A dream destination for many, Ladakh is a wonderful place. It 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 immense scenic beauty. It boasts amazing allures, including palaces, lakes, and monasteries. Why don’t you tag along with us as we trek in Ladakh, explore the top sightseeing places, and wait for enough for a sneak peek? Here is a blog for you where we share a list of the 15 best places to visit in Leh Ladakh that would interest curious minds like you!
Start scrolling through the 15 Top Places To Visit Leh Ladakh!
- Hemis National Park
- Diskit Monastery
- Pangong Tso Lake
- Shanti Stupa
- Royal Leh Palace
- Tso Moriri Lake
- Khardung La Pass
- Nubra Valley
- Magnetic Hill
- Hemis Monastery
- Lamayuru Town
- Alchi
- Zanskar Valley
- Markha Valley Trek
- Chadar Trek
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 leopards in the world. Another highlight of Hemis is that it is the only national park north of the Himalayas. Besides, it is home to 16 mammal 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.
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 Tso Lake
Placed at the 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, the lake turns rock solid and becomes the venue of the ice skating festival.
Things to do:
- Be a part of the ice skating festival.
- Enjoy a bonfire as you stay at Pangong Retreat Camp, Ladakh.
- Capture the stunning sunrise with your cameras.
- Indulge in Bird watching, including seagulls, ducks, and cranes.
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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 King of Ladakh. The architecture and structure are very similar to the Potala Palace of Lhasa in Tibet. The palace was built under the reign of King Sengge Namgyal. The palace has been abandoned for many years and now serves as a museum.
Things to do:
- Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the palace roof.
- Visit the museum and know about the history and culture of Ladakh.
Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri Lake, the largest alpine lake in India, is a beautiful gift of nature located at an altitude of over 15000 feet above sea level in the rugged landscape. The pristine lake is nestled in the greater Himalayan ranges and is surrounded by snow-clad barren hills. Due to its high altitude and tough journey, it is visited by fewer tourists, making it a perfect destination for solitude seekers.
Things to do:
- Relish wondrous sunrise
- Camping in Korzok, a nearby village
- Click memorable photographs
- Savor the peace and beautiful scenery
- Explore Tso Moriri Tour Packages
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Founded way back in 1430, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is located in the background of the Leh Palace. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Leh Ladakh and is famous for its stunning views of the plains, surrounding snow-covered peaks of the Zanskar mountain range, and the River Indus. The star highlight is the 3-storied high solid gold statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery also has a vast collection of wonderful frescoes, and 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 the Zanskar ranges, the plains, and the River Indus.
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, at an elevation of 5359 m above sea level. Known as the ‘Gateway to Nubra and Shyok Valleys’, it is around 40 km from Leh and opened for vehicles in 1988. This road is quite popular among 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 from Khardung La Pass are awe-inspiring and include snow-capped peaks and rocky mountains.
Things to do:
- Shop for memorabilia at the souvenir shop
- Get awed by the views of the snow-capped peaks
- Tea and Refreshments from the Army canteen
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Nubra Valley
The paradisiacal Nubra Valley is one of the places to see in Ladakh. It is a tri-armed valley that lies 150 km northeastwards of Leh, perched at an altitude of 3048 m above sea level. The 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 abundant scenic beauty as it lies peacefully on the slopes of the 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
Magnetic Hill is located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, among the places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Around 30 km from Leh, Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill 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 to escape the magnetic interference. The hill lies at the 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 southeastwards of Leh, Hemis Gompa is the largest, wealthiest, and most popular monastery in Ladakh. This monastery was constructed under the ruler of Ladakhi, King Singge Namgyal, in1672 AD. Hemis is the headquarters of the 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, the 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
Lamayuru Town, located between Leh and Kargil, is a charming little town with a unique moon-like landscape that will leave you spellbound. The town is home to the ancient Lamayuru Monastery, which dates back to the 11th century. The monastery not only serves as a place of worship but also has thangkas, Buddhist guardian deities, and frescoes on display. The gushing sounds of River Sind add to the serenity of the place. Don’t forget to stay in a homestay and experience the local culture.
Things to do:
- Stay in a homestay.
- Visit the 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery.
- Marvel at the moon-like landscape.
Alchi
Alchi is a quaint little village located on the banks of the Indus River, around 70 km westwards of Leh. The village is known for its fertile land and apricot trees. The village is a perfect blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Visit the Sumtsek Temple, Manjushree Temple, and Monk Cells, and don’t miss out on the very popular Alchi Monastery.
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.
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Zanskar Valley
Zanskar Valley is a remote corner of Ladakh that is often missed by tourists. This pristine hill retreat is surrounded by snow-covered mountainous peaks and Tibetan-style monasteries. The valley is known for its strong Buddhist culture and picturesque landscape. The Drang-Drung Glacier and the two small alpine lakes are mesmerizing. Adventure enthusiasts can try 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. R
- River rafting from Serchu to Nyimu via Padam.
- Embark on various trekking expeditions like Chadar Trek and Zanskar River Trek.
Markha Valley Trek
Markha Valley Trek is one of the most thrilling trekking experiences in Ladakh. The trek takes you through the beautiful valley, offering mesmerizing views of the Stok Kangri. You get to camp at various sites like Markha, Hankar, and Skiu, and witness the starry skies in the mountains. Don’t forget to seek blessings at the Techa Gompa in the valley.
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
Ladakh is a destination that has something for everyone. From the stunning landscapes to the vibrant culture, Ladakh is a traveler’s paradise. If you are planning a trip to Ladakh, make sure to visit these hidden gems that are often missed by tourists. Each of these places has a unique charm that will leave you spellbound.