KHARDUNG LA – MOUNTAIN PASS

One of the best tourist places in Leh Ladakh, Khardung La is a mountain pass of historical significance in
the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The pass on the Ladakh Range is north of Leh and is the gateway to the
Shyok and Nubra valleys. The Siachen Glacier lays part way up the latter valley. Built in 1976, it was opened to
public motor vehicles in 1988. The elevation of Khardung La is 5,359 m (17,582 ft). Khardung La lies on the major
caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually.

Khardung La pass is a perfect getaway for adventure enthusiasts, peace seekers and mountain biking aficionados. An
Inner Line Permit is required by the tourists to enter the pass and travel through it. Due to heavy rains and
snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from October to May. Khardung La pass is a perfect getaway for adventure
enthusiasts, peace seekers and mountain biking aficionados. An Inner Line Permit is required by the tourists to enter
the pass and travel through it. Due to heavy rains and snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from October to May.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Time Required : 1 to 2 hours
Inner Line Permit : Fees: INR 20 per day
Total Cost: INR 50
Distance Between Leh and Khardung La : 39 kilometres
Tips : There is limited network connectivity in the region .Lack of proper medical facility. So, carry a basic
first-aid kit. The closest petrol pumps are located in Leh and Nubra Valley .
Acclimatise for high altitude mountain sickness .
Altitude : 5359 metres

SHANTI STUPA : THE MAGNUM OPUS OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE

This is one of the most spectacular tourist places in Leh, built atop a hill in Changspa region. It is a
white domed stupa built by a Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura. There is a road leading from Leh to
Shanti Stupa so you can either choose to drive or first walk from Leh or climb up some 500 odd stairs to the
top. It is another great vantage point offering mesmerizing views of the town of Leh with mountain landscapes
in the backdrop and a spot to capture some amazing sunset shots.

Shanti stupa is the magnum opus of Buddhist architectural excellence. Shanti stupa has been bestowed with stark
tranquillity that is beyond the reach of chaos.The stupa offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Overlooking the Leh palace it also offers a birds-eye view of the vibrant town of Leh. It is considered a symbol
of the ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh. Since the time the stupa was open for visitors, it has become
one of the must-see tourist places in Ladakh.

LEH PALACE : THE ROYAL EDIFICE OF LEH

One of the most spectacular tourist places in Leh is the magnificent Leh Palace. Overlooking the town of
Leh, this palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century and continued to be the King’s
residence. One of the foremost tourist posts in Leh, you can also view the mountain of Stok Kangri in
Zanskar towards South from here while the Ladakh mountain range rises behind the palace towards North.
The night view of the palace is quite charming too though you will not be allowed inside after sunset.