This year, do not forget to visit these 5 offbeat spots of Ladakh, you will feel like heaven away from the crowd.

As soon as the summer season starts, the desire to visit the beautiful valleys of the mountains begins to stir everyone’s heart. When it comes to mountain adventure, the name of Ladakh Tourism comes at the top in India. But in the last few years, the main places of Leh-Ladakh like Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley and Khardung La have started getting crowded by tourists, due to which sometimes the real peace there disappears. If you want to see the mountains from a completely new and unique perspective this year, then set out on the hidden paths of Ladakh where the true magic of nature lies. We are going to tell you about 5 such best offbeat spots of Ladakh, without seeing which your trip this year will remain incomplete. Turtuk Village: The last corner of India where Balti culture is still alive. ‘Turtuk Village’, situated very close to the India-Pakistan border, about 200 kilometers ahead of Nubra Valley, is one of the most beautiful offbeat villages of Ladakh. Before the 1971 war, this part was under the control of Pakistan. The biggest specialty of this village is that the people here still follow the ancient Balti culture, which is completely different from the rest of Ladakh. Shyok river flows through this beautiful village surrounded by apricot trees and the view of the mountains from here looks so amazing that you will not be able to take your eyes off it. The hospitality and unique history here will give a new dimension to your journey. Hanle: A chance to talk to the stars and India’s first dark sky reserve. If you like to see clear skies and shining stars at night, then ‘Hanle Village’ located in Changthang area is no less than a paradise for you. Hanle has been declared India’s first official ‘Dark Sky Reserve’, because the weather here remains very clear throughout the year and pollution is negligible. The country’s largest and highest located astronomical observatory (Indian Astronomical Observatory) is also present here. At night, when the entire sky here is filled with the stars of the Milky Way, it is impossible to describe the sight in words. This place is the best for astro-photography lovers. Tso Moriri: A blue lake more peaceful and mysterious than Pangong Lake. Most tourists go to Ladakh to see only Pangong Lake, but if you want to see a huge blue water lake in a very peaceful and secluded environment away from the crowd, then you must visit ‘Tso Moriri Lake’. Situated on the Changthang Plateau, this beautiful salt water lake is surrounded by high snow capped mountains on all sides. The influx of tourists here is much less as compared to Pangong, due to which the natural purity and peace of this lake remains intact even today. You can also see many rare migratory birds and Ladakhi wildlife around this lake. Rong Valley and Chushul: The thrill of untouched landscapes and unexplored paths Located in the far eastern part of Ladakh, ‘Chushul’ and Rong Valley are a great offbeat track for adventure lovers. The area is extremely important historically and requires special permits due to its proximity to the China border. The barren, huge and color-changing mountains here make you feel like you are in a different world. Walking on this route, you get a chance to see the vast sandy plains, ancient Buddhist monasteries and rural life in remote areas of Ladakh very closely, which is generally not found in the books of tourist guides. Umling La Pass: A different pleasure of traveling on the world’s highest shining road. If you are crazy about bike riding and want to challenge the limits of your adventure, then you should not miss the trip to ‘Umling La’. Situated at an incredible altitude of 19,300 feet above sea level, Umling La has now officially become the Highest Motorable Road in the World. Driving on this road built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) is a life-changing experience in itself. The thin air and thriller-filled turns here will completely change the way you see and feel the mountains.