Ladakh:

Passes

The

Land

of

The awesome natural landscape, a basic resource of Ladakh, is suffice to allure and enthrall you at your first view of the land of Ladakh. The typical Buddhist culture (the USP) which survived unchanged for the past thousands of years will add a new height to your view of cultural and spiritual diversity of India. Traveling in Ladakh is quite simple, straightforward and with predictable schedule, unless you desire so. Tourist Map of Leh & Ladakh will give you an insight of the land, its routes and the amenities along the route. Detailed trekking routes are excluded for there are plenty in the market. The vast region of Ladakh can be divided into five sub-regions with some specialties of their own both geographically and ethno-culturally, all mapped separately. The Nubra valley has its beauty and the picturesque sand dunes where you can ride the double humped Bacterian camel. Changthang, a high altitude plains, inhabited by the nomads, also has some of the rarest wild-life fauna. The high altitude inland lakes and the marsh land are a scenic treat to your soul too. The Sham valley has many prehistoric signs and some of the most famous monasteries. Kargil a Shia muslim predominated region, has some beautiful valleys. Zanskar, the most isolated valley, is a perfect solitude to be at peace with nature. Quite interestingly, all these regions besides roads, are well webbed by numerous trekking routes. Special Permits: Ladakh, being a frontier region has a strategic significance for India. Although you do not need any kind of special permit to enter Ladakh, but many of the areas within the region need special Inner Line Permit, obtained through a Tour Operator. These include: Changthang, Nubra, Zanskar, Dha-Bema areas. High Altitude: Ladakh is a high altitude destination. To adapt to high altitude take complete rest on your arrival. Acclimatize yourself by moving about slowly and breathing deeply so that our body can get used to rarefied air (lower oxygen level); -Take sufficient amount of water. It is 2700m at Kargil and 3500m at Leh, with proper acclimatization, altitude rarely effects anybody. Best time: Although majority of the visitors prefer the months June-August, the peak summer months, but that doesnt mean it is the best time. For we have visitors even in the months of sub-zero temperature. So best time is June to August if you are in the majority or else any time is best time for the adventurers.

NOTE: Maps are not to scale and is for general tourist purpose; rates or fares are
approximate and minimum of 2008-09; list of business establishments shown may not be complete; accuracy is to the best possibility however we shall not be responsible for any inconveniences caused. The external boundaries of India have not been authenticated. No part of this map may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission from the authour. A part of the earning will be utilized for promoting Ladakh Study Group.

TL Thsangspa POBox ldawalay123@yahoo.co.in

185

Leh

194101

(J&K)

India:

How to reach Ladakh . . . . ________

Flight: Leh is well connected by flights from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. The frequency and timings differ with each route and with each Airlines and during on and off seasons. Jet Airways (www.jetairways.com) have daily two flights on Delhi-Leh route while Deccan (www.airdeccan.net) have one flight daily. Indian Airlines (www.indian-airlines.nic.in) connects Leh with Jammu, Delhi and Srinagar.

Overland: Ladakh is connected by the mainland India, through two main highways: Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali roads. Both the roads are open to traffic for about 5-8 months of the summer. These roads open or close depending upon the winter snowfall and the prevailing weather conditions. The road from Manali is usually opened-up by early June and last till October or November. The Srinagar-Leh high way opens-up by May and last even as far as December, but it is usually officially closes by mid-October. There are plenty of buses and taxis plying on these roads. The edge in a bus is that it is economical, but they have a fixed schedule, unless you are in a group. In a taxi you are at will to make your own schedule for the long journey, particularly with the night halts and photography. The Srinagar-Leh, around 430km, is comparatively more relaxing journey as compared to the Leh-Manali. Traditionally it takes two days with a night halt at Kargil. Taxis and busses ply from Srinagar. More information can be had from TRC, Srinagar (0194-2452690 or www.jktourism.org) The Manali-Leh is a longer desolate route, 484km, and often considered safer due to the situation in Kashmir, but definitely no less spectacular in scenic beauty. You pass through one of the worlds highest deserted plains of Changthang. The stretch is more an adventure than a mere traveling, often described as one of the worlds most thrilling highways. Much of the stretch is barren high altitude plain without any habitation. Taxis and buses ply from Manali. HPTDC office is at the Mall, Manali (Ph: 01902-253351 or www.hp.gov.in/hrtctickets).

