Karu

Karu is a town situated in the Leh district of Ladakh, where one can find peace and a sense of mountain life in India. This elegant small town is connected with various attractions in Leh, including Hemis Monastery, Pangong Lake, and the Leh-Manali Highway, making it a noteworthy stop on any Ladakh trip.

Located at the start of the Leh-Manali highway via Chang La pass, this is the town that features most of the natives of Ladakh, offering hospitality by providing guest houses and homestays. The place is known for its beautiful natural setting, offering serene hues of mountains and splashes of small streams running towards the big lake of Pangong Lake.

It is a place in Ladakh where you will find an ATM facility, which is very rare to find in this mountainous region. This is the only gas station after Leh, 34 km from Karu.

The place is also known for one of the best phone connectivity, and one can also find numerous Army establishments throughout the route of Karu.

There are various restaurants in Karu, making it a popular place among tourists. Situated at a height of 3500 meters above sea level, the native people here majorly follow Buddhism.

• ATMs are available here, which is a rare sight in Ladakh.
• Phone connectivity can be found here, BSNL is the best network service provider in Karu.
• Various homestays and restaurants are situated here, which makes it a popular place among tourists.
• Many famous attractions can be found nearby Karu, such as Hemis Monastery, Pangong Lake, etc.
• The place offers a glimpse of Ladakhi life, as a huge number of natives can be found in this small town.
• The place also has a petrol station now, which is also known as the only petrol station after Leh city.

The best time to visit this small well-settled town is during the month of summers from May-September, when the place is at its best self. The roads are favorable for riders to ride their vehicles and one can witness the mighty mountains and flowing Sindhu streams in clear weather. During winters many places close down due to heavy snowfall, hence making summers the most approachable time to visit Karu.

Timings: 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

Also Read: Leh Ladakh in Winter

Here are some of the best places to visit near Karu:

1.) Hemis

Hemis is a popular attraction of Leh, which is famously known for its colorful and vibrant festivals that are held in the summer month of July. Apart from that the place has been home to a beautiful monastery, known as Hemis monastery, which was built in 1672 A.D. Popular for its wildlife the place has been host to Hemis National Park, where one can witness numerous wildlife of Ladakhi region. 

2.) Chemrey

Chemrey is a significant monastery built by Lama Tagsang Raschen, the same person who made Hemis Monastery, in 1664. He is the biggest influencer who spread Tibetan Buddhism practices across Ladakh. Padmasambhava’s huge statue, around one storey tall, is the biggest flex of the monastery. The place has a Lamba temple along with a number of shrines, and two prayer halls. This monastery is around 6.4 kms from Karu.

3.) Stanka Monastery

The design of this monastery resembles the shape of a tiger’s nose, the place is also called the Tiger’s Nose, which was built in 1508 by Bhutanese scholar and saint Chosje Jamyang Palkar. This monastery offers its visitors a calm environment, surrounded by serene valley views and a great library holding ancient facts about Buddhism and Ladakh’s history.

Places to eat in Karu

1.) Cafe KC 22: A small cafe in the town of Karu, offering local and basic delights to all its visitors. Decorated with local aesthetics, one can enjoy warm food with a view of beautiful Ladakhi valleys. 

2.) Mahadev Punjabi Dhaba: A small and traditional dhaba, offering North Indian cuisine, including tandoori Indian breads along with spicy and flavorful dishes such as paneer, mixed vegetables, etc. A proper warm North Indian plate served in a cold setting is a delight for every Indian.

3.) Cafe Cloud: An aesthetically pleasing cafe offering a raw setting in the midst of diverse local vegetation, the place offers delectable and fresh local food with soups as their speciality. It is a perfect spot to take a break from your biking journey or if you want to just sit and chill for a while.

Also Visit: Restaurants in Leh

Places to stay in/near Karu

1.) Neryok’s Indus View

One of the most modern facility equipped hotels near Karu is Neryok’s Indus View, which offers cozy and comfortable stay. The place has some rooms directed towards the Indus river, providing a serene view of the place with WiFi facilities.

2.) Fana Resort

A luxurious stay in the midst of magnificent natural surroundings is a perfect place to take rest and enjoy your vacation. The place offers a traditional Ladakhi architecture, and full European style room decor for their visitors. 

3.) Amir Homestay

The place is managed by a private host, which offers a traditional Ladakhi homestay. Located 17 kms away from the main market, the place offers a comfortable and cozy atmosphere with fully equipped bathrooms and rooms. 

Permit

While crossing the Leh-Manli highway, one may need to show the pass verification at the Chang La check-point.

Also Visit: Best Places to Stay in Leh-Ladakh

The only way to reach Karu is through road, one can travel on their bikes, or rented taxis to reach Karu from Leh city, which is approximately 34 kms away from Karu. Located on the start of Leh-Manali highway, Karu can be easily reached by Leh-Manali highway via Chang La pass.

Planning a Ladakh Trip: Leh Ladakh Itinerary 7 Days