Leh to Aizawl Flights

  About Leh

Leh-Ladakh is called 'Heaven on Earth' for a reason; actually, for a lot of reasons. Whether you are an avid traveller or not, Leh is one place that you must visit. Leh is a town that is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The City has scenic views of the mighty mountain ranges of the Himalayas and Karakoram. It has become quite the vacation spot among young people who love to take their bikes out and ride to Leh. The town has a lot of beautiful monasteries, breathtaking scenic locations and a lot of activities, too. The City is a popular tourist attraction that grew considerably over the last few years. You can sit outside a tea stall and soak in the spectacular view of the mountains. Leh-Ladakh is also one of the best places to go trekking. Even if you opt for the hardest one, the view, in the end, covers up for everything and you will be overwhelmed with the surreal landscape.

The town experiences extreme weather conditions, and during certain seasons, the roads passes are closed to avoid any mishaps. It is said that the weather is so intense that you can experience sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. Well, you won't know unless you visit the place. While a lot of people prefer a road trip to Leh, you can also take a flight. Apart from the majestic mountain ranges, Leh is also famous for its lakes and valleys. The Pangong lake, Zanskar valley, Khardung La, Chadar trek, Nubra valley, Leh Palace and a lot of different monasteries; the list of things to see in Leh is pretty long.

Trekking is a popular activity that nature lovers and youngsters opt for in Leh-Ladakh. You can either go for the easy or moderate level trek or if you are up for it, choose a challenging trek. You can even go rafting in one of the rivers. It will be the experience of a lifetime. You can also visit the different animal sanctuaries in or near the town. Leh-Ladakh is also a great place to shop for souvenirs that you can take back for your friends and family. The City is famous for its handicrafts. Since there are so many monasteries also, you can probably also purchase something holy or something that brings good luck. Buddhism is the second most practised religion or way of life in Leh-Ladakh. You can learn more about Buddhism and their lifestyle. Meditating amidst the scenic mountains or by the lake or in a monastery is the best way to introspect.

For the ones who do not want to take off on their own to explore the town, you will easily find a lot of packages and activities planned by tour guides. You can either find these tour packages online or locally. Taking off to explore the City without a guide is also not that bad an option. Depending on the time and weather, make sure you pack the right clothes and shoes.

From booking a homestay to a hostel and booking a hotel room, Leh has a lot of options for you and in your budget, too. April to June is considered to be the best month to travel to Leh-Ladakh since the road passes are closed from October to May because of the weather. Thupka, which is a kind of noodle soup, is one of the most popular local cuisines in Leh. Tsampa or Ngamphe (which is roasted barley floor) and Skyu, a kind of pasta, are some of the most top-rated food items that you must try on your visit to Leh. If you are visiting the City during a festival, you might even get to try their local beer called Chang.

Best Time to Visit Leh

Like in every other season, Ladakh is beautiful to look at during summer. It is also the busiest time of the year for the town. Tourists from all over the country plan trips to experience the beautiful City between April to June. Though the roads can be pretty slippery, courtesy the melting snow from the mountains, it is not unsafe, and the view makes up for all of it. There are a lot of ways to enter Leh-Ladakh. One of the most popular domestic routes is from Manali's Rohtang Pass and the next from Srinagar. If you plan a trip during the early phases of summer, you might even get to see some of the snowmelt and come across decent flight deals to Leh.

From July to mid-September, Ladakh experiences very irregular and heavy rainfall in a lot of places. It is not the safest time to plan a trip to Ladakh since there is a possibility of landslides and snow slides during this time. Leh-Ladakh also witnesses autumn in September and October, which makes it an enjoyable time to visit Ladakh. The town, surrounded by mountains, looks magnificent in autumn and winter.

November to February is winter in Leh-Ladakh and a preferred time among tourists to visit the town, too. Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes change colours during this season, courtesy the extreme cold, and this is one of the major attractions during this time. The lakes freeze soon after this. This is also an ideal time for adventure enthusiasts to put on their trekking shoes and sign up for the famous Chadar Trek.

Places to Visit in Leh

Pangong Lake, which is a 5-hour drive away from Leh, is the prime attraction of Ladakh. It is an endorheic lake and changes colours from blue to green and grey, too. You can also visit the Zanskar Valley and leave it to the mountains to cast their spell on you. Trekking and river rafting are some of the top-rated activities that are quite popular here. Khardung La is a high mountain pass in Ladakh's Jammu and Kashmir region. It is also the gateway to get to Nubra Valley.

