Introduction to Magnetic Hill
It won’t be wrong to say that Ladakh is one of those places that has a lot of secrets inside of itself. From ancient monasteries to natural beauty. This is what everyone knows about Ladakh, but do you know that there is more to it. Has the second-largest wildlife sanctuary, 2000 years old temples and so much more is to explore in Ladakh. But there is one more thing that makes Ladakh completely amazing and that’s the Magnetic Hills.
The place is mysterious and there are many theories and legends related to this amazing attraction. Many myths and stories also revolve around the magnetic hill. But whatever may be true, there is one thing that can’t be denied- it is a gravity-defying and interesting place for visitors. So here are some quick facts and highlights about this attraction. Make sure you read it completely.
Magnetic Hill Leh Ladakh explained
Magnetic hill is nestled between the Karakoram Range and the mighty Himalayas. The hill has a strong magnetic flux which is why it is called the gravity-defying hill also. There is a point marked on the base of the hill. You will have to simply take the vehicle up to that point and put it on neutral. The car would keep climbing steadily at an approximate speed of 20 kmph.
This climb is due to the magnetic attraction that happens in the hill and some scientists also believe that the hill is just a dilemma because people don’t go up the hill rather they come down. But to a common man or a traveler, this theory seems like an indigestible thing.
Myths about the Magnetic hill
Over here it’s not just the scientists and theorists who have studied and tried understanding the magnetic hills. There are a lot of different myths and stories about this beautiful and interesting attraction of Ladakh.
Where some people find it difficult to narrate or write down the activities that happen around the hills, scientists on the other hand state it under the boundaries of science. So let’s have a look at the myths that people have about the magnetic hills.
- The locals still believe that Magnetic Hills is a gateway to heaven and people who have done a lot of good things and are worthy of going to heaven are pulled up from the summit of that hill.
- Scientists have discovered high magnetic flux and attraction at the hill which is why the people in the cars get a pull. But that does not explain the uphill climb of such a heavy car.
- Also, some scientists believe that the hill is just an illusion and it is not a hill. Rather if you see it in the broader picture compared to the mountains around and the road, it is rather a downhill trip we take. But that again doesn’t seem right. So there is no definite conclusion other than the magnetic attractions occurring on the Magnetic Hill.
Fee for the Magnetic Hill
Visiting the hill is free of cost and clicking pictures around the magnetic hill boards is also free. But there are a lot of people offering the services of ATVs and quad bikes to the visitors. So, if you want to go for a joyride, then you will have to pay the amount charged by the service provider.
You cannot take your car or bike to the magnetic field because it is prohibited. You will only have to pay for the ATV or quad bikes and use them to enjoy the magnetic hill. If you are visiting here for the first time we would suggest that you surely take the ride without a miss. It might be that interesting but you will surely have a good time as a first-timer.
Location of Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is one of the finest, most popular, most visited, and most amazing attractions of Ladakh. People not only love visiting here but also enjoy the sport that is offered here in the hills. All the Magnetic Hill comes on the way while travelling from Srinagar to Leh, here are a few location points that can help in reaching the attraction.
- The gravity-defying Magnetic Hill lies on the NH1 which is the Srinagar-Leh highway. The hill is approximately 27 km from Leh town and can be visited while you travel on this highway.
- It is also approximately 7.5 km from Nimmo and you can take a separate trip to Magnetic Hill while visiting Nimmo and other nearby areas.
Best time to visit Magnetic Hill
The best time to visit Magnetic Hill is between July and September when tourism remains at the top and you don’t have to worry about the chilly weather. That’s because Magnetic Hill is just an attraction and not a destination. That is why the best time to visit here will be the same as that of Ladakh.
But if you do not visit Ladakh or prefer visiting here in winter because of the lesser crowd encounter, you do not have to worry even then. Magnetic Hill is one of those destinations attractions that you can visit throughout the year and so is the internal circuit of Ladakh.
How to reach Magnetic Hill
Leh to Magnetic Hill Distance: 26.7 Km
Reaching Magnetic Hill is easy because you can take a cab or a taxi and even get into a bus going to Kargil or Lamayuru. You can visit it en route. On the other hand, if you are planning to take a trip to Ladakh on your vehicle, then while you travel from Kargil to Leh on the Leh-Srinagar highway, this attraction falls en route.
Conclusion
Just like any other attraction in Ladakh, Magnetic Hill is also a famous and must-visit place. Irrespective of the myths and scientific logic that this place has got over the years. We would still suggest that you do not miss out on visiting this amazing attraction. Apart from the activities that are offered by this place you will also get to amuse your eyes with the barren and rugged mountain ranges around the hill.
See Also: Places to visit in Ladakh | Hemis National Park | Leh Palace
