The Great Debate: Ladakh or Spiti – Adventure Nation Blog

Lovenish Kalra

Lovenish Kalra

Lovenish considers himself a novice travel writer and believes that travel writing should focus more on genuine personal experiences rather than simply listing popular tourist attractions and travel plans. He has extensively explored various parts of India and has a dream of embarking on a road trip across all the states and union territories of Mainland India. Besides traveling, he finds joy in listening to comedy podcasts and watching numerous movies. He has a deep appreciation for folk music and is currently attempting to learn how to play the guitar. Currently residing in rural Haryana, his daily commute to work on his motorcycle covering a distance of 100Km is something he greatly enjoys.

Lovenish rarely uses any social media so if you wish to chat with him about travel, riding and music etc. then you may reach out to him at lovenish.kalra@adventurenation.com

Lovenish Kalra

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The Himalayas, which translates to the abode of the snow, has been home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in India. For decades, a flock of tourists has been visiting places such as Shimla, Manali, and Kashmir Valley, etc. during the busy summer season. But over the last decade, there has been a gradual shift towards less explored areas in the northern Himalayas, especially among the relatively young travellers.

Ladakh has emerged as the most popular tourist destination among the newer options in the past decade. It is often the top choice for travelers. While people visit Ladakh for various reasons, the main motivation is to escape from crowded tourist towns and experience something remote and distinctive. Historically, our country has not been inclined towards long road trips, but this trend has significantly changed in recent years. Journeying to Ladakh by road has become one of the most desirable road trips in the country. This has likely played a major role in the increasing number of travelers to Ladakh in recent years.

Must Read: Why is Spiti Valley a distant cousin of Leh Ladakh?

Morreh Plains in Ladakh
Morreh Plains in Ladakh

Spiti, on the other hand, has gradually gained recognition similar to Ladakh but has always been in second place. Despite its stunning beauty, Spiti has not fully capitalized on its potential as a popular tourist spot and has remained a niche destination. However, those who have visited Spiti will attest to its unparalleled beauty, as the valley’s landscape is truly unique and unmatched in the country.

Read: Lahaul Spiti – The Enigmatic Valley

ki-monastery
Key Monastery in Spiti

Although Ladakh and Spiti are situated in the same area and have similar landscapes, their differences become apparent when looking beyond the surface. Apart from the scenery, both destinations offer distinct experiences for those seeking an authentic Himalayan adventure. Now, let’s tackle the question that many ponder: Ladakh or Spiti? Ideally, one should explore both places, but if forced to choose, it ultimately depends on personal preference. However, a comparison based on various factors is provided below to assist in decision-making.

Accessibility

Ladakh Spiti
  • Ladakh has excellent air connectivity with regular flights to Leh from all major cities. If you prefer road travel, the popular route is the Manali Leh Highway, which typically takes three days with two overnight stops for acclimatization. Alternatively, you can begin your journey from Srinagar and reach Leh via Kargil.
  • Spiti can only be directly accessed by road as there’s no airport in the valley. Nearest airports are Shimla and Kullu but both are not well connected. The two most common points to enter the valley by road are Shimla and Manali. From Shimla, it generally takes three days to reach the valley and two days if you enter from Manali.

Tourist Season

Ladakh Spiti
  • Ladakh is open throughout the year as one can directly fly to Leh and explore the surrounding areas. Although, Ladakh is primarily a road trip destination and the roads to Leh, from Manali and Srinagar, generally remain open between June and early October.
  • Spiti does not have an airport nearby, yet it is accessible pretty much throughout the year by road if you enter from Shimla. Although there may be several roadblocks during the winter season so the ideal season to explore the valley is similar to that of Ladakh i.e. June to Oct.

Altitude And Weather   

Ladakh Spiti
  • The elevations in Ladakh differ greatly in various locations. The city of Leh is situated at a moderate altitude of 3500m, while the impressive Khardung La reaches a height of 5,359m, which typically marks the highest point during a road trip to Ladakh.
  • The temperature during the summer season ranges from 0 to 25 degrees.
  • The temperature in Winters:- -30 to 5 degrees
  • The typical elevation in Spiti is approximately 4000m, with the highest drivable route being Kunzum Pass, located at an altitude of 4,551m.
  • The temperature in Summers:- 0 to 20 degrees
  • The temperature in Summers:- -20 to 5 degrees

Travel Infrastructure

Ladakh Spiti
  • Ladakh has become a popular tourist spot and has seen significant development in terms of infrastructure. The roads within the region are mostly paved and easily accessible. Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from luxurious hotels to simple guesthouses and homestays, as well as budget-friendly backpacker hostels. There are numerous dining options throughout the area, including some upscale restaurants in Leh. Cell phone reception is available in major towns, and internet cafes can be found in Leh. However, public transportation is limited.
  • The tourist facilities in Spiti are not as developed as those in Ladakh. The condition of the roads is not very good. Due to the lower number of visitors, the authorities provide less funding. Finding accommodation in Spiti is not difficult, but options are limited to basic hotels or homestays. However, a few backpacker hostels have recently opened. There are a small number of cafes offering various cuisines in the valley, but most people have to rely on local Dhaba-style food. There is limited cell reception in major towns. Public transportation options are scarce.
Leh-Castle-and-Kibber Village
Leh Castle and Kibber Village

Things To Do/Attractions

Ladakh Spiti
  • Incomparable landscape from vast plateaus to shimmering blue lakes.
  • Biking at a few of the highest motorable passes in the world.
  • Ancient monasteries.
  • Trekking and Camping.
  • White water rafting.
  • Experience the flavors of Ladakhi/Zanskari cuisine.
  • Famous Destinations: Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Hanle, Sarchu, Khardung La, Chang La.
  • Picturesque landscapes from vast barren lands to beautiful lakes.
  • Perfect for traveling by car.
  • Some of the most ancient monasteries on Earth.
  • National Wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Trekking and Camping.
  • White water rafting.
  • Experience the flavors of Tibetan cuisine.
  • Famous Destinations: Kaza, Kalpa, Chitkul, Chandratal Lake, Dhankar Lake, Kunzum Pass, Rohtang Pass.
khardungla-and-chandratal
Khardung La Top and Chandratal Lake

Adventure Offerings

Ladakh Spiti
  • Every year, Ladakh attracts thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the globe. Getting a picture clicked on a motorcycle with Pangong Lake as the backdrop has become an adventure certificate in itself. Apart from Ladakh motorcycle trips, Ladakh is home to some of the very popular treks such as Stok Kangri and Markha Valley. In winters, the Chadar Trek is operational which happens to be the only frozen river trek in India.
  • Since the terrain in Spiti resembles Ladakh, it is an ideal destination for a motorcycle adventure. However, trekking and backpacking are more commonly enjoyed in this valley. The Pin Bhaba Trek and the Kanamo Peak Trek are among the most favored treks in the area. Additionally, Spiti is home to breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries like the Pin Valley National Park, where you may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the magnificent and endangered snow leopard.
Biking at Pangong Trekking at Pin Bhaba
Biking at Pangong and Trekking at Pin Bhaba

Both of these locations share more similarities than differences due to their similar landscapes and cultural demographics. Therefore, it becomes challenging to choose one over the other. Ultimately, the decision depends on what kind of experience you are seeking. If you desire a thrilling adventure and breathtaking scenery, Ladakh is the ideal destination for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immersive travel experience and wish to engage in cultural activities, Spiti is the place to go. As a popular destination, Ladakh tends to be crowded during the season, making it a great place to meet people from all around the world. In contrast, Spiti is perfect for solo travelers who want to spend quality time in nature.

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