Until the past decade, Ladakh was India’s pristine, remote and untouched Northern corner, aptly called the ‘Forbidden Land’. Now, each year between June to August, throngs of tourists flock to this surreal primitive plateau. Leh, Ladakh’s sleepy little capital has witnessed rapid commercialization over the past few years. The immense popularity of the film 3 Idiots further ensured the arrival of additional tourists excitedly posing on the banks of Pangong Tso Lake where the 3 Idiots famously reunited. Wondering what happened to this insulated slice of heaven? Worry not; drive a little further into the interiors of Ladakh and the utopian Shangri-La awaits, far away from the tourists. We recommend these four offbeat places to visit in Ladakh to beat the touristy crowds!
1. Turtuk
Fields in Turtuk © Elroy Serrao / Flickr
It takes an arduous eight-hour long bumpy journey from Leh to reach Turtuk, the last village on the Indo-Pak border. But the journey is well worth the destination. Situated on the banks of River Shyok, Turtuk is strikingly different from other Ladakhi villages. It’s landscape, religion, culture, language, and even the physical features of the locals are like those in Baltistan across the border. In fact, this faraway village became a part of India only in 1971 and its doors were opened to tourists recently in 2010.
Unlike the rocky, craterous landscape around Leh, Turtuk is lush in vegetation during summer. The village is dotted with apricot trees (the best of its kind, claim the locals) and surrounded by vegetables and wheat fields. Apart from trekking and visiting the Turtuk Monastery, there isn’t much to do in Turtuk. But therein lie Turtuk’s charms; here you can soak in simple Ladakhi life, play with the innocent kids that hop around the village, and watch time sublimely pass by while sitting on the banks of River Shyok.
2. Basgo
Basgo Gompa tucked between mountains © Fulvia Spada / Flickr
Situated at 40km from Leh, Basgo, the erstwhile cultural and political epicenter of Ladakh, transports you back in time. In its heyday, Basgo was a formidable stronghold and during the 1680s the invading Tibetan forces were held at bay here for 3 years by the Ladakhi forces! Sadly, all that remains from those glory days are the beautiful ruins of a monastery and the royal palace, both perched high on mountain-tops. These rustic mud-brick monuments seamlessly camouflage into the surrounding moonscape. Adorned with original 16th century murals, the Basgo monastery features three temples dedicated to Maitreya, Buddha of the Future. In 2001, this monastery was enlisted among the 100 most endangered heritage sites by the World Monument Foundation. Both the palace and the monastery offer bewitching views of the ancient town.
3. Panamik?
A glimpse of Panamik’s unique landscape © Elroy Serrao / Flickr
Nestled close to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield and one of the coldest places on Earth, is the quaint little village of Panamik. This hillside village is home to nature’s very own spa – natural hot sulphur springs that defiantly and dramatically contrast the harsh coldness of the neighboring Siachen Glacier and the snowy peaks. Full of exotic microbes – bacteria, archaebacteria, and algae – dipping into these springs is known to cure arthritis, stomach ailments, skin diseases and acidity. During ancient times, travellers on the famed Silk Route routinely stopped by at Panamik to take a dip into these medicinal and therapeutic natural springs.
Panamik also serves as a base for the trek to the 250-year-old remote Ensa Monastery, renowned for its colorful murals. At Panamaik, shoppers can treat themselves to Kashmiri and Tibetan artefacts, authentic Pashmina shawls, woollen socks, and local dry fruits.
4. Uleytopko
Rizong Monastery in Uleytopko, a charming little Ladakhi village.
Idyllic, picturesque, and unspoilt, the cozy village of Uleytokpo is perfect to embrace the majestic lunar landscapes of Ladakh. Situated along the banks of River Indus, camping in Uleytokpo is a surreal experience – waking up to the gushing sound of the river, sipping on a cup of hot chai as you laze on the lush summer grass, and feeling dwarfed by the mesmerizing vastness of the Himalayan landscape. Uleytokpo is the very definition of serenity. If you do get bored after sessions of relaxations and doing nothing, you can hike up to Rizong Monastery, pedal away to Alchi Monastery, visit the Mangyu Temple, or go rafting in the Indus.
Ditch the touristy spots; it’s time to take the road less traveled!
