Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass is popular as one of the highest motorable pass at the height 18,380 feet and is the gateway to Nubra and Shyok valley. Very recently Uming La pass in Eastern Ladakh is known as the highest motorable pass in the world.

Biking to the Khardungla is one of the most sought after adventures and which is why it one of the best places to visit  Leh Ladakh. 

Managed by the Border Roads Organization, reaching and crossing Khardungla Pass is a challenging journey. Due to the height at which it is located, one might face Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to lack of oxygen. Staying here for a long time can hamper the brain’s activity by causing headache, nausea, blurry vision amongst others.

In order to enjoy the mesmerizing views from the top, it is advisable to be acclimatized to heights (stay in Leh for atleast 2 days), be well hydrated before the start of the journey and not stay at the top for more than 20 minutes.

Nubra Valley

Nubra valleys is popular for two things – the golden sand dunes and riding the two-humped Bactrian camel. 

Nubra is a typical tourist destination with less bikers or adventure thrillers here and more of families having a good time.

Situated on the bank of Nubra river, there are many camps and resorts around the sand dunes where you can spend a night. Since it is far from Leh – approximately 160 kms it is best to plan a night stay. Photo by Sonam Shah

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is located on the Chanspa hill within Leh city. It is one of the most magnificent and peaceful Buddhist monuments that was built by Japanese monks to promote world peace.

The peace at the stupa will engulf your aura and you will want to close your eyes and meditate to the distant chimes.

One can also enjoy the unobstructed, panoramic views of the city landscape and beyond which makes it one of the best tourist places to visit in Leh and around.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in India. It is popular for its annual mask festival called Hemis Festival, celebrated in the memory of Guru Padmasambhava. Hemis is the largest Gompa in Ladakh district and is the most accessible – approximately 45kms from Leh city. It permanently houses around 500 monks. Check the schedule of Hemis Festival here.

Leh Palace

Wherever you are in Leh, you cannot miss the sand coloured grandeur overlooking from a nearby cliff. A prominent symbol of the royal family since the 16th century, The Royal Leh Palace is nothing short of a scenic beauty. The Palace is over nine-storey high overlooking the panoramic views of the rustic Zanskar valley.

Tso Moriri Lake

Known as the twin to the popular Pangong Tso Lake, Tso Moriri is slowly rising to stardom for its tranquil yet stunning views. Located 220 km from Leh city, a day trip is possible to this picturesque lake.

Located in the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri is a wetland reserve and home to many migratory birds. The lake paints a beautiful picture against the barren snow-capped mountains, deep blue skies and pasteur green grasslands.

Diskit Monastery

Founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, in the 14th century, the monastery has a statue of Cho Crowned Buddha and is one of the most beautiful and oldest monasteries in Ladakh district. Standing on the top of a hill right above the floodplains of the Shyok River and in Nubra valley, the monastery enthrals you with its enchanting beauty.

Shey Monastery

Shey monastery is famous because of the magnificent metal statue of Buddha and one of the places to visit in Leh , the second largest statue in the city of Ladakh. It is located 15 kilometres south of Leh.

Hall of Fame Museum, Leh

Hall of Fame Museum was built to show gratitude towards the soldiers of Kargil war. The museum is divided into two parts : 1) paintings and scenes from the Kargil war  with detailed description of the encounters and 2) weaponry and arms while the other part holds the apparels which were worn by the soldiers at the time of war. There are also photographs of the soldiers who gave their lives to save the country.

Leh Market

Shopping is synonymous to any vacation and no trip can be complete without taking back some souvenirs to remember the amazing time spent here.

Leh Market has some amazing options to shop for handicrafts, silver jewelry, woolen items and paintings. Some of the most common souvenirs from Ladakh include colourful prayer flags, beaded bands, keychains and refrigerator magnets. The Leh market reminded me of the beautiful and very similar Mcleodganj market.

Some offbeat things Leh souvenirs include Apricot jam and Sea buckthorn juice.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LEH LADAKH

According to me the best time to visit Ladakh is in monsoon. While the rest of the country reels under monsoon, it is summer in Ladakh because the entire region falls in rain shadow region. The best months are June to August. The weather is not too hot or cold for treks. There is still snow on mountain peaks and the nip in the air is perfect for walking around without wrapping too many layers.

