16 Best Places To Visit Leh Ladakh
A dream destination for many, Ladakh is a wonderful place, which is an amalgam of leisure experiences and adventure opportunities. Located at an altitude of 3542 meters above sea level in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, it boasts of immense scenic beauty. This wonderful place boasts of some amazing allures including palaces, lakes, and monasteries. Why don’t you tag along with us as we go for trekking in Ladakh, explore the top sightseeing places and wait, enough of the sneak peak. Here is a blog for you where we share a list of 14 best places to visit in Leh Ladakh that would interest the curious minds like you!
Start scrolling through the 16 Top Places To Visit Leh Ladakh!
Hemis National Park
Tucked in the eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis National Park is called the Snow Leopard Capital of India. Established in 1981, this national park is best known for sheltering the highest density of snow leopard in the world. Another highlight of Hemis is that it is the only national park towards the north of the Himalayas. Besides, it is home to 16 mammal species and 73 bird species as per records.
Things to do
- Enjoy birdwatching in the Rumbak Valley
- Spot the snow leopards by trekking in the park.
- Travelers can also try the Markha Valley Trek which goes inside Hemis.
Diskit Monastery
The list of sightseeing places in Ladakh can never be complete without the mention of Diskit Monastery. Dressed down in white, the gompa is Nubra Valley’s oldest and largest monastery. It just takes one visit to feel enlightened as the aura is soothing and healing. Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, an ardent disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa.Visit this Monastery with Best of Ladakh Package.
Things to do
- Take blessings of the iconic statue of Cho Rinpoche.
- Marvel at the 106 feet long statue of the Jampa Buddha atop a hill below the monastery.
Pangong Lake
Placed at a height of 4350 m on the Indo-China border, Pangong Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Ladakh. Also known as the Hollow Lake or Pangong Tso, this is one of Asia’s largest saltwater lakes. It covers an area of approximately 100 km. While two-thirds of this lake is in Tibet (Chinese territory), one-third of it lies in eastern Ladakh. Just 160 km from Leh city, it has blessed with breathtaking surroundings. During the winter season, the lake turns rock solid and becomes the venue of ice skating festival. Inner Line Permit can be taken from the deputy commissioner of Leh by giving a small fee.
Things to do
- Be a part of the ice skating festival.
- Enjoy bonfire as you stay at Pangong Retreat Camp, Ladakh.
- Capture the stunning sunrise in your cameras.
- Indulge in Bird watching including seagulls, ducks, and cranes.
Shanti Stupa
Around 5 km from Leh, Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Chorten, located on a hilltop in Chanspa, which was built between 1983 and 1991. Overlooking the Leh town, it is one of the best attractions in Leh. For celebrating the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace, this stupa was commissioned by Japanese monks. The walls have gilt panels that depict the life of Lord Buddha. Sunrise and sunset are wonderful from here. On the first of this two-storied structure has Buddha statue in a sitting position on a pedestal, turning the Dharmachakra.
Things to do
- Meditate the Buddha hall.
- Circumambulate around the stupa.
- Savor the stunning views of the surroundings, Sunrise and Sunset.
- Watch the display of varied Buddhist reliefs.
Royal Leh Palace
Leh Palace
Constructed way back in 1553 AD, located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh Palace is the former residence of the erstwhile royal family of Leh. The palace shares a resemblance to Potala Palace of Lhasa. Slightly smaller in size, it is built up of stones, sand, wood, and mud. Also known as Lhachen Palkhar, it is open from 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM (every day). This 9-storied structure now has a museum with royal belongings. The fort is slightly in a ruined condition but the views from the top are stunning. This structure is currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In the second half of the 19th century, it was attacked by the Dogra forces and thus abandoned by the royal family who shifted to the Stok Palace.
Things to do
- Admire the wonderful views from the top.
- Marvel at the amazing architecture.
- Visit the on-site museum with royal belongings Thangkas, jewelry, murals, costumes, etc.
Tso Moriri Lake
Nestled at an isolated spot in the greater Himalayan ranges, the pristine Tso Moriri Lake is known to be the largest alpine lake in India. Located at an altitude of over 15000 feet above the sea level in the rugged landscape, it looks like the gift of nature. Due to its high altitude and tough journey, it is visited by a lesser number of tourists. The shadow of the surroundings can be seen in the azure blue waters of the lake. The topography of snow-clad barren hills with peaceful surroundings looks surreal.
Things to do
- Camping in Korzok, a nearby village
- Relish wondrous sunrise
- Click memorable photographs
- Savor the peace and beautiful scenery
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Founded way back in 1430, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is located in the background of the Leh Palace. The monastery enjoys a wonderful setting and thus is one of the most popular places to visit in Leh Ladakh. The views of the plains, surrounding snow-covered peaks of the Zanskar mountain range, and the River Indus are stunning. The star highlight is the 3-storied high solid gold statue of Maitreya Buddha. Other attractions are statues of Avalokitesvara and Manjushri. It also has a vast collection of wonderful frescoes. The walls of the assembly hall are adorned with brilliant paintings.
Things to do
- Marvel at the 3-stories high Maitreya Buddha golden statue.
- Take a look at the fine collection of frescoes and old Buddhist manuscripts.
- Notice the wall paintings at the assembly hall.
- Treat your eyes to the views of Zanskar ranges, the plains, and the River Indus.
