Travelling to Leh by surface is both exciting and adventure the journey is 434 kms with a over night stay in Kargil which gives tourists a first hand opportunity to explore more while helping them to acclimatize with the high altitude low oxygen atmosphere of Ladakh.
The long journey starts with Gandarbal crossing "Mahalgn", "Kangan", "Gund", "Khuliatan" reaching "Sonmarg" know as "Gateway of Ladakh" at an altitude of 2740m. A gushing river is the highlight of this meadow tourist destination normally tourist takes a break here for lunch. "Sonmarg", has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types. Beside scenic beauty "Sonmarg" has a lot to offer. After a break the journey begins again crossing “Batal” and reaching "Zozila Pass".
"Zozila" pass in 9km long and is the second highest pass after "Fotu La". There are more than 60 dangerous avalanche sites on this road the roads are narrow and bad in shape. The pass remains open only for four months in summer the drive is highly risky and adventours. After "Zozila" Pass the major destination is “Dras” crossing “Matyan”.
"Dras" is the coldest place and is located at the height of 3230m it is a small beautiful township where you can hault for a cup of tea. "Kargil" is just an hour away from "Dras" crossing “Thasgam” and “Kabru”.
In "Kargil" one can find few hotels and Guest house. Hotels like Siachen and D’Zozila are well maintained hotels where one can get all the modern facilities. "Kargil" is considered as a heaven for adventure lovers it is the entry point to the wondrous Zanskar Valley and is the perfect night stop for tourists. The local market offers variety of products ranging from raw sugar, to exotic spices.
After spending some time in "Kargil" the Journey to Leh which is 234 Kms starts again. 45 Kms drive will take you to "Mulbek", the area is worth visiting for its Buddhist Monuments. On the highway Mulbek Chamba an ancient 9m high sculpture of the future Buddha Maitreya is a major tourist attraction, after spending some time in "Mulbek" the drive takes you to adventures journey to "Namika La" pass(12,200ft) and "Fotu La" pass (13,479ft), crossing “Khangral”, “Bodhkhabru” and “Hansikot” giving a real dangerous feeling, being at the top of the world. One will be mesmerized to see the Lamayuru Monestary situated over a mountain side.
The journey has become much shorter with scenic and deserted beauty leading you to Leh crossing “Khaltse”, “Nurla”, “Saspol”, “Nimmu” and finally reaching Leh. After such a long spectacular drive the final journey can be a bit disappointed before entering the main city you go through a vast expanse of army huts and camps. Then you see Leh, all the buildings piled up one above the other and topped by ancient but un-used palaces. Welcome to Leh…!!
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