Chadar Trek is a famous and one of the most challenging treks in India. It's a 6-day trek and takes place between January to March. Make sure you are physically fit to go on this trek since it happens during winter and the chilliest days that Leh-Ladakh experiences. It will help if you also get in touch with travellers who have done this trek before, so you are mentally prepared for it. Nubra Valley is about 140 km away from Leh and lies in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

You can also pay a visit to the Hemis National Park. The sanctuary is the largest park in South Asia and the highest one in the world. It's also home to snow leopards. The Spituk Monastery, the Shanti Stupa Buddhist monument, Hemis Monastery and the Phugtal monasteries are only some of the spiritual places that you can visit. Don't forget to stop by the Leh Palace, which was home to King Sengge Namgyal and is now a museum.

Things to do in Leh

Take a tour of the Zanskar valley. The view of the mighty mountains and the rivers that rush through these mountains will leave you awestruck. You can also choose to go river rafting in the white waters in the Zanskar valley. Even if it is winter, the water will be cold, so make sure you don't fall in the water if you are not ready for it.

Trekking is an activity that a lot of travellers opt for when in Leh. The Chadar Trek is one of the toughest treks in, and it's safe to go for this one in November. Try out the delicious local food in Leh. You will find a lot of Tibetan, Chinese and Korean cuisines along with Indian food. Do try the Thukpa, too; it is a kind of noodle soup that is a speciality among the locals. Visit the monasteries, take a tour of the Leh Palace, enjoy some solitude by the famous lakes in Leh. You can also attend the various festivals and events that take place in the town if at all your trip coincides with the days of the celebrations.

Food and Restaurants in Leh

The Tibetan Kitchen is one of the oldest and popular restaurants in Leh. You will have to book your table in advance, though. The ambience and the food complement each other perfectly. Gesmo Restaurant serves the best breakfast, and it might get challenging to find a seat during peak season. Chopsticks Noodle Bar is also one of the top-rated restaurants with a beautiful blend of Japanese and Chinese decor. It is also one of the few places in Leh where you get a beer. If you are craving for Italian food, Little Italy is the place to go.

How to reach Leh (Transportation)

By Air

The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the nearest one and is 5 km away from the town. Since it is a famous tourist destination, the number of flights to Leh from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and other major cities is quite frequent. You will get decent flight deals online, and you might even get cheap flight tickets, depending on offers and travel season. The flight connectivity to Leh is excellent

By Rail

There is no direct domestic route to Leh by rail. The closest stations are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Kalka. You will have to take a cab from one of these stations.

By Road

Popular routes to Leh are from Manali and Srinagar. Travelling by road is one of the best options to get to Leh. If not a private taxi, there are quite a few buses, ordinary and deluxe, that run to and from Leh.

  About Aizawl

Aizawl, pronounced as 'Aijal' or 'Eye-zole', is the capital city of Mizoram and a favourite village to visit among a lot of tourists. Aizawl was made by Colonel Skinner towards the end of 1800s when the Britishers, along with Officer Dally of Assam, wanted to punish Lianphunga for raiding the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Officer Dally and 400 men of the Silchar Military Police battalion were struggling by the Dhaleswari river, after which Aizawl was chosen as the outpost. Colonel Skinner was ordered to construct it before he left the country.

Aizawl is one of the most peaceful state capitals in the country. Not to mention, it has beautiful weather all year round. Even though monsoons can be a little rough sometimes, you will wake up to a beautiful morning with cloudy skies that put a smile on your face instantly. If you are planning a trip to the North East, Aizawl is undoubtedly a place you cannot miss. Some of the fun activities that you can take up include an early morning hike up the hills or visit the Mizoram State Museum to discover more exciting stories around the City.

It is one of the most underrated cities that sees very few tourists, which makes the best destination to relax and let go of all your worries. Just a day or two is also enough to get to know the City well, and this is the perfect pit-stop to rest before you take off on your next destination. Aizawl is a fascinating place to visit, and you'll definitely leave the City with a lot of memories and some riveting historical facts you would have otherwise missed.

Best Time to Visit Aizawl

You can visit Aizawl all year round. The weather is pleasant even during summer. The maximum temperature the city witnesses during summer is 25 degree Celsius, which is from March to May. The temperature drops to 3-4 degrees Celsius during winters, which is also the best time to plan a romantic trip to Aizawl. Book a hotel with Aizawl’s quaint setting as the view from your window. You'll experience winter in Aizawl from October to February. Though the City does not see hefty rainfalls, some areas are prone to landslides, and you might want to avoid going on a trek during the monsoon. The rains also lead to heavy clouds that block the view of the mountains that are the main attraction of the City. Aizawl witnesses monsoon from June to September.

Places to Visit in Aizawl

The Mizoram State Museum is highly recommended if you want a glimpse of the Mizo art, culture, social life and their history. The fee is quite less, but the experience is priceless. You'll know a lot more about Mizoram that no history books can do justice to and we're not the only ones saying this. Everyone who has been to the museum has the same opinion. Solomen's Temple is also a very popular tourist attraction site. The cathedral is famous for its breathtaking architecture and the serene view that surrounds it.

