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MANALI-LEH
(TRANS HIMALAYAN)
Once
restricted route, Manali to Leh is one of the most exciting drive which
takes across high Himalayan passes and txo extensive plains resembling
the Prairies of Russia and America. The route which passes the district
of Keylong, Lahaul/Spiti, Sarchu takes over one of the two highest
passes in Ladakh, Tanglang-la. From the top of the pass, a magnificent
view of the Ladakh range of mountains can be seen. The journey takes 2
nights/ 3 days with overnight camping at Jispa and Saarchu.
| Period |
: |
July to
September |
| Duration |
: |
3 days
ex-Manali |
| Region |
: |
Himachal
and Ladakh |
| Max.
Altitude |
: |
17479
ft. |
NUBRA
VALLEY
Nubra Valley lies in
the north of Leh and is accessible over the Khardungla (18350 ft.), one
of the highest motorable roads in the world. The valley was on the trade
route from Leh to Khagar via Saser and Karakoram Passes. The valley
houses several Buddhist monasteries such as Sumur (Khagar) and 350 years
old Diskit Gompa, famous for its murals. From Diskit, 7 km, one comes
across the Hunder Gompa, a smaller one, belonging to yellow sect.
Driving down towards Shyok river, one can visit the village of Tirith
& Panamik. The scenery is spectacular, with the snowcapped Karakoram
mountains forming the background.
Nubra is also known for its double hump bactrain camels which are found
in these areas.
| Period |
: |
July to
mid-September |
| Duration |
: |
3-4days
ex-Leh |
| Region |
: |
Nubra (Ladakh) |
| Max.
Altitude |
: |
18380
ft. |
PANGONG
LAKE
Pangong Tso (Lake),
150 km long and 4 km wide, is nearly an inland sea at a height of 14000
ft. with intensely clear water of an incredible range of hues of blue.
Having no outlet, the water in the lake is highly brachkish and lake's
basin houses a large wealth of minerals deposited by the melting snows
every year. The Pangong Lake, extending from east to west through the
whole length fo the Ruthog region of Tibet to neighbourhood of Chisul,
it bends to the north west about 25 miles. Only a quarter of the lake
lies in India. The rest stretches into Ruthoo in China. Rare black
necked cranes and other migratory birds are seen here.
| Best
Period |
: |
July to
mid-September |
| Duration |
: |
3-4 days
ex-Leh |
| Region |
: |
Tangtse
(Ladakh) |
| Max.
Altitude |
: |
17,350
ft. (Chang La) |
TSO
MORIRI
The lake is situated
in the middle of the elevated district of Rupsu. Its name is
characteristic of its situation nestled in the midst of 2000 ft. peak
which completely shut the lake in. The valley of Rupsu is inhabited by a
small scattered population of Changpas niomadic shepherds. The area is
rich in wildlife including the Kyang (Wild Ass), red-fox and the rare
highly endangered snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to
the lake-side for breeding during the summer months.
| Best
Period |
: |
July to
mid-September |
| Duration |
: |
3-4 days
ex-Leh |
| Region |
: |
Rupsu
Valley (Ladakh) |
| Max.
Altitude |
: |
16,500
ft. (Chang La) |
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