However, areas like Pangong Tso and Khardungla are extremely cold even in summers with the possibility of hail storm or even snow event in both places. It is best to be prepared before going here.

If you want to witness the snow, then winter is ideal. Storms are not quite common here as the region receives heavy snow annually. It is best to avoid January and February due to the heavy rainfall.

Chadar Trek, popular for trekking on frozen river takes place in January.

HOW TO REACH LEH LADAKH

By air

The nearest airport to is Leh Airport. There are direct flights from Delhi and Srinagar to Leh everyday with good frequency. From the airport, local cabs can be hired to reach anywhere in Leh.

By Train 

Pathankot, Chandigarh and Kalka are the closest railway stations to Leh. Important trains from various Indian cities serve these stations. One can board a train till either of these stations and then hire a cab to reach till Leh.

By Road

Manali-Leh road has been serving as the second best road to Ladakh. Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC) and Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) operate daily deluxe and ordinary buses between Manali and Leh. Government buses, both deluxe and ordinary, run from Kargil and between Leh and Srinagar on regular and frequent intervals. Cars and jeeps are also available for Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali route.

Bike rent in Leh

It is possible to rent bikes in Leh if you have not already got one from Srinagar or Manali. Small adventure seekers can drive bokes to places to visit in Leh and around on bike.

There are many local shops in the main market which offer these services. Depending on the bike, the rent range is between INR 2000-3500 per day.

WHERE TO STAY IN LEH

In order to tick off the places to visit in Leh Ladakh, one must start from Leh city. It is possible to cover all the places mentioned above by doing day trips from Leh. For the same reason, Leh offers many accommodation options to suit every budget.

Homestay: Hotel Naro, Nathula Homestay, Ladakh view homestay

Mid-budget: Hotel Dolma Residency, Hotel Chube, Cho Palace

Luxury: Hotel City Palace, Gomang Boutique Hotel

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN LEH

• Though the city hotels have flush toilets, the places around may not. There is facility for pit toilets (water-less). Live like a local and use them.
• Get your own refillable bottle and fill it at hotels. The plastic bottle menace is too much for a high altitude city.
• Do not dispose food or plastic waste anywhere in the region.
• Support the local community by choosing a home stay.

I hope this Leh Ladakh travel guide on Best places to visit in Leh Ladakh will help you to plan your trip. Did I miss out on any things to do in Leh Ladakh? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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I am immediately given hot water for bathing and given options for breakfast by the staff. I choose the humble thepla, my favorite gujarati breakfast which i can make do in basically all meals and unapologetically carry on my domestic and international travels.

As I settle into the surroundings of chirping birds and mooing of the cows, I can feel myself detaching from the city life. Me and Bhimsibhai interact and he proudly tells me that he is a farmer but started the homestay business in 2015 to make ends meet. Tourism fetches him an extra income and he loves to host guests from all over the world. He kindly takes me around his humble property which has a vegetable farm, mango orchard and recreational activities like outdoor games and swimming pool. A stay here is really an opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with rural life in a Gujarati village.

Homestay in Gir @ Gir Vanraj Farm

There are many homestays to choose from if you decide to chuck the hotels in Gir. All the homestays have a valid license from the Gujarat Tourism department and are owned by the local families. Homestays in Gir have a combination of beautiful orchards and comfortable rooms give it the feeling of staying in a home away from home. It combines the best bits of comfort (good beds, hot water and swimming pool with the charm of being in a quiet, traditional village setting.

Food at Gir Vanraj Farm

Most meals are cooked by the family members of homestay in Gir. Meals are traditional and vegetarian Gujarati or Kathiyawadi dishes. The meals are prepared with fresh produce mostly plucked from their own farm. Even milk and milk products including ghee are made from desi Gir cows which is organic and homebred. Hence the taste of the food is extremely delicious. Honestly, I could go back to Gir just for this yummy food!

Wildlife in and around Homestay in Gir

Since the homestays are very near to the Gir National park there are ample opportunities to spot wildlife in and around the location. I saw a couple of spotted deer and Indian Bluebull very near to the homestay. I had the opportunity to discuss wildlife encounters with Bhimsibhai, his family as well as his friends around the village who told me umpteen stories of spotting lion, leopard and other carnivores in and around the homestay. Their stories can keep you awake and wanting for more.

