Places to Visit in Ladakh

Leh

Leh, the largest town in Ladakh, is one of the most visited destinations of Ladakh. It is among the very few places that are so traveler-friendly, charming and picturesque at the same time. The city is dotted with stupas and old mud and brick houses. The landmark sight of Leh is a steep ridge on top of which rests an old fort and Tibetan palace. The suburban lanes of Leh have a myriad of restaurants, souvenir shops, travel agencies and local ware selling stalls. When you move further out from the city bustle you’ll find barley fields and traditional Ladakhi homes with flat roofs and elaborate wooden windows.

Location:

Leh is situated at an altitude of 3505 meters above sea level. The Zanskar River which flows into the Indus River waters the area. Leh is located towards the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir.

How to reach:

Road: You can reach Leh by two main routes—either from Srinagar in the west or Manali in the south. Bikers mostly use these routes from June to October while others use taxi or jeep services and buses.

Air: Flights regularly ply between Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh.

Attractions:

The main attractions for travelers from all around the world coming to Leh are the historical monuments and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Leh. Shanti Stupa is perhaps the most breathtaking monument to visit in Leh. While you’re there, do pay a visit to the 800 year old Kali Mandir and explore its unique mask collection. Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Hall of Fame and the famous Rancho School are also a must-visit.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is termed as a true heaven on earth. You’ll need a permit to access the deep cut Shyok and Nubra River Valleys. Prepare to be mind-blown by the exquisite scenery, green oasis villages, stark slopes and arid mountains. At Turtuk, a whole different Balti culture lies waiting to be discovered. Many travellers have simply spent days just immersing in the pristine beauty and calming ambience of Nubra.

The main town here is Diskit, which has all facilities for travellers. It has a bazaar and a Gompa resting on a rocky drive just above the village.

Location:

Nubra valley is located around 150 km north from the main town of Leh. Its altitude is between 10,000 ft at Hundar.

How to reach:

You need to pass through the Khardung La pass to reach Nubra. There is another road that crosses Wari La from Sakti, which connects to the main Nubra road system via Agham and Khalsar along the Shyok River. You can also reach Leh airport and then travel to Nubra by a four-wheel drive.

Attractions: 

Tourists like to enjoy camel rides amidst the scant vegetation of Nubra and take in views of the snow-clad mountains. There are many ancient Gompas and palaces to visit including the 32-meters high statue of Maitreya Buddha which is the landmark of the valley. An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) ride amidst the sand dunes is a must for all the thrill-seeking travellers.

Pangong Tso

The memories of the first glimpse of the blue, calm waters of Pangong Tso and its stark shoreline are something that you will forever treasure. Pangong is among the largest brackish lakes in Asia and its crystal blue waters spread over 100 kms over the Indo-China border. Situated in the Changthang plateau in eastern Ladakh, Pangong Tso also goes by the name of Hollow Lake.

The magical effect of sunlight reflecting on the vivid blue waters of the lake is a sight to behold. It will play games with your mind and you will experience almost a surreal feeling gazing at Pangong Lake. The lake is an important breeding ground for migratory birds like the Brahmini ducks and bar headed goose which you will enjoy watching during the summer months.

Inner Line Permit:

If you’re an Indian national, you don’t need an inner line permit. But foreigners need group permits and also need to be accompanied by an accredited guide. You can get this permit at the tourist office in Leh for a small fee.

How to reach:

It’s a five-hour drive to Pangong Tso from Leh. The journey is mostly through a rocky terrain and uneven road, but the views are worth dying for. You would cross the villages of Shey and Gya during the drive. The road across the Changla pass moving downward would lead you through Tangste and other tiny villages.

Must-Do at Pangong Lake:

Apart from just getting lost in nature and ogling at the azure waters of the lake, here are some of our recommended things to do at Pangong.

• Watch the sunrise and sunset. We promise you, this is a once in a lifetime chance to see nature in its true raw beauty and the blazing sun contrasted against the start landscape and blue waters is nothing less than magical. Take a time-lapse video to forever capture this beautiful phenomenon. But nothing compares to feasting your naked eyes to it.
• Visit Spangmik Village. Just 7 kms away from the southern shores of Pangong Lake lies the village of Spangmik. It is the farthest village of the Pangong area and an excellent spot to view the Chang Chenmo mountain ranges.

Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri or known as the Mountain Lake is the highest lake in this region. Standing in front of this bluish picturesque scene, you’ll be captivated by its raw beauty. So silent this place is that the only sound you hear is your heartbeat.

The water is so crystal clear and the reflection of the sky in it is so beautiful that for a moment you won’t know which is what. The silence, the beauty, all will embrace you!

