Many people consider Leh Ladakh, often known as the “Land of High Passes,” to be their ideal travel location. This area, which is tucked away in northern India, provides amazing scenery, tranquil monasteries, and exhilarating adventure activities. The trip to Leh Ladakh is sure to be an amazing experience for those departing from Pune. Everything you need to know about Leh Ladakh tour packages from Pune will be covered in this article, including the ideal time to visit, must-see sights, available routes, and thorough tour itineraries.
Why Leh Ladakh?
Leh Ladakh is a unique destination that combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Here are some reasons why you should consider a Leh Ladakh tour:
- Gorgeous Landscapes: Leh Ladakh boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth, from untamed mountains and high-altitude deserts to pure lakes and verdant valleys.
- Cultural Richness: The area is home to a fusion of Indian and Tibetan traditions, colorful festivals, and historic monasteries.
- Adventure Activities: Trekking, river rafting, mountain riding, and motorbiking are just a few of the activities that adventure seekers can enjoy in Leh Ladakh.
- Spiritual Experience: The calm surroundings and quiet monasteries make for an ideal atmosphere for meditation and spiritual inquiry.
Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh
The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is between May and September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and most of the roads and passes are open. Here’s a brief overview of the seasons:
- Summer (May to August): With temperatures between 15°C and 30°C, this is the busiest travel season, lasting from May to August. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
- Monsoon (September): which is monsoon season, sees little rainfall in the area, making it an excellent time for people who want to avoid crowds.
- Winter (October to April): Due to snowfall, many highways are closed and temperatures drop dramatically. For those who want to see the frozen beauty of Leh Ladakh and participate in winter sports, this is the ideal time of year.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh from Pune
There are several ways to reach Leh Ladakh from Pune:
- By Air: Flying from Pune to Leh is the quickest route to visit Leh Ladakh. You will have to take a connecting trip via Delhi or Mumbai as there are no direct flights available. When layovers are taken into account, the entire trip takes about 6 to 8 hours.
- By Train: Leh Ladakh is not served by any direct trains. From Pune, you can take a train to Jammu or Chandigarh, from where you can continue your travel by car. Although it takes more time, this alternative gives you a chance to take in the area’s breathtaking scenery.
- By Road: This is the most adventurous option. You can either drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi/jeep from Manali or Srinagar to Leh. The road trip is challenging but offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Popular Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Pune
1. Classic Leh Ladakh Tour (7 Days/6 Nights)
Itinerary:
Day 1: Pune to Leh
- Fly from Pune to Leh.
- Arrival at Leh airport and transfer to hotel.
- Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Evening visit to Shanti Stupa and Leh Market.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing
- Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery.
- Explore Leh Palace and Stok Palace Museum.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley (135 km)
- Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (one of the highest motorable roads in the world).
- Visit Diskit Monastery and the giant Buddha statue.
- Enjoy a camel ride in the sand dunes of Hunder.
- Overnight stay in a camp/guesthouse.
Day 4: Nubra Valley to Leh
- Visit Sumur and Panamik (hot springs) in the morning.
- Return to Leh via Khardung La Pass.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5: Leh to Pangong Lake (160 km)
- Drive to Pangong Lake via Chang La Pass.
- Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Pangong Lake.
- Overnight stay in a camp near the lake.
Day 6: Pangong Lake to Leh
- Witness the sunrise at Pangong Lake.
- Drive back to Leh, visiting Hemis Monastery en route.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Leh to Pune
- Transfer to Leh airport for the flight back to Pune.
2. Leh Ladakh Adventure Tour (10 Days/9 Nights)
Itinerary:
Day 1: Pune to Delhi to Manali
- Fly from Pune to Delhi.
- Overnight bus journey from Delhi to Manali.
Day 2: Manali Local Sightseeing
- Visit Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, and Vashisht Hot Springs.
- Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 3: Manali to Jispa (140 km)
- Drive to Jispa via Rohtang Pass.
- Overnight stay in Jispa.
Day 4: Jispa to Sarchu (85 km)
- Drive to Sarchu via Baralacha La Pass.
- Overnight stay in camps at Sarchu.
Day 5: Sarchu to Leh (250 km)
- Drive to Leh via Nakee La and Lachung La passes.
