#Samstanling Gompa

[thistransient]

Finally finished the roll of film from this summer

[go2lehladakh-blog]

Nubra Valley Expedition

One of the most stunning regions of the Himalayas, Nubra Valley comprises of two rivers Nubra and Shyoks which offer scenic backdrops on a grand scale. Surrounded by green villages, thrilling slopes and arid mountains the valley is also home to beautiful monasteries all around.

Indians doing the Leh Ladakh tour need inner line permit while foreign tourist requires to obtain a protected area permit before entering this place. This region connects the eastern Tibet with Turkistan through the popular Karakoram Pass. Located on the ancient Silk route, visiting Nubra Valley is quite an experience! 

Best time to visit Nubra Valley:

Summer is the best season to plan a Ladakh trip. The beautiful Nubra valley can be best explored during the months between May to June and September to November. The weather is pleasantly warm, and you can enjoy the stunning scenic views of this paradise. Climate is always cold here, but summers are bearable with a warm and pleasing temperature. Winters are harsh and cold and visiting Nubra in this chill is highly unadvisable. Temperature dips drastically to as low as -4°C in the evenings, making it extremely cold. 

Being at a higher altitude of approximately 10,000 ft, the temperature ranges between 8°C to 20°C during summers and -10°C to 15°C during winters. The month of July and August experience heavy rainfall in this region. The Khardung La pass is closed due to excessive rains and snowfall. Winter starts from November to February, making Ladakh inaccessible as most of the roads are closed, and there is less connectivity.

It is recommended to carry woollen clothes, gloves, shoes and gears while travelling during offseason. 

Top Attractions in Nubra Valley: 

Camel Safari in Hunder Sand Dunes

Riding a two-humped camel in a desert surrounded by snowcapped mountains at 3,100 meters above sea level seems like a fantasy. At Hunder, you will get to live this fantasy. Take a safari on the double-humped camels called the Bactrian through the sand dunes of the Hunder – ‘The Desert in the Sky’. It offers a very picturesque landscape but is usually crowded during the peak season.

Diskit Monastery

The Diskit Monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist Monastery in the Nubra Valley. It was founded by the Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. The Monastery is associated with the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Drive up to the Monastery and enjoy the view of the beautiful Nubra Valley from the top.  

Turtuk Village

Opened for tourists in 2010, Turtuk is a remote village that is rich with the inhabitant Balti Muslim’s culture. Walk around the town situated on the bank of the Shyok river, through buckwheat and barley fields, scanty little homes and narrow pathways to meet the warm Balti families. The village lies on the border touching Pakistan’s Gilgit – Baltistan region. Visit the Balti Heritage Museum here to get an insight on the Balti culture. Turtuk is the closest habitat connected to the Siachen glacier

This village should be a must visit the location in all Leh Ladakh tours.

Maitreya Buddha

The Maitreya Buddha sculpture makes a distinguished landmark in the valley. The statue stands tall in Diskit with a height of 106 feet facing the Shyok river and attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. The sight of the Buddha statue during sunset is simply mesmerizing.

Yarab Tso Sumur

Sumur village is located close to the Diksit Monastery. Like Hunder it is also well known for the sand dunes. Besides that, it also leads you to the sacred Yarab Tso lake among the desert type terrain. It has one of the prettiest sights in the valley. 

Khardung La

At an altitude of 5,359 meters, the Khardung La pass is the ‘highest motorable road in the world’. This is the only road to reach Nubra Valley. It is a very popular tourist attraction. Tourists on a Ladakh trip ensure that it is a part of their itinerary. You can expect to see some traffic here, but the view of the gigantic mountain ranges and the gorgeous valleys from here is absolutely delightful.

Samstanling Monastery

Samstanling Monastery was built in 1840 and is located at the foot of the barren mountain in the Sumur village. The Monastery does have a rather modern look and is home to around 100 monks residing there. There is a serene and peaceful spiritual aura across the entire Monastery with chanting from its two prayer halls being heard throughout.  

How to reach Nubra Valley

The best option to reach Nubra Valley is from Leh. Most Leh Ladakh tour packages offer to stay at Leh for acclimatization before embarking on the journey towards Nubra Valley.

The most common and best route from Leh to Nubra Valley would take you approximately 5 to 6 hours. This is mainly dependent on the breaks taken and the time spent at Khardung La. It is highly recommended to restrict your halt at Khardung La to under 15 minutes as exposing yourself to the freezing weather outside for longer than that can result in AMS.