Location:

Around 29 kms long and up to 8 kms wide, enveloped with snow-capped mountain ranges, Tso Moriri is situated near the Manali-Leh road. This Lake is approximately 4,000 meters above sea level in the Changthang region.

Best Time to Visit:

In winters it gets frozen and becomes inaccessible so good to plan a trip between May to September.

How to reach:

Located in the southeastern part to Leh at a distance of 240 kms. There are mainly two routes that can be taken via Chumathang or via Changthang. One can hire a taxi and even go directly from the Pangong Lake via the remote Changtang region. You will not find any petrol pumps on the route so do not forget to fill up your tanks or carry extra fuel.

Foreigners, if going from Pangong via Changthang, are not allowed to go beyond Man–Merak Villages as permits are not issued to them.

Attractions:

Do spend some time with your self at the 400-year-old Korzok Monastery, located in the ancient village at the banks of Tso Moriri Lake.

You’ll find an ample amount of flora and fauna in this region. One can enjoy watching these unique species of birds or go on some wildlife excursions. Tso Moriri attracts a range of wildlife, from migratory birds, marmots to the Tibetan wolves.

Sham Valley – Lamayuru Village

The Sham Valley also known as the Apricot Valley has one of the ancient villages of the Ladakh region – the Lamayuru Village. It is located about 100 km before Leh. The journey to this village through the serpentine-like roads and deep valleys is unbelievably beautiful.

Known for its most ancient monastery, and lunar landscape, Lamayuru is also called as the Moonland. Atop is the meditation hill, where the monastery is situated and the monks stay. It’s a seeker’s delight to experience the trek to the meditation hill. You’ll see hundreds of colourful stones, called the prayer rocks, carved with Tibetan prayers lay on the path to the hill.

Do enjoy its rugged, unique moon-like landscape and explore the numerous man-made caves carved out of the mountainside. You also get to experience the Ladakhi life too as this is the most accessible village from Ladakh.

Location:

Is situated at an altitude of 3390 above the sea level. It crosses two spectacular passes – the Namika La and Fotu La. The force of the winds at Fotu La is the highest. It is difficult for one to stand there for more than a minute.

How to Reach:

Lamayuru has decent bus connectivity; the state transport buses ply from Leh. You will enjoy the journey through the Fotu La Pass as the roads are in an excellent condition.

Best Time to Visit:

June to September is the best time to visit this place.

Dhahanu

The village settlements of Dha and Hanu are situated at the meeting points of Indus and Shyok Rivers in the Kargil region. They are home to the Drokpa or Brokpa community whose culture is different from the residents of Ladakh. They have their own dressing style and the women are nicknamed as ‘Flower women of Ladakh’, because they wear flowers on their hats.

Location:

Dhahanu is located 163 km north-west Leh. Not usually frequented by many tourists, these settlements are worth visiting if you cherish local culture and want to go somewhere unconventional. Though the Brokpas have made 5 villages their home, tourists are permitted to visit only villages Dha and Hanu, popularly known as Dhahanu.

Attractions: 

It is best you take a day trip to Dhahanu to experience the local culture which is the main attraction for travellers. The picturesque locations and lush green landscape are an added bonus. Dha and Hanu are slightly higher in temperatures than the other Ladakhi regions because of the lower elevation. Don’t forget to enjoy the tasty locally grown apples and apricots in Dhahanu. A pure race of Indo Aryans in the valley, Brokpa people are dedicated to preserving their racial purity and this is something you will definitely notice while visiting the villages.

Zanskar

Bed of flowers, pristine mountains and the wild breeze, everything about the Zanskar valley is magical and mysterious. Also known as the Copper Star, because of the copper sediments the rivers bring to this land. Spread over 5000 sq. kms, the Zanskar valley is a nature lover’s delight. From deep gorges, glaciers, open wide valleys to ice rivers, you can revel in its beauty forever. The valley is scattered with ancient monasteries, those seeking peace can always pay a visit.

The greatest attraction is to trek!

Best Time to Visit:

From April to August, the summer days are pleasant but nights are a bit chilly.

How to Reach:
Zanskar is 84 kms away from Leh airport. One can also hire a taxi to reach here or trek to Zanskar.

Attractions:

You can go for the Zongkhul trek, which is famous for its beautiful cave monasteries. A visit to one of the biggest glaciers of the country, the Drang-Drung Glacier, is a must. The picturesque view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks here is surely a breathtaking sight and a photographer’s delight.

Adventurists can also enjoy some sports such as paragliding and rafting in the Zanskar River. {Just a word of caution, it’s an exciting activity but a bit dangerous}

Dras

This humble snow-sculpted valley and the second coldest place in the world got added to everyone’s ‘places to visit’ list after the heroic Kargil war. Dras is nestled amidst the rugged multi-hued mountains and is called as the gateway to Ladakh.

