A scenic plateau within the scenic highlands of Ladakh, Changtang at 14,600m above the sea level, shares its beauty with both India and Tibet. Also called the Rupsho Valley, it is the indigenous habitat of the ‘Changpa’ people, who are basically nomads living in the higher altitudes.
A scenic delight in almost all the Leh Ladakh tour packages, a visit to Changtang will get the visitors close to its prismatic beauty and irresistible charm. Though the climate around this highland plateau is quite harsh and unpredictable, visitors get rewarded with its bountiful beauty on making it to Changtang.
It is situated at an altitude of 14,600 meters above sea level in Rushpo Valley. The land is home to the Changpa nomads and stretches from Eastern Ladakh to approximately 1600 kilometers east into Tibet. The climate of Changthang is quite unpredictable and can result in thunderstorms at times.
The climatic conditions of Changtang is pretty harsh and almost unpredictable; planning a Leh Ladakh trip that includes a visit to this plateau without prior information might get very displeasing! However, considering everything, summer (May to November) can be described as the ideal time to visit this highland plateau. During this time, almost the entire of the plateau within the limits of India showcases the best of its beauty and offers amazing tourist activities.
The Pangong Tso Lake is also one of the closest lakes to Changthang, and can be visited within a Leh Ladakh tour package to the plateau.
Located at an altitude of 4,000-5,000m, this stunning lake is located within a close proximity to Changthang. Visitors planning for a Leh Ladakh tour can either visit this scenic lake from Changthang or vice versa.
A home to some of the most exotic and endangered wildlife species, Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for the nature, wildlife, and photography lovers. One of the highest wildlife sanctuaries in India, it has a remarkable population of Tibetan wild ass and the black-necked crane. Among the other inhabitants of the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, there are snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan argali, wild yak, Tibetan gazelle, antelope, lynx, blue sheep, and several others. It also serves as an ideal abode to more than 40 different avifauna species along with a diverse flora range.
The Leh Airport is the closest airport the highlands of Changthang. After arriving at the airport, visitors can opt for a road journey to the plateau.
Visitors away from Ladakh, can reach Changtang either from Manali or Srinagar. Irrespective of whichever way they opt for, they will get to enjoy magnificent views of the snow-clad peaks and natural vistas during their journeys.
For those within the limits of Ladakh, they can embark on a journey to Changthang from Leh, and enjoy its heart-warming beauty.
Udhampur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Changthang. Upon arrival at the railway station, visitors can hire taxis or cabs to reach this gorgeous plateau.
