Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh: Gaze the Stars in India’s Own Moonland

Ladakh, a high-altitude desert in the northernmost part of India, is a region of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. From towering mountain peaks and pristine lakes to ancient monasteries and fortresses, the land of Leh and Ladakh has a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the must-see popular places to visit in Ladakh including Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis National Park, and Khardung La Pass.

Things to Know about Leh Ladakh: A Quick Info to Draw the Map

Location: Union Territory, India

How to Reach Leh Ladakh

• By Road:
• Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh
• Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Leh
• By Air: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is well connected with many domestic airports in India including IGI
• By Train: Nearest railway station is Jammu Jammu Tawi (700 km away)
• Nearest Airport: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
• Leh Ladakh Distance from Delhi: 965 km via NH3
• Stay Duration: 5-7 days
• Things to Do in Leh Ladakh: Mountain Biking, Camping, Chadar Trek, Motor Biking, Cycling, Indus River Rafting, Camel Safari, Yak Safari, Skiing, Hiking, Trekking
• Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh: April to June
• Nearby Attractions from Leh Ladakh: Nemis, Manali, McLeod Ganj, Dalhousie, and Kasol
• Note: Due to significant snowfall on the mountain routes, Leh Ladakh is usually closed for more than 6 months from November to April or mid-May.

Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh: Discover the Rugged Beauty of Mountains

Embark on a journey to the enchanting land of Leh Ladakh that beckons adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, with its rugged terrain and serene beauty. From the vibrant markets of Leh to the serene monasteries nestled in the mountains, there is an air of mystery and tranquility that permeates everything here. Whether you choose to trek through the high-altitude mountain passes or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere, there is no doubt that these following famous places to visit in Leh Ladakh will leave an indelible impression on your soul.

1. Shanti Stupa: Peace and Serenity at the Top of the World!
2. Leh Palace: Feel the Grandeur of the Royals
3. Thiksey Monastery: Unveiling the Spiritual Wealth of the Mountains
4. Hemis National Park: Cherish the Wilderness of the Himalayas
5. Khardung La Pass: Climb the Heights of Adventure
6. Nubra Valley: Experience the Mystical Beauty of the Mountain Desert
7. Magnetic Hill: Experience the Thrill of Defying Gravity
8. Lamayuru Monastery: Immerse Yourself in Ancient Spirituality and Inner Peace
9. Pangong Tso Lake: Get Mesmerized by the Pristine Water
10. Diskit Monastery: Indulge in Serenity and Solitude

1. Shanti Stupa: Peace and Serenity at the Top of the World!

Located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Leh, the Shanti Stupa is a gleaming white monument which is a symbol of peace and harmony and lies at the top of the list of places of tourist interest in Leh Ladakh. Visitors can climb a steep staircase to reach the top of the stupa and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The stupa is also illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle that can be seen from miles away.

• Location: Shanti Stupa Rd, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101
• How to Reach Shanti Stupa: Car will take 13 mins.
• Opening Hours of Shanti Stupa: 5 am to 9 pm
• Stay Duration: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do in Shanti Stupa: Prayer, Night View, Sightseeing, Photography

2. Leh Palace: Feel the Grandeur of the Royals

Once the royal residence of the kings of Ladakh, the Leh Palace is among the must-visit places in Leh Ladakh. Explore the palace turned museum that exhibits everything from traditional costumes and jewelry to weaponry and artwork. The palace also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Leh below. One of the most impressive things to see in Leh is the large Buddha statue that sits in the courtyard, which is said to have been brought to Leh from Tibet.

• Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
• How to Reach Leh Palace: Car from Leh Airport (4.5km)
• Opening Hours of Leh Palace: 8 am to 5 pm
• Stay Duration: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do in Leh Palace: Museum, Architecture, wood carvings, murals, and artifacts, Buddha Statue, Sightseeing, Photography

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3. Thiksey Monastery: Unveiling the Spiritual Wealth of the Mountains

Built-in the 15th century, the monastery features a massive statue of Maitreya Buddha that is 15 meters tall and is adorned with intricate murals and carvings. Visitors can also explore the various prayer halls, shrines, and stupas that are scattered throughout the monastery complex. The monastery is one of the best tourist places to see in Ladakh, and also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular spot for photography.

• Location: Thiksey, ‎Ladakh‎, ‎India‎
• How to Reach Khardung La Pass: The best way to reach the Palace is by car, which will take around 40 mins via Thakrey through Karu.
• Opening Hours of Khardung La Pass: 7 am to 7 pm
• Stay Duration: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do in Khardung La Pass: Prayer Halls, shrines, Stupas, Architecture, Buddha Statue, Sightseeing, Photography

4. Hemis National Park: Cherish the Wilderness of the Himalayas

Spread over an area of 4,400 square kilometers, the Hemis National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. This popular place to visit on Leh Ladakh trip is well known for the population of snow leopards, which are among the rarest and most elusive big cats in the world. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by jeep, and there are several camping sites and trekking routes that offer a chance to immerse oneself in the pristine natural surroundings.

• Location: Ladakh, India
• How to Reach Hemis National Park: via NH1 and Zanskar Valley Rd by rental car
• Opening Hours of Hemis National Park: 9 am to 5 pm
• Stay Duration: 2-3 hours
• Things to Do in Hemis National Park: Sightseeing, Photography, Wildlife, Jeep Safari

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5. Khardung La Pass: Ride to the Heights of Adventure

At an altitude of 5,602 meters, the Khardung La Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pass connects the town of Leh with the Nubra Valley and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The pass is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. It is a popular destination listed in the Ladakh packages for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of exploring remote and rugged landscapes. Visitors can drive or bike to the pass and experience the magic known as Ladakh road trip.