The Zojila pass is the starting point of the Drass valley of Kashmir and from here starts many adventurous treks. One of the treks is to the holy cave of Amarnath.

Once here, you might see a tinge of green and orange around, it’s because of the apricot production in the valley. What’s more! Feast your eyes on this gorgeous valley – the shadows of the clouds creating patterns and textures on the eroded ridges, the raw beauty of the majestic mountains, the colourful wildflowers blooming in abundance. This perfect vista will leave you awestruck.

If you haven’t ever explored untouched natural beauty, Dras is an enchanting hamlet you must visit.

Location:
Dras is situated on the road leading to Srinagar, and 60 kms away from Kargil.

Best Time to Visit:
Explore the beauty of Dras between May to September.

Attractions:

Dras war memorial in the Kargil district

Bhimbet, the legends say that this piece of rock lying on an open field represents the Mahabharata character Bhim. It’s also said that the surrounding soil has healing powers. Now, believe it or not!

Draupadi Kund – This place is where Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, took her final bath before dying. This kund is located 18 kms away from Dras.

Kargil

When you reach this picturesque town, it will be hard to believe that once it was a battleground. Situated on the banks of Indus (Suru) River and located at 8,780 feet above the sea level. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh. The green valley surrounded by the barren brown mountains is what makes Kargil unique and beautiful.

On reaching here, the first thing you’d want to do is visit the Drass War Memorial, built in the memory of the martyrs. The war stories and sacrifices surely will stir your patriotic side. Peep into your binoculars to view the majestic Tiger Hill, you might also find bunkers of our neighbouring country.

Location:

Located 60 kilometers from Drass and 204 kilometers from Srinagar respectively.

Best Time to Visit:

The summery months from May to July are the best period to visit Kargil.

How to Reach:

A 4-wheel drive is the best mode of transport. One can hire taxis or board the regular J&K SRTC buses from Srinagar to Leh also.

Attractions:

You can go soul-searching or explore the life of a monk at the famous Mulbekh Monastery enshrined with a tall idol of the future (Maitreya) Buddha. Highly recommended for photographers is the Lamayuru Monastry – one of the oldest monasteries. Kargil also offers many trek routes that can be explored by adventurists.

Srinagar

Sri means prosperity and nagar means city. The City of Prosperity – Srinagar is a beautiful valley surrounded by the snow-capped Pir Panjal Range, shining like gold under the sun. In the centre of all its beauty is the mesmerising placid Dal Lake, marked with beautiful Chinar trees. The Chinar dots the autumn of Kashmir. With its leaves turning red, amber, yellow and mauve, it surely makes it an enthralling sight.

Located at the banks of Jhelum River, Srinagar is also called as the Venice of the East because of its abundant natural beauty.

The Dal Lake is bustling with life; from a vegetable vendor, to a paper mache seller, to florists, bangle sellers to a cold drink-chips seller, you’ll find all doing their daily business on the beautiful shikaras. It’s a great experience to shop from this floating market. These shikaras and array of beautifully carved houseboats form a colourful scene on the Lake.

It’s amazing to see how the locals live on the Lake in their wooden houses, how young girls and women also row shikaras and go to school or work. The Dal is just not a floating Lake, in fact a floating town.

Every morning the azaan reverberates through the valley and fills you with love. The moment you step out in the houseboat balcony, you’ll be charmed by the morning look of the floating paradise, the Dal Lake. The reflection of the twinkling houseboats and the mist floating in the lake make the place even more magical. As you find yourself immersing in Srinagar’s beauty, do not forget to enjoy a cup of kehva in the bosom of nature.

Do check out the traditional Kashmiri handicraft – from wooden items to hand-embroidered shawls, kaftans and a lot more.

Location:

Situated in the Northern part of India, it is the summer capital of the Jammu & Kashmir state.

Best Time to Visit:

An ideal vacation can take place during April to October. One can enjoy the snow in winters but it gets very cold.

Attractions:

The beautiful Mughal Gardens – The Nishat bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi & Siraj Bagh is a must visit. All parallel to the Dal Lake.

A great female saint of Kashmir, Rupa Bhawani, is known to have discovered the Chashme Shahi. The Bagh has a natural spring flowing, which is known to have medicinal benefits.

The Siraj Bagh will soon be called as Asia’s largest Tulip Garden. Watch them in full bloom in the months of May and April.

The Hazrat Bal Shrine is believed to house a strand of Prophet Mohammmad’s hair in a holy box.