes.
Offering sweeping views from a peak above town, Namgyal Tsemo is a circa-1430 monastery with a gilded Buddha statue. Also known for its views is Shanti Stupa, a contemporary, white-spired Buddhist reliquary. Other area monasteries include Thikse, a tiered group of hillside buildings filled with Tibetan shrines, statues and other art. South of Leh, the Indus River and its Zanskar River tributary are known for white-water rafting on runs through scenic gorges. Trekking expeditions visit the higher altitudes of the Indus Valley area, including the 5,359m-elevation Khardung La pass.
Things to do in Leh:
- Nubra valley:
Nubra is a tri-armed valley located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Diskit, the headquarter of eponymous Subdivision and also of Nubra tehsil, is about 150 km north from Leh town, the capital of Ladakh Administrative Division, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). The Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The Shyok river is a tributary of the Indus river. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. i.e. 3048 metres above the sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La pass from Leh town. Foreign nationals are required to get a Protected area permit to visit the Nubra Valley. Since 1 April 2017 Indian citizens are also required to get an Inner Line Permit to visit the valley.
- Leh Palace:
Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh, Ladakh, in the Indian Himalayas.
The palace was constructed circa 1600 by Sengge Namgyal. The palace was abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid-19th century and forced the royal family to move to Stok Palace.
It is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and store rooms. Much of the palace is in deteriorated condition, and little survives of its interior decorations. The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of jewellery, ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns. Chinese thangka or paintings, which are more than 450 years old, with intricate designs still retain the bright colours derived from crushed and powdered gems and stones. Stuctures around the palace’s base include the prominent Namgyal Stupa, the colourfully muralled Chandazik Gompa and the 1430 Chamba Lhakhang, with medieval mural fragments located between the inner and outer walls.
The palace is being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The palace is open to the public and the roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas.
- Shanti Stupa:
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north India. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Magnetic Hill:
Magnet Hill is a “Cyclops hill” located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The layout of the area and surrounding slopes create the appearance of a hill. The hill road is actually a downhill road. Objects and cars on the hill road may appear to roll uphill in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill.
- Spituk Monastery:
Spituk Monastery, also better as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery in Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. 8 kilometres from Leh. The site of Spituk was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung. It was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od when he came to Maryul in the 11th Century. He introduced the monastic community. When Lotsewa Rinchen Zangpo (Translator) came to that place he said that an exemplary religious community would arise there and so the monastery was called spituk (exemplary). During the time of Dharma raja Gragspa Bum-Ide the monastery was restored by Lama Lhawang Lodos and the stainless order of Tsonkhapa was introduced and it has remained intact as such till present. Founded as a Red Hat institution, the monastery was taken over by the Yellow Hat sect in the 15th century.
The monastery contains 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali (unveiled during the annual Spitok festival).
Every year the Gustor Festival is held at Spituk from the 27th to 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
- Thiksay Monastery:
Thikse Gompa or Thikse Monastery (also transliterated from Ladakhi as Tiksey, Thiksey or Thiksay) is a gompa (Tibetan-style monastery) affiliated with the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located on top of a hill in Thiksey approximately 19 kilometres (12 mi) east of Leh in Ladakh, India. It is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh, notably containing a separate set of buildings for female renunciates that has been the source of significant recent building and reorganisation.
The monastery is located at an altitude of 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) in the Indus Valley. It is a twelve-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. One of the main points of interest is the MaitreyaTemple installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in 1970; it contains a 15 metres (49 ft) high statue of Maitreya, the largest such statue in Ladakh, covering two stories of the building.
- Namgyal Tsemo:
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery or Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. Founded in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal of Ladakh, it has a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
- Stok Monastery:
Stok Monastery or Stok Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Stok, Leh district, Ladakh, northern India, 15 kilometres south of Leh. It was founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in the 14th Century and has a notable library including all 108 volumes of the Kangyur. A ritual dance-mask festival is held annually.
- Phyang Monastery:
Phyang Monastery, Phyang (or Phiyang) Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Fiang village, just 15 or 16 kilometres west of Lehin Ladakh, northern India. It was established in 1515.
- Sankar Monastery
Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh in Ladakh, northern India. It is a daughter-establishment of Spituk Monastery and the residence of the Abbot of Spituk, the Venerable Kushok Bakula, who is the senior incarnate lama of Ladakh due to his ancient lineage and personal authority.
