There are some locations that really feel like they belong to a different world. Ladakh is one in all them. Tucked away within the far north of India, between the peaks of the Himalayas and the Karakoram vary, this high-altitude area is like nowhere else. Large open skies, quiet villages, snow-capped mountains and clear rivers set the scene for a really totally different form of journey.
In case you are considering of exploring India by yourself, Ladakh affords a peaceable and unforgettable expertise. It could be distant, however it is usually welcoming and straightforward to discover with the proper planning.
Arriving in Leh
Most journeys to Ladakh start in Leh, the principle city and gateway to the area. You’ll be able to fly in from Delhi in simply over an hour, however be ready for the altitude. Leh sits at round 3,500 metres above sea degree, so guarantee that your first few days are sluggish and quiet to get acclimatised.
Simply strolling round city is sufficient to start with. Many guesthouses are family-run and provide a peaceful place to relaxation when you get used to the thinner air. You may discover small cafes, bakeries, native outlets and journey companies for planning your onward journey. Spend your first day or two studying, consuming tea, and watching life go by.
Is Ladakh Protected for Solo Girls?
Sure, Ladakh is taken into account one of many most secure areas in India. The folks listed below are heat and respectful, and the tempo of life is relaxed. You should still draw consideration as a overseas customer, however it’s often out of curiosity. Easy gestures like greeting folks with a smile or a “Julley” (hey in Ladakhi) go a great distance.
That stated, Ladakh is distant and never the place for spontaneous solo trekking. Cellular protection is restricted outdoors cities, and situations can change rapidly within the mountains. In case you plan to enter the extra distant valleys or on a multi-day hike, it’s best to affix a gaggle or go along with a information.
Pangong Lake
Exploring the Area
After resting in Leh, you can begin to discover a bit additional. There are a number of day journeys which are simple to rearrange by means of native companies or your guesthouse.
Nubra Valley: Identified for its sand dunes, double-humped camels and mountain passes, this valley is reached through Khardung La, one of many highest motorable roads on the planet. Many travellers keep within the villages of Hunder or Diskit.
Pangong Lake: The altering colors of this high-altitude lake are well-known for a cause. A day journey is feasible, however staying in a single day is healthier if you wish to benefit from the peace and the celebs.
Tso Moriri: Much less visited than Pangong, this lake is quieter and much more distant. It’s dwelling to nomadic Changpa communities and loads of birdlife.
These journeys usually contain tough roads and lengthy drives, so having your individual automobile and driver makes issues simpler. You’ll be able to share prices with different travellers, and most companies are completely happy to assist with arranging this.
Trekking in Ladakh
Ladakh is a paradise for trekking. The panorama is dry and dramatic, with excessive passes, deep valleys and small villages linked by historic trails. A few of the finest treks in Ladakh may be achieved in underneath per week, whereas others take ten days or extra.
Listed here are a number of standard choices:
Markha Valley Trek: Probably the most well-known treks within the area. It takes you thru small villages, over excessive passes, and previous monasteries. Homestays can be found alongside the way in which, which makes the expertise extra private.
Sham Valley Trek: A brief and simpler route, good in case you are low on time or need one thing much less intense. Additionally it is referred to as the “child trek” due to its light trails and shorter distances.
Stok Kangri: For skilled trekkers, this was a preferred summit trek, but it surely has been closed in recent times for conservation. Kang Yatse is a wonderful various.
Trekking solo shouldn’t be really useful except you’re extremely skilled. Becoming a member of a small group or hiring a information is one of the best ways to remain secure and benefit from the panorama with out worrying about logistics. Many treks embrace meals, tents and transport, so you possibly can simply deal with strolling and absorbing the views.
The Finest Time to Go
The finest time to go to Ladakh is between June and September. That is when the roads are open, the climate is dry, and trekking routes are accessible. Outdoors these months, snow can block the mountain passes, and plenty of guesthouses shut for the season.
If you wish to keep away from the busiest interval, attempt visiting in June or late September. The climate continues to be good, and there are fewer guests. July and August are hotter and nice for longer treks.
Ideas for Solo Journey in Ladakh
- Acclimatise correctly: Give your self no less than two days to regulate earlier than doing something lively.
- Costume in layers: The climate can change quick. It could be heat within the solar however freezing within the shade or at night time.
- Carry money: ATMs may be unreliable outdoors Leh, so withdraw what you want earlier than heading out.
- Be respectful: Ladakh is dwelling to Tibetan Buddhist communities. Costume modestly and be aware when visiting monasteries or native houses.
- Journey mild: Most guesthouses provide laundry and fundamental amenities. You do not want to pack an excessive amount of.
- Get your Inside Line Allow: In case you plan to go to areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake or Tso Moriri, you will have an Inside Line Allow. It’s simple to rearrange in Leh by means of a journey company or on-line, however don’t forget to hold a number of photocopies for checkpoints.
Lastly…
Ladakh has a approach of slowing you down. Possibly it’s the altitude, or the silence of the valleys, or the kindness of the individuals who dwell right here. Touring solo on this area is much less about ticking off sights and extra about being current within the second.
Out of your first cup of tea in Leh to your remaining view of the mountains, Ladakh stays with you. Whether or not you come for the landscapes, the treks or the quiet, it’s a place that offers again greater than you count on and is ideal for solo travellers in search of nature and loads of solitude.