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Amidst the vast world she has traveled to – over 85 countries spanning from Asia to Europe, Africa to South America – Cao Thi Thu Hien still holds a special love for Ladakh, the harsh highlands of Jammu and Kashmir in India. As someone working in the tourism industry, she not only carries a backpack full of experiences but also cherishes in her heart the secrets and authentic emotions that only Ladakh can offer.
“My first trip to Ladakh was in May 2020. At that time, I had absolutely no knowledge of the place; I simply went because a friend invited me. But the more I went and explored, the more I felt drawn into a world that was both harsh and dreamlike, tranquil yet haunting,” she recounted.
Ladakh – a highland region in northern India, nestled within the majestic Himalayas – has always been a dream for those yearning for adventure.
Ladakh – a highland region in northern India, embraced by the majestic Himalayas – has always been a dream for adventurous hearts. But it's not just a place to check in. From the perspective of a professional traveler, Thu Hien shares: “Ladakh is a different world. If you only look at pictures, hear stories, or watch videos, you'll only see it as beautiful, wild, deprived, and cold. But only when you set foot there, breathe in the thin air at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, feel the biting cold, and be overwhelmed by its pristine beauty, will you truly become 'addicted' to Ladakh.”
The door opens to the outside world.
Ladakh's four seasons – a symphony of nature
Each season in Ladakh is like a different coat draped over the tranquil plateau. Spring, from March to May, sees the ice begin to melt, green grass gently sprouts from beneath the white snow, and the climate is cool, around 10-15°C. This is the ideal time for light trekking, breathing in the fresh air of the untouched landscape.
Pangong Lake is a beautiful blue color.
In summer, Ladakh enters its most vibrant period of the year. From June to August, the high mountain passes open the way for thrilling motorbike trips. The turquoise Pangong Lake, the sun-drenched Nubra Valley – the whole of Ladakh comes alive. However, daytime temperatures can reach 25°C, with intense sunshine, while nights are cool, requiring visitors to always balance the sun and wind.
September and October are autumn – the season when shades of yellow and red blanket the mountain slopes. “It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who love exploring culture,” Thu Hien says. This is also when Ladakh is dry and cool, inviting dreamers to go on photo hunts.
Ladakh has its own unique beauty in every season.
Winter – from November to February – is a world of its own for thrill-seekers. "Winter in Ladakh is truly a unique, challenging, and completely different experience compared to other seasons," she emphasized. Snow blankets the entire region, and Lake Pangong and Tso Moriri freeze over to the point where you can walk on the surface. The scenery is like the Arctic, breathtakingly beautiful and bone-chillingly cold.
This is also the season for the legendary Chadar Trek – a hike across the Zanskar glaciers. Temperatures can drop below -30°C. “Only those who truly love tranquility and pristine beauty can understand the feeling here,” she said.
Ancient Buddhist monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey are shrouded in snow; the locals burn wood, drink hot soup, and live through winter without phones or noise... leaving only nature and themselves.
A place where the indigenous people live a nomadic life, in harmony with nature.
Breathing at an altitude of 3,000 meters – a journey that requires careful preparation.
With an average altitude of 3,000 to over 5,000 meters above sea level, Ladakh presents not only challenges in terms of weather and terrain but also a battle with one's own body. Altitude sickness is very common, even among healthy individuals. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, or fatigue can appear suddenly as the body has not yet adapted to the much lower oxygen levels compared to lowland areas.
Hien specifically emphasized: “Don’t be complacent. Before the trip, prepare your physical fitness well by doing light exercises and walking every day. When you arrive, on the first day, you should rest, move slowly, and drink plenty of water, at least 2-3 liters/day to avoid dehydration.” Dietary adjustments are also necessary; tourists should limit greasy foods and alcohol, and increase their intake of hot soups and easily digestible foods.
Altitude sickness is a very common phenomenon, even among healthy individuals. Therefore, travelers need to be well-prepared for their journey to conquer Ladakh.
An important tip is to use Diamox – a medication that helps the body acclimatize to altitude, but it needs to be taken a day before ascending. “If you feel too tired or short of breath, don’t try to continue. Return to a lower altitude and use an oxygen tank if needed,” she noted.
Inner connection in a land cut off from radio waves.
Ladakh is not just a physical challenge; it's also a place where visitors are forced to "disconnect from the world" to listen to themselves. Mobile network coverage is weak or nonexistent in many areas. "If you're the type who always needs a strong connection, Ladakh will teach you how to slow down. But it's precisely because of this that I have moments of absolute tranquility – no phone, no email, just me and nature," Hien shared.
She also noted that only Indian postpaid SIM cards work in Ladakh. Networks like BSNL or Airtel can be used in Leh and some surrounding areas, but once you venture further inland, losing connection is common. “Don’t see it as an inconvenience. See it as an opportunity to slow down and truly connect,” Hien expressed.
Ladakh is not just a physical challenge; it's also a place where visitors are forced to "disconnect from the world" to listen to themselves.
When asked about her most memorable experience, Thu Hien recounted the moment she rode her motorbike across the valley, alone with the rolling mountains: "At that moment, my heart felt light. I realized that life isn't about the destination, but about each moment lived authentically – free, mindful, and connected to myself."
For those seeking a truly unique journey, one that offers not only stunning scenery but also profound inner lessons, a place where you must confront yourself amidst the stillness of snow and mountains – Ladakh is a destination not to be missed.
