Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
About Ladakh
Ladakh, an Indian union territory, with Leh as its joint capital and largest city. Leh, a city in the Leh district, served as the Kingdom of Ladakh’s first capital. Leh Palace, the seat of the government and previous home of the Ladakh royal dynasty, was constructed in a similar architectural style to the Potala Palace in Tibet and about the same time.
Leh, which is located at an elevation of 3,524 metres (11,562 feet), is connected to Srinagar in the southwest via National Highway 1 and to Manali in the south via the Leh-Manali Highway (part of National Highway 3).
Leh Ladakh is, or was, likely on everyone’s travel agenda. Travelers from all over the world flock to this location because of its breathtaking vistas, charming lakes, and stunning atmosphere. It takes pride in being the location of the Umling La, the highest motorable road.
In addition, Leh Ladakh offers a variety of activities that draw a lot of visitors throughout the year. The list is vast and includes everything from trekking to camping to taking nature walks to visiting the several monasteries. An extensive list of the top things to do in Leh Ladakh is provided below. Look at that!
Top 10 Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
There are many Places to visit in Leh Ladakh but some of the Best places to visit in leh ladakh are as follows:
1. Pangong Lake (“Highest Saltwater Lake in the World”)
Pangong Lake is the most visited tourist destination in Ladakh. It is an endothermic (landlocked) lake located at a height of 4350 metres. It stretches from India to Tibet and is also referred to as Pangong Tso. It is 12 kilometres long. Pangong Lake occupies around 60% of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
The lake has the unusual characteristic of changing colors from azure to light blue to green and even grey throughout the year and even during the day! Tourists know it as Ladakh Lake because that is where the Bollywood film “3 Idiots” was filmed.
An inner line permit is needed in order to enter the captivating Pangong Lake because it is located on the Sino-Indian Actual Line of Control. While other foreign nationals must apply for a group permission with at least 3 people in the group and a certified guide, Indian nationals can simply get individual permits.
At a modest charge, the permit may be purchased at the Leh tourist information centre. Although being salinized, the Pangong Lake freezes solidly during the winter because of its height, when the temperature swings from -5°C to 10°C.
2. Biking at Khardung La Pass
Have a bike journey on the world’s highest motorable road. Kahrdung La Pass is a great option if you’re searching for a thrilling bike experience to spice up your trip to Ladakh. At a height of roughly 18,300 feet, Khardung La Pass in Ladakh is renowned as the highest motorable road in the entire globe.
One of the most daring activities in Ladakh is biking via the Khardung La pass. A tremendous sense of accomplishment kicks in the minute you reach the summit and see the signage that reads, “Khardungla Top – highest motorable road in the world.” If you’re an adrenaline enthusiast, this bike ride adventure is a must-do on your trip to Ladakh.
3. Visit the Royal Palace of Leh
The Imperial Palace of Leh should be visited as one of the must-do activities for history buffs while in Ladakh. Sengge Namgyal built the famous Royal palace of Leh in the 17th century as a residence for the erstwhile royal family. The exquisite architecture of this nine-story palace is reminiscent of the    Potala Palace in Lhasa, which features Tibetan design elements.
This palace is understated and stunning all at once. Visiting this palace would be a memorable experience for travellers who enjoy exploring historical sites. The palace also houses a museum with numerous unique treasures, antiques, and historical artworks.
Due to its close proximity to Leh’s main city—just 2 kilometres away—the palace is highly accessible. The hours of entry are 9 am to 4 pm.
Regrettably, taking pictures within the palace is not permitted, thus visitors are not permitted to do so. Visitors who want to learn more about Ladakh’s past must include a trip to this palace in their vacation packages that include Leh and Ladakh.
4. Take in the sunset. Ancient Stupa
Visit Shanti Stupa if you’re seeking for a spiritual encounter that will leave you feeling peaceful and upbeat. One of the most wonderful things to do in Ladakh is to visit Shanti Stupa. It was erected in 1991 by Japanese Buddhists on the Chanspa hilltop in Leh.
One of the seven Shanti Stupas constructed by Buddhists as a peace symbol.
Due to its religious significance, Shanti Stupa is also well-known. The Stupa is a two-story building with a meditation hall for anyone interested in engaging in the spiritual practise of meditation.
Tourists may easily travel to Shanti Stupa because it is about 13 km from the Leh city centre. One of the best things to do in Ladakh is to visit Shanti Stupa, which is revered for its spiritual and religious significance around the world.
5. Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek must be on your list of things to do if you’re looking for daring things to do in Ladakh. This is a winter walk, and February is the ideal month to go on it. The Zanskar River, which is frozen at this time of year, is crossed on this walk. The length of this walk is roughly 62 kilometres, and it takes 8 to 10 days to complete.
One of the most well-liked activities in Ladakh during the winter is this. It takes a lot of planning and effort to complete this expedition. For those who choose to embark on this trek, the level of difficulty is quite high, and unpredictable weather conditions can present significant difficulties.
Despite being challenging, is one of the most well-liked options for thrill seekers and those who wish to take in the panoramic splendour of Ladakh’s snow-covered borders. This Hike is usually included in LehLadakh vacation packages that are created for wintertime hilly experiences.
6. See out Magnetic Hill’s magic
Seeing this amazing Magnetic Hill would be one of the most fascinating things to do in Ladakh for you if the thought of seeing magic intrigues you. The distance from the city of Leh to this hill is 30 kilometers.
It is thought that this route possesses unique magnetic anti-gravitational properties. The car begins to ascend the incline on its own at a speed of roughly 20 km/h when it is parked in neutral on this road.
Several tourists visit this hill every year to see and document this mysterious event. Whether the hill has magnetic properties or it’s just an optical illusion is still up for debate. A visit to Magnetic Hill must be on the itinerary of anyone looking forward to this amazing experience in Ladakh.
7. When night camping, observe the moon and stars.
Night camping is one of the nicest things to do in Ladakh if you’re travelling with a partner. In Ladakh, camping at night may be a fantastic experience. On the outskirts of Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri, in the Nubra Valley, is the most well-known camping area in Ladakh.
There are no words to adequately express the magnificence of the Ladakh night sky. There are numerous stars in the sky, and you can make out the Milky Way’s belt. This can be the ideal experience for you if you and your partner are seeking for an intriguing nighttime adventure. Most LehLadakh honeymoon packages include a night of camping beside to the lake.
8. Go to the Diskit Gompa Monastery
One of the most important things to do on a Ladakh trip is to visit the Diskit monastery if you want to feel the peace of being in a Buddhist temple. One of the most well-known monasteries in Ladakh is Diskit. The majority of Leh Ladakh sightseeing tours include a visit to this monastery on their schedule.
Around the year 14th century, this monastery was constructed. The largest and oldest Buddhist monastery may be found in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley. The enormous 108-foot Maitreya Buddha statue perched atop this monastery is a major factor in its popularity. The Maitreya Buddha statue took six years to build and was dedicated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This statue is seen as a representation of safety and harmony.
Almost 125 miles separate this monastery from Leh’s city centre. Both the outside and inside of the monastery are beautifully designed. The inside walls are covered in striking depictions of Buddhist deities. Breathtaking views of the valley may be seen from inside the monastery. One of the best things to do in Ladakh is to visit this lovely monastery.
9. Visit the nearby markets
Wandering the streets and local marketplaces might be one of the most wonderful things to do in Ladakh for visitors who enjoy learning about the local culture. The “Main Bazar” in Leh is one of Ladakh’s busiest marketplaces. The majority of the well-known items, including silver jewellery, Himalayan Pashmina shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, Ladakhi jewellery, and carpets, can be found in this bazaar.
In Ladakh, Tibetan handicrafts are among the most sought-after items. The “Moti Bazar” is the location to go if you want to shop exclusively for Tibetan clothing, antiquities, and handicrafts. While being a little outside of the major city, the goods available here are of quite high quality.
There is a lot more to discover in these local marketplaces in Ladakh, so you should set aside an entire day from your schedule to do so.
10. Zanskar Valley
The alluring Zanskar Valley is situated in the Kargil area, some 105 kilometres east of Ladakh. Locally known as Zahar or Zangskar, it is separated from Ladakh by the Tethys Himalayan Zanskar mountain range. Zanskar is popular for trekking and river rafting and is recognised for its untamed nature.
Along with unique flora and fauna, the semi-desert area is bordered by snow-capped mountains and crystal clean rivers. Suru Valley is the most direct route from Kargil to Zanskar. Due to the extensive snowfall in the area, it is cut off from the outside world for more than nine months of the year. The difficult Chadar Trek is the only method to go to Zanskar in the winter, from December to February.
