21 Interesting Amazing Facts of Ladakh
Ladakh is the highest livable region with a settlement. It is located in the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an adventure and spiritual destination wrapped into one, which has been attracting tourists with charming Buddhist culture for many years now.
Ladakh is administered by the Indian government as a union territory. It is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan to the west, and the Karakoram Pass in the far north.
Ladakh, often referred to as the "Land of High Passes," is a mesmerizing region nestled in the northernmost part of India, where nature's grandeur knows no bounds. 21 interesting amazing facts of Ladakh reveal its extraordinary allure. This remote paradise boasts the world's highest motorable road, the Khardung La Pass, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape. It's also a desert at an astonishing altitude, receiving less than 4 inches of rainfall annually. Ladakh's magnetic hill defies gravity, pulling vehicles uphill without any engine power. The region is a hotbed for Tibetan Buddhism, home to monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis, housing ancient artifacts and stunning murals. In winter, the frozen Zanskar River becomes a surreal ice highway, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Ladakh's pristine lakes, Pangong and Tso Moriri change colors throughout the day, displaying an ethereal palette of blues and greens. With its unique blend of natural wonders and cultural richness, Ladakh is a land of endless fascination.
In this blog, we'll uncover 21 interesting and amazing facts about Ladakh that will leave you shocked.
Explore our Leh Ladakh bike trip if you plan the tour
1. Ladakh has the largest telescope in Asia
The Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh boasts the largest telescope in Asia at an astounding height of over 4500m. Located on the Mount Saraswati, the advantage of such a location is that it makes it the best place for stargazing and photography. The panoramic view of ‘Pangong Lake’ from this observatory during night will be starry. At this height the air will be free of pollution and will be dry. This allows the viewers to catch a clear view of the heavenly objects. These places can be covered by Leh Ladakh bike trips which cost from ₹14,000 to ₹23,000.
2. Ladakh is a land where gravity fails
The ‘Magnetic Hill’, or the so called ‘Gravity Hill’ is a hill that pulls you upwards. Interested to know the science behind it? Technically speaking the hill is an optical illusion. Although it looks like an uphill route, it is actually downhill. So, if you leave your vehicle in neutral and turn off the ignition, it would look like your car is being pulled uphill. It is located on the smoothly constructed Srinagar- Leh highway. You can also visit Indus Zanskar Conference, Hall of Fame, and Gurudwara Patthar Sahib while you are on your way. Delhi to Ladakh road trip covers all these spots. These costs around ₹15,00.
3. Ladakh is the land of rare twin humped Bactrian Camel
When in Ladakh, be ready to be greeted by numerous rare twin- humped Bactrian camels flocking the fascinating Nubra valley. These are common in Ladakh. The Bactrian camel safaris are very popular activity. These camels are native to Mangolia and were imported here during the silk era. Another interesting thing about these camels is that they can survive in up to lowest temperature as nearly as -40 degrees. Delhi to Ladakh trip packages include these safaris.
4. Ladakh has the highest bridge in the world
The Bailey Bridge in the highest altitude bridge in the world. The bridge runs between Dras and Suru River was built in 1982. It was originally made by the military to migrate quickly through the rivers during war time. A hydro- electric dam is situated to the left of the bridge while there is a lake on the right. The bridge is located at 5,602m above mean sea level. The bridge is a temporary structure built with lattice steel and has a strategic value in the military operations. It can visited by using Delhi to Ladakh by road.
5. Ladakh is the land of astounding and peculiar practices
Did you know that if you blow on conch or seashells in Ladakh, you can call as many as 120 lamas at once? It’s a noteworthy tradition, interestingly these lamas assemble every day at the ‘Karsha Monastery’ for lunch using this practice everyday. If amonk has to call his fellow monks for morning prayer or any other ritual he would simply blow a conch signifying the start for the prayer time. Many travelers continue their journey from manali to Ladakh on road which also might be prudent when you have decided on taking a long trip.
6. Ladakh has the highest natural hockey rink
The Karzoo Ice Hockey rink in Ladakh is the world’s highest natural ice hockey rink. This rink is at its best and safest conditions during winters when the subzero temperatures are superior throughout the day. Winter sports are obviously very popular on this naturally built rink. Although the history of this sport in Ladakh dates back to the early 70s. Hence it would be wise to visit Ladakh in winter to enjoy these sports.
7. Ladakh is the land of the fascinating Kung Fu nuns
These nuns are amazing and they do so much for fellow nuns, travelers and the environment. When you visit the Drukpa monastery, the Kung Fu nuns dress up in pajamas and yellow sashes to sing for you. This is a thousand year old tradition among them. Other activities includes the Eco Pad Yatra which is usually 400+ miles on foot as they pick up litter and aware the locals about the environment. Ladakh tour packages from Delhi are tailored around experiences like these.
8. Ladakh has a monastery on the moon
Have you ever thought about landing on the moon? In Ladakh you can replicate this experience in the exquisite village of of Lamayuru, situated around 130kms away from Leh replicates exactly the white surface of the moon! This spectacular landscape with an enchanting Buddhist monastery on the top is indeed a treat to the eyes. Two annually celebrated festivals are grand. Leh Ladakh bike trip from manali covers all the spots like these which roughly costs ₹34,700 to ₹45,100.