Top Places to visit in Leh Ladakh:
- Pangong lake:
The famous and sparkling blue Pangong lake is situated near Leh-Ladakh in the Himalayas, approximately at the height of 4350 meters. This endorheic lake is 12 kilometres long and extends from India to Tibet, with two-thirds of it lying in the latter. Owing to its altitude, the Pangong Lake temperature ranges from -5°C to 10°C as a result of which it freezes completely during winters in spite of its salinity. A unique feature of the lake is that it does not remain blue throughout the year or even the day, rather it changes colours from azure to light blue to green and grey too!
Also known as Pangong Tso, it has been a tourist attraction for a very long time and has gained further popularity after being a ‘hot-spot’ for many film shoots, apart from being essential for anyone travelling to Leh – Ladakh. The sublime beauty, crystal waters and gentle hills of Pangong Lake are an exceptional example of the beautiful landscape of the region. There are two streams from the Indian side that form the wetlands and marshes at the edges. It is the beauty of the impeccable blue waters that embezzle the tourist’s attention the most. The serenity and tranquillity of Pangong Lake are the tourist’s paradise.
- Chadar Trek: The Unique Frozen River Trek
Imagine walking across frozen sheets of ice, with mountains enveloped by snow on one side and a stream, slowly freezing or melting right on the other, as you walk alongside it. And while that seems fascinating, look up, ahead and around; to witness surreal beauty for as far as you can see. This is the Chadar Trek , the Frozen River Trek, only multiplied a hundred-fold.
The Chadar Trek or The Frozen River Expedition is one of the most unique and challenging treks in India. The 6 day chadar trek across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh takes place during the latter part of January till end of February or sometimes even in the first week of March, depending on the weather.
The locals or Zanskaris as they are popularly known, usually take a road from to the Zanskar to Nerak and further for work which mostly consists of trading goods in the summers. During winters, the road is blocked and dangerous to travel so the locals tread along the Zanskar river which is frozen at this time. The thick blanket of ice that the Zanskar river forms resemblances a white blanket which in the local language is called ?Chadar?. Hence the trek along the frozen Zanskar River is known as the Chadar Trek.
Though, it seems a challenging trek, it isn’t the most difficult; as it basically is a flat walk along the Chadar with minimal amounts of climbing. If you can walk for a couple of hours without much strain, you are good to go.
- Tso Moriri :
The lesser known of the many lakes within the Changtang Wildlife sanctuary, Tso Moriri lake is a twin to the Pangong Lake. This lake offers a scenic place of peace and tranquillity, measuring about 28 km in length from north to south, and about 100 feet average in depth. The enchanting Tso Moriri lake is surrounded by barren hills, with the backdrop of beautiful snow-covered mountains. Since this is the lesser known of the two lakes, the crowd is less too. Tucked away in the remotest parts of the country makes Tsi Moriri a perfect star gazing sight rendering a complete mind-stirring site.
Tso Moriri has been declared as a wetland reserve. A number of species of birds included bare-headed goose, the great-crested grebe, the Brahmin duck and the brown-headed gull. Himalayan hares are abundantly found here. Moriri Tso is also called the ‘mountain lake’, owing to the peaks that surround it, towering at a height of 2000 meters, shutting it off from the outside world.
- Stargazing:
Leh-Ladakh, as already mentioned earlier, is a must visit place for all photography lovers – especially, Astro-photographers! The Major reason why Ladakh is a favourite among astrophotographers is because it provides clear night skies to complement the scenic beauty. Cities don’t generally have such pellucid skies owing to the pollution around.
- Zanskar valley:
Nestled in a remote corner of Ladakh, the Zanskar Valley is one of the most enchanting places to visit. It is located in the eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir and is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar Mountain Range. It is a part of The Tethys Himalayas which is formed with weekly transformed sedimentary series. Zanskar Valley is known for its wide views and sceneries, cave monasteries and mostly travelled to for its trekking trails and river rafting experiences and the Suru Valley, the two valleys almost always visited together.
Nestled between two tiny alpine lakes, most isolated of all Himalayan valleys, Zanskar Valley has an area of about 5,000 sq kms and is situated at an elevation of 13,154 above sea level. This valley is cut off from the rest of the world for over 9 months of the year because of heavy snowfall in the region. Due to the distinct flora and fauna and the extremely variant climate, Zanskar Valley has become one of the most sought after places to visit. With a backdrop of the beautiful snow-capped glacier mountain peaks and the crystal clear water gushing down the valley, it has gained even more popularity.
