Lamayaru: The Moonland of Ladakh
Loacted 15 Km east of the famous Fotu La pass on the Leh-Srinagar highway, Lamayaru is popularly known as moonland by the local due to its peculiar land surface which closely resembles the surface seen on moon.

The monastery at Lamayaru is considered one of the oldest Gompas of Ladakh and houses more than 400 Buddhist monks even today who are undergoing training to take up responsibilities in monasteries across the globe. Legend has it that originally the valley was a huge lake which was dried up by the 10th century Buddhist scholar Mahasiddhacarya Naropa to create a perfect learning center for monks. It is also believed that the area will once again be flooded in the future when the time ordained for it arrives as per Buddhist scriptures. Some mythological accounts even believe that the great sage Arhat Nyimagong cracked open the banks of the original lake using his super natural powers and predicted that a monastery will spring from the valley bottom to eventually become one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in the region.

85 Kms from Hunder is the the beautiful village of Turtuk on the banks of the Shoyok river. Turtuk is the last outpost in India after which the Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan begins. It is the last major village where tourist activity is allowed before the Line of Control. Return back to your camp and rest for the day. Covering Diskit, Hunder and Turtuk should be enough for the day. At Sumur – Samstanling Monastry is the main attraction of this village. At Tiger Village – Zamskhang Palace is a tourist attraction. At Panamik Village – one can enjoy hot water springs & a few kms ahead of Panamik one can enjoy the gorgeous views of Yarab Tso ATV RIDE At Khalsar – On the way near village Khalsar you can enjoy ATV ride amidst sand dunes and then make your way back towards Leh . The thrilling ride Priced for Rs. 1200/ per ride includes a 15 minutes drive across the sand dunes reaching upto the edge of the gurgling Shoyok river that flows nearby. One must try this adventure activity – the entire experience of driving on the vast stretch of sand with panoramic view of the Mountains right in front is amazing.

Located in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is the highest inhabited region in India. Ladakh is known for its mystical landscape which is characterized by snow capped mountains, frozen lakes and scenic beauty which also serve as the major sightseeing in Ladakh. With crystal blue water and a beautiful backdrop, Pangong Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Ladakh. From pashmina shawls to turquoise jewelry to handwoven rugs and carpets, there are plenty of things that tourists can shop for in Ladakh. LADAKH is referred to by many names such as ‘Little Tibet’, ‘The Land of Numerous Passes’, ‘The Broken Moon’, etc. Ladakh lies at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level in a cold desert. It is nestled between the greatest mountain ranges of the world- The Great Himalayas and the Karakoram Range. Ladakh had been ruled by many dynasties, most of which were the descendants of the former kings of old Tibet. Owing to its strategic location, it also served as an eminent trade centre for India. It connected India to Central and West Asia. People and Culture of Ladakh

Unpredictable weather
Leh Ladakh weather is a mystery, though there are certain guidelines that one must follow but overall it is difficult to say that you will get only this kind of weather at a particular time of the year. You should be prepared for everything – sun, heat, heavy rain, low temperatures, landslides as well a snowfall and pack accordingly.

At one moment you will feel warm and the other it will be chilling cold. The key to dressing up in Leh Ladakh is layering. Even if you are visiting during peak summer season. Always keep your woolens or Jackets handy even if you are going out for a walk in afternoon. Also carry your Sunglasses and a cap all the time.

Delays & Plan cancellations
Landslides are very common in the hills and Ladakh is no exception. Landslides may cause delays, since the passes remain closed until the roads get cleared causing delays and plan cancellations. This is something you will have to take into account before heading out and keep a couple of spare days in the itinerary.

The population of Ladakh is a blend of many different ethnic communities among which the Tibetans, Monpas and Dards are predominant. Most of the Ladakhis are either Shia Muslims or Tibetan Buddhists. The population also comprises a small number of Hindus, Sikhs and followers of the Bon religion. Leh is also an eminent Buddhist centre and home to many Tibetan refugees. Tibetan, Urdu, Hindi, Ladakhi, Purig and English are the major languages spoken in the region.

