When people plan a trip to Ladakh, most think of Pangong Lake or Nubra Valley—but there’s more to discover beyond the usual circuit. Ladakh hides countless gems, and one of its best-kept secrets is the Sumda Chun Monastery in Ladakh, a remote and soul-soothing destination filled with spiritual energy and exquisite art dating back to the 11th century.
On the other side of the spectrum, for thrill-seekers and bikers, no Ladakh trip is ever complete without crossing the legendary Khardung La Pass in Ladakh. In this travel guide, we take you through both these unforgettable experiences—from deep-rooted spirituality to high-altitude adventure.
Part 1: Discovering Sumda Chun Monastery in Ladakh
Where is Sumda Chun?
- Location: Sumda Chun village, ~65 km from Leh
- Altitude: Around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet)
- Region: Lower Zanskar range, Leh district
This ancient monastery is part of a trio believed to be founded by the great translator Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo, with the others located at Alchi and Mangyu.
How to Reach Sumda Chun Monastery
- Route:
Leh → Nimu → Sumda Do → Trek to Sumda Chun
(Sumda Do is the last road point. From here, you must trek 5–6 km uphill.) - Trek time: Around 2–3 hours depending on pace
- Best way: Hire a local guide or join an organized heritage trek
- Permit: No special permit needed for Indians. Carry ID. Foreigners may need a Protected Area Permit.
What Makes Sumda Chun Special?
- Heritage Value:
- Houses 1000-year-old murals and statues that remain incredibly preserved.
- Recognized by World Monuments Fund as one of the world’s 100 most endangered heritage sites (2006).
- Recently restored by traditional artisans to protect its original beauty.
- Spiritual Experience:
- Far from tourist noise—offering pure silence, chants, and connection
- Monks still live here and hold prayers at dawn and dusk
- Cultural Deep Dive:
- Insight into early Tibetan Buddhist art
- Talk to locals in Sumda Chun village—humble, kind, and deeply rooted in their faith
= Where to Stay
- Homestays in Sumda Chun village: Basic but authentic
- Camp at Sumda Do: For trekkers
- Return to Leh: If you want a same-day trip (start early!)
Best Time to Visit
- May to September: Ideal for trekking and accessible trails
- October to April: Routes may be snow-covered and inaccessible
What to Carry
- Good hiking shoes
- Water, energy bars
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Camera (no flash inside monastery)
- Light jacket—even in summer, mornings and evenings are chilly
Part 2: Thrill at Khardung La Pass in Ladakh
While Sumda Chun brings peace, Khardung La Pass in Ladakh brings pure adrenaline. It’s more than just a destination—it’s a rider’s dream and a symbol of conquest over altitude.
Where is Khardung La?
- Altitude: 18,380 feet (5,602 meters)
- Location: 39 km from Leh
- Gateway to: Nubra Valley and Siachen Base Camp
How to Reach
- By Bike or Car: From Leh via South Pullu checkpoint
- Permit: Inner Line Permit required (available online or in Leh city)
- Road Condition: Tarmac + off-road mix. Monsoons and snowfall affect accessibility.
What to Expect at the Top
- Chilling winds: Even in summer, it’s sub-zero at the top
- Prayer flags everywhere: Making it feel spiritual despite the harshness
- Army-run café: Sip hot Maggi and tea at the world’s highest cafeteria
- Quick visit only: Due to thin air, stay no longer than 20–25 minutes to avoid altitude sickness
Travel Tips for Khardung La
- Acclimatize first: Stay in Leh for 2 days minimum before attempting
- Leave early: Roads are better and traffic lighter in the morning
- Pack essentials: Woolen gloves, jacket, face cover, sunglasses
- Ride steady: Especially on turns with ice patches
- Oxygen backup: Carry a portable can if prone to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Popular Stops En Route
- South Pullu Checkpoint: Permit check + tea stall
- Viewpoint near top: Overlooking Leh city with great photo angles
- Khardung Village: Descend from pass and explore the charming village en route to Nubra
Part 3: Combining Both Worlds—A Balanced Ladakh Trip
If you love contrasts in travel, Ladakh lets you combine high-altitude adventure with deep cultural reflection. Here’s how you can make the most of both:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Leh and rest |
| Day 2 | Local Leh sightseeing and acclimatization |
| Day 3 | Visit Sumda Chun Monastery (start early, return or camp) |
| Day 4 | Rest or explore Alchi/Mangyu |
| Day 5 | Ride to Khardung La Pass, descend to Nubra |
| Day 6 | Explore Nubra, Hunder, Diskit |
| Day 7 | Return to Leh or head toward Pangong Lake |
Final Tips for Your Trip to Ladakh
- Health comes first: AMS can hit anyone, so don’t rush into high-altitude areas
- Respect the culture: Ask before photographing monks or religious structures
- Pack mindfully: Layers are better than thick jackets; mornings and evenings are always colder
- Disconnect to connect: Internet is patchy. Embrace the silence
- Travel responsibly: Don’t litter, avoid plastic, support local homestays and shops
Conclusion
Ladakh isn’t just one kind of experience—it’s many in one. If you seek inner peace, the serene and ancient Sumda Chun Monastery in Ladakh offers quiet that echoes through centuries. If you crave adrenaline, Khardung La Pass in Ladakh delivers windswept views and a sense of conquering the sky.
A perfect trip to Ladakh lets you live both stories: one of stillness, and one of exhilaration.