Accomodations: Ladakh may not provide you with exceptionally luxurious accommodations, but there are plenty and sufficiently cozy and comfortable hotels to suffice your comfort requirement. The guest-houses, with less formal facilities provide you with homely atmosphere and a nice country side views. There are fixed govt. rates, but bargaining do happen along with off-season discounts. These are spread in the four zones of Leh town. 1. Leh town: It includes the immediate surroundings of Leh town. Obviously it is one of the most concentrated area in terms of habitation and with lesser green spots, but gives you immediate access to, well, everything. 2. Old Road & Fort Road: It is on the downhill south-west of Leh town. The hotels and guest houses are mostly situated along the two sides of the road, for about a kilometer. It has the widest choices of hotels and GHs. 3. Changspa: About 1-2 km plain walk from bazaar. One of the most concentrated and also sort-after place to stay in Leh. Plenty of greenery, number of garden restaurant scattered, will add to your flavour. 4. Sankar: About 1-3 km gradual uphill around Sankar village has the least concentration of commercial establishments and has open and green surrounding with a nice view of the Leh valley. Others: There are still other places to stay for which you will need a vehicle for the to and fro from the city. Skara, is at the end of the fort road and old road about 2-4km, Choglamsar, 7km, Sabu 8Km, Agling 7km, Stok 12km.
Hotel & Guest House Tariffs (2008) in Rupees. Particular EP (only room) A-Class Hotel Double bed room 1842 B-Class Hotel Double bed room 1111 C-Class Hotel Double bed room 615 D-Class Hotel Double bed room 438 Guest Houses Upper Class Double bed 387 Medium class Double bed room 225 Economy class Double bed room 193 Note:
a. Only EP shown, other plans are also available. b. About 20-30% less for single bed rooms. c. 25% discount during lean tourist season w.e.f. 15th April to 14th May and 6th Sept. to 15th Nov. d. Heating and other expenses charged separately

e.

40% additional for extra bed.

Taxi fares within Ladakh Taxi Union 253039 and 252723 Leh-Shey-Thikse-Hemis-Leh (day trip) Rs.1200 Leh-Nubra-Leh (with a night in Nubra) Rs. 6900 Leh-Lekir-Alchi-Lamayuru-Leh (day trip) Rs. 3600 Leh-Lekir-Alchi-Bema-Leh (with a night stay) Rs. 5767 Leh-Pangong-Leh (with a night stay) Rs. 5200 Leh-Tsomoriri-Leh (with a night stay) Rs. 7000

Transport: There are various modes of transport in Leh to visits various

places. There are public transport busses, mini-busses and taxis. Timings and destinations of some of these public transports may be checked from their offices. Private mini buses Ph: 253262; J&K SRTC buses Ph: 252085; Ladakh Pvt. Buses Ph. 252792 (Leh STD code: 01982)

