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. 

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.