First and foremost, come over the constant dilemma about the twin locations of Leh -Ladakh. To be precise Ladakh is divided into two districts-district Leh and Kargil district. The district of Leh is an amazing tourist attraction because of its cafes and beautiful monasteries nearby like Shanti Stupa and Leh Bazaar which defines the culture of this place. The Ladakh Trip is known for its hilly terrain and is perfect for adventure sports like mountain biking, river rafting, and trekking. Located in the Nubra Valley is the remote village of Hundur which is known for its dunes, cold desert, and the renowned Bactrian camel rides. It has forested the medicinal plant of sea buckthorn. Brace yourself for the Frozen River expedition or the Chadar Trek across the Zanskar River in Ladakh. Words fall short in “tariff “of Kashmir Trip. Kashmir is attuned to be an ideal “Eat Pray Love “destination with an itinerary of beautiful places to visit. Places of interest like Srinagar are fondly called ‘Heaven on Earth” where it is hard to miss the Shikaras on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake as they set the mood for a romantic boat ride. Kashmir is also famous for its aromatic dishes which leave a lasting memory of culinary experience. The platter of flavours with its vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes has recipes influenced by the Mughal era and Kashmiri Pandits.
Likir Monastery
Book the keycard of the Ladakh Trip as you visit Likir Monastery, the oldest monastery in Ladakh which lies fifty-two kilometres from Leh in the beautiful village of Likir. The monastery belongs to the Gelupga sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has a seventy-five feet large seated statue of Maitreya Buddha which is gilded in gold. There are many paintings, murals, and thangkas which adorn the walls of assembly halls. Likir means “The Naga Encircled” which symbolizes the bodies of two great serpent spirits-Nanda and Taksako. It is believed these serpents have safeguarded the monastery. Likir Monastery is the seat of Ngari Rinpoche who is the youngest brother of Dalai Lama. The Gonkhang temple is present in the complex with images of Sakyamuni and Tsongkhapa.
Srinagar
The Kashmir Trip jumpstarts as soon as you visit Srinagar. Located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the banks of Jhelum. It is an ideal destination for family holidays as well as romantic honeymoons. The Jewel in the crown of Srinagar is the Dal Lake which defines the town covers an area of fifteen kilometres and is the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. The very obvious reason travellers come to Srinagar is to enjoy memorable Shikara rides and relax. The majestic snow-covered Himalayas in the backdrop and the ride across the lake make it an enjoyable and unmatched experience. Another essential element of the Dal Lake is the stationary houseboats which are designed out of wood and adorned with Kashmiri-style decor. Sprawled across an area of thirty-one acres is a typical Mughal Garden -Shalimar Bagh. The garden is influenced and has a Persian Garden plan with three terraces which are known as Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e- Aam and the third terrace of Zenana Garden. Nishant Bagh is a twelve-terraced garden that ranks second to Shalimar Bagh and has several fountains which are encircled by tall Chinar trees.
Leh Palace
The Ladakh Trip takes you to the royal palace of Leh Palace which is a seventeenth-century palace now transformed into a museum. The main highlight of the Leh Palace is the sweeping spellbinding view of Leh. The palace also known as the “Lhachen Palkhar” was built under the patronage of the Namgyal dynasty Tsewang Namgyal and was completed by King Sengge Namgyal. It is a nine-storied dun-coloured palace that houses a prayer room and a museum. It is designed in line with the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet. The upper floors were used for accommodation while the floors below were used as storerooms and stables. The palace is a fine example of Tibetan architecture with huge buttressed walls and jutted-out wooden balconies which are the main characteristic feature of the style. The palace was abandoned by the royal family near the mid-nineteenth century when the Dogra forces took over Ladakh.
Pulwama
This gem of the Kashmir Trip is located in the Pulwama district in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is nearly twenty-five kilometres from Srinagar. It is the sixth-largest city in the state and is popularly known as the “Anand of Kashmir” which translates as delight of Kashmir. It is known for its waterfalls, apple orchards, scenic valleys, and natural springs. Aharbal Waterfall lies thirty-five kilometers from the Jama Masjid Shopian as the River Vishav creates this magical waterfall. The waterfall has amazing scenic surroundings which comprises thick fir forests. Nearly three kilometres and five kilometres respectively are the beautiful lakes of Tarsar and Marsar in the Pulwama district. Eight kilometres from the Aharbal waterfalls is the untouched and isolated meadow of Kungwattan at a height of 8,400 meters. If you take a walk through the thick forests of Kungwattan you reach Mahinag at nine thousand feet. A significant monument to visit in Pulwama is the Avantishwar Temple located in the Jawbrari village of the district. The temple was built in the ninth century by Raja Awanti Verma and is in reverence to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Zanskar Valley
This most sought-after Ladakh Trip lies in the Kargil district east of Ladakh. It is a semi-desert region that is surrounded by snow-carpeted mountains and shimmering clean rivers along with exotic flora and fauna. Zanskar is easily accessible from Kargil through Suru Valley. Pronounced as Zahar or Zangskar locally is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range. Phugtal or Phuktal monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated in the southeast part of the Zanskar region in Ladakh. The monastery can be reached by foot but is an arduous trek. The Phuktal Monastic School nearby delivers free education to children. The monastery has four prayer rooms, a library, a kitchen, and around seven hundred monks. Zanskar Valley houses a variety of species which includes domesticated animals like Yak sheep and horses and wild animals like Snow leopards, bears, and marmots found in the region.
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