• Location: Ladakh, India
• How to Reach Khardung La Pass: By car, bus, or bike via Khardung La Rd
• Opening Hours of Khardung La Pass: 9 am to 5 pm
• Stay Duration: It is advised to stay up to 15-20 min on the top
• Things to Do in Khardung La Pass: Bike Riding, Sightseeing, Photography

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6. Nubra Valley: Experience the Mystical Beauty of Mountain Desert

Located on the northern side of the Khardung La Pass, the Nubra Valley is a remote and sparsely populated region that is home to a unique landscape of sand dunes, barren mountains, and lush green valleys. The best month for Leh Ladakh tour to explore Nubra Valley is between April to June and September to October. The valley is also known for its unique culture and traditions, with a mix of Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Central Asian influences that make it best one of the best places to go in India.

• Location: ‎Leh Ladakh, India
• How to Reach Nubra Valley: Two routes: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, Leh to Nubra via Wari La
• Opening Hours of Nubra Valley: 9 am to 5 pm
• Stay Duration: Up to 3 days
• Things to Do in Nubra Valley: Ride 2 humped camel, Bike Ride, Sightseeing, Photography

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7. Magnetic Hill: Experience the Thrill of Defying Gravity

One of the best places to travel in India in summer by bike or car, Magnetic Hill is a spellbinding location. It is a natural phenomenon where cars and other objects appear to roll uphill against gravity. The hill is believed to be a result of the magnetic properties of the surrounding rocks and has become a popular tourist attraction in Ladakh in recent years. Visitors can drive their cars to the bottom of the hill and put them in neutral, and the cars will appear to roll uphill on their own.

• Location: Leh, Ladakh, India
• How to Reach Magnetic Hill: Drive 30 km drive on Leh-Kargil Highway
• Opening Hours of Magnetic Hill: 9 am to 5 pm
• Stay Duration: N/A
• Things to Do in Magnetic Hill: Sightseeing, Photography, Bike Ride

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8. Lamayuru Monastery: Immerse Yourself in Ancient Spirituality and Inner Peace

Asking for the best places in Leh Ladakh, well the Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region to explore. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and is known for its stunning architecture, intricate murals, and collection of ancient manuscripts and artifacts. The best month to visit Ladakh is between May to June as in every fifth month of the Tibetan Moon Calendar, the monks inside the monastery put on a spectacular holy mask dance.

• Location: 7QMF+6J9, B.P.O Khaltse, Ladakh, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194106
• How to Reach Lamayuru Monastery: 114 km ride via NH14
• Opening Hours of Lamayuru Monastery: 24 hours
• Stay Duration: 2-3 hours
• Things to Do in Lamayuru Monastery: Prayer, Sightseeing, Photography, Enjoy Annual masked dance festival

9. Pangong Tso Lake: Get Mesmerized by the Pristine Water

Located on the border between India and Tibet, the Pangong Tso Lake is a high-altitude lake that stretches for over 130 kilometers and is known for its stunning blue-green waters and surrounding mountain scenery. This is the best thing to see in Ladakh as you must have watched the movie "3 Idiots", yes, this is the same lake where Kareena Kapoor rode the scooty in bride clothes. Being one of Leh Ladakh best places to visit, one may drive or bike to the lake, stay overnight, and explore the surrounding areas. The lake is also home to a variety of bird species.

• Location: ‎Southeast Leh, Ladakh, India
• How to Reach Pangong Tso Lake:
• Route 1- Leh – Shey – Karu -Sakti – Chang La -Durbuk – Tangste - Lukung – Spangmik – Pangong Tso
• Route 2- Diskit / Panamik - Khalsar - Agham - Tangyar - Wari La - Tathok - Sakti - Chang La - Durbuk - Tangste - Lukung - Spangmik
• Route 3- Diskit/Panamik - Khalsar - Agham - Shyok Village - Durbuk - Tangste - Lukung - Spangmik
• Opening Hours of Pangong Tso Lake: 24 hours
• Stay Duration: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do in Pangong Tso Lake: Sightseeing, Photography, Rare Marmots, Bird watching (black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese), Ice skating, Ice Hockey

10. Diskit Monastery: Indulge in Serenity and Solitude

There are several Ladakh monasteries to stay in, and the following is one of the Ladakh most beautiful places. Diskit, located in the magnificent Nubra Valley, is one of Ladakh's most beautiful and oldest Buddhist monasteries, founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tsera Zangpo. It is associated with the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism and has a number of Buddha statues, pictures of other guardian Gods, and a massive drum. This famous Ladakh monastery gives  tranquillity and spiritual peace due to its gorgeous surroundings.

• Location: GHR6+97P, Diskit, Jammu and Kashmir 194401
• How to Reach Diskit Monastery:  Drive 150km towards North via Khardung La road from Leh
• Opening Hours of Diskit Monastery: 7 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 7 pm
• Stay Duration: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do in Diskit Monastery: Prayer, Dosmoche Festival, Sightseeing, Photgraphy

Note:

• Special permit needed for Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, and Pangong lake
• Foreign nationals and NRIs must get a Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the travel agency
• An Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals from the DM office

Ladakh, a remote region in the northernmost part of India, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. From towering mountain peaks and pristine lakes to ancient monasteries and fortresses, you will get a huge list of tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh to explore. In this blog, we had taken a closer look at must-visit destinations in Ladakh including the Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Lamayuru Monastery, Pangong Tso Lake, etc. So, don't wait anymore and take advantage of the best India tour packages and hit every nook and corner of this majestic piece of earth.

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