Perched at an awe-inspiring altitude, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, nestled in the rugged mountains of Leh, Ladakh, is not just one of the highest airports in the world but a vital lifeline for the region. This gateway to the skies of Ladakh offers one of the most thrilling flying experiences in the world.
A Gateway Amidst Isolation
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport, Leh 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/JoPyUwaWfy
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Ladakh is a region of breathtaking beauty and unique challenges. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the key that unlocks Ladakh’s accessibility, allowing people to traverse the snow-covered peaks and reach the remote enclave. The airport is a lifeline for essential supplies, medical aid, and the military, as Leh is home to one of the highest bases of the Indian Armed Forces. The runway is just 2,727 meters (8,947 feet) long, which restricts the kind of aircraft that may land there. Because of the terrain, high altitude, and length of the runway, heavier aircraft are unable to land here. Because of the strategic significance of the area, military operations are frequent and smaller commercial jets handle the majority of the flights. Owing to its high altitude, Leh is only served by a small number of airlines that connect major cities such as Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee, after whom the airport is named, was an iconic figure in Ladakh. A lama of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Bakula Rimpochee was instrumental in shaping the region’s modern identity. He played a pivotal role in Ladakh’s social and political spheres, advocating for education, women’s rights, and the peaceful coexistence of different communities. His contribution to Indian diplomacy is also noteworthy.
Also Read: From Shey Monastery To Leh Market, Here’s How You Can Spend 24 Hours In Ladakh On Your Next Getaway!
Beautiful Views Of The Himalayas
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1. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Ladakh pic.twitter.com/IP9nSe2DHA
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Travellers wishing to experience Ladakh’s unspoiled splendour, from the tranquil Pangong Lake to the breathtaking Nubra Valley, can enter the region through the airport. Leh is the ideal starting point for hikers, explorers, and spiritual seekers due to its position. The airport serves as the main point of entry for tourists who come to Ladakh to trek through the Zanskar Valley, visit the famous Pangong Lake, or experience the tranquillity of monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey. With the growing popularity of adventure sports such as trekking, rafting, and mountaineering, the region has seen a substantial increase in visitor numbers.
The airport has played a significant role in increasing Ladakh’s accessibility despite its isolated position. Thousands of tourists come here each year to take in the region’s distinctive geology, Buddhist culture, and bleak beauty.
Cover image credits: Ladakh Tourism
First Published: September 13, 2024 2:02 PM