Moasteries: Monasteries of Ladakh shows the glimpse of a lost tradition, that of Indian and Kashmiri Buddhist period, which was not only preserved, but also nurtured. Today Ladakh has become the lastdead-end region in India & Central Asia with such a treasure of ancient Buddhist art and literature. The religious sites of about thousand years old includes: Alchi, Lamayuru, Mangyu, Sumda, Wanla. The most famous Alchi Choskor is said to be a fantastic chance survival from the past, and as such truly one of the wonders of the Buddhist world
Festivals: Some of the festivals dates of Ladakh that coincide with the summer (tourist) season
Monastery/Village Hemis Tseshu Phyang Tseduk Yuru Kabgyad Buddha Purnima, Le Tak Thok Tseshu Thiksey Gustor Matho Nagran Chemde Wangchik Korzok Gustor Shashikul Gustor Sani-Naro Nas-jal Sindhu Darshan Ladakh Festival 2010 Jun 21-22 Jul 13-14 Jun 9-10 May 27 Jul 20-21 Oct 25-26 Feb 27-28 Nov 4-5 Jul 14-15 Jul 9-10 Jul 24-25 Jun 1-3 Sep 1-15 2011 Jul 10-11 Aug 1-2 Jun 28-29 Jun 15 Aug 8-9 Nov 13-14 Mar 17-18 Nov 23-24 Aug 2-3 Jul 28-29 Aug 12-13 Jun 1-3 Sep 1-15

Adventure Tourism
Trekking, along with mountaineering and river rafting in Ladakh is one of the major attraction for the scope it offers. Treks may range from a day-long trek to weeks of walking in the remote Himalayan villages where time is neither digital nor analog, but it flows with the season. There are plenty of mountain peaks in Ladakh above 6000m falling in the various ranges i.e. Karakoram, Ladakh, Zanskar and Himalayan ranges. Ladakh is also home to various wildlife species from Oriental to Central Asian species. Watching these with Home Stay tour operators will be a lifetime chance.

Information Offices of J&K Tourism (www.jktourism.org,

www.ladakh_tourism.org)
Leh: Asstt. Director of Tourism, Tourist Reception Centre, Leh 194 101 Phone: (01982) 252297, 252094, 253462 Kargil: Tourist Officer, Tourist Reception Centre, Kargil 194 103 Phone: (01985) 252297, 252094, 253462 Srinagar: Director of Tourism (Kashmir), J&K Government, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar 190 001 Phone: 0194-2452690-91 Fax: 0194-2479548 Jammu: Director of Tourism (Jammu), Tourist Reception Centre, Residency Road, Jammu 180 001 Phone: 0191-2548172 New Delhi: 201-203, Kanishka Shopping Plaza, 19, Ashok Road, New Delhi. Important Telephone Numbers: Secretary Tourism, J&K Govt. 0191-2542922/2548715 Mb. 9419000963 Director Tourism, J&K Kashmir 0194-2472449/2479548 Mb. 9419000744 Director Tourism, J&K Govt. Jammu 0191-2520409.2548172 Mb. 9419184464 Phone: 011-23325373; Fax: 23716081, Telex: 031-61854 JKT IN Mumbai: 25, Chinar, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Cobala, Mumbai Phone: 022-2189040, 22189718; Fax: 22186172 Chennai: II-floor, 36/36-A, North Usman Road, Chennai 600 002 Phone/fax: 044-28235958 Ahamdabad: Airline house; Lal Darwaza, Phone: 079-25503551 Hydrabad: 5th floor, Left wing, Chandra Vihar Complex, MJ Road, Phone/fax: 040-24734806 Kolkata: 12,Choringhee. Phone/fax: 033-22285791

Information Offices of Himachal Tourism (www.himachaltourism.gov.in)

at Manali (Ph: 01902-252175.

Information Offices J&K Tourism Online: www.jktourism.org or www.tourindia.com www.himachaltourism.gov.in

IMPORTANT TEL. NUMBERS STD codes India 0091 Kargil 01985 Leh 01982 Padum (Zanskar) 01985 Deskit (Nubra) 01982 Phone Nubmers Ambulance 253629 CMO 252012 SNM Hospital 252014/252360 Station Manager IA 252076 Airport Jet Airways 250467 Jet Airways 250444 PNB 256277 JKB 252023 SBI 256226 Police SHO 252018 SSP 252200 District Magistrate 252010 Tourist Reception 253462, 252297/-094 Postal Enquiry 252015