Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Leh Ladakh  The Pathar Sahib Gurudwara is a beautiful gurudwara dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev. It is located 25 km from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road. The Gurudwara is highly revered as it houses a rock that resembles the back of Guru Nanak. It was built on the spot where he is said to have defeated a demon. The Gurudwara is guarded by the lamas and the Indian army.  The locals believe that Guru Nanak stayed at this place in the 15th century, which was ruled by a demon. When the locals asked him for help, the demon threw a boulder towards Guru Nanak, which turned into wax when it touched his back and took his form. This rock is worshipped today at the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Most vehicles stop here and pay their respects before continuing their journey. Other destinations to travel at Ladakh & Near Ladakh Pangong Lake Ladaka Khardung La weather and best time to visit Hundar in the Nubra Sangam, Leh Ladakh Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh Tso...

  Hemis Monastery, Hemis Hemis Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located 45 km south of Leh. It was built by the Ladakhi King Sengge Namgyal and is considered one of the richest monasteries in India. The Hemis Monastery is mainly visited during the annual Hemis Festival, which takes place every year at the beginning of June. The Hemis Monastery houses a spectacular copper statue of Lord Buddha as well as stupas made of gold and silver, thangkas (a painting on cotton or silk depicting a Buddhist deity) and murals. The large courtyard and a picturesque veranda are decorated with colourful paintings of the Buddhist Kalachakra. Hemis Monastery belongs to the Red Sect or Dugpa Kargyupta Order of Buddhism. All four sides of the monastery are decorated with colourful prayer flags that flutter in the breeze and send out prayers to Lord Buddha. It is also an institution for the teaching of Tantric Vajrayana. Other destinations to travel at Ladakh & Near Ladakh Pangong La...

  Stok Palace, Leh Ladakh  Located about 15 km from Leh, Stok Palace is the summer residence of the royal family of Ladakh and descendants of King Sengge Namgyal. It was built in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal and opened to the public by the Dalai Lama in 1980.  The Stok Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and houses the Stok Palace Museum and Temple. The hotel's rustic interiors exude regal, antique décor alongside some whimsically decorated rooms. Besides, the Stok Palace is also a well-preserved traditional piece of Buddhist culture. The hotel is divided into six units within the Stok Palace and three more units in the Chulli Bagh Villa. Stok Palace Museum Inside the magnificent palace is the Stok Palace Museum, which houses valuable artefacts and jewels of King Sengge Namgyal and his descendants, attracting many historians and anthropologists. Ancient coins, royal seals, valuable jewellery and photographs are kept in this museum. Here you will also find ...

  Shey Monastery and Palace, Leh Ladakh  Shey Monastery or Shey Palace is an ancient monastery located 15 km from Leh. It once served as the summer capital of Ladakh, but is now mostly in ruins. It is located on a hill and offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The highlight of the monastery is the 39-foot- tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue, the second largest Buddha statue in Jammu and Kashmir. Special permission is required to visit the monastery.  Shey Monastery is often visited along with the surrounding monasteries of Thiksey, Hemis, Stakna and Matho. The monastery complex is decorated with various murals and rock carvings of Buddha. 400 metres away is another shrine that houses the Shakyamuni statue in a seated position. The best time to visit the monastery is during the Shey Rhupla and Shey Doo Lhoo festivals, celebrated in July or August. The Shey Palace was built in 1655 by Deldan Namgyal, the king of Ladakh, in memory of his father. Other destinations to travel at...

  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 in the second half of January to the 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 the Zanskar to Nerak and beyond to work, which in summer usually consists of trading goods. In winter, the road is blocked and dangerous to travel, so locals walk along the Zanskar River, which is frozen over at that time. The thick ice cover formed by the Zanskar River resembles a white blanket called "chadar" in the local language. Hence, the trek along the frozen Zanskar River is also known as the Chadar trek. Although the trek seems to be challenging, it is not the most difficult as it is basically a flat trek along the Chadar with only a few metres of elevation gain. If you can walk f...

  Zanskar Valley, Leh Ladakh The enchanting Zanskar Valley is located in Kargil district in eastern Ladakh (about 105 km). It is pronounced Zahar or Zangskar by the locals and is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range, which is part of the Tethys Himalayas. Zanskar is known for its rugged landscape and is mostly travelled for trekking and river rafting. The semi-desert region is flanked by snow-capped mountains and sparkling clean rivers, and boasts unique flora and fauna. The easiest way to reach Zanskar is from Kargil through the Suru Valley. Due to heavy snowfall in the region, it is cut off from the rest of the world for over 9 months of the year. The only way to reach Zanskar in the winter months from December to February is the challenging Chadar Trek. Other destinations to travel at Ladakh & Near Ladakh Pangong Lake Ladaka Khardung La weather and best time to visit Hundar in the Nubra Sangam, Leh Ladakh Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh Tso Moriri...