Things to Do in Ladakh
With crystal blue water and a beautiful backdrop, Pangong Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Ladakh (Leh). It lies at the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control, at an altitude of 4350 metres above sea level. Among the many Ladakh (Leh) attractions, Leh Palace is a must visit. This beautiful palace sits on top of the Namgyal Hill and is known for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Your Ladakh (Leh) tour is incomplete without visiting the Magnetic Hill. It is the only magnetic hill in India. It has an anti-gravitational effect due to which a car will start moving upward on its own.

The Shanti Stupa which was established by Japanese Buddhists is also among the popular Ladakh (Leh) places to visit. In 1983, the stupa was opened by Dalai Lama for spreading Buddhist ideologies. Regarded as one of the highest passes in the world, the Khardung La Pass is an eminent Ladakh (Leh) tourist place. It is the gateway to the Nubra Valley which boasts of a lush landscape and is brimming with wild lavenders, roses and Alfalfa. Apart from sightseeing, there are many other things to do in Ladakh (Leh) such as shopping and adventure activities.

Food and Shopping in Ladakh
After a tiring day of Ladakh (Leh) sightseeing, one can savour some mouth watering local food at the numerous restaurants and cafes. The cuisine of Ladakh has been influenced by many foreign cuisines which include Tibetan, Korean and Chinese. Thukpa, Tsampa and Momos are some of the local specialties.

The markets of Ladakh have a lot to offer. From pashmina shawls to woolen garments to turquoise jewelry to handwoven rugs and carpets, there are plenty of things that tourists can shop for in Ladakh. Tibetan Handicrafts such as thangka paintings, Tibetan silver jewelry, delicate embroidery are also few of things sold at the local markets. Bazaar Road is lined with shops that sell these items and is the best place to go for shopping.Head over to Ladakh Art Palace to for Tibetan handicraft items. Shar Market, Tibetan Handicraft Emporium and Tibetan Market are some of the popular places to shop.

Accommodation in Ladakh Since Ladakh is well connected by road and air, there are many options for tourists who are wondering how to reach Ladakh. There are daily flights to and from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. However, driving is the best way to reach Ladakh since the routes in the region are some of the most beautiful routes in India.

Accommodation options in Ladakh include hotels, guesthouses, lodges and resorts. Tourists can look for hotels in Ladakh that lie in the vicinity of the tourist places to see in Ladakh (Leh).

Dras is situated about 60 km away from Kargil, on the road to Srinagar. Popularly known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’, Dras is the coldest inhabited place in India and the second coldest inhabited place in the world (Siberia being the first).

The first village after Zoji La pass, Dras is situated at a height of 10,990 feet above sea level. In the freezing winter, temperatures in Dras can drop to as low as -45 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature drop observed in Dras was during the winter of 1995, when the thermal reading fell to -60 degrees Celsius !

Intensely beautiful, challenging and numbingly cold, this Himalayan getaway is like none other.

In summer, the gorgeous valley is resplendent with wildflowers blooming in colourful abandon.

The Srinagar-Leh road drive, which skirts the Dras river, is staggeringly beautiful. The lofty landscape of Ladakh unfolds itself as the dense green forest-clad slopes give way to desolate multi-hued mountains.

The tiny villages nestled between towering mountains are surrounded by terrace farms cut out along hillsides,These terraces are home to groves of poplar and willow, orchards of apples and apricots and fields of barley and buckwheat..

This is a land where time stands still. The snow sculpted landscape of Dras valley will touch you and move you in ways only nature can.,If Ladakh is paradise, Dras is your stairway to heaven..

The natives of Dras, belonging to the Dard and Balti community, are hardy people. They speak the Shina language and make their homes in small clusters of huts scattered all over the Dras valley..

During the summer months, the nomadic mountain tribes of Gujjars and Bakkerwaals make an almost ritualistic journey to the Dras valley through the formidable Zoji la in search of precious grazing grounds for their livestock. They set up their camps in the meadows in the highest parts of the valley. Clad in beautifully embroidered garments, the nomads are often escorted by ferocious gaddi dogs..

In winter, everything in Dras valley freezes – the rivers, the lakes, the mountains..

Dras is known to host riveting contests of polo, the favourite sport of the landlocked region. Horsemanship is a treasured tradition of the Dard natives and polo is played with particular zeal and fervour in Dras.