Leh Ladakh

Jammu Kashmir India

Leh is the epitome of scenic beauty. Topographically Leh is covered with three parallel ranges of the Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh and the Karakoram. Here 3 rivers, the Shyok, the Indus and the Zanskar flow between these ranges. Extensively jagged with colourful fluttering flags, dramatic mountains and unforgettable landscapes, Leh is a treat to one’s eyes. Then here’s the list of places to visit in Leh. Enjoy the mesmerizing view from the top of the Khardungla Pass, defy the gravity at the magnetic hill, feel the peace at Shanti Stupa, try to breathe out at the Drass Valley. The enticing landscape shouts hard at you to have a magical voyage, thereby compelling you to experience some of the best things to do in Leh. Be it the camping in the lap of Ladakh, or experiencing an adrenaline rush with some trekking, or going on a jeep safari with your gang, or feeling the uneven terrain while on a Caravan or having a mind-boggling river rafting experience or even as simple as cycling (try it out and rate the difficulty level yourself). Whatever activity you choose, it’s definitely gonna leave you captivated for your entire life.

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Hemis National Park Ladakh

Hemis National Park is a high altitude national park in the eastern Ladakh Union Territory of the Republic of India. Globally famous for its snow leopards, it is believed to have the highest density of them in any protected area 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.

Diskit Monastery Leh

Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa, in the 14th century.

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.

Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is one of the most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist style monasteries in India. At a height of around 3600 metres above sea level, it is situated in between the cold deserts of Leh and Ladakh. Known to be the largest Tibetan monastery in Ladakh, Thiksey monastery houses several stupas, statues and other Buddhist artefacts in its 12 storey structure. The personal aesthetics with the surrounding snow-clad beauty of the monastery is what attracts tourists from all over the world. A striking feature of the monastery is the presence of a separate building of female renouncers apart from the statues, paintings and other exhibits. The monastery also comprises Maitreya to commemorate the 14th visit of the Dalai Lama to this place.

Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers

One of the most arresting moils of nature in Ladakh is Sangam, the confluence Indus, and Zanskar Rivers. Nestled between the stunning mountains of the cold desert, there is a vantage point at about 35 km from Leh near the village of Nimmu, on the Leh to Srinagar Highway, where the picturesque Sangam of these opulent rivers travelers can be witness.

Hall of Fame

Tourist those are history lovers will have a great time in the Leh Hall of Fame. The museum is also known as war of museum and it let you known about the rich culture and possessions of the city. The entrance of the Hall of Fame Museum is like pyramid and it is famous tourist attraction. The museum also portrays the glorious flora and fauna of Leh. Hall of Fame confines the imporatnt structures of Leh. The main reason for attraction of the Leh Hall of Fame is that it portrays memorabilia, seized arms and facilities of Pakistani Soldiers, profiles and pictures of the brave soldiers. The museum displays objects related to Ladakhi cultural legacy. There are various sections that will explain different sides of Ladakh region such as Biodiversity, culture, History of Ladakh. The place depicts the Kargil war but the war was won by the Indian army. It is surrounded by beautiful and stunning landscape of mountains and vibrant deep blue heavens.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a highly revered gem located 25 miles away from Leh town on Kargil Leh Highway. Devoted to Guru Nanak Devi Ji, the founder of Sikh Religion, the sacred place beautifully commemorate his visit to Ladakh. Dating back to 1517, the Gurudwara houses a boulder with imprints of the head, shoulders and backside of Shree Guru Nanak Dev. Not only the Sikh and Hindu devotees but Tibetans also bow down with full devotion at the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara. The latter worship the presiding deity here as Lama Nanak or Guru Gompa Maharaj. A legend is associated with the place and makes it a famous pilgrimage spot for the people visiting Leh- Ladakh.

Shanti Stupa

Since its inauguration, Shanti Stupa has become a popular tourist attraction. According to The Hindu it is the "most famous tourist attraction" around Leh, though its architectural style is different from the Ladakhi style. The Shanti Stupa overlooks the city of Leh, providing panoramic views of the city, the village of Changspa, Namgyal Tsemo in the distance and the surrounding mountains. Sunrise and sunset are considered to provide the best views from Shanti Stupa.[9] The stupa is illuminated with lights at night. The stupa is open for tourists between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Royal 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. More information on tourism in Leh

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.

Khardung La Pass

Khardung La is a mountain pass in the Leh district of the Indian union territory of Ladakh. The local pronunciation is "Khardong La" or "Khardzong La" but, as with most names in Ladakh, the romanised spelling varies. The pass on the Ladakh Range is north of Leh and is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. 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.

Nubra Valley

Nubra is a subdivision and a tehsil in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. Its inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers. Its Tibetan name Ldumra means "the valley of flowers". Diskit, the headquarters of Nubra, is about 150 km north from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. 

Magnetic Hill

Magnet Hill is a "Cyclops hill" located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The layout of the area and surrounding slopes create the optical illusion of a hill. The hill road is actually a downhill road. Objects and cars on the hill road may appear to roll uphill in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill. It is 7.5 km southeast of Nimmoo and 26.5 km west of Leh on Srinagar-Ladakh road.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage, in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Situated 45 km from Leh, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held in early June. 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.

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.

Chadar Trek

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.