Best Places to Visit in Ladakh

Ladakh is a spellbound holiday destination that is like no other. The Land of Lama is known for mesmerizing and beautiful locations that are havens of natural beauty. Ladakh is also called as the “lost kingdom” and is a destination filled with various wonders. Be it its rugged terrain or the snow-capped mountains; the place will for sure leave you spellbound.

If you have planned a holiday to Ladakh, there are a few attractions you must visit in this magnetic location.

Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. Known to be one of the isolated places in the valley, you can see that the steep terrains located here are covered with snow most of the months. The valley is located in the Himalayan range is known for its heavenly beauty. The valley also offers adventure sports and activities for the tourists, and white river rafting is one of them.

Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso Lake is not only breathtaking but is one of the popular tourist attractions located in Ladakh. Located at Changtang Plateau, the lake is an ideal location for camping under the starlit sky. If you wish to avoid the crowd and spend some time with your beloved, you can plan to visit the lake during the off-season.

Pangong Tso Lake Ladakh

Tso Moriri Lake

Known as the twin of the Pangong Tso Lake, the Tso Moriri Lake is a not so popular lake which is hidden inside the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary. The location of this lake makes it even more scenic, and tourists get to enjoy the backdrop of the snow-filled mountains when they visit the place during winters.

As the place is not known to everyone, visitors can expect fewer crowds, and one can easily find a place for themselves at the lake with ease. If you love star gazing, the Tso Moriri Lake is a perfect place for the same. The lake also goes by the name of “Mountain Lake” and it was declared a wetland reserve due to the variety of flora and fauna found here. It is said that the lake is home to Himalayan Hares, the Brahmin duck and more, all of which are available in very large numbers. The lake is surrounded by very high peaks, and this is what makes it not-so-visible to the world outside.

Chadar Trek

Did you ever imagine walking on a frozen lake? Well, if you want to give it a try, you certainly need to visit the Chadar Trek. One of the best places to visit in Ladakh, Chadar Trek provides its visitors with an unbelievable and adventurous experience. The name of the lake is derived from the word, “Chadar,” which means a blanket. The lake freezes during winter, and it looks like a “blanket of ice.” Tourists from all over the world visit this place to witness the beauty of this lake, and to trek on it. You can as well see colors transforming when the sunlight reflects on the ice. The lake looks stunning and as white as milk during the night. If you are in for an adventurous journey, you certainly need to try the Chadar trek.

Kargil

This is one place that needs no introduction. A trip to Ladakh is only considered to be complete when you visit the town of Kargil. Known to the second largest town located in Ladakh, Kargil is located on the scenic banks of the Indus River. The town is also loved by tourists for the various adventure sports offered here. Tourists can try mountaineering, hiking and river rafting, to name a few. 

Ladakh Valley

Nubra Valley Ladakh

Khardung-la Pass

Khardung La Pass is not considered to be a tourist attraction by many, but it is a gateway that connects the valleys of Nubra and Shyok. If you are an adventure junkie, a visit to this place is a must. It is managed by the Border Roads Organization, but it is known to be one of the thrilling passes you can ride on in your lifetime. So, if you are in for some thrill, do give it a try.

Nubra Valley

Known to be among the best 5 places to visit in Ladakh, the Nubra Valley is located near the Northeast and is a tri-armed valley. If you are looking forward to an experience like that of Arabian Nights, you must visit the sand dunes located here. The place is also popular for its two-humped camels and its scenic beauty.

Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill is one of the scenic places you can visit on your trip to Ladakh. It is said that when you leave your vehicle near the foot of the hill, by leaving the brakes unlocked, the vehicle moves up the hill on its own. Well, it is not magic, but many are still trying to learn the science behind it. So, if you wish to know about the superpower behind Magnetic Hill, this place is a must-visit.

Spituk Gompa

Ladakh is also famous as the land of monks, and you can find a number of monasteries here. The Spituk Gompa is one such place which is popular for its carvings. The monastery is located on the top of a hill, and it is said to be quite cold during the nights. So, if you wish to travel to this place, make sure you carry some warm clothes along.

Thiksey Gompa

Another well-known monastery located in Ladakh is the Thiksey Gompa, which has quite a lot of resemblance to the Potala Palace located in Tibet. The monastery is located at an altitude of about 11,800 feet, and it is taken care of by the people from the Yellow Hat sect. The monastery is home to more than 500 monks and is a 12 storied building. Tourists often get mesmerized by the huge collection of books, stupas, statues, and paintings displayed here.

Tso Kar

Tso Kar is a serene salt lake which is located in this valley and is also called the “White Lake.” If you wish to spend a few hours amidst a quiet and pleasant atmosphere, this is the place to visit. You can find nomadic families here along with some yak sheds and monastery. This is also home to many bird species and is a perfect place for bird-watchers.

Hemis National Park

Known to be one of the largest national parks in South Asia, the Hemis National Park is home to a number of endangered animals and birds. A visit to this national park and you can find mammals like the Tibetan wolf, the red fox, and the Asiatic ibex. The place is free from pollution and provides an enticing sightseeing experience.

Shanti Stupa

If you wish to invoke some pleasant and peaceful thoughts, you cannot find a better place than Shanti Stupa. It is one of the most popular Buddhist monuments located in North India. Tourists need to travel steep slights to reach the stupa, which also boasts of amazing views of sunrise and sunset.

Shanti Stupa Leh

The Hemis Monastery

The Hemis Monastery is popular for the Annual Mask Festival which is a two-day celebration that place on Tse Chu. The festival is celebrated in the 10th month as per the Tibetan calendar and is celebrated in the fond memory of “Guru Padmasambhava,” who the devotees believe to be a reincarnation of Gautam Buddha.

The Royal Palace of Leh

The Royal Palace is located on a cliff and overlooks the very charming and beautiful town. The palace is a must-visit, especially when you want to learn about the glory of the royal family that lived here during olden days.

Best Time to Visit Ladakh

If you are planning to visit Ladakh, plan your holiday between April and May. This is the time when the temperatures are moderate, and the paths are clear.

So, are you excited already! Make sure you plan your holiday to Ladakh well in advance and do make a list of places you want to visit. Whatever place you decide to visit, you will for sure have a rejuvenating holiday.