Get a spectacular view of the entire City from Durtlang Hills. It's not a very difficult trek, and it is entirely worth it. Though there isn't much to do here, you will want to go back just for the view. For those of you yearning to cherish moments of solitude with nature, Tamdil lake is a place you must add to your list. You can carry your picnic basket and enjoy everything that nature has to offer to you here. It's not the most famous tourist attraction, but you won't regret it. Since the City itself doesn't see a lot of tourists, be assured that you will not be disturbed by the constant chatter that comes with a place that has a lot of tourists hovering around. You might have to carry your own food and water since there aren't many restaurants or food stalls in the vicinity. But it is an experience of a kind, one you will cherish for a very long time.

Aizawl also has a place for all you die-hard romantics! The Phulpui Grave tells the story of true love, and it will tug at your heartstrings. According to the legends, Talvungi was one of the most beautiful women and got married to Zawlpala, the chief of Phulpui village. Since polygamy was a popularly followed concept during those times, she also got married to the chief of Punthia and Rothai. Despite marrying someone else, Talvungi loved Zawlpala the most, so much that when she heard of him passing, she decided to come back to Phulpui. She dug a grave for herself next to Zawlpala's and requested an older woman to help her kill herself so she can reunite with Zawlpala. Although a lot of tourists come to pay tribute to Talvungi and Zawlpala's unconditional love for each other, they also come to enjoy the serene beauty and aura of the place. Phulpui Grave is also one of the major attractions in Mizoram.

Vantawng waterfalls are the 13th highest waterfall in the country and the highest one in Mizoram. Make sure you don't leave the City without experiencing this beautiful sight. September to January is the best time to visit the waterfalls to capture the scenic beauty of nature.

Things to do in Aizawl

Aizawl is a small city, and there is not a lot to do since it is also not a very popular tourist destination. But if you are looking for peace, quiet and a moment alone with nature, this is the right place for it. You can spend your evening going on a shopping spree at Burra Bazaar. You will find a lot of shops that sell herbal oils and medicinal herbs. You'll also find a lot of clothes and souvenir shops in the neighbourhood. We would also highly recommend visiting Solomen's Temple and meditating over there for some time. A lot of tourists swear by this, and the aura of the place will only help you clear your mind.

If you are planning to visit Mizoram in November, be sure to attend the Thalfavang Kut Festival in Hmuifang. It's a popular tourist spot near Aizawl. Thalfavang Kut is a Mizo festival that is organised by the Tourism Department of Mizoram to promote tourism. You'll see a lot of performances at the festivals and different types of Mizo dance forms like Cheraw, Sawlakai and Siktuithiang Lam. You can also go trekking on the Durtlang Hills or plan a picnic by the Tamdil lake. Since the city is small and qauint, perhaps a day or two should be enough to explore the City. If you don't want to indulge in a lot of roaming around, grab your favourite book, pick a cafe near your hotel and sip a cuppa while you are engrossed in the stories.

Foods & Restaurants in Aizawl

Though you do find restaurants that serve burgers, Chinese, continental and a lot of other variety of food, you must try the momos in Aizawl. North East is quite popular for its array of Momos, and you cannot leave the City without trying one yourself. Swahchiar, made with boiled rice and chicken or pork, is another popular dish in Mizoram. Since Mizoram is a dry state, you will not find any alcoholic beverages, but you will discover Zawlaidi, a local grape wine that has approximately 14% alcohol. You can find it in a Zawlaidi wine shop and can purchase a bottle of it. You can also ask the hotel staff to help you find it.

You'll find a lot of cafes in Aizawl and each one different from the other. Earth Rock Cafe, Cafe Deja Vu, Jojo's Cafe are among some of the famous cafes. For all you vegetarians, Curry Pot is the place to go. Zote Bakery is also quite popular among the locals and the tourists in the area. It's one of the very few bakeries that you will find in the City. Chopstyx Restaurant and Octangle are also highly recommended places to eat at in Aizawl.

How to reach Aizawl

By Air

Since Aizawl is a state capital, it is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest airport is the Lengpui airport and flights from Aizawl are perfectly connects to all the metropolitan cities as well. Although it might be challenging to find a direct flight to Aizawl, if you are a domestic traveller, you will need to get an Inner Line Pass to enter Mizoram. You can get the pass at the airport on arrival too.

By Rail

There are no direct trains to Aizawl and it's not one of the most highly recommended ways to reach the City. The nearest railway station to Aizawl is the Silchar railway station. You can take trains from Agartala, Imphal or Guwahati to Silchar and then take a bus or hire a car to reach Aizawl.

By Road

There are direct buses that run from the neighbouring cities and states that you can opt for to reach Aizawl. The drive from Silchar to Aizawl is approximately 6-8 hours. While most tourists prefer hiring taxis, you can take buses from Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati. The bus services are pretty good and an option you can consider if you have less luggage on you.