Unveiling the Untamed Beauty: An offbeat travel guide to exploring the hidden villages of Ladakh

LADAKH: THE LAND OF HIDDEN VILLAGES

Unveiling the Untamed Beauty: A Guide to Exploring the Hinterlands of Ladakh

Ladakh, the land of high passes, beautiful lakes, and serene monasteries, also boasts a treasure trove of hidden villages, each with its unique charm and cultural heritage. Exploring the hinterland of Ladakh promises an offbeat travel experience far removed from the usual tourist trail. Staying in the hinterlands is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature and yourself. It's a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Ladakh.

Here's a glimpse into some of the captivating villages that we explored:

• Turtuk: A Slice of Central Asia

Nestled in the Shyok Valley bordering Pakistan and submerged in the greenery of apricot orchards, poplar and willow trees is the scenic Balti village of Turtuk, which was part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir till 1971. The village's unique history and strategic location make it a place unlike any other in Ladakh. The villagers here are ethnic Baltis and their way of life reflects a distinct cultural blend. The must visit attractions includes the heritage palace of Yagbo dynasty, the Natural cold storage, views of the magnificent Karakoram mountain range, etc and the Indo-Pak LOC at Thang village. We were lucky to have an intimate interaction with the present King, Yagbo Mohd. Khan Kacho, who happen to visit the palace when we were there and hear from him the history of the palace and Yagbo Dynasty.

• Hunderman : A village with two Parts & one History: 
  

Amidst the rugged mountains inside the Aryan Valley and 14 KMs from Kargil, Hunderman is a village with a unique story. Once an outpost on the historic Silk Route, it's borne the brunt of tensions between India and Pakistan. The villagers belong to ethnic Purigpa tribe. The village was under Pakistani control and finally it came under Indian control after 1971 war. Being repeatedly affected due to its strategic location on the LOC, finally residents moved abandoning the original village from Hunderman Broq (Lower Hunderman) and settled on the higher slopes, the new village Hunderman Mal (Upper Hunderman). This deserted lower part, known as Hunderman Broq, is now a silent testament to the past. From a valley near Hunderman, you can clearly see Pakistani outposts with binoculars. The older & deserted part, the Hunderman Broq, showcases a fascinating unique architectural style. These traditional houses, made of mud and wood, are built in a stepped cluster with hidden access points. If you're interested in learning about the impact of border tensions on a community and exploring a village with a rich history, Hunderman is a compelling destination.

Hunderman Broq, the deserted village

Hunderman Mal, the resettled village

View of Pakistan area beyond LOC

• Stok: The last abode of Namgyal Dynasty

Located on the banks of the Indus River, Stok is a village famous for its royal connections. The Stok Palace, the ancestral home of the Namgyal Dynasty, erstwhile royal family of Ladakh, is a major attraction here. The 18th century palace, presently converted into a heritage hotel, houses one of the best museums on Buddhism. Spending few hours at Stok village visiting the Stok Palace, the grand Maitreya Buddha statue with the backdrop of snow capped peaks and spending time with the local folks at the ancient 200 year old Hyaposthago ladakhi heritage home is definitely a most rewarding experience. If you are looking for a more peaceful place near to Leh for acclimatization, Stok is definitely one of the best options.

Stok Village

200 year old Ladakhi heritage home

• Phyang: An unexplored Gem

A short drive from Leh, Phyang is known for its ancient monastery perched atop a hill. The monastery houses a colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Coming Buddha. The monastery, which is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, houses a collection of ancient murals, thangkas (paintings), and sculptures. Phyang also hosts the annual Gustor festival, a vibrant celebration with masked dances. Immersed in the greenery of Apricot, poplar and willow trees, the Phyang itself is a beautiful picturesque village, an ideal place to stay to experience the true rural Ladakh. The serene atmosphere and stunning views of the village and the monastery make Phyang a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility. As preferences varies from person to person, I never recommend for any stay option, but I would definitely and strongly recommend Barzi Homestay, if you are planning to stay in Phyang which is the best option to explore the beautiful and one of the largest villages in Ladakh.