Sustainability at Gir Vanraj Farm

Being a small set up, most homestays have small sustainability initiatives. The Gir Vanraj farm reuses the water from the swimming pool for farming thus reducing the use of freshwater for agriculture. They have also set up a good solid waste management system wherein all the leftover waste is given to needy from the nearby village, roti/bhakri are fed to the cows, the raw waste from cutting of veggies and fruits is composted in the farm and they do not sell packaged food or PET bottle. The drinking water served is from a RO which is safe for consumption. Any plastic waste generated by tourists is stored and given for disposal once a week to Gram Panchayat worker.

Community Based Tourism

Homestays in Gir have managed to implement tourism in a way that allows visitors to see a different part of rural India and directly support those involved and living in the surrounding areas. Visitors choosing to stay in Gir homestay will help the local communities in earning and developing the area in coordination with the Forest department for the welfare of wild animals.

Offbeat places in Gir, Junagadh other than the wildlife safari

Jamjir waterfall

Jamjir waterfall is situated about 32 km from Bhojade village and is a stunning segmented waterfall which falls into an emerald pool. The falling noise of the waterfall can be heard from the car parking area. Walk for about 250meters from the parking to the waterfall and get lost in its beauty. I was the only person visiting when I went. Will highly recommend to switch off the phones and enjoy reading a book in solitude.

Raabdo (jaggery making unit)

Just behind Gir Vanraj Farm is a makeshift jaggery making unit locally known as Raabdo. Bhimsibhai kindly took me there and introduced me to the entire process of harvesting sugarcane and making it into organic jaggery. I even tasted fresh sugarcane juice! Having a taste of freshly made, hot jaggery was super tempting and I tasted it on a sugarcane stick. What a surreal experience. I ended up buying 2 big boxes and adding to extra weight on my backpack.

Crocodile breeding centre

A road adjacent to the main Gir National Park leeds one to the crocodile breeding centre. As the name suggests, crocodiles are bred here. Injured or the ones rescued from homes are also rehabilitated here.

Overall, I enjoyed being in Gir exploring different things. If you liked the article and want to stay with Gir Vanraj Farm, contact Bhimsibhai at +91 8530909909

Sustainable tips for Homestay in Gir

• Bhojade is a small village and negligible solid waste management system. Avoid disposing of any plastic waste. Keep a small bag to collect all plastic waste and take it back to the city.
• Encourage eating local food served at a homestay which is healthy yet delicious.
• If you visit the jaggery making unit, buy a box. You are helping in generating livelihoods for the local community without the wholesaler making a dent in their and your pocket.
• Be respectful. Thank the host after every meal or after a good night’s sleep. After all you are living in their house.

Disclosure – I was a guest at Gir Vanraj Farm. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Gir National Park: Weekend trip

After taking online permits weeks in advance (online permits are compulsory and can be availed 90 days in advance for safari) and costs Rs. 800 per person). We drove from Ahmedabad to Gir National Park – a comfortable 350 km ride by road. Stopping at Limdi for a quick breakfast, we continued on Rajkot highway to reach Gir also known as Sasan-Gir by 2pm just in time to have lunch and catch the 3pm safari.

Safari timings: 6am – 9am, 9am – 12 noon, 3pm – 6pm

After a super yummy lunch, we went to the vehicle desk and after showing our online permit we got our open gypsy (which can accommodate 6 people) and allotted guide. A gypsy costs Rs. 1500 for the safari and the guide cost is Rs 500 – all fixed rates. Hence including the permit charges, each safari costs approximately Rs 3500 (for 2 persons).

Day 1: Route 2 here we come:

10 minutes into the safari, we saw a family of Eurasian Thick-knee also known as Eurasian stone curlew or simply stone-curlew. Beautifully camouflaged with the leaf litter this species prefers dry open habitats to dwell. It is largely nocturnal and its food consists of insects, frogs and rodents.

The second species we spotted was Mottled Wood Owl. It was difficult to spot him in all those tree branches but owls are generally known to have their fixed tree branches where they dwell. Our guide knew it and so could show it to us. He seemed to be resting so we headed off next.

Another bird. This was our afternoon! We easily spotted this large wader – the Red wattled Lapwing or the did-he-do-it bird? Yep that’s exactly how he sounds as if he was saying it loud and clear.

