Is It Safe to Go to Ladakh?

Politics in the area can be unpredictable and complex. However, Leh town has been peaceful for a while. Keep an eye on local news if you plan to travel up to Ladakh since, although it typically occurs distant from Leh, violence may occasionally erupt in the border areas close to Tibet and Pakistan.

However, I think that visiting Ladakh is incredibly safe. The strong military presence everywhere you look makes it rare for border disputes to spill to the Leh region.

Additionally, Ladakh boasts one of India’s lowest rates of crime. It’s undoubtedly one of the most tranquil locations to visit in India, and the locals are incredibly kind and inviting.

Places to Stay in Leh

Leh offers a wide range of lodging choices, from five-star luxury hotels to budget hostels. I think staying at one of the several guesthouses in the area is the best choice. Usually run by families, they are excellent places to learn about Ladakhi culture. I can suggest a handful at various pricing points because I’ve stayed at a lot of different locations in Leh. ladakh tour packages

Where to Dine in Leh

For me, one of the best things about Leh is the cuisine. There are several excellent cafés and restaurants in the town that provide both Thai and Italian cuisine in addition to indigenous Tibetan and Ladakhi fare. Here are a few of my favorites:

Wanderers Terrace

Asian Corner

Bodhi Terrace

Tibetan Kitchen

Chopsticks

How to Navigate Ladakh

With a number of options, traveling around Ladakh is rather simple once you arrive in Leh town. One of the greatest experiences in Ladakh is traveling by road, whether you want to use public transportation or rent your own vehicle.

To travel to most locations, I chose to use both organized group trips and public transportation. This struck the ideal balance for me as a low-budget traveler. However, taxis are also useful, particularly to more remote locations.

Public Transportation

There isn’t much public transportation in Leh. If you intend to take local busses to get to all the top locations, you’ll need a lot of patience and time.

You can begin your exploration of Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery east of Leh by boarding a local bus that departs from the main gate of Leh and travels to Choglamsar. Another local bus that travels along the main route past Shey and Thiksey is available from there.

These buses run often throughout the day when full, and tickets start as little than 50 Indian rupees. It can be challenging to return to Leh because you’ll need to wait on the highway and hail a passing transport. One option is to hitchhike.

Other well-known locations farther away can also be reached by bus. Diskit is often accessible by bus once a week from Tso Moriri, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley. However, the most recent schedule may be seen at Leh’s main bus terminal.

Group Tours and Shared Taxis

Taking a group tour is by far the most practical method to visit the major attractions. Although I don’t generally do this when I travel, it makes perfect sense for low-budget tourists in Ladakh.

Group visits to Turtuk, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Lake are arranged by Leh-based agencies. Usually, they are four days and three nights, or three days and two nights if Turtuk is not included.

A complete car and driver for three days to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley starts at 24,000 INR (AU$450). More if Turtuk is included. To split the expense, you can then divide this across six to seven persons.

After then, it is your responsibility to plan and pay for your own lodging. There are many of possibilities for Pangong Lake and Diskit or Hunder (Nubra Valley) online, or you may wait till you get there and see what the drivers suggest.

Since the drivers are members of a union with established pricing systems, prices will be essentially the same for all agencies. Finding an agency with a group departing on the date of your choice is as easy as strolling around Leh. Signs listing the upcoming departures are frequently posted on their doors.

Individual Taxis

Taking a taxi might be a practical and reasonably priced option for shorter day visits around Leh. Since the cabs are members of a union, as was previously explained, each one has a pricing list and brochure inside. Without negotiating, you can just ask to see the price.

Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis combined are popular day trips that can cost about 3700 Indian rupees (AU$70) per day.

Renting a Motorcycle

For Indians who enjoy exploring the Ladakh roads on two wheels, renting a motorbike is a popular option. Leh offers many locations for renting a Royal Enfield, with daily rates starting at a reasonable amount.

However, before considering renting a bike in Ladakh, I would advise making sure you are competent and have a motorbike license because the roads are not for novice riders.