History of Ladakh

Ladakh as the Independent Kingdom was established under the independent rulers in around 950 CE when the early Tibetan Empire Collapsed and most of the rulers were from the Tibetan Royal Family. The original population of Ladakh has been contended to be Brokpas or Dards.
In 842 CE, an envoy of the ancient Tibetan royal house founded the first Ladakh dynasty after the separation of the Tibetan Empire. After this, the Tibetan people started to reside with the Bokpas. So, the complete population of Ladakh is a mix of Brokpas as well as Tibetan people. During this period Buddhism and the Tibetan religion spread across all the region. Several monasteries were construed in Ladakh by king Lde-Deal-Khor-Sain(c.870-900) Ladakh was distributed into two parts.
Upper Ladakh and Lower Ladakh. Upper Ladakh was ruled by King Takbumde from Leh and Shey and the other Lower part was ruled by King Takpabum from Basgo and Temisgam. After that, A king from lower Ladakh Bhagan of the Basgo Dynasty overthrew the king of Leh and changed the surname Namgyal and founded a new dynasty that is still present. Sengge Namgyal, one of the rulers from the Namgyal dynasty, assigned the construction of many monasteries in Ladakh and including one of the famous Hemis Monastery. Sengge Namgyal shifted the headquarters of his kingdom from Shey Palace to Leh Palace after his order to the construction of the new Palace. His kingdom expanded to Zanskar and Spiti, later he was overthrown by Mughals.
His heir Deldan Namgyal had to make an alliance with the Mughals and as a symbol of it. He permitted the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb to build a mosque in Leh. Deldan Namgyal defeated the 5th Dalai Lama incursions in the plains of Chargyal, which is located Between Nimoo and Basgo. Beginning of the 19th century when the Mughal empire collapsed, Raja Gulab Singh, under the ruler of the Sikh monarch Ranjit Singh, sent General Zorawar Singh, Ladakh came under the Dogra rule. Later, under the British Raj, Ladakh was integrated into the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh became a part of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir after the independence in 1947. Leh is the capital of Ladakh and was chosen as the initial headquarters of the Ladakh division, however facing some protest, both Leh and Kargil jointly serve as the divisional headquarters. A Reorganisation act passed by the Parliament of India had a provision to reform Ladakh as a union territory, separate from Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh announced a separate Union Territory on 31 October 2019, which is to be conducted by a Lieutenant Governor. Know More

Plan My Package Recommends: Places To Visit in Ladakh

• If you want to explore a more exhilarating place in Leh, you must visit the lakes of Ladakh, especially the Tso Kar Lake. It is a saline water lake located at an elevation of 4530m and resembles the virtue of nature, and has several picturesque bounties in its habitat. You can also notice the nomads along the lake and they have interesting stories to tell you about their life.
• Chadar River trek is also known as the Zanskar trek. The Chadar frozen river trek in Ladakh is a walking trail connecting villages along the Zanskar River during the wintertime. This frozen stream bed has been used by locals for trade and transportation. This is the only one of its kind in the entire world and it is most reliable in January and February months when the sheet of ice is most stable and thick. This chilling trek from  Ladakh to Zanskar valley takes more than a week as it is at a high altitude and most of the trek is in daylight hours only. Hence, it is recommended by Plan My Package. 
• Stok Kangri is one of the most impressive areas of Ladakh. Stok Kangri is one of the peaks that have gained a lot of popularity among trekkers in the past few years. Illuminating the Himalayan range with a huge outlook, this trek holds deserted surroundings and offers trekkers the top experience. During winters, the complete terrain attains a perfect magnificence. Stok Kangri peak gives you the whole view of Zanskar and Indus valley. However, the trek is closed by the local authorities due to overcrowding but is recommended to visit once it opens.  
• If you visit Ladakh, you must visit Zanskar. It is one of the most charming places to visit in the Himalayan area. Zanskar’s geographical feature makes it unique and popular for its mesmerizing landscapes, snow-capped mountains, clean water, and pleasant climate. Zanskar has gained fame among adventure enthusiasts. Know More
• If you want to experience and witness the hardship of nomadic life, Plan My Package recommends visiting the remotest corners of Ladakh Changspa, above the ten thousand feet, where the telephones lines are unheard, the roads are nothing but only a patch of the tire marks in the grass, electricity is a dull gleam of a tungsten bulb generated by a tiny solar panel. People of Chang pa nomads rearing their livestock and living with the least resources. Know More

How to Reach Ladakh

Ladakh by Air

Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest and main airport at Leh, which is all around connected with Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, and a few different urban areas in India. There are varying flights for Ladakh during peak season and offseason and might be changed in the flights during the winter season due to weather conditions.

Ladakh by Bike

If you want to explore Ladakh then a bike is the best option to enjoy the beauty of Ladakh. Every adventurous bike trip to Ladakh is a dream. There are two different routes to reach Ladakh. One route is from Srinagar and another from Manali:
Route 1: Srinagar to Leh
Travelling from Srinagar then you will be covering a distance approx of 419 km.
Route 2: Manali to Leh
If you are travelling from Manali to Leh then you will be covering a distance of approx 428 km.

Ladakh by Jeep

Travelling to Leh through a Jeep ride is the best experience you will be stunned by the streets of Ladakh. Ladakh is 423 km from Srinagar and 434 km from Manali.
A road trip to Leh from Srinagar, Manali, or Chandigarh at your comfort. The highways are closed because of heavy snowfalls between the winter months. Along these, you can travel to Ladakh by street between May to September.

