Uleytokpo
Discover Uleytokpo Ladakh
Ladakh is a captivating destination with peace and a landscape that will last in your memory for a lifetime. Situated in the lap of Ladakh is a beautiful village that is popular as the base camp before entering Ladakh. Uleytokpo is a quiet destination with so much to offer, making it one of the most charming offbeat places in Ladakh.
The snow-capped peaks of Uleytokpo Ladakh inspire tourists to trek through the landscape and climb barren hills. Tourists spend some time in the village to acclimatize and get a true feeling of Leh Ladakh before setting out for the Ladakhi adventure. If you are planning to visit this place in Ladakh, we at Cliffhangers India will make your journey easy by providing you with all the necessary information.
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How to Reach Uleytokpo
Uleytokpo is a famous destination and there are many ways to reach there so you do not have to worry about how to reach.
● By air
The nearest domestic airport to is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport in Leh. It is at a distance of around 66 km from Uleytokpo and it takes a 1-1.5 hour drive to take you from the airport to your destination.
The nearest international airport in the region is the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International airport in Chandigarh. Uleytokpo is around 190 km from here.
● By train
The nearest railway station is the Dharamshala railway station at a distance of about 60 km from your destination. It is around a 1-1.5 hour drive from the station to reach.
● By road
It lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Tourists frequent the village on their bike journeys. You can also hire a cab to the area. It also falls on the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation so buses are traveling to the area as well.
Places to see
There are plenty of places to see in Uleytokpo but here are a few picks that will make your trip worthwhile. Let’s explore the places you can see in and around this village.
1. Lamayuru Village
Lamayuru village is also known as the ‘Moonland of Ladakh’. The region is popular for its lunar landscape. The region is decorated by surreal Indus flowing and humongous Zanskar mountains looking down upon the village. The hospitality of the villagers adds another star to the village.
2. Yandrung Monastery
The 11th-century monastery is a beautiful sight. The monastery is decorated with statues of Buddha and wall paintings. The monastery features a cave inside it which also gives it the name of the ‘Cave Monastery’.
3. Chulichan Nunnery
One of the very few nunneries in India, Chulichan nunnery is home to Buddhist nuns who have decided to spend their lives striving for the greatest.
4. Basgo Fort
The fort, built by Namgyal rulers, is a hub of Buddhist statues and spectacular Buddhist art. The area is famous for the Maitreya Buddha statues.
5. Jwalamukhi Temple
One of the Shakti Peethas, Jwalamukhi Temple does not house any deity. There are nine flames in the temple with the central flame considered Goddess Kali. The temple has received offerings from people like Emperor Akbar and the King of Nepal. Festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Basant Panchami are celebrated with great pomp in the temple.
6. Maharana Pratp Sagar dam
Previously known as Pong Dam, Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam is a wetland area and a perfect spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Rare birds like Pitfalls and Siberian Cranes fly from Central Asia and Siberia to the area.
7. Kangra
The area is a famous spot for its crafts and paintings which showcase the local culture at its best. Kangra is an ancient village that still showcases the marvelous architecture of ancient times. Shawls made in Kangra are famous all over the world due to their beauty and incomparability. The area offers many tourist attractions like Chamunda Devi temple and Brijeshwari temple. Trekking is a famous activity in the area.
- Read the complete blog about places to visit in Leh Ladakh.
Things to do
The village is filled with adventure and there are so many things to do in this place. Let’s explore the activities you can do in and around this village.
1. Trekking
The vast terrains of the region make it a perfect area for trekking. Trekking to destinations like the Jwalamukhi temple and monasteries like Lamayuru and Rizong is a famous adventure activity in the region. Trek routes like Leh-Spituk-Alchi-Uleytokpo are famous routes traversed by trekkers.
2. Camping
Camping in summer and in winter is a popular activity in this place. You can easily witness camps situated among the snow-draped mountains in winter. The vast terrain and lush landscape with the flowing Indus River make up for a perfect Camping destination.
3. Fishing
Fishing at Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam is a popular activity in the village. You can also surf and swim in the reservoir and enjoy birdwatching in the beautiful wetland.
4. Attend Kabgyst festival
The most popular festival of the village, Kabgyst is the annual festival of Uleytokpo Ladakh where mask dances are performed.
5. Enjoy the local delicacy
The local food of Ladakh like momos, thukpas, and Apricot Jam made out of local fruits are must-haves on your trip. Chhang bear made out of barley is also a famous delicacy of the area.
6. Shopping
Uleytokpo features items that are rarely found in any other part of the world. The apricot stores and libraries of the place sell rarities. Pashmina shawls, Thangka paintings, Tibetan Handicrafts, Buddhist masks, and wheels, exquisite jewelry, and Tibetan hand-woven rugs are some of the attractions.
Distance from Leh
It is situated at a distance of around 70 km west of Leh. The village is situated at an altitude of over 3000 m. It takes around 1.5-2 hours to reach from Leh by road. Leh to Uleytokpo distance is just enough to travel to both destinations on the same day.
Tour Package
Here are a few Uleytokpo tour packages to pick from which cover destinations including Uleytokpo and other famous tourist areas of Leh Ladakh.
1. Magical Moonland escape
– Duration – 6 days and 5 nights
– Places covered – Leh (4 nights), Uleytokpo (1 night)
– Activities included – Camping, trekking, sightseeing, shopping
2. Mesmeric 10 nights and 11 days Leh Ladakh tour package
– Duration – 11 days and 10 nights
– Places covered – Pangong (1 day), Nubra (2 days), Tsomoriri (2 days), Uleytokpo (2 days), Leh (4 days)
– Activities included – Kayaking, shopping, sightseeing, camping, Bactrian camel ride
3. Captivating 9 nights and 10 days Leh Ladakh Tour Package
– Duration – 10 days and 9 nights
– Places covered – Diksit (1 day), Kargil (1 day), Pangong (1 day), Nubra (1 day), Srinagar (1 day), Tsomoriri (1 day), Uleytokpo (1 day), Leh (3 days)
– Activities included – Shikara ride, shopping, sightseeing, camping, Bactrian camel ride, trekking
- Read the complete blog on Zanskar Valley.
FAQ's
The distance from Leh to Uleytokpo is only 5 kilometres. Uleytokpo is one of the popular tourist destination in Ladakh. Uleytokpo is one of the most-visited destination in Ladakh. It is part of the Lamayuru district. The snow-capped mountains of Uleytokpo attracts thousands of tourists every year and offers breathtaking views of the incredible surroundings.
Uleytokpo is famous for its trekking base and camping. Apart from the trekking it is also well known for its Rizong Monastery. This is one of the best thrilling adventurous place to enjoy adventure activities. The place is one of the popular tourist destination in Ladakh.
It is a small village which is located about 70 kilometers from the Leh. The Village sits at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. The village is well-known for its Lamayuru monastery and scenic natural beauty. It is the best place for those who want to trek through the high-altitude valleys.
The best time to visit Uleytokpo Ladakh is the summertime. From May to September it is considered the best time to visit here. You can celebrate many festivals here in this time. In winter season many places in Ladakh remains inaccessible so it is better to visit during the summer months. The road conditions are also good at this time.
In Uleytokpo Ladakh, there are many things which one can do when visit here. Trekking is the most important activity which one can do here in Uleytokpo Ladakh. Another activity you can enjoy is camping in summer season which is also the best option and you can also take part in the Kabgyst festival and enjoy the delicacies of Ladakh.