- Arrival in Leh and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Leh Local Sightseeing
- Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery.
- Explore Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley (135 km)
- Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass.
- Visit Diskit Monastery and Hunder sand dunes.
- Overnight stay in a camp/guesthouse.
Day 8: Nubra Valley to Leh
- Visit Sumur and Panamik.
- Return to Leh via Khardung La Pass.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9: Leh to Pangong Lake (160 km)
- Drive to Pangong Lake via Chang La Pass.
- Overnight stay in a camp near the lake.
Day 10: Pangong Lake to Leh
- Witness the sunrise at Pangong Lake.
- Drive back to Leh.
- Transfer to Leh airport for the flight back to Pune.
Key Attractions in Leh Ladakh
- Pangong Lake: This must-see location is renowned for its breathtaking blue waters and shifting colors. At 4,350 meters above sea level, the lake provides a calm and beautiful environment.
- Nubra Valley: This distinctive combination of desert and vegetation is well-known for its sand dunes, Bactrian camels, and stunning monasteries. The Khardung La Pass leads into the valley.
- Khardung La Pass: Known as one of the world’s highest motorable passes, Khardung La provides breathtaking vistas of the neighboring valleys and mountains.
- Shanti Stupa: Perched atop a hill near Leh, this white-domed stupa provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and city. It is a well-liked location for meditation and a symbol of serenity.
- Thiksey Monastery: This stunning monastery is 19 miles from Leh and is well-known for its architectural design as well as a 15-meter-tall figure of Maitreya Buddha.
- Hemis Monastery: Known for its yearly Hemis festival, which draws visitors from all over the world, Hemis Monastery is the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
- Leh Palace: Perched above Leh town, this old royal residence provides breathtaking vistas and an insight into the region’s fascinating past.
- Magnetic Hill: Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill close to Leh that gives the impression that cars are rolling against gravity and uphill.
Adventure Activities in Leh Ladakh
- Trekking: There are a variety of trekking routes available in Leh Ladakh, such as the Markha Valley, Chadar, and Stok Kangri treks. These hikes pass through secluded settlements and breathtaking scenery.
- Motorbiking: It’s an incredible experience to ride a motorcycle across Leh Ladakh’s difficult terrain. Bikers often travel the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways.
- River Rafting: With Grade I to Grade V rapids, the Zanskar and Indus rivers provide thrilling river rafting experiences.
- Mountain Biking: Take a mountain bike ride through Leh Ladakh’s breathtaking scenery. The strenuous landscapes and elevated pathways render it an unforgettable experience.
- Camping: Take a nighttime nap in the tranquil settings of Leh Ladakh while stargazing. Numerous camping areas are available, including those close to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
Travel Tips for Leh Ladakh Tour
- Acclimatization: Due to Leh Ladakh’s high elevation, it’s critical to adequately acclimate in order to prevent altitude sickness. After arriving, take at least a day to relax.
- Permits: To enter Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri, among other parts of Leh Ladakh, one must have a permit. The Leh DC office or travel agents are the sources of these permits.
- Clothes: Even if you are traveling in the summer, bring warm clothing because nighttime lows can be very low. It’s advised to layer clothes to adapt to shifting weather conditions.
- Health Precautions: Maintain proper hydration, carry a first aid kit, and any essential medications. For the first several days, stay away from large meals and alcohol to aid in your body’s acclimatization.
- Connectivity: Internet access can occasionally be sluggish, and mobile network coverage is restricted in some places. The greatest choices for mobile networks are Airtel and BSNL.
- Cash: Bring enough cash because there aren’t many ATMs and some isolated locations might not take credit or debit card payments.
- Show Respect for Local Culture: Leh Ladakh is a place rich in religious traditions and culture. Respect regional traditions and customs by dressing modestly.
Conclusion
The ideal fusion of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and cultural discovery can be found on a Leh Ladakh tour departing from Pune. Any traveler seeking a serene getaway, an exhilarating adventure, or a spiritual trip will find something to enjoy in Leh Ladakh. You may experience the best of this captivating area and make lifelong memories with carefully thought-out trip packages. So gather your belongings and get set for an amazing trip to the “Land of High Passes.”