9. Ladakh is the land of thousand festivities
It wouldn’t matter if you take a trip to Ladakh with a group of friends or go solo Ladakh never leaves you without a vivid touch of its culture. The amusing festivals of Hemis, Losar, and the Tak- Tok festivals sing songs of unending fun and joy. You can also enjoy a sight at their rituals and dances. But as it is known you can grasp something to an extent by just reading about it on a blog hence we recommend you plan a trip to Ladakh with us as soon as possible. We have a variety of tour packages from Delhi to Ladakh and from manali to leh/Ladakh.
10. Ladakh has the highest saltwater lake that freezes
The great Pangong Lake is located at 4,350 m and it is interesting to note that it is the world’s highest located salt water lake. This lake is shared between India and China. Normally saline water sources do not freeze during winter but, the Pangong Lake freezes. Best time to visit leh Ladakh by bike is from mid- May to October. Roads from Srinagar are thrown open from mid- May, whereas the Manali route is opened after May. You can take this road trip only during the autumn and summer season.
11. Ladakh houses 225 bird species
Ladakh is actually a high altitude desert. Even though there is very less vegetation in Ladakh rather its filled with barren landscapes of ice and rugged mountains. The land is home to around 225 bird species including the rare birds like Hoopoe, Robins, Finches, Redstarts, and others. During migration time, you can find many migratory bird species too. Here you can have bird watching experiences which would be peaceful and aid in gaining some perspective outside of your busy lives. Leh Ladakh trip cost approximately ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.
12. Ladakh’s natives have their own calendar
While the rest of the world follows the Georgian calendar, the Ladakhis follow the ‘Tibetan’ calendar; each year has 12 months with 30 days each. Seems very close to normal calendar right? But here’s the notable difference, every third year will have 13 months. The months do not have any name and are just numbered. The days are named after the five visible planets, the sun, and the moon. That extra month in every third year is added at the time of any auspicious days and any inauspicious weeks or days are just cut off from the calendar. Our leh Ladakh tour packages include a guide who can teach you many facts like these.
13. Ladakh has 3 motorable mountain passes
The highest of all is Khardung La pass at the height of 5,359 m above sea level. Every adventure lover who visits Ladakh makes sure to try a mountain bike ride along this route. leh Ladakh Bike trip is always considered to be a great desire of many travelers which we can help in fulfilling.
14. Ladakh is the highest plateau of Jammu and Kashmir
The plateau is located 3000 m above mean sea level and it runs from Kunlun Ranges to the Himalayas and includes the upper Indus Valley. This will be enroute Ladakh from Delhi.
15. Ladakh has one of the hardest trekking routes of the world
If we take the word of the travelers, the ‘Chadar Trek’ is one of the hardest trekking trails in the world. This trekking route covers the trails of the frozen River Zanskar. Thus, the route is open only between late December and February. The temperature will be less than zero throughout the trails.
16. Ladakh houses the largest national park in the country
The Hemis National Park of Ladakh is the largest national park in the country, covering 4,400 square km of wildlife. Located to the west of River Indus, this place famous for snow leopard, blue sheep, Tibetan sheep, Ladakhiurials, and others. This is also the right place to do birdwatching. Travelers from Delhi and from all over the country have given many positive reviews of these spots.
Read Blog: Solo Trip to Ladakh in 2023: The Experience of a Lifetime
17. Ladakh has the color changing lake
The real science behind this phenomenon is related to the position of the sun. in the morning, the Pangong lake will be azure blue and it becomes green in the afternoon and red in the evening.
18. Ladakh gives you an opportunity to taste the famous pink tea made with butter
We know the temperature is very low and to avoid their lips being damaged by the cold temperature, the monks started this tradition of butter tea. This pink tea is made with tea, butter, and salt.
19. Ladakh has highest desert in the world
Katpana desert is the highest desert in the world, located 2,226 m above the mean sea level. This desert runs between Khaplu Valley and Nubra Valley (Ladakh). Do you know that the snowfall is the major water source in this desert?
20. Ladakh has highest battleground of the world
Siachin Glacier is an Indian military base as it is protecting India from invading forces. The Indo - Pakistan war of 1972 took place in this region. This makes Siachin Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield at the height of 6000 m above mean sea level. This place also has the world’s highest telephone booth. Even during the mid- day, the temperature can go as low as -14⁰C.
21. Ladakh has the coldest inhabited place in India
Dras is the coldest inhabited place in India with temperature reaching as low as -45⁰ C. Drass is the second coldest inhabited place on earth.
In conclusion, We mentioned 21 amazing facts about ladakh
As we know , Ladakh is a land of incredible wonders and fascinating facts that continue to amaze travelers from around the world. From the highest motorable road and the world's highest bridge to the mystical Magnetic Hill and the mesmerizing Pangong Lake, Ladakh offers an array of amazing fun fact
The region's unique culture, with its Buddhist monasteries, Kung Fu nuns, and traditional practices, adds a layer of richness to the adventure. The Ladakhis' distinct calendar and their famous pink tea, made with butter, provide a glimpse into their way of life.
If you're an adventure seeker, Ladakh offers thrilling opportunities like the Chadar Trek and biking through the challenging Khardung La pass. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of bird species that call this high-altitude desert home.
As you plan your trip to Ladakh, consider capturing these amazing facts and experiences with Capture Atrip, our travel company specializing in Leh Ladakh tour packages. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you don't miss any of these incredible wonders, from the moon-like landscape of Lamayuru to the highest battleground in the world at Siachen Glacier. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Ladakh's breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and astonishing facts. Explore our Ladakh tour packages from Delhi or embark on a thrilling Leh Ladakh bike trip from Manali and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the magic of Ladakh with Capture Atrip!
