Ice Hockey In Ladakh – The Complete Guide To This Emerging Sport

About Ice Hockey In Ladakh

The practice for ice hockey in Ladakh usually takes place on a frozen river in Ladakh which has become a public ice skating rink. Guphuk, one of the best lakes in Ladakh has become a favorite destination among people who have a keen interest in Ice Hockey. Like who wouldn’t love playing a sport that too, 11,562 feet above sea level.

History Of Ice Hockey In Ladakh

Field hockey sticks served the purpose of ice hockey sticks and the role of the puck was served by some sand filled in a shoe polish can. And from that day Ice hockey in Ladakh has become very popular and several ice hockey championships have been organized all around Ladakh throughout the years, making it one of the best things to do in Ladakh in the modern day.  

The Dream

Ice hockey in Ladakh has also seen a lot of stakeholders taking interest in the sport in order to take it to the next level as they also aspire to see India in the World Championships. 

Apart from that, Ladakh also unveiled their first ever ice skating rink which matches International standards. The Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Sports Complex in Leh, also played host to Khelo India Winter Games 2024. 

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The Unique Appeal Of Ice Hockey In Ladakh

• High Altitude Thrill: Ladakh, home to Khardung La, one the world’s highest passes, Pangong Tso, one of the world’s most attractive lakes and more add thrill to the concept of playing Ice Hockey in Ladakh. An ice hockey rink, surrounded by snow capped mountains on all 4 sides makes it even thrilling to play the sport. 
• Natural Ice Rink: Usually many sports complexes create rinks in order to play ice hockey, but for Ice Hockey in Ladakh the case is different as rinks are created by nature itself. When the ice is thickest in January, the ponds or lakes themselves become perfect for playing ice hockey. 

Current State Of Ice Hockey In Ladakh

• Local Teams And Competitions: After all these years and after Ladakh becoming a Union Territory, the state Ice Hockey team got its own identity and is gaining popularity among fans of the sport all around the world. The CEC Cup is the most popular championship that sees around 15 mens teams and 7 of women. And today the Indian men’s and women’s ice hockey team sees mostly Ladakhi players as this is the go to sport for every Ladakh during winter in Ladakh.
• Government and NGO Support: Ice Hockey in Ladakh is also catching the attention of many Government organizations and NGOs too. The sports ministry of Ladakh is actively involved in supporting the ice hockey teams in Ladakh. 

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Experiencing Ice Hockey In Ladakh

• For Tourists: Apart from the locals, even tourists now can take part in Ice Hockey in Ladakh, tourists can join the local teams and have a game of Ice hockey with them too. Numerous camps in Ladakh offer Ice Skating and Ice Hockey in Ladakh. The top spot for playing Ice Hockey in Ladakh is the Zanskar River.  For a price of INR 1,000- INR 1,600 travelers can take part in an Ice Hockey session for 45 minutes on the Zanskar River. 
• Best Time To Visit: Now, since you know all about Ice Hockey In Ladakh and where you can play it, now comes the question, the best time to play ice hockey in Ladakh. The best time to play Ice hockey in Ladakh is during the months of January to April. 
• Packages For Ice Hockey In Ladakh: A lot of tour operators offer packages which include stays in camps, food and of course Ice hockey. The price of Ice Hockey in Ladakh can depend on the location and the tour operator from whom you’re purchasing a package. Usually, Ladakh tour packages start from INR 25,000 and onwards. 
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Future Of Ice Hockey In Ladakh

With the continuous growth of technology also, people will be able to witness and watch live ice hockey in Ladakh matches, the increase in popularity will also lead in the infrastructure growth for Ice Hockey as a sport. 

Last Words…

Ice Hockey in Ladakh is an emerging sport which in the future is going to gain popularity among both locals and tourists. With the continuous improvement of infrastructure it would be no surprise that Ice Hockey in Ladakh becomes one of the best activities that travelers would want to take part in during their visit to Ladakh.