{"id":5305,"date":"2016-02-20T12:34:53","date_gmt":"2016-02-20T07:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/?p=5305"},"modified":"2021-06-17T11:55:32","modified_gmt":"2021-06-17T06:25:32","slug":"leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html","title":{"rendered":"Leh &#8211; A Heaven Amidst the Himalayas"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Snowcapped mountains, streams breaking across mountain vistas, and a barren yet\u00a0stunning environment &#8211; Leh is heaven for lovers of solitude, nature, photography and\u00a0adventure. For travel buffs who want an experience like none other, Leh is a once in a\u00a0lifetime destination.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html\/#Culture_and_adventure\" >Culture and adventure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html\/#Getting_there_%E2%80%93_when_and_how\" >Getting there &#8211; when and how<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html\/#Getting_around_Leh\" >Getting around Leh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html\/#Day_2_and_beyond\" >Day 2 and beyond<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html\/#Khardung-la\" >Khardung-la<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/india\/leh-a-heaven-amidst-himalaya.html\/#Pangong_Tso\" >Pangong Tso<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Culture_and_adventure\"><\/span><strong>Culture and adventure<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Those keen on exploring new culture would love Ladakh, known as Little Tibet, home to\u00a0Buddhist monasteries which are centuries old. Leh is also the spiritual home of the Dalai\u00a0Lama. Adventure lovers should also explore rafting the Zanskar and Indus rivers, one of\u00a0Asia&#8217;s most popular rafting retreats. Expeditions can last as long as 14 days, with stops for\u00a0camping and trekking.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/atlantico-grand-large-himalaya-5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5306\" title=\"atlantico-grand-large-himalaya-5\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/atlantico-grand-large-himalaya-5.jpg\" alt=\"Leh A heaven amidst\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/atlantico-grand-large-himalaya-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/atlantico-grand-large-himalaya-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/atlantico-grand-large-himalaya-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_there_%E2%80%93_when_and_how\"><\/span><strong>Getting there &#8211; when and how<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">July-September is the best time to visit, but a month ahead won&#8217;t hurt. While the most\u00a0adventurous journey to drive to Leh via bike or SUV, the fastest route is via flight. By road,\u00a0your route is either the Srinagar-Leh highway, or can choose Manali-Leh highway. You can&#8217;t begin your ascent on the first day &#8211; you&#8217;ll need at least 24 hours to acclimatise yourself. Yet,\u00a0you can still make the most of Day 1 via taxi.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Kargil-to-Leh-highway1426868943.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5307\" title=\"Kargil-to-Leh-highway, Himalayas\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Kargil-to-Leh-highway1426868943.jpg\" alt=\"Kargil-to-Leh-highway, Himalayas\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Kargil-to-Leh-highway1426868943.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Kargil-to-Leh-highway1426868943-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Kargil-to-Leh-highway1426868943-1024x640.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_around_Leh\"><\/span><strong>Getting around Leh<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">You can rent a bike to zip around, and your Day 1 itinerary can include Leh Palace and\u00a0Shanti Stupa. Get back home early &#8211; it&#8217;s really cold! For dinner, tuck into some nice local\u00a0fare, or assorted cuisine selection at any local restaurant. Experienced travelers to Leh often\u00a0recommend a 2 tablet dose of Diamox, to help you acclimatize to high altitude, lest you\u00a0have a headaches.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/3992715_f1024.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5308\" title=\"Getting around Leh\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/3992715_f1024.jpg\" alt=\"Getting around Leh\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/3992715_f1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/3992715_f1024-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2_and_beyond\"><\/span><strong>Day 2 and beyond<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Day 2 sites can include Thikshey monastery and Shey palace &#8211; en route you&#8217;ll spot the\u00a0school shown in Aamir Khan starrer \u201c3 idiots\u201d. You can also see the point of Sangam, where\u00a0Indus and Xansar rivers meet &#8211; two rivers of different colors coming together. There&#8217;s a local\u00a0Gurudwara here managed by the Indian army where you can stop for lunch.\u00a0The next stop on your day trip is Magnetic Hill, famous for moving cars to a certain distance\u00a0on their own volition. The Indian army Hall of Fame nearby is a memorial to the brave men\u00a0who fought in the Kargil War, a must see.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Thiksey_Monastery_Leh_Thikse_Gompa.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5309\" title=\"Thiksey_Monastery,_Leh_(Thikse_Gompa)\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Thiksey_Monastery_Leh_Thikse_Gompa.jpg\" alt=\"Thiksey_Monastery,_Leh_(Thikse_Gompa)\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Thiksey_Monastery_Leh_Thikse_Gompa.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Thiksey_Monastery_Leh_Thikse_Gompa-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Thiksey_Monastery_Leh_Thikse_Gompa-1024x640.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Khardung-la\"><\/span><strong>Khardung-la<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Getting on the 3rd highest motorable road in the world (17,582 feet) is indeed a rush, and it\u2019s a\u00a0&#8220;top of the world&#8221; feeling like no other. The road takes you to Nubra Valley, a high altitude\u00a0cold desert with camels and sand.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/5699604095_50113f3094_b.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5310\" title=\"At Khardung La pass, Ladakh, India\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/5699604095_50113f3094_b.jpg\" alt=\"At Khardung La pass, Ladakh, India\" width=\"800\" height=\"616\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/5699604095_50113f3094_b.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/5699604095_50113f3094_b-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pangong_Tso\"><\/span><strong>Pangong Tso<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The beautiful Pangong Tso spans both India and China, and the route takes you through\u00a0craggy mountains, desert scenery, rivers, a pristine blue sky and a panorama you may never\u00a0forget. The road to Pangong is beautiful, and you&#8217;ll be overwhelmed with its beauty upon\u00a0first glimpse. The pristine blue lake is a mirror the overhead clouds, and it\u2019s a plain sheet of\u00a0ice in the winter. \u00a0The only food you might get near the Lake towards winter season is\u00a0Maggi. Or, you can stop over at the local Indian Army run restaurant for a hearty desi meal.\u00a0You can easily book accommodation, but a lot of hotels charge per person, not per room.\u00a0The more adventurous can rent tent and tracking equipment, after depositing ID proof.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/leh-ladakh-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5311\" title=\"leh-ladakh-2\" src=\"http:\/\/www.manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/leh-ladakh-2.jpg\" alt=\"leh-ladakh-2\" width=\"800\" height=\"609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/leh-ladakh-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/leh-ladakh-2-300x229.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Snowcapped mountains, streams breaking across mountain vistas, and a barren yet\u00a0stunning environment &#8211; Leh is heaven for lovers of solitude, nature, photography and\u00a0adventure. For travel buffs who want an experience like none other, Leh is a once in a\u00a0lifetime destination. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56,58],"tags":[326,68,324,59,167,60,195,76,250,82,50,271,46,40,36,166],"class_list":["post-5305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-india","category-toplists","tag-adventure","tag-art","tag-culture","tag-forts","tag-hill-station","tag-history","tag-india-2","tag-monuments","tag-nature","tag-palaces","tag-photography","tag-rajasthan-tourism","tag-road-trip","tag-tourism","tag-travel","tag-vacation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5305"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8279,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5305\/revisions\/8279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manahotels.in\/traveller\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}