Kashmir- The only Heaven on the Earth. It’s not only because it’s an old adage. It’s true in the context of travelling. Kashmir is very beautiful place to be explored. Its scenic beauty makes it more attractive. Ladhak the coldest dessert in the world lies in Kashmir only. Partial fantasy, partial reality… Ladakh is where; the forces of nature combined to provide magical impracticable scenery… a scenery of edges… desert and blue waters. bright sun and chilled winds… glaciers and sand bank… a prehistoric battleground of the gigantic forces which gave birth to the Himalayas. Ladakh is a good place for spending vacations.
Witness the sky touching mountains listen to the musical hymn of Buddhist monks in a prehistoric monastery where time stands motionless. See the speeding up waters of a frozen river rush down from a glacial altitude. It’s all about the description of ladakh. Ladakh, the crown of the world opened to tourists only in the last decade. At an overwhelming height, this raised ground is the bridge between the earth and the sky!
You should know about the few things like weather conditions of Ladakh, the best time to go there, how to reach Ladakh so on and so forth before packing bag for moving to Ladakh. In reality these are the common questions that come to everyone’s mind before going to any trip or tour.
Here are few travelling tips which you should consider before leaving for Ladhak
Transportation
Inc current times, the only two land routes to Ladakh are in use, from Srinagar and Manali. Travelers from Srinagar start their journey from Sonamarg. There is one airport in Leh, from which there are daily flights to Delhi on Jet Airways, Air Deccan, and Indian Airlines and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu.
Physically fit
You have to be physically fit to carry out a tour to Leh Ladakh. It is worthwhile to take at least 12-24 hours of rest after reaching Leh to fully become accustomed to the high altitude. If you feel shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, immediately take some rest. Always carry drinking water, chocolates or energy bars while traveling.
Always book travel agent
It is always better to book a travel agent, who will help you correctly from beginning to end your trip to Ladakh.travel agent will provide you everything you required of. He will book your accommodation. He will arrange transport facility too.
Perfect time to visit
Ladakh is open for tourist all through the year, while the best period for tour and trek is from June to October. Most of the trekking paths are closed after November due to heavy snowfall at high passes
Accommodations
Guest Houses: Cheapest accommodations in Ladakh comprises of guesthouses. They are classified in to various categories like Upper, Medium and Economy class.
Tourist Complexes and Hiker’s Huts: The facilities of tourist complexes and hiker’s huts have been introduced in ladakh.
Paying Guest: some homes offer paying guests services to solve the difficulty of accommodation in Ladakh.
Tourist Bungalows run by Government: The government runs tourist bungalows are mainly located along the Srinagar-Leh road. These bungalows offer the best possible accommodation in the medium range tariffs.
Medicines and obligatory cosmetics
Essential medicines, sun-screen lotion, moisturizing lotion, tender balms, and pain relief balms are a must when traveling to Leh Ladakh as ladakh is located at very high altitude.
Outfits and shoes
Shirt and shorts will be best for the daytime but in evening you have to wear Jacket or pullover due to cold. While trekking above 4000m, you need warm cloth. Sometimes there is a rain or snow in early June therefore you need Wind sheeter or raincoat. Good waterproof shoes are required while trekking and extra pair of shoes and Sandal is always helpful. You should keep a good quality eye gear.
Backpack, sleeping bag
Always carry a spacious back pack, as it is easy to dangle on back. You also carry a sleeping bag with you.
Means of communication
There is lot of STD booths in Ladakh, but they get closed late evening. So it will be better to be in touch with your near and dear ones by early evening. There is no provision of cellular phones at the high altitude of ladakh
Always carry a camera
The region offers wonderful scenic views, so carry as good quality camera you can. Capture the beauty of the ladakh in your camera.. Some monasteries however may not allow photography within their premises.
Credit Cards & Internet Services
Credit Cards are not accepted by most of the hotels and travel agents except some antique shops. Internet, Email services are available in Leh only.
Provision of banks
The State Bank of India and the J&K Bank has branches at various places in Ladakh, with major branches in Leh and Kargil, where foreign exchange services are too available. The State Bank of India also functions an additional counter at the Tourist Information Centre located in the Dak Bungalow Complex, Leh. Some hotels in Leh are also licensed to transaction in foreign exchange, although these mostly service in-house clients. There is no foreign exchange service outside Leh and Kargil.
Here are few things you should keep in mind while travelling to Ladakh: -
Avoid Plastic
do not use anything in plastic. Always throw empty mineral water bottles in any dustbin or get them refilled.. At the time of buying goods from the market, stay away from plastic carry bags. Always ask cloth, jute and paper bags.
Bound Vehicle Use
Try to make as least as possible utilization of vehicles. You should prefer a walk .probably share rides with others. This will go a long way in dropping the levels of air pollution in the valley.
Save Water
Try to preserve water as much as you can. Make use Ladakhi toilets as an alternative of flush toilets. Do not wash your clothes in a straight line in streams. It will create water pollution.
Save Energy
Just like water, energy should also be preserved. At many places in Ladakh, solar showers are available. Try to substitute them for the other showers whenever possible. Always support places that make use of renewable sources of electricity.
Value the Local Culture
Taking small defense and hold fast to a few rules will go a elongated way in showing appropriate respect to the local culture of Ladakh.