10 Must Visit Places in Ladakh
Pangong Lake – Color Changing Lake
Situated at the height of 4350 m in the Himalayas, Pangong Lake is the world’s highest salt water lake. Picturesque mountains in the background, landscaped vistas and tranquil blue waters of the lake would teleport you into the world of fantasy. It is one of the most popular points of tourist interest in Leh Ladakh. Pangong Lake got its name from a Tibetan word ‘Pangong Tso’ which means ‘High Grassland Lake’. The most interesting fact about this lake is that it changes its color, appearing blue, grey, green or red at different points of time. You can only feel its true bliss, if you visit here once.
Lamayuru – Moonland of Ladakh
Have you ever seen a moonlike landscape for real? No? Then Lamayuru in Leh is a place to be in. It is often called a ‘Moonscape for tourists. It was founded in the 11th century by Mahasiddacarya Naropa. The landscape of Lamayuru is surreal, sublime, moonlike and divine. Lamayuru is known for its rugged landscape, odd geographical formations, picturesque views and Lamayuru monastery which is situated at a height of 3510 meters. If you are looking for a beautiful place to click some awesome pictures then Lamayuru is one of the most popular tourist destinations to visit in Ladakh.
Zanskar Valley – Valley of secluded serenity
Zanskar is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Leh Ladakh. If you are in a need of solace and serenity then this desolated Himalayan range will definitely soothe your mind and soul. It is less crowded and beautiful which would be a perfect destination to spend some moments of peace. Glittering blue of the skies, snow covered steep terrains, awesome weather and mind – boggling water bodies will be the perfect landscape to disappear in the folds of time to dance and dream.
Kargil – Adventure Hub
Your Holidays in Ladakh are incomplete without visiting Kargil. Kargil is one of the top tourist attractions in Ladakh. It is situated on Srinagar- Leh highway. If you are a thrill seeker, you must not miss Kargil because it is a hub of adventure sports like trekking, camping, river rafting and mountaineering etc. The most interesting part is the Line of control which is just 11km away from Kargil. It divides India from Pakistan. It is also a tourist paradise as many beautiful and old gompas and monasteries, scenic valleys and stunning mountain ranges will come in your way when you wander like a wanderer in its lanes.
Khardung- La Pass- Scenic Motorable Pass
Welcome to the highest motorable passes in the world. What? You haven’t visited Khardung- La Pass yet? Really? Then you must visit this place once in your lifetime as it is one of the must visit tourist destinations in Ladakh. Khardung – La Pass is a gateway to Nubra and Shyok valleys. It is an endless world of scenic vistas. The thing of beauty and bliss is here forever. For a thrill seeker, nature lover, solace seekers, Khardung – la pass is one of a kind. You will never be able to forget its charm if you visit here once.
Magnetic Hill – Place Where Gravity Fails
It is one of the most popular Ladakh Tourist attractions in Ladakh. I am sure you would definitely want to see a place where science takes a backseat and gravity has no meaning. There is a yellow sign board in Magnetic hill which says ‘The phenomenon that defies gravity’. It instructs you to park your vehicles at the base with a white point on the road, which is also known as magnetic road and when you park your vehicle at that spot, your vehicle will automatically move forward. Isn’t it interesting? This place should definitely be on your list of top places to visit in Ladakh.
Spituk Gompa – Seek the Divine Grace
Travelling to Ladakh would elevate your travel experience to a higher level if you visit some sacred places to seek solace. Spituk Gompa is one such place to be in. It is also one of the most popular destinations in Ladakh. The gompa is located at the top of the hill and the scenic views from the hill would overpower your mind with delight.The Gompa was established in the 11th century by Od- De. It houses the divine image of Mahakaal which is only shown in the annual festival of Spituk in January.