Khardung La Pass
Known as the ‘Gateway to Nubra and Shyok Valleys’, Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, at an elevation of 5359 m above the sea level. One of the 12 best places to visit in Leh Ladakh, it is around 40 km from Leh. Also called the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, it opened for vehicles in 1988. This road is quite popular amid motorbiking enthusiasts. Enjoy tea and refreshment at the army canteen as you listen to the fluttering sound of the colorful Tibetan prayer flags. The views are awe-inspiring. There is a souvenir shop here from where you can buy some memorabilia. It is also used by the Indian Army to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
Things to do
- Tea and Refreshments from the Army canteen
- Shop for memorabilia at the souvenir shop
- Get awed by the views of the snow-capped peaks
Nubra Valley
One of the places to see in Ladakh, the paradisiacal Nubra valley is a tri-armed valley, which lies 150 km north-eastwards of Leh. Perched an altitude of 3048 m above the sea level, this valley has the confluence of Shyok and Siachen Rivers, white sand deserts, double-humped camels, rich lush villages, shining streams, and craggy mountain peaks. The valley has scenic beauty in abundance as it lies peacefully on the slopes of Karakoram mountain range. Hop onto the back of Bactrian camels and explore the valley.
Things to do
- Admire nature’s scenery and green surroundings.
- Capture Mother Nature in your cameras.
- Hop onto the back of Bactrian camels and explore the valley.
- Visit the nearby villages and monasteries.
- Visit the apple and apricot orchards
Magnetic Hill
Located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, around 30 km from Leh, Magnetic Hill is basically a gravity hill, which is renowned for possessing magnetic properties. This magnetism is so strong that it can even pull a neutral car uphill. The powers of this hill can be seen from the fact that the passing aircraft increase their altitude for escaping the magnetic interference. The hill lies at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level. However, it is said that this is an optical illusion but surely worth experiencing.
Things to do
- Marvel at the magic of Magnetic Hill.
- Visit the nearby Gurudwara, maintained by the Indian Army.
Hemis Monastery
Around 40 km south-eastwards of Leh, Hemis Gompa is the largest, the wealthiest and the most popular monastery of Ladakh. This monastery was constructed under the ruler of Ladakhi King Singge Namgyal in1672 AD. Hemis is the headquarters of Red Hat Drukpa order and all Ladakhi gompas. The young lamas are given training here. This gompa enjoys patronage from the region’s royal family. The monastery has various paintings, gold-plated stupas, and statues of Lord Buddha. Every year, Hemis festival is celebrated here. Its highlight is a holy masked dance performance by the local resident Lamas.
Things to do
- Appreciate the stunning architecture of the Gompa.
- Be a part of the Hemis Festival celebrations.
- Have a look at the Buddhist exhibits.
Lamayuru Town
With a dreamy moon-like landscape, the quaint Lamayuru town lies sandwiched between Leh and Kargil. A sight to behold, it has crater type yellowish-orange formation in the brown colored soil. The beauty of this town cannot be described in words. Visit the beautiful Lamayuru Monastery here, which is not only a place of worship but also has thangkas, Buddhist guardian deities, and frescoes on display. This monastery dates back to the 11th century. The peace of the town is broken by the gushing sounds of River Sind. It is 127 km away from Leh.
Things to do
- Stay in a homestay.
- Visit the 11th century Lamayuru Monastery.
- Marvel at the moon-like landscape.
- Explore the place.
Alchi
Alchi is a beautiful tiny hamlet, placed on low land. It lies on the banks of Indus River, at a distance of around 70 km westwards of Leh. The village is known to have fertile land. Notice the apricot trees on both the sides of the road as you explore the place. The influence of Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Islam can be seen here. Explore this wonderful place and visit its various attractions like Sumtsek Temple, Manjushree Temple, Monk Cells and so on. Do not miss a visit to the very popular Alchi Monastery, one of the most popular monasteries in Ladakh.
Things to do
- Enjoy the peace and greenery spread all around.
- Visit the popular attractions of the village.
- Pay a visit to the very popular Alchi Monastery.
Lying in the remote corner of Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is a pristine hill retreat with wonderful Tibetan-style monasteries, surrounded by snow-covered mountainous peaks. Strong Buddhist culture and picturesque landscape are the two allures. The views of Drang-Drung Glacier is simply mesmerizing from here. The valley also has 2 small placid alpine lakes. Plan a visit to Panikhar Fort, a prime attraction here on the border of the Suru Valley. The valley is also quite popular amid adventure enthusiasts, especially Chadar Trek or Zanskar River Trek, during winters.
Things to do
- Camping at the Penzella Pass.
- Visit the Gelugpa monastery at Karsha Village.
- Admire the mural art at Labrang.
- River rafting from Serchu to Nyimu via Padam.
- Embark on the various trekking expeditions like Chadar Trek, Zanskar River Trek.
Markha Valley Trek
Valley is situated in the Ladakh region which is accessible from Ganda La Pass near Spituk and Gongmaru La Pass near Hemis. This trek is one of the most thrilling experiences in your life in which you would be camping at various sites like Markha, Hankar, and Skiu and seeing the starry skies in the mountains. You can get an opportunity to glare at the enchanting views of the Stok Kangri.
Things to do:
• Seeks blessings at the Techa Gompa in the valley
• Enjoy camping in Markha, Skiu, and Hankar
• Cross Ganda La and Gongmaru La on the way
• Stare at the mesmerizing beauty of Stok Kangri
This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Ladakh region. The Zanskar River freezes in the winters and people have to walk on the frozen river to reach the Nerak. This trek is a famous winter trek that starts from Chilling, from where the river starts freezing.
Things to do:
• The thrill of walking on the frozen Zanskar River
• Camping in the cave along the river
• Enjoy the enchanting and untouched beauty of the valley
• Catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains
TravelX 