- Phugtal monastery:
The Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery is an isolated monastery situated in the south-east part of Zanskar region in Ladakh. The Gompa owes its legacy to the renowned preachers and scholars who in ancient times resided in this cave. It has been the place for meditation, teaching, learning, and enjoyment. Phuk means “cave”, and tal means “at leisure” in Zanskari dialect. The Phugtal monastery, which once was a retreat, looks like a honeycomb from a distance, hence giving it the name. The 2250 years old monastery is the only one that can be reached by foot. Trekking lovers would find this as a great getaway full of enchanting sights and sounds.
The primary focus at the monastery is on the beliefs of Buddha culture – Vasika, Posadha, and Pravarna. The Phuktal Monastic School is located nearby, delivering free education to the children. Built inside and around a magical hollow cave makes Phugtal Monastery a fascinating site to visit. What is unique about this is that the degree of water flowing through the cave remains the same in spite of the pace of water outside. Moreover, it has medicines for various treatments which are entirely a gift from nature. Due to such amazing and influential facts listed under its name, Phuktal Monastery situated atop the Zanskar range becomes a mandatory location to visit when in Ladakh.
- Khardung La Pass:
Khardung La, also known as Khardzong La, is a high mountain pass in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, near Leh. It has been wrongly claimed as the highest motorable road in the world in Guinness World Record at an elevation of 5602 metres. However, according to various researches, the actual elevation is 5359 metres. Also referred to as the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, Khardung La pass is a perfect getaway for adventure enthusiasts, peace seekers and mountain biking aficionados.
An entrance to the Shyok and Nubra Valley, Khardung La was built in 1976 and was opened for public in 1988. The pass is very important for India as it is used to carry supplies to Siachen glacier. As you make your way to the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of mountain valleys and tortuous roads. The pristine air with the surrounding snow-clad mountains is the cherry on the cake. From the top, you can get picturesque views of the Karakoram range and the Himalayas. However, due to heavy rains and snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from July to August and November to February.
- Rafting in Ladakh:
Rafting expedition is done on Zanskar River, called the Grand Canyon of India, with high cliff like gorges at certain places. The Zanskar Rafting expedition is one of The best river trips in The world.
- Shopping in Ladakh:
It is hard to go to a place and come back empty-handed to your folks waiting with wagging tongues for your exploits. You never disappoint them – that’s rule number one to living a long life. What’s harder still is to rip your eyes and heart off the pristine terrain and people, the spiritual, happy culture, vibes of freedom and the taste of bliss that are presented on a platter in Ladakh, without as much as bringing home souvenirs and memorabilia that will assist you down the path of retrospection.
The pristine land lost in time has become increasingly tourist friendly. Credit it to the movie 3 Idiots if you must, but thank the soul-searchers, backpackers and tourists who explored the land before you did and created a vivacious market for ‘tangible memories of Ladakh’ to carry home with them. From pocket-friendly tokens to pieces of sartorial luxury, and adornments for home, there is much for everyone’s taste while shopping Ladakh.
Let’s take a look at the zillion ways and places you can burn a hole in your pocket or come out unscathed from the shopping hysteria with your sharp bargaining skills!
- Tso Kar :
Tso Kar is a fluctuating salt lake in scenic Ladakh Valley. Popular as the white lake, and unlike its counterparts Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso, Tso Kar Lake is the most peaceful and calm of them all and also the smallest of the three. There are only a few yak sheds, a monastery and a couple of nomadic families in the surrounding. An overnight camping expedition is recommended as the experience is unlike any other. Tso Kar also has a large variety of birds for bird lovers as the marshlands surrounding the lake supports an amazing array of birdlife.
The common birds found at Tso Kar Lake are Brahmin ducks, bar-headed geese and great crested grebe. The main attraction, however, is the black-necked crane. The black-necked cranes, known for their fidelity, come to Tso Kar to lay eggs. The sight of the bird, with a wingspan of almost 8 ft, taking off is an amazing sight to witness against the backdrop of green plains and the snow-covered mountains.
