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Puga Valley in Ladakh is a mesmerising place that is not a wonder for most tourists, such a place or region is usually not visited by many. With dazzling geothermal landscapes and diverse wildlife, this valley is full of adventures. From hot water springs to endangered species, Puga Valley is an astounding place for peace lovers, thrill seekers as well as people who don’t want to find themselves amongst frenzied tourists.
Location
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Puga Valley is situated southeast in Ladakh in the land of Changthang and is famous for its hot springs and breathtaking scenery as well as geothermal activities. Approximately 176 kilometres off Leh, it boasts unique ecological features such as abundant plant and animal life and Tibetan animals such as Kiang and snow leopards.
How To Reach
Photo: Saippuakauppias / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is located in Leh which is well connected with Indian major cities including Delhi and Mumbai. As soon as you reach Leh, it is recommended first to acclimate to a thinner atmosphere (3,500m) that awaits.
By Road: Reaching Puga Valley from Leh is about 176 kilometres and a taxi can be booked or a car may be rented for around 4,000 to 6,000 rupees and the trip by road will last about four to five hours.
Public Transport: In the other alternative one can travel to Chumathang by state-run bus service from Leh and then hire a local taxi to drive them to Puga Valley (approximately ₹300-500).
Shared Jeeps: Receiving shared jeeps at Leh is also convenient; these hire jeep rides cost approximately ₹600-800 per person and ride through the beautiful views of the Changthang region.
Places To Visit Around Puga Valley
Puga Valley is surrounded by several other attractions further enhancing the enjoyment of the tourists.
1. Yaye Tso Lake
Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yaye Tso Lake is an alluring high-altitude lake situated at an approximate height of 4,800 metres (15,748 feet, roughly). This beautiful lake is located amongst the rough and vast terrains of Ladakh, Yaye Tso has many mountains around it and depicts great enchanting beauty making it an ideal place for nature as well as adventure lovers. The lake gets replenished with glacial meltwater and is distinctly noted for its turquoise hues resulting in a significant contrast with dry landscapes.
Distance From Leh: Approximately 210 km
Travel Time: 6 – 8 hours
Best Time To Visit: May to September
2. Tso Moriri Lake
Photo: Debdatta67 / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Moriri Lake lies in the Changthang Plateau of Ladakh and is one of the highest and the most beautiful high-altitude lakes found in India, at an elevation of about 4,522 metres (14,836 feet). The beautiful lake is better known for its brilliant blue waters and dramatic scenery of mountains that surround the lake which measures about 26 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide. Tso Moriri falls under the TsoMoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and is a Ramsar site owing to its importance as a breeding habitat for several migratory bird species, especially the Black-necked Crane which is an endangered species.
Distance From Leh: Approximately 240 km
Travel Time: 6 – 8 hours
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3. Sumdo Village
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sumdo Village is a tranquil and beautiful destination offering the right mix of natural and cultural aspects. This calm village along the Sutlej River comprises old wooden houses, fruit plantations, and magnificent mountains in the backdrop. Kinnauri Culture dominates the significance as the Kinnauri people reside here whose hospitality and tradition are highly regarded. Some places that are worth a visit include ancient Nako Village, and Chango Village with their incredible history and nature.
Distance From Leh: Approximately 350 km
Travel Time: 10 hours
Best Time To Visit: April to October
4. Polokongka La
Photo: Sneha G Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Polokongka La is a beautiful mountain pass in the Changthang region of Ladakh, India situated at an altitude of roughly 4500m (14764 ft) high. An entirely less visited pass, it connects Nubra Valley and the Tso Moriri Lake region in very undisturbed and rugged terrains with striking landscapes of snowy mountains and wide valleys. The pass is famous for its beauty and is especially preferred by people who are into adventure and trekking.
Distance From Leh: Approximately 220 km
Travel Time: 6-8 hours
Best Time To Visit: May to September
5. Paldong Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Paldong Monastery which is situated in the beautiful region of Ladakh is an important Buddhist monastery because of its peaceful surroundings and spiritual atmosphere. Builtin the 17th century, it is part of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has a considerable status as a place of monastic training and meditation. The monastery is beautifully designed, possessing elegantly carved prayer halls, bright frescoes and images of famous Buddhists. The environment around the monastery makes it easier for one to reflect more and practice spirituality.
Distance From Leh: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Tandil Del Lago / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are several options for tourists wishing to spend their night near Puga Valley in Ladakh. Crean Guest House and Tsomoriri Inn are two of the most common places that people select while in Leh as they provide sufficient facilities and are close to Puga. Golden Mark Camp and One Stop Camp – Tsokar are more adventurous featuring tented accommodation which allows the guests to enjoy nature. They also provide basic needs and food which makes the camping experience more adventurous.
Where To Eat
Photo: Thom Milkovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While few restaurants can be found in Puga Valley itself, Chumathang and Leh which are located close offer more alternatives. The Tibetan Kitchen is an exceptional restaurant that should be dined in for some genuine Tibetan and Ladakhi meals which include staples such as skyu and gyako. For people looking for a place to relax and have a cup of coffee, Bodhisattva is a great option because it has nice coffee and delicious home-made cakes while Sky Wok is a multi-cuisine restaurant offering varieties of food including Thai.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visitors to Puga Valley in Ladakh should know that the best months are from June to mid-September. This is the period of warm temperatures which averages between 20 to 30 degrees centigrade and is very conducive for excursions such as trekking especially in the geothermal springs.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Here are some factors to consider while you plan your trip to Puga Valley in Ladakh.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of going for a trip in Puga Valley, Ladakh may differ due to some factors and these include the travel style one is adopting, the duration and the activities engaged in. For budget travel 5 or 7 days trips will entail about ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per person.
Tips For The Travelers
- Make sure you spare a day in Leh to allow your body to adjust before proceeding to Puga Valley in India, to prevent anyone from getting altitude sickness.
- Make sure to take enough fluids, especially at high altitudes, water in particular.
- Look into travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking cover and medical evacuation.
- Since some areas are remote, cash is advisable because there may be no ATMs.
- Get guided tour services for a better appreciation of the culture and natural features of the region.
The Puga Valley in Ladakh is a beautiful place that assures an experience that is bound to be full of natural beauty, cultural aspects and adventure. Be it relaxing in therapeutic hot springs or sightseeing, with strange geological formations, this corner of Ladakh is ideal for any kind of tourist. Now throw away all your worries and plan your trip with TripXL as one of the most beautiful valleys in Ladakh is waiting to be discovered.
Cover Photo: Gabriel Ramos / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
