5 Interesting Things About Leh and Ladakh - Smiles Holidays

When you visit this jewel of India, don’t just look forward to Pangonglake which drew eye balls with Kareena driving a yellow scooter in a bridal outfit in 3 Idiots. There are many more interesting aspects to Leh and Ladakh which often go unnoticed.1. Archery:

Not only is this sport a summer pastime for many, it is an ancestral sport. There are archery festivals held in the summer months with a lot of fun and fanfare.2. The Real PhunsukhWangdu:

No, PhunsukhWangdu was not a figment of imagination.His character was influenced by a quaint individual - SonamWangchuk. He was born and brought up in a tiny village some 70 kms away from Leh. He learnt to read and write from his mother and went to school at the age of 9 where he was promoted twice in one year.Through a school in Phey, under what is called as Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), he tries to give a platform to those who fail. He states that the students run the school themselves like a little country with its own elected government.3. Only place in India where you find the twin humped Camel:

As the common name suggests, Bactrian Camel has two humps on its back. It has tolerance for cold, drought and high altitude. They are also rare as compared to their single humped counterparts. These animals are found in Nubra Valley.4. Bailey bridge in Ladakh is highest bridge in the world:

The bridge spreads between the Suru River and Dras River in Ladakh. At an altitude of 5602 meters above sea level, the bridge is highest one in the world. It was built in the year 1982 by the Indian Army.5. The Butter Tea:

Don’t try to ask for this tea in a restaurant. For them, this pink looking salty tasting tea is a mundane beverage. Although it is made in every household with special wooden equipment to churn the butter, it is not served in restaurants. The butter in the tea helps prevent chapped lips due to the cold and harsh weather and the salt helps in prevention of altitude sickness.

Smiles Holidays is not a travel company or agency. It is an exclusive travel club for women, which schedules many interesting holidays every year.