- Trekking in Ladakh:
Known for its majestic and moon shaped terrains, Ladakh is visited by nature lovers and adventurous enthusiast. Sitting in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, trekking in Ladakh is an experience with countless thrilling and exciting trekking routes and trails. From traversing over a glacier, climbing long stretches of mountainous terrain, and manoeuvring their way through a long and steep ridge, Ladakh treks have easy to difficult challenges, even for professional trekkers. A myriad of beautiful and serene high altitude passes, valleys, flora and fauna make Ladakh a dream vacation destination.
The diverse landscape and altitudes at Ladakh ranging from 9000 ft to 25,170 ft offer numerous trekking options. One of the most pristine and beautiful destinations of the country, the region has countless unexplored trekking trails. Summers are the perfect time for trekking in Ladakh since winters are harsh with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees Celcius.
There are no permits required for travelling to Leh. However, registration is needed for all foreign nationals, especially those travelling by road. Registration is undertaken at Drass, Rumtse and Sarchu. Those travelling by air should get their registration done at the airport. A ‘Protect Area Permit’ is needed for visiting restricted areas including Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Pangong Tso Lake, Dha Hanu and Nubra Valley. Permits may be obtained through registered travel agencies.
- Mountain Biking in Ladakh:
Often termed the paradise of mountain bikers, Leh Ladakh has thousands of tourists coming in every year to experience the thrill of driving on its steep slopes and adrenaline gushing paths. For adventurous daring mountain bikers, Leh-Manali highway is spectacular road while enjoying the picturesque landscapes. Mountain Biking in Ladakh is best possible or opens in late May and closed by September end when the snowfall reclaims the high passes.
- Lamayuru Town:
Lamayuru is a small village situated midway between Kargil and Leh on NH1-D also known as the Srinagar- Leh Highway. It is situated 100 km ahead of Leh, after Fotu La- the highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Known as the ‘place of freedom’ and housing the oldest and one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh region, Lamayuru is the place to visit for all those seeking peace and tranquillity. Lamayuru is immensely famous for a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located nearby. However, its claim to fame is accredited to the surreal breathtaking view of moonlike landscapes carved into the mountains. A large lake long ago dried up and the protrusions looked like the surface of the moon. Tourists from various places visit this relatively serene destination to immerse in this scenic beauty.
- Hall of fame Museum:
Located at approximately 4 km from Leh on the Leh-Kargil Road, the Hall of Fame is a museum was built in memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting for India at the Indo-Pakistan war.
Maintained by the Indian Army, the Hall of Fame showcases seized arms and amenities of Pakistani Army, pictures and biographies of brave soldiers. A section of the museum also displays Siachen area, exhibiting apparel and amenities used by the Indian Army in the region. Apart from this, one can also witness items related to Ladakhi culture, history, vegetation and wildlife found across the globe.
- Kargil:
Kargil is located in Ladakh and is a usual stopover for people leading towards Leh or Padum. The town is 11 Km away from the actual line of control and is small enough to be explored by wayfaring.
Situated drastically close to the Line of Control, this town, apart from being a tourist hotspot, is also a volatile region, owing to the terrorism prevalent from the other side of the LOC. This was the same region, where India had fought its last war with their neighbour Pakistan in 1999, incidentally the first war in India to have received wide coverage, both in newspapers and on television. Kargil doesn’t end here. Apart from the glorious War Memorial in the Drass town, situated at the foothill of the Tololing Hills, the district has several Buddhist monasteries, where you can seek blessings in peace, be it the Lamayuru Monastery, or the scenic monasteries at Phuktal, Sani & the Cave Monastery. To sum up, Kargil is a destination that suits the bold travellers, who want a slice of adrenaline rushing up every moment in their veins.
The beautiful area is embellished with sturdy rocks with the crystal clear Suru river stream flows. There are rich apple, mulberry and apricots orchard in summers. There are revered monasteries and mosques as well, exhibiting the culture of Kargil.
How to reach Leh Ladakh:
Being a remote area, Ladakh is only traversable by air or road. The Leh city does not have any railway station of its own. However, there is an airport for the city and a highway too, that leads to Leh.
- How to reach Leh Ladakh by flight :
The nearest airport is at Leh, which is well connected to Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Mumbai and several other cities in India. From the Leh airport, hire a cab to visit places of interest. Leh city has several accommodation options.
