Jeep Safari in Ladakh
The adventure of jeep safari in Ladakh is both thrilling and comfortable at the same time. But it mostly promises an enthralling experience of witnessing the wild and amazing Ladakh from close quarters. The expansive valleys, through which runs rivers and streams; the endless snakey roads; the dirt trails; remote villages and hamlets; the sacred monasteries; and some of the world’s highest mountain passes, all these can be explored in the best way in your 4X4 vehicle in Ladakh.
About Jeep Safari in Ladakh
Even though, jeep safaris in Ladakh make almost all the destinations in the union territory accessible, the adventure activity is mostly preferred on routes like Leh-Khardung La-Nubra Valley, Manali-Leh Highway via the popular Gata Loops; Leh -Pangong -Tso Moriri; and Kargil-Suru Valley-Zanskar. Jeep safari in Ladakh is an experience to remember forever.
Jeep safari route 1: Leh to Nubra valley via Khardung La
The jeep tour to Nubra valley is an enthralling experience, driving over Khardung La pass (5,602m), the world’s highest road. On your way, get to witness the hardworking fellows of Border Road Organization who keep the road sane for your journey. Nubra valley has a lot to offer. The majestic Maitreya Buddha statue along the beauty of Diskit monastery, the sand dunes of Hunder village and its magnificent double hump Bactrian camels will only spice-up your thrilling journey. Another stretch from Diskit, an incredible drive will offer an experience of abundant and rich Balti culture and tradition. Turtuk, the last village of India, will offer another dimension to your whole jeep safari. On the other side of the valley, Panamik village, along with its view of the entire valley, will calm your spirit and offer you solace so that you be ready for another adventurous drive through the odds of mountainous thoroughfare.
Jeep safari route 2: Nubra valley to Pangong lake via Shayok valley
This jeep safari route follows through Shayok valley. A drive from Nubra valley to the Pangong lake region without returning back to Leh. The road was rarely used earlier but, with its growing popularity, tourists are taking it in increasing number each passing year. The route is treacherous and it is a unique experience for the adventurous travellers. An unconventional and isolated route with barren wilderness, while dotted with a few hamlets along its rough course, it offers a lifetime experience to cherish forever. The mighty Shayok river, one of the tributaries of Indus river, will accompany you as the route snakes over the river bed. During the silk-route days, the through-fare was used by the famed traders of Yarkhan, the Xanjiang province in Tarim Basin of today’s China. The Bactrian camels that you witness in Hunder village are live remnants of the glorious past of these forgotten pathways. Due to lesser traffic, this silent stretch evokes a spiritual yearning of sorts along with the shear thrill of its precarious bends, curves and rhythm. The road is 130 km in length. The only caution to be wary of while taking on this jeep safari tour are water deluges due to melting snow in summer which sometimes make it hard to pass through without a fight.
Jeep safari route 3: Pangong lake to Tso Moriri lake via Tsaga La
Pangong lake is renowned for its mesmerizing and scenic beauty. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural sites of Ladakh. While visiting the famed lake, do savour what the nature has to offer at its best. Conditioned to the weather and sun light exposure, the lake is a fiesta of colours, especially blue. You could spot shades of blue - the emerald blue, sky blue, turquoise blue, dark blue, light blue, faded blue. The surreal experience will redefine your senses of the colour blue not to mention the earthy hues of its mountains and landscape around. From Pangong lake, you can drive to Tso Moriri lake via Tsaga La pass into the vastness of the Changthang plateau. The region is a wildlife treasure trove, and if fortunate, you might be treated with the presence of the exotic Himalayan wildlife stock. Once the scene of 1962 Indo-China war, the Rezang La War Memorial tell-tale the stories and legends of valour and ultimate sacrifice of the Indian soldiers while defending their mother land. From Loma village, you will drive through Bridge before heading to Tso Moriri lake where this jeep safari route ends.
Jeep safari route 4: Leh to Manali
Leh to Manali highway is around 450 km and connects Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh. Since historical times the route is celebrated amongst the travellers for its adventurous and thrilling passages, vast cold-deserts and high-mountain passes. The perfect place for the ultimate jeep safari experience. Most of the road, the Leh-Manali highway, does not have any civilization. It is just the nature and you. The absolute splendour of the passes like Taglang La, Baralacha la or Rohtang la is compelling and mind grappling. You can halt at Sarchu overnight and recuperate from the tedious journey - it has many options for your lodging.
