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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- The Kargil to Leh highway is a mesmerizing route that attracts adventure enthusiasts, travel aficionados, and bikers. Here’s what you need to know about this iconic road trip:
Distance and Duration:
The highway spans approximately 218 kilometers from Kargil to Leh.
The journey takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes to complete.
Within this stretch, 29 kilometers are part of National Highway 1D.
Scenic Highlights:
The road runs alongside the Indus River and traverses barren terrains.
You’ll encounter high-altitude passes like Namika La, Zozi La, and Fotu La.
Expect breathtaking views of untouched landscapes and historical structures.
Seasonal Considerations:
The Kargil-Leh Highway is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
It typically reopens around March-April when road conditions improve.
Historically, this is the ideal time for travelers to explore the Kashmir-Leh route.
Zojila Pass: Also known as the “Mountain Pass of Blizzards”, Zojila Pass lies in the Kargil district of Ladakh. It’s situated at an impressive altitude of 11,650 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway. The Greater Himalayan Range surrounds this pass, making it a spectacular part of the journey.
Flora: As you journey through Zojila Pass, you’ll notice a transition from greenery to rugged terrain. Fir trees dot the landscape, especially after passing Kargil1.
Fauna: Along the road and in nearby forests and meadows, you may spot various animals:
Yaks, horses, sheep, and goats roam freely.
Keep an eye out for marmots, foxes, and wolves.
The skies above may host eagles, hawks, vultures, and magpies.
The Kargil to Leh highway offers captivating stops that showcase the rugged beauty of Ladakh. Here are some must-visit spots along this iconic route:
Mulbekh Chamba Statue: Engraved on a rock face, this 9-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue is one of the tallest rock-cut relief statues in Ladakh. You’ll find it directly on the Kargil-Leh NH-1 Highway. The surrounding landscape adds to its allure.
Lamayuru Monastery: Known as the “Moonland of Ladakh”, Lamayuru Monastery is perched dramatically on a hill. Explore its ancient halls, stupas, and enjoy panoramic views of the moon-like terrain.
Fotu La Pass: At an elevation of 4,108 meters, Fotu La offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. Pause here to soak in the grandeur of snow-capped peaks.
Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers: Witness the meeting point of these two mighty rivers. The turquoise waters create a mesmerizing contrast against the arid landscape.
Leh Palace: Explore this historic palace, once the residence of Ladakh’s royal family. Its architecture and panoramic views are captivating.
Magnetic Hill: Experience the optical illusion where vehicles appear to defy gravity and roll uphill. It’s a fascinating phenomenon!
Hunder Sand Dunes: If you venture into the Nubra Valley, visit Hunder for its unique sand dunes and the chance to ride a double-humped Bactrian camel.
Magnetic Hill, nestled near Leh in Ladakh, India, is a captivating gravity hill that defies the laws of physics. Here’s what you need to know:
Phenomenon:
When you park your vehicle or put it in neutral, it appears to move uphill at a constant speed of 10-15 kmph.
However, it’s an optical illusion caused by the layout of the surrounding slopes.
Location:
Altitude: It sits at a breathtaking 14,000 feet above sea level.
Highway: Located on National Highway 1, it’s part of the Kargil-Leh route.
Best Time to Visit:
June to September is ideal. The weather remains beautiful, and you can enjoy the mesmerizing drive.
Gravity hills, also known as magnetic hills, are fascinating natural phenomena where a slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope due to the surrounding land’s layout. Here are some intriguing gravity hills from around the world:
Mooresville’s Gravity Hill (Indiana, USA): Experience the illusion of your car rolling uphill when parked in neutral.
Electric Brae Gravity Hill (Scotland): Located near Ayr, this spot defies gravity as vehicles appear to move uphill.
Spook Hill (Florida, USA): Visit this famous gravity hill where cars seem to defy physics by rolling uphill.
Uphill-Downhill Road of Ariccia (Italy): Explore this road where water appears to flow uphill, creating a mind-bending effect.
Bowen Mountain (Australia): Known as Magnetic Mountain, this spot near New South Wales exhibits the same phenomenon.