- How to reach Leh Ladakh by road :
Road If you don’t want to take flight, then you will have to reach Manali or Srinagar via trains and buses and then from Manali or Srinagar, you can catch a bus or a cab or even a shared taxi that drops you directly to Leh. The road from Manali to Leh is said to be one of the most picturesque routes in the world. A lot of people cover this route on their motorbikes, especially on Royal Enfield motorcycles as the terrain is a bit bumpy. Some cycle enthusiasts also cover this distance over their bicycles.
- How to reach Leh Ladakh by train :
As mentioned, the city is at a very remote location with minimal resources available. So the region does not have a railway station. However, the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi (700 km from Ladakh) which is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
- Local transport in Leh Ladakh :
The mystic and awe striking region of Ladakh is surrounded with gorgeous scenery and travelling through this region can indeed be a pleasure. There are buses, taxis, motorcycles and bicycles available for getting across Ladakh and you can choose the one that you deem fit.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Ladakh is in Summer (April – June). This is when the climate here is most pleasant, with the snow from winter all thawed and balmy weather. During the rest of the year, Manali-Leh highway is not functional and the only operational way is the Srinagar-Leh highway which also gets affected by occasional landslides. The Frozen River Trek, one of the most famous treks here is carried out in the months of December and January along the river Zanskar. However, winter in Ladakh has an exceptional charm of its own. For the adventurous-at-heart, winter is the perfect opportunity to experience Ladakh in its authentic self; all covered up with inches deep snow. Every season in the beautiful stretches of Ladakh is a treat to the wanderer’s soul unless of course there is too much snowfall or a scary blizzard.
Leh Ladakh in Summer (April-June):
Ladakh is by far the most beautiful to look at during the summer season and also the busiest. From around April, tourists already start to migrate to Ladakh to enjoy the last few days of spring in the crisp weather, as the cold fades and snow melts gradually. The temperature during this time is still quite cold, around 5°C-7°C. By the second week of May, the very important Srinagar-Leh highway is made available again, thus opening the floodgate for the flurry of tourists to go to Ladakh. The spring-early summertime is perfect for the budget travellers because the peak season is yet to start and the hotels offer lucrative discounts to lure visitors, which can be taken advantage of. And at the same time, you can see a good share of ice and snow, mainly in the Khardung La and Chang La passes. Late April sees the melting of the lakes, and a spread of brilliant colours all around. By the beginning of June, the Manali route along with Rohtang Pass opens up as well. Temperature goes further up and hovers around 15°C-30°C. Although the roads can sometimes be slippery because of the rapidly melting snow, if trodden carefully, they can offer some of the most beautiful sights you have ever seen.
Leh Ladakh in Monsoon (July-August):
From the end of July to the middle of September, Ladakh experiences irregular to heavy rainfall in most places. This is neither the ideal nor the safest time to visit Ladakh. The rain makes the roads very risky to drive or walk on. Landslides and snowslides are frequent during this time as well. There can be frequent road blockages obstructing the flow of the trip or trek. There are some parts which fall under the rain shadow area like the areas beyond Zoji La Pass and Baralacha Pass, going towards Leh from Srinagar and Manali respectively. But to reach there, one must crossroads which are dangerous, thanks to the rain.
Leh Ladakh in Early Winter (September-October):
Autumn in Ladakh is once again one of the best times to visit. The precipitation stops but leaves behind just the right amount of humidity in the air to make the trip pleasant. Being washed by the rain over the monsoon season, the rugged surroundings turn to its freshest of colours. Moreover, the crowd from summer season thins out to quite an extent, which means you can enjoy Ladakh bit more freely.
Leh Ladakh in Winter (November-February):
By the time November comes around, Ladakh is freezing with cold. All places over 14000 ft experience sub-zero temperature. Driving through the roads, even the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways get dangerous because of black ice. However, tourists who are confident about beating the cold can visit Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri Lakes to see their changing colours – it is a top-rated attraction. Soon after this, the lakes get all frozen. From mid-January to March, the famous Chadar Trek is on for adventure lovers. One part of the trek involves walking over the frozen Zanskari River.
Food of Leh Ladakh:
Leh is a multicuisine city serving Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and even Korean. The cuisine here exhibits tints of these foreign influences. Visitors must try out the local dishes which almost define the cuisine here such as Thukpa, noodle soup;Tsampa, known in Ladakhi as Ngamphe (roasted barley flour), and Skyu which is a heavy pasta dish with plenty of veggies as well as the very popular and delicious Momos which are steamed dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat.
Drinks include Tea, coffee, beer and Chang which is an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.