Interesting Facts About Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is one of the most spellbinding and beautiful destinations in the world known for its alluring landscape, adventurous terrains and unique culture. Beyond it's scenic beauty , there are several facts that makes the mountain paradise even more charming and captivating. Due to it's high altitude, Ladakh is also known as cold desert, as the lofty mountains are covered with snow for most of the year. If you want to experience the magic of Leh Ladakh, you must explore the lesser known yet intriguing facts about this Himalayan wonderland. Let's delve into these interesting facts about Leh Ladakh.

Scenic view of Leh Ladakh

Let's explore some interesting facts about Leh Ladakh.

1. The mystery of The Magnetic Hill

• Magnetic Hill is located on the Leh-Kargil-Shrinagar National highway in Leh district of Ladakh. It is one of the most popular Leh Ladakh tourist places where tourists come in flocking in large numbers!
• Magnetic Hill continues to be a mysterious place that has bewildered travellers for years, it is a place which defies gravity. If you put your vehicle in neutral mode, it appears as if vehicle is going uphill through a mysterious pull.
• There are lot of theories, myths and scientific explanations regarding the Magnetic Hill phenomenon but it is actually a trickery of an optical illusion. The surrounding landscape and slope of the road create a deceptive effect where downhill actually appear as an uphill, so the vehicles are actually going down the slope of mountain and not uphill.

Magnetic hill

2. The Rare Twin Humped Camels of Nubra Valley

• The Nubra valley in Leh Ladakh is home to this fascinating rare twin humped camel known as Bactrian Camels. They have thick fur and fully adept to the harsh and cold climate conditions of the region.
• Bactrian Camels have a great historical significance as these unique animals were used for centuries for transportation and trade along the ancient silk road.
• They also provide milk and wool to local people, hence they play an important role in loccal culture.
• Important conservation efforts are made to protect these rare and fascinating beings, and travellers are also expected to respect these magnificent creatures.
• Camel safaris are a popular tourist attractions where tourists get to explore nearby surroundings, admire the beautiful landscape and also get to interact with Bactrian camels.

Bactrian camel safari

3. Monasteries with Ancient Murals and Artifacts

• Leh Ladakh is home to ancient Buddhist monasteries which have ancient murals, artifacts, ancient statues, offering a glimpse into it's rich culture and heritage.
• These monasteries are also referred to as Architectural marvels as tourists get to see intricate architecture, stunning murals and awe inspiring landscape.
• Famous monasteries include-  Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and Diskit Monastery. Tourists can visit these monasteries to experience unique heritage.

Thiksey Monastery

4. The Cold Desert of India

• The region receives very less amount of rainfall, and temperature can drop to -20 degrees Celsius during winters and has minimal vegetation hence it is known as the cold desert of India.
• The region is home to unique flora fauna that has adapted to the extreme environment.
• Due to arid conditions, you can only find sparse vegetation like shrubs, grasses and small trees.
• Dry conditions, low vegetation, low rainfall but lofty mountains remain covered with snow, it really makes the region unique in its own way.
  
  

Cold Desert, Ladakh

5. The Land of Festivals

• Leh Ladakh celebrates lot of vibrant festivals that showcase its rich cultural and traditional heritage. The Buddhist monasteries celebrate lot of unique festivals. 
• Some of the famous festivals are Hemis festival which is celebrated in Hemis monastery which celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism featuring colorful mask dance that is popular amongst tourists.
• Losar festival is the celebration of Ladakhi new year, Losar is the time of purification, renewable and celebration. Losar is a time of great joy and cultural significance for people of Ladakh.
• The Ladakh festival is a week long festival where a unique cultural extravaganza is held in Leh where local communities showcase the region's handicrafts, music , dance and art.
• Saka Dawa festival is an important Buddhist festival which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha.
  
  

Hemis festival, Hemis monastery

6. The unique Pangong Tso Lake

• One of the most iconic attractions in Leh Ladakh, one third part of it is in India and rest is in China, the lake is situated at an altitude of 14,270 feet and is 134 km long.
• One of the most unique thing about Pangong Tso lake is that it changes color from blue to green to red, it depends on the time and weather of the region.
• The stunning scenery, surrounded by rugged mountains beautify the charms of Pangong Tso lake.

Pangong Tso lake

7.  A Stargazer's Dream Destination

• Leh Ladakh is popular destination for Stargazing as the region is located in high altitude and has the least light pollution. 
• Tourists can get a stunning view of Milkyway galaxy which makes this region a favourite among the astrophotographers and stargazing enthusiasts.

Spectacular view of Zanskar Valley

8. Unique Flora and Fauna

• The harsh climatic conditions of Leh Ladakh has diversified the flora and fauna of the region, making them adept to survive in cold and dry climate.
• Leh Ladakh is home to many medicinal plants like sea buckthorn and rhodiola, apline flowers like blue poppy, edelweiss etc.
• The wildlife in Ladakh is quite diverse, having species like the snow leopard, Tibetan Antelope and Himalaya Ibex.
• Birdwatchers can also have delighfull experience, they can spot beautiful bird species like Black necked crane, Himalayan Griffon.

Tibetan Antelope

Black necked crane

9. Home to World's highest motor-able roads

• Umling La Pass is the highest motor-able road in India, at 19,024 feet connecting vital places in Leh Ladakh.
• Khardung La Pass also considered as an Engineering marvel, is one of the highest motor-able road in India, standing at an altitude of 17,582 feet.
• Marsimik La is another high altitude pass of 18,380 feet offering stunning views of beautiful landscape of the region.

Khardung La pass

Conclusion

Leh Ladakh is one of most popular tourist destination full of cultural and traditional richness, wonders, mysteries and breathtaking natural beauty. There is so much to explore and experience in Leh Ladakh which continues to make this region a popular tourist place. If you are planning for Leh-Ladakh bike trip, you are in for a treat. If you are an adventure seeker, a stargazer, a photographer, a nature lover or a spiritual seeker, this mesmerising region has a lot to offer and lot to explore. Don't forget to comment and share with your friends if you like the post!!