Delighted Journey – The topography of Ladakh borders on the surreal, but the emotions it evokes in the minds of the beholder are very real. Craggy mountains overlook the cerulean waters of lakes whose origins are mysterious. Hymns emanating from monasteries, perched precariously on mountain cliffs, permeate the air with a sense of spirituality.
At an altitude of almost 3,500 meters, this “land of high passes” constantly surprises you. You don’t seek adventure in places like these, it comes at you. Deserts rest lifelessly against snow-capped mountains, occasionally green patches are overlooked by huge brown mountains, which often appear sagacious. This is the place for visitors who want to see the pure and rugged face of nature. In this blog, we tell you some of the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh, the memories of which remain etched in your mind for a long time write to us to organize your trip to India.
Ladakh Holidays – Leh Palace
Leh Palace, also known as “Lhachen Palkhar”, catches your attention from afar with its grey color, contrasting with the blue sky. Built by Buddhist kings in 1553, it once held the distinction of being the tallest building in the world. It shares a striking resemblance to the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
While the exteriors of Leh Palace offer magnificent views of the Stok Kangri and Ladakh mountain ranges, the interiors of Leh Palace are beautifully decorated with old paintings and pictures that include Tibetan thangka or sooth paintings. The interior of Leh Palace, however, contains an exquisite collection of jewelry, crowns, and ceremonial robes.
Ladakh Holidays – Shanti Stupa in Leh
Shanti Stupa in Leh stands as a commemoration of 2,500 years of Buddhism and seeks to promote peace and prosperity in the world. One has to drive about 5 km from Leh airport to reach this monument, followed by a climb involving 500 steps. It is a two-tiered structure, with the first tier containing a Dharmchakra and a central image of Lord Buddha, and the second tier depicting the various forms of Lord Buddha.
This white-domed stupa, also known as a Chorten, rests on a hill and is one of the famous tourist attractions of Leh city. Its beauty is enhanced during the night. This structure was built by Buddhists from Ladakh and Japan, while the Ladakhis offered voluntary labor.
Ladakh Holidays – Leh Market
People who have visited Leh often talk about how wonderful its market is, and on a first visit to the market, one would think that the entire population of the region has gathered there. The narrow streets of the market are lined with stalls selling everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to Pashmina shawls and woolen clothes.
A special attraction is the Tibetan Refugee Market where you will find all kinds of locks with unique carvings and artifacts. Elderly women displaying various handicrafts and jewelry are a common sight. However, whether you make a purchase or not, a visit to the main market in Leh is desirable in itself as it offers a unique glimpse of the local people and their way of life.
Ladakh Holidays – Hall of Fame
One of the many attractions in Leh is the Hall of Fame. The layout of the museum is a sight to behold, while inside, the two large halls showcase various aspects of Ladakhi history and culture. However, the museum mainly commemorates the role of the Indian Army in Ladakh and its various contributions to the entire region. Two examples are its huge contribution during the cloud relief in 2010 and the battles fought with Pakistan.
The museum is attached to an adventure park that consists of an assault course for children. However, if a coffee or lime drink is your thing, the museum is attacked with an elegant Aroma Café.
Ladakh Holidays – Chang La Pass
Hold onto your seats as your car takes on dangerous twists and turns on one of the highest mountain roads in the world, Chang La Pass. At an altitude of around 17, 590 feet, this pass is mostly covered in snow. This pass is on the way to Leh from Pangong Lake.
Due to its proximity to the Chinese border, this pass is protected and maintained by the Indian Army. However, frequent snowfall often creates little trouble. Passes like these test your driving skills and tell you about the real thrill.
Ladakh Holidays – Pangong Tso Lake
Ladakh TravelPangong Tso Lake was made famous in the movie “3 Idiots”, where certain footage was shot. Situated at a height of almost 14,270 feet and 5 km wide at its widest point, this lake is the most famous lake among the other lakes in Leh Ladakh, it is a sight to behold. However, it is worth knowing that despite containing salt water, it remains frozen during the winter.
This is the kind of place whose beauty can be absorbed gradually, in stages. Spend an entire day here and you will see the waters reflecting the particular time of the day. The migratory birds gliding on its waters are a mesmerizing sight. During sunrise and sunset, the lake looks like a perfectly painted portrait.
