Places to Visit in Ladakh

Places to Visit in Ladakh

Placed at the base of the mighty Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges, Ladakh boasts of owning a varied yet picture-perfect landscape. Famed as a Buddhist ex-kingdom, the region is dotted with a number of attractions, Gompas or monasteries being the most popular of all. Also referred to as the 'Land of high passes', Ladakh has been bestowed with natural beauty in abundance, which attracts a decent number of tourists, from all around the world. It is an ideal destination for honeymooners, family vacationers as well as adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy the pure lakes, rivers, snowy peaks, wildlife, adventure sports, ancient monasteries, the wooden handicrafts, the food, interact with warm locals, handwoven woolens and much more.

The boundless natural beauty and excitement make Ladakh every traveler's dream destination. From the high desert of Nubra valley to the bank of the Indus River, there are many famous places to visit in Ladakh. Whether you are a romantic couple or a solo traveler, a family vacationer or adventure seeker; Ladakh has something for all. The popular Sightseeing Places in Ladakh are enriched with beauty, tranquility, spirituality, adventure, and everything else a traveler likes to enjoy. While the high mountain pass Khar Dung La throws a challenge to conquer its glamor, the stunning Pangong Lake invites you to enjoy the sheer bliss of nature. In the same way, the famous Hemis or Diskit monastery offers a spiritual treat, all being the best Ladakh tourist places. By booking an organized Ladakh tour package you can enjoy all these attractions in Ladakh comfortably and hassle-free.

Leh Small Image

Leh

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, has been an important junction on the famous Silk Route of the olden times. It is also the second largest district of the country spreading in an area of 45,110 sq km. Located at an altitude of 11,562 ft, the scenic destination is still dominated by the ruins of the Leh Palace (a major tourist attraction). The former residence of the royal family of Ladakh is built on the lines of the Potala Palace, Tibet. It boasts of being home to several known ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is one of the most-visited destinations in Ladakh and has a lot to offer.

Drass

Nestled in the Kargil district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, 60 kilometers to the west, Drass sector is often dubbed as 'The Gateway to Ladakh'. The region first shot to prominence during the Kargil war, when there was an armed conflict between Indian and Pakistani troops. It is situated at an elevation of 10,990 feet and spans across a range from 16000 feet to 21000 feet. It is a starting point for a three day trek to the Suru Valley. The trek passes through some breathtaking highland villages and flower-filled meadows on both sides.

Kargil

Kargil, located 8,780 feet above the sea level is the second largest town of Ladakh after Leh, situated on the banks of Indus (Suru) river. This town has a population of around 10,657 where most of them are a mix of Dard and Tibetan descent. A major chunk of the population is the follower of Buddhism. It is a transit hub with roads leading to Leh, Padum (Zanskar) and Srinagar. There had been an armed conflict between Indian and Pakistani armies in July 2009, which was known as Kargil war. There a number of monasteries here which even play host to several annual festivals.

Nubra Valley

Hailed as the high altitude desert of India, Nubra Valley, is nestled towards the northeast of Ladakh at 150 Km from Leh. The tri-armed valley is perched 3048 meters above the sea level and is termed as heaven on earth. Nubra valley is popular for its scenic natural beauty of white sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It is necessary for a tourist to acquire an Inner line permit for entering the valley.

Lamayuru

Located in the western region of Ladakh, amidst mountain backed badlands, is one of the most popular villages and an ideal stopover between the Kargil-Leh route. It is situated around 127 kilometers from the town of Leh. Tourists who visit Ladakh halts in Lamayuru as a rule to visit Lamayuru monastery in this region. Dating back to the 11th century, Lamayuru monastery was founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa and belongs to Red-Hat sect of Buddhism.

Stok Kangri

Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the entire Ladakh Region situated in the Zanskar valley. From the summit of this mountain, one can view the entire valley and surroundings. Also known as trekkers’ hotspot, Stok Kangri is an active trekking place for not just adventure junkies but families as well. It offers medium to challenging trekking trails for people to enjoy while staying in the valley. For those who wish to know what “Stok Kangri Trek” is; it is a complete package of obstacle crossing, climbing up the steep slopes, and enjoying the way up to 20,127 ft. This is a complete Stok Kangri travel & tourism guide that has all the important elements covered to help tourists in achieving what they desire.