Here's a quick guide for the 116kms route;

Leh to Khardung La Pass (40 km)

Khardung Village (34 km) 

Khalsar (23 km) 

Diskit in Nubra Valley (19 km)  

Accommodations in Nubra Valley 

Variety of stay options are now available in Nubra Valley. Depending on your luxury preference and comfort, you may choose from home-stay options, tents or hotels. Many of these options can be found online and also facilitate the advance online booking. Based on the time of year that you are out for your Ladakh tour, tents would offer an adventurous experience to stay the nights under the sparkling stars.

[kashmirtourism]

Nubra Valley

Nubra is a tri-armed valley located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Diskit the capital of Nubra is about 150 km north from Leh town, the capital of Ladakh district, India. Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). The Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The Shyok river is a tributary of the Indus river. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. i.e. 3048 metres above the sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La pass from Leh town. Foreign nationals are required to get a Protected area permit to visit the Nubra Valley. Since 1st May 2014 Indian citizens are no longer required to get an Inner Line Permit to visit the valley.

Geography 

Like the rest of the Tibetan Plateau, Nubra is a high altitude cold desert with rare precipitation and scant vegetation except along river beds. The villages are irrigated and fertile, producing wheat, barley, peas, mustard and a variety of fruits and nuts, including blood apples, walnuts, apricots and even a few almond trees. Most of the Nubra Valley is inhabited by Nubra dialect or Nubra Skat speakers. The majority are Buddhists. In the western or lowest altitude end of Nubra Valley near the Line of Control i.e. the Indo-Pak border, along the Shyok River, the inhabitants are Balti of Gilgit-Baltistan, who speak Balti, and are Shia and Sufia Nurbakhshia Muslims.

Siachen Glacier lies to the north of the valley. The Sasser Pass and the famous Karakoram Pass lie to the northwest of the valley and connect Nubra with Uyghur (Mandarin : Xinjiang). Previously there was much trade passing through the area with western China's Xinjiang and Central Asia.

Places 

Diskit town in the valley have become the congregation centre for people of the region. Diskit is the headquarters of the Nubra Valley and thus has lot of government offices with basic facilities. It is also connected by road with Leh. The 32 metre Maitreya Buddha statue is the landmark of Nubra Valley and is maintained by the Diskit Monastery.

Along the Nubra or Siachan River lie the villages of Sumur, Kyagar (called Tiger by the Indian Army), Tirith, Panamik, Turtuk and many others. Samstanling monastery is between Kyagar and Sumur villages, and Panamik is noted for its hot springs. Across the Nubra or Siachan River at Panamik, is the isolated Ensa Gompa.

On the Shyok (pronounced Shayok) River, the main village, Diskit, is home to the dramatically positioned Diskit Monastery which is built in 1420 AD. Hundar was the capital of the erstwhile Nubra kingdom in the 17th century, and is home to the Chamba Gompa. Between Hundar and Diskit lie several kilometres of sand dunes, and (two-humped) bactrian camels graze in the neighbouring "forests" of seabuckthorn. Non-locals are not allowed below Hundar village into the Balti area, as it is a border area. The beautiful village of Baigdandu is also located in this area. There is a marked presence of people with startling blue eyes, auburn hair and rosy cheeks as against the typical mongoloid features of the Ladakhis. Local lore has it that they were a Greek tribe who came in search of Jesus Christ's tomb and eventually settled here. Baigdandu is also known for the goats that give you the famous Pashmina shawls.

The main road access to the Nubra Valley is over Khardung La pass which is open throughout the year. Its status as the highest motorable road in the world is no longer accepted by most authorities. An alternative route, opened in 2008, crosses the Wari La from Sakti, to the east of Khardung La, connecting to the main Nubra road system via Agham and Khalsar along the Shyok River. There are also trekkable passes over the Ladakh Range from the Indus Valley at various points. Routes from Nubra to Baltistan and Yarkand, though historically important, have been closed since 1947 and 1950 respectively.

The valley was open for tourists till Hunder (the land of sand dunes) until 2010. The region beyond Hunder gives way to a greener region of Ladakh because of its lower altitude. The village of Turtuk which was unseen by tourists till 2010 is a virgin destination for people who seek peace and an interaction with a tribal community of Ladakh. The village is stuffed with apricot trees and children. The local tribe, Balti, follows its age old customs in their lifestyle and speak a language which is just spoken and not written. For tourists Turtuk offers serene camping sites with environment friendly infrastructure.