Finally a mammal in sight! One of the hundreds of Spotted Deer we saw. See what i did there? So our guide said there are over 40,000 deers in the park. No wonder, the lion population is increasing. Enough food for them right?

I really love the name of this bird – Tickell’s blue flycatcher. The name commemorates the British ornithologist Samuel Tickell. Such a bright metallic sheen!

And there he was – an handsome lion of Gir National Park. He seemed to have injured himself in a territorial fight. He had an amazing aura that defied and justified that age is just a number and he’s still young at heart.

Later we came across a pride of 3 sub adult lion, 1 sub adult lioness and 2 lioness. This sub-adult lioness was just too cute and i had to photograph her. I would like to call her the Princess of Gir National Park.

We came across 2 more prides in varying numbers and genders and were all in happy, relaxing or playful mood. Some were thirsty as well.

At 6:30 pm it was time to bid adieu to Gir National Park, when a gypsy ahead of us suddenly stopped near a water stream. The guide pointed to something in left direction and it took a while to spot a leopard who had come downstream to quench his thirst. Now that was an ultimate highlight of Day 1 and sad coz my camera memory card was full and i could not click his picture!!

Day 2: Route 4

We started our day 2 of Gir National Park with an early 6am safari to get some shots of morning activity (probably a hunt) of the lions. Lions tend to hunt super early in the morning and relax/sleep for rest of the day. They tend to sleep for almost 20-21 hours a day. No wonder they are called King of Jungle.  We spotted fresh pugmarks which indicated a very recent passing by of a lioness.

We went ahead with the hope of catching something interesting when our guide spotted this Shikra. A small raptor with sharp red eyes was on his morning prowl looking down for a rodent.

I seriously do not know these jungle guides can spot the most amazingly minute things. He spotted a pair of Yellow- crowned woodpecker making holes in the tree to get their morning breakfast of termites. And then an Indian Nightjar. Mistaken as owl, our guide spotted this highly camouflaged bird on a tree branch. Such a beauty!

The highlight of Day 2! A young male walking besides a railway track. He eventually crossed the track. I did get some amazing shots.

A tree hugging monitor lizard at Gir National Park.

The Kamleshwar Dam, officially known as the Hiran-I Dam, is a reservoir on the Hiran river and is located within the Gir National Park. If you are lucky you may spot some Marsh crocodiles here (we didn’t).

In the Gir National Park you will come across people on foot with a group of cattle grazing around.These people live among the lions and milk their cattle for a living! Known as “Maldharis”, they live in scattered settlements inside the Gir National Park and have contributed for their protection and well being since many years. Ask them if they fear the predators and they simply smile and head off!

In total we saw 25 Asiatic lions and 1 leopard, a few hundred spotted deer, few sambars, 2 nilgai, 1 jackal, 1 wild boar and many birds in 2 days.

We drove back to Ahmedabad with a smile on our faces.

Also, read about Blackbuck National Park.

How to Reach Gir National Park

By Air : The nearest airports to the Gir National Park are Keshod airport and Rajkot airport.

By Train : Junagadh and Veraval railway stations are the nearest railway station from the Gir national park, located at around the same distance from the park.

By Road : The park is well-connected to some of the major cities of Gujarat by a good road. Somnath to Gir is 67 km and Dwarka to Gir is 285km. Both are must-visit destinations and can be combined along with a trip to Gir National Park.

Tips for sustainable Gir National Park trip

• Do not under any circumstances get down from your gypsy. Even if your vehicle breaks down, the guide and driver will make sure to arrange another vehicle so do not panic.
• Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• It is totally understandable to get excited when you spot a wild animal in jungle. But do not make noises – whisper if necessary.
• Do not wear perfumes or body spray in the jungle.
• You will get super thirsty and hungry during a 3 hour safari. Carry water and food but do not dispose plastic or leftover food in jungle. Keep it in your bag or gypsy and dispose safely once you return to hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals. Spotted deer commonly venture outside of national park boundary but you should not feed them anything.
• Try not to point out at birds. There have been instances where raptors take notice of pointing towards small, weak exotic birds and hunt them down.
• And last and not the least, respect the gypsy driver and guide. If you do not spot a wild animal do not blame them, remember you’re in a jungle and not a zoo to have surety of spotting animals.