11. Nubra Valley
Around 140 kilometres (km) from Leh, in the union territory of Ladakh, is where Nubra Valley is located. The Shyok and Nubra rivers wind through the valley, which is situated along the historic Silk Road. There are also several stunning monasteries there.
Hundar in Nubra Valley is well-known for its Bactrian camel rides, which are set against a backdrop of desolate mountains. Due to their rarity and two humps, Bactrian camels were the main mode of conveyance along the silk route. The 32-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue is a landmark of Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley. In the Nubra Valley, there are numerous activities available, including ziplining and ATV rides.
Because the route continues to the Siachen base camp, the highest battleground in the world, the area is currently under military surveillance. Most visitors from Leh travel to Nubra Valley through Khardung La.
How to get in Leh ladakh
Air travel is the most practical means of getting to Ladakh. The primary airport serving Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Through New Delhi, it is connected to all the major cities in India by frequent flights. Road travel is another option for getting to Leh Ladakh. The most common mode of transportation for visitors visiting Leh Ladakh is by bicycle.
For bike excursions to Ladakh, there are two road routes available:
Highway between Leh and Manali: Open from May to September. Rohtang, Gramphu, Kokshar, Darcha, Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Lachulung La, Tanglang La, Gya, and Karu are all stops along the 490 km trip.
Highway between Leh and Srinagar: Open from May to October. This 434km route passes through Sonmarg, Zozi La, Drass, Kargil, Mulbek, Lamayuru, and Saspol. As this path is somewhat lower in elevation, the likelihood of developing severe high-altitude mountain sickness is lower.
An environmental charge of about INR 200–300 may be requested of you after you arrive in Ladakh. The receipt can be kept and used as identification when requesting permissions. Find out more information about how to obtain an Inner Line Permit for Leh Ladakh.
How to travel by air to Leh Ladakh
Despite flights taking place all year round, the only way to reach Leh Ladakh in the winter is by air. Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport serves the area as the main airport. Daily flights are available from and to New Delhi on Air India and GoAir. Leh and Jammu & Kashmir are connected by Air India as well. In the winter, flights are uncommon and frequently cancelled due to fog in Delhi and snowfall in Leh.
The security checks and procedures are rigorous because this is a military air terminal. It is recommended to have a printed copy of your airline ticket before going through airport security.
To get from the airport to the main town, taxis are simple to obtain. It is suggested that flying travellers give themselves a day of relaxation to adjust to the high altitude of Leh Ladakh.Leh Airport (IXL),     44 kilometres from Leh Ladakh, is the closest airport.Look for planes flying into Leh Airport (IXL)
Price ranges for potential round-trip flights from popular Indian cities to Leh Airport (IXL).
How to go by car to Leh Ladakh
Leh Ladakh may be reached by car by two different routes, one passing through Manali in Himachal Pradesh and the other through Srinagar. To go to Ladakh by road, first take trains or buses to Manali or Srinagar. Both the routes are stunning and time-consuming with tight twisting roads and military checkpoints.
The Leh Manali Highway, which spans a distance of 473 kilometers, is the route that visitors choose most frequently. This journey often takes two days and necessitates an overnight stop at Keylong, in a tent in Sarchu or Pang, or both. Although the terrain is a little rocky, many people travel this road on motorcycles, notably Royal Enfield motorcycles. Some cyclists travel this distance on their bicycles as well.
What time of year is ideal for a trip to Leh Ladakh?
The best time to travel to Leh Ladakh is from the end of May to the middle of July since during this time both the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Leh-Manali Highway are open. Also, there is a lot of snow, particularly on the Leh-Manali highway.
During the middle of September through October, when Ladakh is at its most gorgeous, is another great time to visit Leh Ladakh. Because there are less travellers during this period, it is also possible to receive good deals.
As landslides are a possibility in the area, it is best to stay away from Leh Ladakh from the end of July to the beginning of August. Also, there is a lot of muck on the Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highways, making travel extremely dangerous.
Conclusion
Ladakh is still a fantastic destination for travel. It offers numerous opportunity to investigate the distinctive culture of the Ladakhi people and the breathtaking unadulterated beauty of its frigid desert regions. Here, despite the harsh living conditions, the locals continue to practice their long-standing customs and rituals. Ladakh is the perfect destination for your next holiday if you want to escape the routine and boring of your regular workday.