Sand Dunes of Nubra valley

Education 

The valley has been secluded as has been most of the exterior parts of Ladakh. Almost all of the region has been facing problems to get good quality education. There have been initiatives in the past by the government but extreme weather conditions and vicinity to the borders have been a major hurdle in implementing a solid education base. There is also migration of the population that gets exposed to the big cities of India and hence the people do not get benefitted out of their local learned population. There are very few Non-Government organizations active in Nubra region. A national NGO karmabhoomi works for the education and employment generation in the Turtuk region with an intention to cover the whole of Ladakh in future.

[urgentvisa]

6 Alluring and Dream Destinations in Leh

Leh is the largest town of Ladakh and a union territory of India. Visiting Leh is a dream of traveller, wanderer and peace seeker. This hilly district will give you a beautiful and never-forgettable lifetime memory. It’s gompas, monasteries, Buddhist kingdom, slops and meadow landscapes will hypnotize you to stare the incomparable natural beauty for hours. This hilly place will make you feel its extreme pristine enchantresses without counting time. Indian Visa helps you to find hassle free Indian E Visa.  

Apart from that, this alluring hilly region is popular for its untouched beauty, lush greens, secluded spots, snow-clad mountain peaks, which attract honeymooners, adventurers, mountaineers and enthusiastic.

However, if you are planning to visit in Leh, then let us guide you with its numerous attractions on a list so that, you can take advantage of your visit to India wonderfully.

1. Leh Palace

Leh Palace is known as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’, a former royal palace of the Leh Kingdom. It is one of the beautiful attractions in Leh, its nine-story building is the tallest, which is maintained and restored by the ASI (Archaeological of India). Moreover, the grand royal palace is snuggled in the lap of beautiful slops and landscapes, that is why it is the popular tourist attraction in Leh. However, if you are a peace seeker, then the Buddha Monastery will help you feel and experience the grace and blessings when you visit over here. In Buddhist culture, you will be able to witness the beautiful and spectacular paintings that are exhibited in the hall of the palace. It is said that, the paintings, which are survived more than 450 years old. Here, you will be able to eyewitness the rich and rare paintings, treasures, collections of crows, jewellery and ceremonial dresses of the royal family.

The palace is built with sand, mud, stones, and wood. The walls of the palace depict the grandness and its curved entrances, spacious rooms, and small compartments that will turn your attention towards its historical glory. Still, thinking? Plan your visit to Leh with your family by applying for Indian e-visa.

2. Shanti Stupa

The pearl-white and domed-shaped Shanti Stupa is located in Chandspa in Leh city. The structure looks extremely magnetic in the night. This peace pillar is built by the Japanese Buddhist organization in order to celebrate 2500 years of Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa is inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in the year 1985. The structure’s glittering panels narrates the story of Lord Buddha. The snow-covered mountains will blow your mind and make you stay for hours in the Stupa.

Apart from that, you can eyewitness the charismatic sunrise and sunset during your visit to Shanti Stupa, in Leh.

3. Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso Lake is amongst the most popular tourist attraction in Leh. This tourist spot is known for its camping site. It is known as the adventure hotspot and people come across the world to have fun with their friends and family. Here, you will find an awesome crowd during on-season (June to September), however, if you want to avoid crowd, then you should come during the off-season to experience the breath-taking beauty of the lake.

4. Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is featured as one of the most famous places to visit in Leh Ladakh, a tri-armed valley is known for its sand dunes, which offers Arabian Nights experience. However, if you want to experience the dynamic valley and its nights and camel ride, then do check in with your family and friends. The picturesque land of Leh may let you make feel awesome while you are here. Here, you can visit at the Samstanling Monastery and Panamic village to have a ball in the hot springs. The climate over here is extraordinary and if you want to visit, then you should come during the autumn season between July to September month.

5. Magnetic Hill

The phenomenon Magnetic Hill is known as the magical hills, where your vehicles move on its own if you leave them unlocked. It is observed that the hill attracts material towards and the vehicle starts moving uphill slowly. The science is also shocked by the gravity power and describes it as a superior place. The fascinating sight makes you curious to take a backseat to witness the alluring hills in Ladakh. However, if you want to explore this place, then you must visit in Leh Ladakh.

6. Hemis National Park

The divine beauty of Leh Ladakh may make your eyes meet the snow-capped mountains, lakes and barren slopes. However, if you want to add some adventure to your list, then Hemis National Park is the perfect spot, which takes you to the other side of the Ladakh region. Here, you will be able to discover the varied vegetation and wildlife such as western Himalayan alpine shrubs, meadows, Himalayan alpine tundra and Himalayan subtropical pine forests.

