5 Ladakh villages you need to visit on the next Ladakh trip !!!

Ladakh is a land of diversities. From snowy mountains, harsh terrains and surreal landscapes, Ladakh has it all for every travel admirer. As I explored the remote areas of Ladakh I got to know more about their culture and life on the mountains. Ladakh has a lot to offer beyond the well known tourist sites.

Here are a list of 5 remote village for a unique Ladakh experience:

1) HANLE–

Situated at a distance of 250 km from Leh, Hanle has the world’s highest observatory with astro-telescope. It is situated at a height of 4500 m above the sea level and half of the earth’s atmosphere is below Hanle. A ride to Hanle via Chushul and Loma along the bank of Indus River is a treat to the eye.Hanle monastery situated on a hill top is a must visit. Enthusiastic people can head on to Umling La- the current world’s highest motorable road (50 km from Hanle).

Link to my blog- http://www.wandererdoc.in/2018/02/22/hanle-ladakh-observatory-jammu-kashmir/

2) MERAK–

Merak is situated around 150 km from Leh on the bank of Pangong lake. It is much underated than is nearby compatriot Spangmik village. The drive from Spangmik along the banks of the Pangong lake is surreal. There are few home stays in the village. The area is peaceful and away from its touristy counterparts.

3)TURTUK–                                                                                                                                                                                       The northern most village of India is a must visit if you are in Nubra valley. Turtuk is 90 km from Hunder in the Nubra Valley. Home to the people of Baluch origin, they were ruled by the Chhorbat dynasty whose descendants still live in the village. The king Kacho Mohammed showed us around the museum and explained the history of his kingdom. The journey through the highly protected Siachen area is thrilling.

4) CHUSHUL-

The village lies in close proximity to the international border with China, 45 km from Spangmik. It is on the straight way from Spangmik to Hanle. The north eastern end of the Pangong lake is in its close proximity (10 km). The locals from the village warned us that if we lose our way while riding, we could end up in Chinese occupied territories. Rezang La war memorial is close by.

5) SUMDO-

The small village of Sumdo is situated on the way to Korzok (Tso Moriri). Being in close proximity to the Manali-Leh highway it can also be accessed from Debring on the highway via Tso Kar. Here the roads are extremely remote with barren stretches in between. Puga hotsprings are situated on the outskirts of the village. Tso Moriri lake (50 km) and Tso Kyagar lake (30 km) are also in close range.

Please note- All the locations require prior Inner line permit (ILP) from DC office in Leh.

 Read the detailed blogs of my Ladakh trip-

Turtuk, the northern most village of India- http://www.wandererdoc.in/2017/12/12/northern-village-india-turtuk/

Merak and Chushul village ride-  http://www.wandererdoc.in/2018/01/30/pangong-hanle-via-chushul-desert-wilderness/