Lisbon to Leh Flights

  About Lisbon

Lisbon, in Portugal, is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe that offers you everything that you can get in London, Paris or Rome but at a cheaper cost. Whether you are on a backpacking tour with your friends or with your family, you will enjoy your stay in Lisbon. It is slowly becoming one of the hottest vacation destinations in Europe. Not to mention, it is perfect for a beach vacation. Praia da Adraga is one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Europe, and you will believe it, too, when you visit Lisbon. The city is also known for its delectable seafood and a vibrant nightlife. Taking the local commute to travel within the city is one of the easiest, convenient ways to get around. You will have the time of your life and without burning a hotel in your pocket. You can book a hotel in Lisbon that is either close to the beach or overlooks the busy, gorgeous streets of the city. All tourist attractions are accessible, and most of them are free.

Best Time to Visit Lisbon

Summer is one of the most successful seasons in Lisbon, and tourists are ready to face the heat. Even though spring and fall seasons are not popular among tourists to plan a trip to Lisbon, you can head to the city and explore it with fewer tourists around. March to May is the spring season in Lisbon, and the weather remains pleasantly warm. The temperature ranges from 9 to 21 degree Celsius. It might even rain lightly during spring. The weather becomes quite unpredictable in spring. You can book a hotel in Lisbon at a cheaper rate during spring since the rates drop due to it being shoulder season. You can attend the Lisbon Half Marathon if you are heading to the city in March. Spring has a blend of music and food festivals, too. You can attend Lisbon Fish and Flavours, Music Days in Belem and Festival de Sintra. The beaches will be less crowded, and you will be able to explore the city without the hustle and bustle of tourists.

June to August is the high season and summer, too. The hotel prices spike up, and getting cheap flight tickets to Lisbon can be tough. You will also find a lot of tourists buzzing in the city during this time. The temperature ranges from 15 to 28 degree Celsius. A lot of tourists head to the beach to beat the heat so you will find most beaches overcrowded here, especially if you are planning your trip in August. You can pack your fanciest bikini and sunblock before you head to the beach. Although the summer here is not as hot as compared to other cities in Europe, it is still advisable to stay well-hydrated. Summer also comes with a lot of events that you can attend like Rock in Rio, Arraial Lisboa Pride, Santos Populares, Festas de Lisboa and Portuguese National Day on June 10. You will also get to attend a lot of parties and carnivals in the city.

September and October are the ideal months to head to Lisbon. The hotel and flight prices drop and so do the number of tourists in the city. The weather is also quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 26 degree Celsius. You can also attend the Out Jazz Festival that happens over the weekends from May to September. November to February is winter in Lisbon, and it is not too bad if you compare it to regular European winter standards. There are high chances of rainfall during winter so you might not want to explore the city on your foot. These are also the wettest months of the year in Lisbon. If you are on a budget, this is when you will come across excellent flight deals to Lisbon and accommodations, too. The temperature ranges from 8 to 17 degree Celsius. You won't find a lot of events happening in the city during this time except the Art and Antiques Fair in February. Make sure you pack your umbrella, too, if you are heading to Lisbon in winter.

Places to Visit in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of those European cities where you will find everything you are looking for in a vacation and at a lower price. The Portugal city is known for its castles, marketplaces, beaches and the friendliest locals. The Sao George castle is one of the major attractions in the city that dates back to the 11th century. The city was under the Moorish rule back then, and the view from the castle is simply spectacular. Carmo Convent is the place to go to for anyone who loves archaeology. The National Azulejo Museum is known for its history and decorative tiles also called Azulejo. Right from the Renaissance to Baroque, the place reflects architectural styles of all eras. Cristo Rei Monument is a memorial park across the Tagus River is Almada. It was built to redeem Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, during the time of Salazar. It holds a great religious significance in all of Portugal. All you art lovers can head to the National Museum of Art that has not only paintings but also sculptures, ceramics, furniture and so on. You can opt for a guided tour of the museum.

The Lisbon Oceanarium is yet another popular tourist spot in the city. It is also Europe's biggest aquarium. You will find a lot of marine animals, including penguins, jellyfish, stingrays, sea otters and so on. Belém Tower is a historical landmark in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It used to protect Portugal's coast during the Age of Discoveries. In addition to that, the tower looks stunning, and the view from here is even better. Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in 1501. This is also where Vasco da Gama was buried after his demise. You can club a tour of the monastery with that of Belém Tower since they are pretty close to each other. National Palace of Pena is one of the unique places in the city. It was King Ferdinand II's brainchild and was built in the 1800s. Castelo dos Mouros is another place in the town of Sintra that qualifies as a romantic location. The ruins of this medieval Moorish castle offers a spectacular view of the city and is a highly recommended tourist site. Cascais is a beach town, about a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon. You can head to the town if you feel like hitting the beach.

Things to do in Lisbon

Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city or explore it on your own. You can board Tram 28 to get to some of the most beautiful neighbourhoods and be treated to stunning views of the city. Head to Belem to visit some of the most important museums and monuments. The structures here are Instagram-worthy and will certainly get you more followers. You can board the Tram 28 and head to Alfama, one of the best neighbourhoods in the city that is worth visiting. You can also go sightseeing in Sintra, a quaint town in Lisbon, and visit the National Palace of Pena. It is one of the most unique and romantic locations in the city. You can also visit St George's Castle in Alfama that offers a magnificent view of the city. Head to Feira da Ladra's Flea Market if you want to go on a shopping spree. The city also has a few food tours that you can join if you don't want to explore it on your own.

Foods and Restaurants in Lisbon

You can binge on authentic Portuguese food in less than 30 Euros per day in Lisbon. You will also get Iberico ham in Lisbon, which is one of the most popular and expensive hams in the world. You will also find sushi and wine at restaurants in the city without spending a lot of money. For a fine dining experience, you can head to Belcanto, a two Michelin star restaurant. You can also try Cervejaria Ramiro if you want to have delicious seafood. You can also try the Bacalhau, a salted cod dish which is also a traditional Portuguese dish but it is not for everyone. It is an acquired taste, and you might not like it immediately. Head over to Estamine Art Food Drink for authentic Brazilian food or a couple of drinks. The menu also offers a healthy food option. Rose Stupa Restaurant specialises in Asian, Indian and Nepali cuisine. Jam Club and Augusto Lisboa are also some of the popular eateries for Portuguese food.

How to reach Lisbon

Humberto Delgado Airport is situated about 7 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Lisbon from India is excellent. Turkish Airlines, Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa are some of the airlines that have frequent flights to Lisbon from India. The flights also have layovers at their main hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, Doha and Munich.

  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.