Apart from that, here you will find several kinds of animal species such as Snow Leopard Bharal (Blue Sheep), Great Tibetan Sheep, Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), brown bear, red fox, Tibetan wolf and among others.If you are an International traveler and interested to visit India then you need valid Indian Visa to enter in India.

So, if you are planning to visit in Hemis National Park, then come over here between May and October so that you can have jeep safaris and trekking.

Let’s sum up

We have given you a brief about it's alluring and dream destination in Leh so that you can visit various places when you are in India visiting. Over here, you can spot ancient monasteries, various gompas, mountain peaks, wildlife, adventure activities, and royal palaces. The visit in India will add so many wonderful memories in your life.

[blogindiatour]

New Post has been published on https://www.indiatourblog.com/top-5-moderate-treks-in-india/

Top 5 Moderate Treks in India

The Himalayan range offers trekking routes for all abilities. If you are one of those who have a sturdy pair of legs and a determination to discover, trekking in India happens to be the safest and most enjoyable option for you. Moreover, trekking in the Himalayas is the best way to connect with its pristine surroundings and local inhabitants who are oblivious of the changes taking place in the modern world. The following are some of the moderate treks in India that you must try in your next adventure tour to India. Dzongri Goecha La trek The Goecha La Trek is one of the most famed treks in the north eastern state of Sikkim, India. Being the third highest peak in the world, Goecha La trek is famous for excellent snow clad mountain views. Additionally you can also spot rare birds in the pristine forests of the region. The Goecha La Trek passes through the Kanchendzonga biosphere forest reserve. It begins from the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling and is a very adventurous trek in the beginning. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek This trek passes through the Garhwal region, via gangotri glacier at Goumukh. On the way you can see the Bhujbasa, the Sudarshan peak, the Matri peak and several other well known peaks. If you trek beyond Bhujbasa, you will have to climb a steep slope until you reach Tapovan. Not only this, you will also see the mind blowing Kedar, the Meru and the Bhagirathi. The best time to go for this trek is between the months of May to June and from mid September to early November. Markha Valley Trek Markha Valley Trek is possibly one of the most beautiful trekking routes in India that you can travel. For this you have to encircle two passes located at a height of more than 15000 feet. While on a Markha Valley Trek you will pass through incredibly beautiful gorges and mountains. You will also experience a whiff of spirituality by the Buddhist monasteries and the gompas. The best time to do Markha Valley trek is between the months of September and December. Roopkund Trek The Roopkund Lake is at a height of 5029 M. Located in the vicinity of Chaoli district, Roopkund Lake is covered in snow during most of the year. This is a moderate trek and the best time for you to do a Roopkund Trek is between the months of May and June. Nubra Valley Trek The Nubra Valley means the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Leh at an average altitude of about 10,000 Ft and is bordered by the Karakoram Range in the North. The main attraction that you will find in this area is the Bactarian Camels, which are a type of shaggy double hump Camel. They can be seen around sand dunes; Deskit & Samstanling monasteries and Khardung la Pass (the highest motorable road in the World). The best time to go for a Nubra Valley Trek is between June to October. The Nubra Valley is also the gateway to the world’s largest glacier i.e. the Siachen Glacier. Finally, the most important thing that you should keep in mind before setting on a moderate trekking in India is the fact that, the heavier pack you carry with yourself, the more difficult it is going to be for you to be successful in your voyage. So carry light, plan ahead and you will surely have one of the most memorable adventures of your life.

[sandeepmv]

I photographed this monk during a visit to samstanling Gompa , sumur, leh-Ladakh #sandeepmv #travel #lehladakh #sumur #samastanling #gompa #monk #India #indiantourism #indiatravelgram #backpackers #solotraveler #natgeotravelpic #natgeotravel #incredibleindia #oldman #priest http://ift.tt/2pWq9Sd

[thistransient]

Doors at Samstanling Gompa

[thistransient]

[dailyexcelsior1]

Why Should You Visit Nubra Valley when in Ladakh?

Green pastures, brown hills, Diskit Monastery, white dunes, double-humped Bactrian Camel rides, and crystal-clear streams flowing across the trail – Nubra Valley is an exquisite sight to behold and experience. If you plan a trip to Leh-Ladakh, Nubra Valley should be a bucket-list item. It is considered the most beautiful region of Ladakh with cold deserts and two pretty villages, making Jammu and Kashmir tourism 5X more popular. 

Overview

Nubra valley is located at 160 km of Leh. Formed by the effects of Nubra and Shyok Rivers, it passes through Khardung La, the highest motorable civilian weather pass. Hunder White Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, Turtuk and Panamik villages, and Diskit Monastery are a few places to visit here. 