Ladakh by Bus:

If you are planning to visit Ladakh by bus then prepare for a bumpy ride. Ladakh is connected with Jammu by roads. There are two ways through which you can reach Ladakh. One is the route of Srinagar to Ladakh by Zoji La Pass and another route is Manali to Ladakh by Rohtang Pass. Zoji La Pass is open between June and October. Rohtang Pass opens between June and September. JKSRTC and HRTC give transport services. It will take almost 4 days if you are traveling by bus from New Delhi.

Ladakh by Train

The nearest railroad station is Jammu Tawi (approx 688 km from Ladakh) which is connected with Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. You can also book a taxi or board a state transport to reach Ladakh from that point.
Chandigarh and Pathankot are the nearest railway stations to Leh. Know More

Best time to visit Ladakh

Summer is the best time to visit Ladakh, from April to July during this time temperature is between 15 to 30 Degree Celsius. Ladakh is well known for its immoderate low temperatures almost all through the year. While it is quite pleasant in the summertime, the winters are extremely cold and unappeasable. So naturally, the best time to visit Ladakh is during the summers.

Places to Eat in Ladakh

The Tibetan Kitchen

If you are looking for good local food this restaurant is the best to try local cuisines. The ambiance of Ladakh and the outdoor seating arrangement make your eating experience more enjoyable. They offer Chinese, Tibetan, Thai, Continental, and Indian cuisines. You can also order the famous Tibetan dish Gyako, but on request and order a day before because it takes enough time to prepare. Also do not forget to book the table in advance.

La Piazzetta

They serve mouthwatering Indian, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Tandoori, and European dishes. The restaurant is divided into three areas: indoor seatings, outdoor seating areas, one with low seats and cushions. This is the perfect place to hang out with friends and family. On a cold evening, the bonfire and mural paintings on the walls make the dining more extraordinary.

Alchi Kitchen

A perfect restaurant to experience the local cuisine, it is located on the oldest streets of Leh town. They serve authentic traditional Ladakhi food with a modern blend. The ambiance of the restaurant has a cozy, warmed traditional look.

Pumpernickel German Bakery

If you want to kick start your day with a perfect breakfast, Pumpernickel German Bakery is the perfect breakfast place. They serve freshly baked bread, yak cheese sandwich, coconut cookies, choco danish, walnut and caramel cakes, croissants, apple pie, lemon cakes, and delicious coffee.

Neha Snacks

If you are in search of authentic Indian food in Ladakh, then Neha Snacks is the best place to satisfy your taste buds. They serve both North Indian and South Indian food. Relish parathas for breakfast and South Indian dosa or Amritsari Kulchas for lunch. The food here will make you feel at home.

Places to stay in Ladakh

Zostel

Zostel in Leh is 10 min walk from Leh Palace and the main market. Zostel in Leh is a haven in itself for travelers from all around the world visiting the city. They offer 6 bed and 4-bed dorms and several private rooms, Zostel backpacker hostel is the best place to relax, chill on the rooftop cafe.

Hotel Hill Town

It is located in Leh and you can easily reach the main market, airline booking office, ATM, post office, taxi stand, and other tourist information centers from here. This property offers a spectacular view of snow wrapped Stok Kangri mountain range. They also provide other facilities like foreign currency exchange, laundry facility, 24 hours medical assistance, and parking.

Ladakh View Homestay

They offer well-furnished carpeted rooms, the property has a traditional Leh-Ladakh-based architecture. Homestay at high altitude.

Morning Sky Guest House

It is a budget hotel in Leh, located in Khakshi, one of the highly recommended guest houses in Leh. All the amenities and services are provided, offers a parking area, spa, a wide range of room categories as a double room with kitchen, family room, living room, ironing service, balcony/terrace, electrical chargers, and attached bathroom. The property provides a comfortable stay experience.

Hotel Cho Palace

If you are looking for a 3-star hotel in Leh, it is located in Skara. They offer all the amenities and services at the Hotel Cho Palace, the hotel also offers a well-competent meeting/conference room with video conferencing facilities, banquet hall, parking area, in-house restaurant, spa. A wide range of room categories such as Superior Room, Premium along with numerous meal plans. Other facilities include a bathroom, fax service, electrical charges, smoke detector, and ironing service. The property provides a smooth stay experience.

Do's and Don'ts in Ladakh

Do`s

• Do check out weather conditions before heading out on the Ladakh trip. It will give you a better idea of how and what to carry. 
• Do carry plenty of water to hydrate at a high altitude to keep you going.
• Do carry snacks and energy drinks or energy bars.
• Do carry cotton wear, light woolens, a good pair of walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and moisturizer, and other items in your backpack.
• Do carry the necessary medicines.
• Do carry extra batteries for your camera and mobile phones.
• Do carry all the necessary documents and permits required as various attractions admit tourists with requisite permits only.

Don`t

• Don't wear clothes such as sleeveless tops, dresses during traveling in Ladakh, especially in Buddhist Gompas.
• Do not carry plastic bags because it is officially banned in Ladakh.
• Do not harm the beautiful flora and fauna, geographical and cultural landscape during the trip.
• Do not blindly trust Google Maps.
• Do not make too many stops during your road journey.
• Do not scribble anywhere.
• Do not disrespect the locals, respect Ladakhi culture, and do not try to impose a western outlook.