Leh is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh (Photo credit: depositphotos)
New Delhi: President Draupadi Murmu is on a two-day visit to Ladakh from October 31 to November 1. The President graced the fourth foundation day celebrations of the Union Territory at Leh on October 31, 2023. The President, on November 1, will visit the Siachen Base Camp and interact with the troops. President Draupadi Murmu will also attend the civic reception hosted in her honour at Leh. As Ladakh is all pepped up, let us go through the journey of one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Leh, #Ladakh on two day visit. pic.twitter.com/iaEiPiUlek
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 31, 2023
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What do you know about Ladakh?
While most people know and talk about Ladakh, it is its beauty and place for adventure seekers. Over the years, tourism in Ladakh has hit the spirit high on the global map. With scenic lakes with peace, wildlife sanctuaries, garrulous rivers and many wonderful activities, this newly formed Union Territory is a stress relief for adventure seekers.
But, besides all these, there are several other unknown facts that one should know before you visit Ladakh.
What should you know about Ladakh?
Ladakh is referred to as the Land of High Passes. It is one of the mesmerising regions that is nestled in North India. Nature’s grandeur knows no bonds here.
History – From a Kingdom to a Union Territory
During the Neolithic era, nomads carrying their yaks arrived as the first people to live in Ladakh. Buddhism eventually became the predominant religion in the area when Buddhist pilgrims made permanent settlements in the Indus Valley en route to Mount Kailash in Tibet from India.
Forts and sizable monasteries served as the kingdom’s defences as the Ladakh kings created a realm spanning from Kashmir to Tibet over the ages.
Tibetan troops often assaulted Ladakh in the 17th century and Muslim armies in the 16th century, both from the east. Under the Namgyal dynasty, which expanded the kingdom to include Nepal and established a new capital at Leh, the country was revitalised.
Ladakh joined the state of Jammu and Kashmir after being overrun by the Dogra army from Jammu during the 1800s.
Ladakh became an autonomous state on October 31, 2019, when it was divided from the remainder of Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory). The two districts that make up Ladakh are Kargil (which includes Zanskar) and Leh.
A biker’s paradise
Over the years, this place is best known for being a biker’s paradise. The bikers have started to crave this place. With the best scenic view, peddlers love to peddle across the slopes of the cold desert and climb above 3,000 metres above sea level.
Largest telescope
Located on Mount Saraswati, the Indian Astronomical Observatory, at an astounding height of over 4,500m, is the largest telescope in Asia. The location makes it the best place for stargazing and photography. The air is pollution-free and allows the viewers to catch a clear view of the heavenly objects.
Hill that fails gravity
A hill in Ladakh is said to have failed gravity. The Magnetic Hill, also called the Gravity Hill, pulls you upwards. The Hill is an optical illusion. The Magnetic Hill looks like an uphill route, but actually, it is downhill.
A land of rare twin-humped Bactrian Camel
When you visit Ladakh, you might be greeted by rare twin-humped Bactrian camels. The flocks are a common sight in Ladakh.
Ladakh has the highest bridge in the world
Bailey Bridge, the highest altitude bridge in the world and between the Dras and Suru Rivers, was built in 1982. The military initially made it to migrate quickly through the rivers during wartime.
Highest natural hockey rink
The world’s highest natural ice hockey rink, the Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink, can be found in Ladakh.
Northern Lights Show
Recently, people witnessed something spectacular in the region, and that is the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are known as the ‘greatest light show’ on Earth. It was for the first time aurora was captured on camera in India by the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
A monastery on the moon?
Lamayuru, near Leh, exactly replicates the white surface of the moon.
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Ladakh – Trivia!
Highest Army base camp in the world – Siachin Glacier, the Indian military base, is at a height of 6,000 m above mean sea level. It is not just the highest battleground but also has the world’s highest telephone booth. The temperature can go as low as -14⁰C even during the mid-day.
Highest saltwater lake that freezes – Great Pangong Lake, located at 4,350 m, is the world’s highest water lake.
House to 225 bird species – With significantly less vegetation, Ladakh is home to around 225 bird species, including rare birds.
Hardest trekking routes in the world – Chadar Trek is considered one of the most challenging trekking trails in the world.
Largest national park – Hemis National Park is the largest national park in the country, covering 4,400 square km of wildlife.
Colour-changing lake – Yes, Pangong Lake adores three different natural colours in a day, and the reason behind this is the sun’s position. Morning will be azure blue, green in the afternoon and red in the evening.
Highest desert in the world – Katpana desert is the highest desert, located 2,226 m above the mean sea level.
Important note: If planning a trip to Leh
Leh is 3,500 metres above sea level. Thus, the great altitude makes acclimation challenging. It is recommended that you allow yourself a minimum of two days to acclimate before embarking on your travels. Drink lots of water and other liquids, such as juice, tea and soup.
