It is also home to some of the most amazing landscapes in India, being a country with various kinds of geological formations. Of these, cold deserts are one of a kind and give a rare sight amidst all the green valleys and tropical beaches which most people come to associate with the country. Located mostly in the northern parts of India, these cold deserts offer an incredible yet unique experience for those adventure seekers who are looking to transcend into a quieter world amidst nature’s extremities.
What are Cold Deserts?
Cold deserts, on the other hand, are characteristic of high average daily temperature (summertime), more snow than summer rain and fewer bird species. It rains in these regions (in some cases snows, actually) but the vegetation cover is half-hearted. The terrain is generally very dry and harsh, consisting of rough mountains,pebbly plains,and rows upon rows of sand dunes. India is again said to have some cold deserts with the main ones being in places like Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and Spiti Valley In Himachal Pradesh.
The Utopia for Road Trippers – Ladakh, the Land of High Passes
Ladakh is a cold desert, better known as the “Land of High Passes”, where surreal beauty fascinates every heart. Ladakh, with its average elevation exceeding 3,000 m is covered in Karakoram and the Great Himalayas. Encompassing two of the highest mountain ranges in the world The Karakoram Range and The Great Himalayan Mountain range, Ladakh has starkly different terrain ranging from high altitude desert plains to deep gorges along with some worlds highest motorable roads
Key Attractions in Ladakh:
Pangong Tso Lake ( one day): an incredible high altitude lake and the color of water changes by sunlight, so you may see blue that looks green to red. This is a great place for photographers and naturalists.
NUBRA VALLEY, Nubra valley is popular for its 2 Humps camel, sand dunes and Diskit monastery.
Related – Leh: The Bustling Market Town Set In A Valley On Ladakh Best Seen : Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa
Magnetic Hill – a gravity hill (or in tourist lingo, “a magnetic one “), where cars appear to roll uphill.
Activities in Ladakh:
Trekking ( Chadar Trek, Markha Valley trek, Stok kangri trek and many more)
Cycling: The steep climb and bad passes like Khardung La, Chang la etc makes it tough for the cyclists.
Camping: For those looking forward to camping you can have the best adventure and peace at night by camping next to either Pangong Lake or River Indus bank.
Spiti Valley: The Middle Land
Spiti Valley is also a cold desert region situated in the Indian Himalayas and sometimes known as “Little Tibet”. As you approach the ancient monasteries, which form one limb of this isolated valley cradled lovingly by Tibet and high cliffs up above on either sides as well as below along the rocky trail, enthral all hikers with such a deep Buddhist culture. It includes: Altitude Around 3000-4500 metres, Spiti valley is the coolest and highest inhabited region of India.
Major Spiti valley Attractions:
Kaza: Located at Spiti Valley’s heart, Kaza is the biggest town & thus becomes your perfect epicentre to explore each nook and corner of this place. Key Monastery nestled on little snow covered mountains
Chandratal Lake: Known as the ” Moon Lake”: It will immerse you in a cold desert of crescent-shaped perfection and be every photographer’s delight.
Tabo Monastery : This ancient monastery is popularly known as the ‘Ajanta of Himalayas’ and has proven to be significant in an historical context, Tabo features frescoes which depict tales from the past.
Pin Valley National Park -For wildlife enthusiasts, a variety of species is found here like Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex and Himalayan Griffon.
Activities in Spiti Valley:
Trekking : There are a number of treks in Spiti that lead to high mountain passes, ancient monasteries and even through some very remote villages. Pin Parvati Pass Trek and Spiti-Kinnaur Treks are known to lure the adventure seekers.trailing.
The river rafting, with the white-water current of Spiti River would serve as an apt opportunity to fill some thrill and scenic beauty in your life.
Live in the villages: One way to see Spitian culture would be through staying at local homes like Kibber, Langza and Dhankar.
Cold Deserts have their Flavour
The Indian cold deserts are not just known for their superb scenic beauty but also the colourful cultural experiences they offer. New culture but still the ancient tradition, languages and lifestyle is preserved in these regions of Ladakh and Spiti. Festivals like Hemis (Ladakh) and Losar (Spiti), celebrated with much fervour, were a delightful introduction to the vibrant culture of these places.
Tips for Travelers
Pre Acclimatization: Since Ladakh and Spiti have high altitudes, it is necessary to be in order not to catch altitude sickness. Especially if you are going to be doing extreme activities, it is best that you acclimatise for a few days before this.
WHEN TO VISIT: Summer (June to September) is the best time of the year when it comes to visiting these cold deserts because this is one and only period, during which weather would be little mild and roads are open for tourists.
Documents: Travel Permits are required for certain parts of Ladakh and Spiti. Always Check That You Have The Required Licences When Preparing For Your Journey
Other Items You Should Pack: Warm clothes, hiking boots or shoes (check out our reviews), sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun shines brightly in upper elevations and temperatures can drop drastically, particularly during evenings.
Conclusion
One of the most iconic experiences to have in India is that trip across frozen desserts which lends it its unique posh and rich standing. Of the high-altitude grandeur that you find in Ladakh or the untouched appeal of Spiti Valley, these places give a one-of-a-kind journey at best. Granted, for those who wish to abandon the conventional rut and indulge in a touch of otherworldly grip, through the Indian cold deserts there perseveres that eternal romance.
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