Going Places
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Lost in Ladakh
If it’s an unusual holiday you’re looking for, Ladakh is the place to vanish to this summer. Its awesome high-altitude landscape will literally make you feel on top of the world.
Ladakh is the highest plateau in Kashmir. It lies at an altitude ranging from about 2,750m to 3505m. It spans across the majestic Himalayan and the imposing Karakoram mountain ranges.The temperature in summer goes up to 27C and in winter it drops down to minus 20C.
It is easy to see why, the grandeur of this place can cast a spell on you that lasts for days on ends. Even as you watch towering peaks kissing the sky in complete awe, the rhythmic chants of Buddhist monks and the caressing nature transports you into a divine world.
The land of monks and monasteries
Buddhism being the predominant religion, you’ll find yourself greeted by monks at every corner. They live, study and practice their religion in the historic monasteries, often referred to as gompas. Some of the must-see monasteries for their architectural beauty include, The Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastrey, Spituk Monastry and the Alchi Gompa.
An absolute trekker’s delight
Ladakh’s Mountain terrain offers a great opportunity for trekkers to explore off-the- beaten-path tracks. You can choose your trail according to the level of difficulty or the kind of landscape. From challenging treacherous treks to not-so-rugged mountain trails, from frozen river treks to picturesque valley and mountain pass hikes, Ladakh has it all!
Other Attractions
For the adventure enthusiast there’s so much on offer - jeep safari, yak safari, camel safari, biking, river rafting and mountaineering.
And for those who would rather discover Leh’s beauty without having to experience the adrenaline rush, there’s the 17th century, nine storey Leh Palace, now almost in ruins.
How to reach ladakh
By Air:
Leh is connected by regular flights to and from Delhi (daily), Chandigarh, Jammu (twice a week) and Srinagar (once a week).
By Road:
The Srinagar-Leh road (434 kms) is the most popular land route to Ladakh. Both government and private buses operate along this route. The Manali-Leh road (473 kms) is another route you could choose.
Best season: March to October
Clothing: Medium woolens in summers to heavy woolens in winter
For trekkers: Comfortable waterproof shoes, an extra pair of shoes or sandals, a spacious rucksack and a warm sleeping bag
Staying healthy on your trip
By Road:
When travelling or on a vacation, the last thing you want is somebody falling sick. Remember, even if one person falls ill, the whole mood of the holiday changes. So it is important that you stay healthy to make your holiday happy and enjoyable. All that is required is a little planning and preparation before you pack-up and leave home
Sack the junk food, pack healthy snacks. It’s easier to overcome temptation, when you have a food packet in your hand. You could carry fruits, healthy sandwiches, dry fruits, and why, even veggies like carrots and cucumber!
Your body needs, water, lots of it! Insufficient intake of water can lead to dehydration, leaving you feeling weak and drained out. So make sure you drink enough from time to time – at least 6 glasses a day.
Immunizations are a must, especially if the country you are traveling to demands it.
Have a thorough medical and dental check up before you leave.
Make your own medical kit to take along. Here’s a checklist of what you could include in the kit
- Medical and immunisation certificates
- Prescription medicine
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Pain relievers / Decongestants / Antacids
- Wound and blister ointments
- Cough medicine / Anti-diarrhoeal medicine
- Plasters and gauze
- Motion-sickness medication
- Digital thermometer
Keep your hands germ-free. Wash it as often as possible. Remember you’re visiting public places and touching so many things … door knobs, banisters, chairs. Most germs are transmitted through touch, so wash your hands with soap and warm frequently. Carry a pocket-size bottle of hand sanitizer and make liberal use of it.
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