5 off-beat places you have to visit on your ladakh tour

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5 off-beat places you have to visit on your Ladakh tour
www.wheelstreet.in /blog/5-off-beat-places-you-have-to-visit-on-your-ladakh-tour/
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The rise of tourism in Ladakh has been astronomical in the past decade. Ladakh went from being an isolated and
barren ‘cold desert’ to being a popular tourist spot for those people who wanted to escape crowds. This, along with
the popularisation of Ladakh in movies like 3 Idiots, is the reason why you will be met by large crowds of tourists in
this once untouched land. If you want to experience this beautiful region without the disturbance of annoying people,
here are 5 lesser-known places you must visit on your Ladakh tour.
Turtuk
A
sparsely
populated and quaint town that lies near the LOC, Turtuk is one of the hidden gems of the Nubra Valley. Turtuk was
originally a part of Baltistan and was reclaimed by India from Pakistan following the war of 1971. Tourists were first
allowed to visit this town in 2010 which is why it’s not very well known. The ride to this town is nothing short of
magnificent. Throughout the journey, one has the company of the River Shyok, as well as the vistas that define the
barrenness which is characteristic to Ladakh. The unbelievable turquoise blue Shyok amid sky high snow clad
peaks is a sight that no one can ever forget. Since Turtuk is one of the lowest towns in the Nubra Valley, it has green
pastures which grow apricots, apples, tomatoes, cauliflowers, and cabbages. The greenery here is in stark contrast
to the arid and barren environs that are synonymous with Ladakh.
Hanle
Hanle is a remote village in the Changthang region and lies in the southernmost part of Ladakh. It is the best place
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img source: thealternative
for those who want to experience the majesty and vastness of the mighty Himalayas un-marred by human presence.
The Analy Gompa (a 17th century monastery of Tibetan Buddhism) and the Indian Astronomical Observatory are the
only large buildings in this town. Hanle is now being equipped with a Major Atmosphere Cherenkov Experiment
(MACE) gamma-ray telescope which will be the largest of its kind and this altitude. The clear, pollution-free sky in
this isolated region turns into the perfect canvas on which it appears as if all the stars of the galaxy are painted
during the night. It is one of the best places to go stargazing in India and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the Milky
Way in all its glory here as well.
Tso Moriri
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img source: trodly
When you think about lakes in Ladakh, Pangong Tso is the first one that comes to mind. After being featured in 3
Idiots and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Pangong became even more popular and is now crowded with tourists all the time. A
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img source: wikimedia
better alternative to this is the Tso Moriri. This lake is equally beautiful and is also part of the Tso Moriri Wetland
Conservation Reserve. Apart from being mesmerised by the crystal blue waters of the lake, you can also observe
unique and rare species of flora and fauna that are a part of this reserve. Tso Moriri is also the highest Wetland of
International Importance as recognised by the Ramsar Convention.
Chilling
Chilling is a village in the Hemis National Park that lies 66 kms from Leh. The route to reach here makes for one of
the best small road trips you can undertake in the region. The views of the high mountains rushing past as you ride
alongside the Zanskar River is an indescribable feeling. Chilling is also the starting point for a number of treks, the
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img source: thebetterindia
img source: rltgo
most popular of which is the Markha Valley trekking route. You can also set-off on the famed Chadar Trek on the
frozen Zanskar river during the winter months from Chilling.
Suru Valley
The
Suru
Valley is
a
picturesque location at the catchment area of the Suru River, which is an important tributary of the Indus. The beauty
of the lush green surroundings of this region are heightened by comparison to the pale Himalayan glaciers. The
multitude of apple, apricot and mulberry trees here are a sight to behold in an otherwise vegetation-starved region of
the country. Suru Valley is a popular trekking destination with Sankoo, Panikhar, Rangdum and Padum in the Suru
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and Zanskar Valleys being bases for various trekking routes.
Do you know of any other off beat places to visit on a Ladakh tour? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be
happy to share them with our readers. If you’re planning a road trip to this magnificent place, you can rent a bike
from Delhi at our special rates exclusively for those who are attempting this trip. Visit Wheelstreet to know more.
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5 off-beat places you have to visit on your ladakh tour

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5 off-beat places you have to visit on your ladakh tour