Phyang Village

Barzi Homestay

• Hemis Shukpachan: A hidden jewel in Sham Valley 

Situated near the Hemis National Park, Hemis Shukpachan is a lesser-known village, nestled amidst soaring mountains in the Sham Valley, known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery. This village, also known as “Land of Juniper trees”, is named after Shukpa (Juniper) trees which are found in abundance here. The village is a great base for exploring the Hemis National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and birds. We spotted there the beautiful Eurasian magpie, a rare high altitude birds. Here, amidst the tranquility of the countryside, lies a unique Future Buddha statue placed top of a small hillock in the village looking to the snowcapped mountains and the picturesque valley. The village also offers a chance to experience the warm hospitality of the Ladakhi people. In fact a night’s stay with Sonam Angmo at her Tsetan Angchok Homestay gave us the memorable true flavor of the Ladakhi hospitality. After dinner do spend some time outside and enjoy the amazing star studded night sky.

Eurasian magpie Apricot Blossom

Tsetan Angchok Homestay

• Merak: Pangong's Serene Neighbor

Pangong Tso is the most attractive and most visited tourist destination in Ladakh. And most of the staying and dining options are concentrated in and around Lukung on the southern shore of the beautiful lake and hence Lukung becomes crowded. For those travelers looking for more peaceful and tranquil locations to enjoy the serenity of Pangong Tso, Merak is the ideal answer. Travelling around 26 KMs on the scenic road running along the southern shore of Pangong Tso towards Chusul, comes the unexplored small village of Merak. Merak offers stunning vistas of Pangong Tso with the rugged ridges forming a picturesque backdrop on one side and the majestic snow-capped Kangju Kangri on the other side. The Finger 2 and Finger 3 ridges of the Pangong Tso on its northern shore, which were in news during Cino-Indian border conflicts, are also visible from this area. Due to minimal light pollution, Merak boasts spectacular night skies, perfect for stargazing. Accommodation in Merak is primarily through homestays, providing a glimpse into the local way of life and the famed Ladakhi hospitality. Merak gives excellent opportunity for star gazing.

• Karzok: A Nomadic Delights

Karzok, like Merak, lies on the banks of another beautiful lake - the Tso Moriri. This beautiful small village offers unique experiences in the heart of the Himalayas by the side of mystique Tso Moriri with Lungser Kangri on the backdrop and promises an unforgettable visit. It provides an opportunity to witness the unique way of nomadic lifestyle of the local people, centered on herding pashmina goats. The breathtaking views of the beautiful lake and surrounding mountains leave lasting unforgettable impressions in every visitor. Karzok serves as a base for treks like the Spangnak Ri trek and also the starting point for journeys to Korzok Gompa, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery. At Karzok, we spotted few high altitude bird species like White-winged snowfinch, Hodgson’s redstart and Brandt’s mountain finch.

White-winged Snow Finch Hodgson’s Redstart Brandt’s Mountain Finch

These are just a few of the many hidden gems in the Ladakh hinterland. Each village has its own unique story to tell, and exploring them is a great way to experience the true essence of Ladakh. Exploring these hidden gems of Ladakh will take you beyond the usual tourist hotspots and offer a glimpse into the authentic Ladakhi way of life. So, ditch the crowded tourist spots and embark on a journey to discover the captivating hinterland of Ladakh.

Tips for Staying in the Hinterlands

• Respect the Local Culture: Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.

• Embrace Simplicity: Amenities are limited, so pack accordingly and be prepared for power outages.

• Be Self-Sufficient: Carry essential supplies like medication and toiletries.

• Hire Local Guides: They can navigate the terrain and provide cultural insights.

• Embrace the Adventure: Embrace the unexpected and enjoy the off-the-beaten-path charm.

• Obtain required documents : Make sure to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) before you visit Ladakh’s hinterland.

• Use a suitable vehicle : The roads in Ladakh can be rough, so it is important to hire a sturdy vehicle.

For more on our Ladakh tour, please check YouTube posts at PlacesDishes hosted by my co-traveler.

Related readings :

Beyond Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri: Unveiling Ladakh's Hidden Gems

https://www.ghumnechalo.in/post/beyond-pangong-tso-and-tso-moriri-unveiling-ladakh-s-hidden-gems

Hidden Gems of the Himalayas: High Passes in Ladakh Overshadowed by Giants  https://www.ghumnechalo.in/post/high-mountain-passes-in-ladakh