Suru Valley

One of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the Ladakh, the Suru Valley forms the foundation of Kargil district. It is nestled in the northeastern foothills of the Great Himalayas, at a height of 3000 meters above sea level. Tourists in large number throng the place to spend their vacation amidst tranquil and picturesque natural beauty.

Shyok Valley

A trip to Shyok Valley is equally memorable and highly enjoyable. People usually stop by at this place while heading towards Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley. Shyok might be a smaller valley but has a great gift of huge mountains and beautiful vistas around it. The valley receives water from the Shyok river that flows through Nubra Valley. Here is a complete guide of Shyok Valley including how to travel, where to visit, and more.

Sarchu

Sarchu is an overnight stopover with tented accommodation on the Manali-Leh highway, on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh in India. It is nestled between the Baralacha La pass to the south and Lachulung La to the north, at a height of 4,290 meters.

Keylong

As much as it is true that Lahaul is not Spiti, it is true that Keylong is more than just a stopover point on your way to Ladakh. With unmatchable beauty in store, adventurous things to do, and a lot more than that; Keylong is a place worth visiting. Here is a complete Keylong Travel Guide that can help you in planning your trip to the “Land of Monasteries” in a better way. All the important points are covered in Keylong travel guide.

Zanskar

Located in the Ladakh region in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, Zanskar range is a mountain range and a part of Tethys Himalaya. It is situated at an altitude of 19,700 feet and separate Kinnaur district from Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most isolated regions in Ladakh and can only be reached either through a strenuous week long trek and a 14-hour drive alongside an uneven route along the Suru River. The mountain range is quite rich in terms of flora and fauna. However, a new road is under construction along the valley of the Zanskar River, connecting Padum to Nimmu on the Leh-Kargil road.

Padum

Padum, named after Padmasambhava (known as the second Buddha) is the only town in Zanskar and one of the two main capitals of the erstwhile Zanskar Kingdom. Although there is not much of greenery or vegetation around the place but there is an abundance of wildlife here.

phugthal

Phugtal is also known as Phuktal and is a key attraction of Ladakh. It is located on the South-East side of the union territory. The monastery of Phugtal is constructed on the mouth of a cave on a cliff and is considered to be one of the most isolated regions of the union territory. The monastery is believed to be more than 2500 years old.

Jispa

Jispa is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of almost 10,500ft. It lies at a distance of about 20km from Keylong along the Manali-Leh highway. The village of Jispa, which is located along the River Bhaga, is dotted with several Buddhist stupas which is quite a common sight in the villages of this region.

Hunder

Also referred to as 'the desert in the Sky' the mesmerizing village of Hunder is perched as an oasis surrounded by cold desert and stark Himalayas in Nubra Valley in Ladakh. The village shot to fame after some of the scenes of a song sequence of super hit Bollywood movie of Maniratnam's Dil Se featuring Manisha Koirala and Shahrukh Khan was shot here.

Changthang

Nestled at an altitude of 14,846 ft above sea level, Changthang is a high altitude plateau in the North western Tibet, extending from eastern Ladakh into Tibet. The main attraction of this place is Changpa nomads. It has been listed as one of India’s five ‘bio-diverse regions’.

Diskit

Diskit is a wonderful attraction in the Nubra Valley known for the spectacular Diskit Gompa. The beautiful hamlet is located in the middle of the Nubra Valley offering matchless experiences to the visitors. With just the sound of gushing Shyok River breaking the silence prevailing in the area, visitors find the desired respite away from the chaotic city life. Decked with historic monasteries, pristine valleys, lovely grasslands, and much more, the place is truly a paradise.

Panamik

Panamik is a beautiful and scenic village in the Nubra valley. This village is popular for its breathtaking view and the hot springs too. Panamik is considered to be the last destination where tourists can visit in this direction because after this village its the Indo-Tibetan border. Panamik is approximately 150 km from Leh and just about 55 km from Diskit- which is the first village at the beginning of Nubra Valley.

Turtuk

Turtuk is a treasure of beauty situated in the northernmost part of India. It is located in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh region and is a well-known village parted by the Shyok River. This village is perched at 205 km from Leh and snuggled on the bank of Shyok River.

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Things to do in Ladakh

History & Culture

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Ladakh is highly rich in organic flavors.

Buddhism in Ladakh

A popular theme for cultural tours in Ladakh

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Ladakh is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts

Leh Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari in Ladakh is a taste of adventure

Adventure Sports

Ladakh is adventure incarnate!

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