The valley is the gateway to the upper regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including Siachen. The dunes of Hunder stand as the most significant attraction in Kashmir tourism due to the magical shapes and forms that they take at different times of the year. 

Best Time to Visit Nubra Valley

The valley is situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft. above sea level and is accessible throughout the year. However, April to June and September to October is the best time to visit Nubra Valley to make the most of this place. Due to the Jammu and Kashmir tourism guidelines, international and national travelers have to acquire PAP and Indian Line Permit, respectively, to enter Nubra. 

How to Reach Nubra Valley

You can reach Nubra Valley via Leh in two different ways. The conventional route takes Leh through Khardung La pass to Nubra Valley by road. However, if you seek a little bit of adventure, you can choose the unconventional route via Wari La, one of the highest roads in India, at the height of 17 427 ft. above sea level. However, Wari La is not accessible during winter and not for people with faint hearts. 

Things to Do in Nubra Valley 

Visit the architectural masterpiece Diskit Monastery, the oldest 15th Century Gompa in Ladakh. 

Take in the unique sight of one of the world's highest deserts, Hunder Sand Dunes, atop the double-humped Bactrian camel. 

Visit Maitreya Buddha – a 32 m tall statue of the image of the future incarnation of Buddha, which looks over the village.

Go Quad biking at Hunder, trek to Sumur to visit Samstanling Gompa, and hike to Yarab Tso Lake from the Panamic Village. 

For more Ladakh news and updates on Jammu and Kashmir tourism, follow Daily Excelsior. 

[blogindiatour]

New Post has been published on https://www.indiatourblog.com/5-moderate-trekking-in-india/

Trekking in India - Top 5 Moderate Treks You Must Go

Trekking

Best of 5 Moderate Himalaya Trekking –

The Himalayan range offers trekking routes for all abilities. If you are one of those who have a sturdy pair of legs and a determination to discover, trekking in India happens to be the safest and most enjoyable option for you. Moreover, trekking in the Himalayas is the best way to connect with its pristine surroundings and local inhabitants who are oblivious of the changes taking place in the modern world. The following are some of the moderate treks in India that you must try in your next adventure tour to India.

Dzongri Goecha La trek:

Goechala-Trek

The Goecha La Trek is one of the most famed treks in the north eastern state of Sikkim, India. Being the third highest peak in the world, Goecha La trek is famous for excellent snow clad mountain views. Additionally you can also spot rare birds in the pristine forests of the region.

The Goecha La Trek passes through the Kanchendzonga biosphere forest reserve. It begins from the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling and is a very adventurous trek in the beginning.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

Gaumukh Tapovan

This trek passes through the Garhwal region, via gangotri glacier at Goumukh. On the way you can see the Bhujbasa, the Sudarshan peak, the Matri peak and several other well known peaks. If you trek beyond Bhujbasa, you will have to climb a steep slope until you reach Tapovan. Not only this, you will also see the mind blowing Kedar, the Meru and the Bhagirathi. The best time to go for this trek is between the months of May to June and from mid September to early November.

Markha Valley Trek:

Markha Valley

Markha Valley Trek is possibly one of the most beautiful adventure trips in India that you can travel. For this you have to encircle two passes located at a height of more than 15000 feet. While on a Markha Valley Trek you will pass through incredibly beautiful gorges and mountains. You will also experience a whiff of spirituality by the Buddhist monasteries and the gompas. The best time to do Markha Valley trek is between the months of September and December.

Roopkund Trek:

Roopkund Lake

The Roopkund Lake is at a height of 5029 M. Located in the vicinity of Chaoli district, Roopkund Lake is covered in snow during most of the year. This is a moderate trek and the best time for you to do a Roopkund Trek is between the months of May and June.

Nubra Valley Trek:

Nubra Valley Trek

The Nubra Valley means the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Leh at an average altitude of about 10,000 Ft and is bordered by the Karakoram Range in the North. The main attraction that you will find in this area is the Bactarian Camels, which are a type of shaggy double hump Camel.

They can be seen around sand dunes; Deskit & Samstanling monasteries and Khardung la Pass (the highest motor-able road in the World). The best time to go for a Nubra Valley Trek is between June to October.

The Nubra Valley is also the gateway to the world’s largest glacier i.e. the Siachen Glacier. Finally, the most important thing that you should keep in mind before setting on a moderate trekking in India is the fact that, the heavier pack you carry with yourself, the more difficult it is going to be for you to be successful in your voyage. So carry light, plan ahead and you will surely have one of the most memorable adventure trips of your life.