Ladakh Holidays – Tso Moriri Lake
The waters of Tso Moriri Lake sparkle in the sunlight and form strange shapes in the clouds above. Located at an impressive latitude of about 13,123 feet, the lakes impress visitors with both its size and its ethereal beauty. The entire landscape here is mesmerizing and gives a romantic feel.
Tso Moriri Lake is also a part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and has the distinction of being the highest Ramsar site in the world. The lake remains frozen from January to March. Although the lake is located at a distance of about 250 km from Leh, the spectacular views here are worth visiting.
Ladakh Holidays – Tso Kar Lake
Tso Kar Lake is one of the many tourist attractions in Ladakh. It is also called the “White Lake” as its shores are covered with salt deposits derived from its waters. Located at an altitude of 15,280 feet, it is the smallest lake found in the region.
The place is a paradise for bird watchers, while the surrounding areas are home to abundant wildlife. The various birds that frequent this lake range from Brahminy ducks to bar-headed geese, with the highlight being the black-necked storks. One of the mammals frequently spotted here is the Kiang, the largest of the wild donkeys. The area around this lake is inhabited by the Khampas, a nomadic tribe that lives in large tents during summers and in solid stone huts during winters.
Ladakh Holidays – Khardung La Pass
Crossing the Khardung La pass is thrilling in Ladakh. Located at an altitude of around 18,379 feet, this pass offers you some of the most incredible views you will come across during your journey. It is the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok valleys. Reaching the pass is as dramatic as getting there. A narrow road, dotted with sharp turns, has steep snow-clad cliffs on either side with boulders leaning carelessly on it.
Ladakh Holidays – Water of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers
The two great rivers of Ladakh, the Indus and Zanskar rivers, meet at a place called Nimmu Valley. The emerald waters of the Indus River merge with the blue waters of the Zanskar River, creating an incredible sight. You can’t resist witnessing this incredible sight with your own eyes and it takes time to feel its true beauty. Of course, it is the ultimate experience for a photographer and gives you a chance to capture some lovely memories.
Ladakh Holidays – Holidays in Ladakh – Monasteries
One of the places that will grab your attention in Ladakh is the monasteries, with many of them scattered across the landscape. This is quite natural, as most of the people here are Buddhists. It is also a legacy of the many kings and dynasties that have ruled the region over the years. Some of the famous monasteries in Ladakh include Hemis Monastery, Matho Monastery, and Diskit Monastery. These gompas are a storehouse of culture, heritage, and tradition. They also host various festivals throughout the year, which is also the time when they attract a large number of tourists.
Ladakh Holidays – Nubra Valley
Located 150 km north of Leh, this is one of the most interesting places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Spread over 150 km north of Leh, its landscape is both breathtaking and surreal. The place is home to famous monasteries like Diskit and Samstanling and also offers unique experiences like camel safaris in the Hundar Sand Dunes on two-humped camels.
The villages of Dah and Hanu are located at the meeting point of the Indus and Shyok rivers and are inhabited by people of the Drokpa community. Their physical features set them apart from the rest of the Ladakhi people, as they have an Indo-Aryan look. Visiting their villages and understanding their way of life is an exciting and educative experience. The people here practice gardening and grow apples and apricots that taste like nothing else anywhere else.
The beauty of Panamik village is a must-see. The village is famous for its hot springs, snow-capped peaks, and rugged landscapes. However, once you are here you must take a dip in the hot springs, as the water is believed to have healing properties.
Ladakh Holidays – Lamayuru Monastery
It is a lunar land and the term is no exaggeration. A small village in Ladakh located between Kargil and Leh, the landscape of Lamayuru will make you feel like you have landed on the moon. Many houses are built precariously on the rugged land and look very beautiful when viewed from the top. The best way to get an amazing view of the village here is to climb the famous Dhyan Hill.
The Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the region and attracts tourists with its frescoes, mani stones, and prayer wheels, which have existed for a long time. It is the prayer hall of the monastery, which is generally accessible to travelers. The monastery can be visited in both summer and winter seasons. However, visiting here during winter is a special pleasure in itself.
Ladakh Holidays – Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, also known as Hemis High Altitude National Park, holds the distinction of being the only national park in India north of the Himalayas. It is famous for being home to the highest density of snow leopards in the world. It is also the highest national park in India.
Apart from the snow leopard, other animals found here include the Eurasian brown bear, Tibetan wolf, and red fox. The bird population here includes many Himalayan and trans-Himalayan raptors including the golden eagle, lammergeyer vulture, and Himalayan vulture.