Hemis National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary – Say Hello to the wild world
How many of you are fond of exotic and rare wildlife species, endangered flora and pristine wilderness? I am sure all of you would love to visit Hemis National Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh. It was named after Hemis Monastery in 1981. Your experience of witnessing this nature’s wonder would be interesting if I tell you that this wildlife Sanctuary is full of alpine vegetation like Veronica, Anemone, Gentiana, Lloydia etc and animals like Snow Leopard, wild sheeps, shapu, ibex and goats, bharal, dholes etc. would blow your heart away. Don’t forget to look for 70 different species of birds like Throated thrush, Robbin acceptor, Himalayan whistling Thrush etc. This place is one of the best places to explore in Ladakh.
Tso Moriri Lake – Hidden beauty of Ladakh
If you are exploring Ladakh then Tso Moriri Lake should be the place you must not forget to be in. It is one of the offbeat destinations to explore in Ladakh. Located in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri Lake is a piece of heaven for the people who love calm and scenic places. It is not wrong to call it one of the most beautiful places in Ladakh to enjoy your day. It is 4000 meters above sea level, decked with snowcapped mountains all around, beautiful migratory birds and rare Tibetan wolves. For honeymoon couples, this place would be an absolute bliss because of its picturesque setting which gives a romantic feel.
Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary – Preserving Wild Wonder
A protected area located in the Leh district of Ladakh covers an area of 4,000 square kilometres, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It is situated at an altitude of 4,500 metres above sea level and is known for its high-altitude lakes, including the famous Pangong Tso. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Leh is the best place to spot several endangered and rare species of animals, such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass or Kaing, Tibetan argali, and the black-necked crane. Other species found here include the Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, marmot, and several species of birds, such as the bar-headed goose, Himalayan snowcock, and the great crested grebe. The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and is visited by wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over the world. Visitors can go on guided treks, wildlife safaris, and bird watching tours to explore the sanctuary and its rich wildlife.
Leh Palace – Regal Beauty Preserved
Leh Palace, also known as Lhachen Palkhar, is a magnificent structure situated in the city of Leh. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding Himalayan mountains, Leh Palace is an iconic landmark of the region, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the region. The palace offers a unique blend of history, culture, and architecture, making it a fascinating place to explore and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. The construction of the palace dates back to the 17th century when King Sengge Namgyal, the ruler of the Namgyal dynasty, commissioned its construction. The palace was built as a royal residence for the king and his family and also served as the administrative centre of the kingdom. The palace has nine stories, and its architecture is a blend of traditional Tibetan, Indian, and Islamic styles. The palace has been converted into a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of the region. The museum exhibits various artefacts, including thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings), old photographs, traditional costumes, and other objects that give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the royal family and the people of the region.
Thiksey Monastery – Serene Spirituality Awaits
Thiksey Monastery, also known as Thiksey Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located approximately 19 kilometres east of Leh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Indus Valley and is considered one of the most beautiful and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It is an architectural masterpiece and is famous for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The complex comprises several temples, halls, and chambers, which are adorned with beautiful murals, thangkas, and statues of various deities. The main prayer hall is adorned with a 15-metre-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is the largest of its kind in Ladakh. Apart from the main prayer hall, the monastery also has a nunnery, a library, a museum, and a school for young monks. The nunnery houses nuns who follow the Gelugpa order, and the school provides education to young monks from various parts of Ladakh. One of the interesting facts about it is, the complex also has a set of buildings which accommodate female renunciates.
Nubra Valley – Nature’s Tranquil Escape
Nubra Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful destination located in the northernmost part of India, in Ladakh. It is a high-altitude cold desert that is renowned for its mesmerising landscapes, picturesque villages, ancient monasteries, and unique culture. The valley is situated at an elevation of about 3,000 metres above sea level and is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains that make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The valley is accessible via the Khardung La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, and offers a thrilling experience for those who dare to take the journey. Nubra Valley is also famous for its double-humped Bactrian camels, which can be seen grazing on the sand dunes in the region. Visitors can enjoy a camel safari and explore the valley’s remote corners, visiting ancient gompas and remote villages. The valley is also a popular trekking destination, with several trails offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
