Indian summer needs no introduction; it beats the blue out of anyone and the scorching heat only adds to the worries. At certain pockets in India the summer is unbearable whereas in other parts, it is very pleasant pass-time worth experiencing. It is these destinations that make the summer a very pleasant and unforgettable experience that we shall be talking about. We hope this attempt on our part helps you find your summer destination for this year and the years after!

Indian Summer Landscape – A plethora of destinations unmatched!

With about 3,000 kilometres of land mass both on its length and breadth, India is the seventh largest country in the world and hosts innumerable tourist destinations on all its corners. The unique thing about Indian tourist spots is that there is no dearth of variety as every place is distinctively different from the other offering its own characteristic features. From the tea and spice laden Western Ghats in south to mountain embracing snowy regions of the far north to the lush green and unexplored valleys of the north east, India has plethora of destinations to explore and experience.

Ladakh – The pride off the far North!

Often referred to as ‘’Little Tibet’’, Ladakh is situated in the northern corner of India in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a must visit destination that is characterized by rugged valleys, endless stretch of snow-capped mountains and curvy-long roads. Ladakh is a vast open land mass with a spread of tiny villages and monasteries across and is a place known among travellers for its wondrous locations.

The region is bound by the famous Karakorum mountain range and borders Tibet to east and the Lahaul Spiti valley to the south. Ladakh has extreme climate both during winters and summers owing to its elevation. Summer of course, is the best time to visit and experience its magical and scintillating views.

Popular Destinations

Panggong Lake: Among the top destinations in Ladakh, Panggong Lake is a mesmerising beauty in itself. The blueish emerald like waters with high peaked enormous mountains in the background transfix you and this is one view that will not let you escape, easily. It is also a treat to watch as the lake water changes colours through the day.

Zanskar Valley: A desolate place with steep terrains and snow-capped huge mountains, Zanskar valley is a definite must on the list, to experience the pristine surroundings of Ladakh. The valley is also characterized by Zanskar river and its tributaries which are famous for river rafting.

Kargil: The second largest town in Ladakh, Kargil is situated on the Indus River and also is a transit hub leading to places like Srinagar, Zanskar and Leh. It is a favourite among adventure seekers looking for trekking and mountaineering.

What about food?

Simple but Good, Ladakhi cuisines are what you will find. The visual and mental pleasure derived from the trip will more than suffice for the lack of a multi-cuisine meal any day!

Some of the popular items are:

• Tigmo—fermented bread with soup
• Momo—dumplings that contain pieces of vegetables inside
• Chhupri—cheese made from Yak’s milk
• Thukpa—clear soup with lot of vegetables thrown in with some noodles

Where do I get to stay?

There are numerous hotels in Leh that offer rooms from standard to deluxe to luxury, there are also luxury tents and camps in Leh. Budget hotels are also available for those looking to cut down on expenses. Hotels are also available for travellers visiting popular destinations such as – Nubra valley, Pangong Tso and Tsokar lakes, TsoMoriri, etc.

Best Time to Visit?

Usually the summers are best to visit Ladakh; the months from June to September are the best to visit and experience the wonderful expanse of Ladakh and its incomparable beauty.

How to Reach Ladakh?

The best way to reach Ladakh is by road. One can take help from travel technology platform also. The two major routes are:

Route #1: Manali to Leh with about a distance of 475 kilometres on the National Highway 3 (NH3)

Stops on the Manali-Leh Route

• Keylong 118 km from Manali
• Jispa 140 km from Manali
• Sarchu 225 km from Manali

Route #2: Srinagar to Leh with about a distance of 422 kilometres on the National Highway 1D (NH1D)

Stops on the Srinagar-Leh Route

• Kargil 202 km from Srinagar

The two routes usually open between the months of April-May for tourists, but it’s always better to do some research before going ahead with the trip. Of the two routes, the Manali-Leh is more preferred due to vast mesmerizing plains and scores of mountain passes that fill the entire route. For tourists, especially, bikers – this is akin to a ride through heaven!

The Rohtang pass, on the Manali-Leh route tends to have heavy traffic jam and if you are indeed planning this route, it’s always good to start very early to avoid the crowded roads.

Modes of Transportation?

Here comes the often asked but important question – Can the trip be done by own vehicle?

Yes, it can be!

But you need to take lot of precautions starting from the kind of vehicles to driving style to adequate rest – all these things, might seem too common to address but are very important to take note of.

• Vehicle wise – It’s better to have an SUV or an MUV with high ground clearance to help you move through the rough mountain terrains. A hatchback might not be the right vehicle for such a route.
• Taxis can be hired from both Srinagar or Manali to Leh.
• If bus suits your travel requirements then you have the luxury to choose from Ordinary, to Deluxe to A-Class buses that operate from both Srinagar and Manali. The Himachal Pradesh and the J&K Tourism departments operate these buses.

While the bus facility is a great option, it’s a two day journey that can get a bit tiring if you are not used to it, more so for the elders or the children if you are planning a trip with family, that is.

If you want a break away from the mundane and monotonous life and really want to get in touch with your inner side, Ladakh is a must for it will cut you off from the rest of the world and drench you in its unmatched beauty. A trip to Ladakh is surely satisfying and exhilarating!