Imagine finding yourself in a place surrounded by snow clad mountains, barren yet scenic landscapes, spectacular glaciers and desert hills overlooking deep blue waters! Breathtaking, isn’t it? That’s Ladakh for you. Known for its beautiful and serene landscape, Ladakh lies in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India.

You will never be short of places to explore, for, Ladakh boasts of breathtaking valleys, spectacular passes, adventurous treks, mesmerising lakes waters of lakes and rivers, beautiful monasteries and so much more. If you are planning a trip and are yet to decide on the destination, we bring you reasons to include Leh and Ladakh into your options as well.

Let us take a look at the various tourist spots and places of interest in Leh Ladakh that can go a long way to help you decide.

1. Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso, which is Tibetan for ‘high grassland lake’ is one of the most popular tourist spot in Ladakh. Located at a height of 4,350 m, it extends over India and China. The site depicts the beauty of nature in its truest and unfiltered form, comprising of the lake being surrounded by the mighty Himalayas.

The deep blue color of the water against the mountainous backdrop is simply breathtaking. The lake, despite containing saline water, freezes completely during winters.

2. Royal Leh Palace

For the uninitiated, Leh is the largest district in Ladakh and the second largest district in India. The Royal Leh Palace is a former royal palace that was built in the 16th century. In this nine-storied palace, the upper floor were occupied by the royal family and while the lower floors were used as stables and store rooms.

The palace, now turned into a museum, holds a rich collection of jewellery, ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns and Chinese thangka (paintings) which are more than 450 years old. A visit to this palace leaves you refreshed with breathtaking panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas along with the mountain of Stok Kangri in the Zanskar mountain range.

3. Khardung La Pass

Located around 39kms by road from Leh, this mountain pass is a gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and is located at a height of 5,359 metres. The pass offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas and its valleys.

4. Sangam Point

This is one of those places where you feel grateful and are filled with gratitude for nature and all that it has to offer! Sangam Point is the point where river Indus meets the more abounding – river Zanskar.

The confluence of the rivers brings about one of the most unforgettable sights in the world, the colors of two rivers merging into one. They merge around 30 km west of Leh and then flow into Pakistan.

5. Nubra Valley

This valley separates Ladakh from the Karakoram Ranges and is formed where the river Shyok meets river Siachan river. Nubra valley is located at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level and you can reach the valley from Leh by going through Khardung La.

6. Zanskar Valley

This valley has parts which are considered some of the coldest continually inhabited places in the world. Located around 105kms from Leh and at an elevation of 12,000 feet, Zanskar valley is home to many adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding and rafting. Along with breathtaking sights of mountains and pristine blue waters and many monasteries.

7. Tso Moriri

Another beautiful water body in this area is Tso Moriri also known as Mountain Lake/ Lake Moriri. Situated at a height of 14,836 feet, this lake is the largest of the high altitude lakes within Ladakh and entirely within India.

The lake is fed by springs and snow-melt from the adjacent mountains and contains saline water. The deep blue water of the lake against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas is a treat for the eyes! The area around the lake is rich in wildlife such as the wild ass, black-necked cranes, geese flock and many migratory birds.

8. Magnetic Hill

A marvel in itself, this hill is called the ‘Magnetic Hill’ due to the optical illusion that it creates. Located around 30 kms from Leh at a height of 14,000 feet, the hill road is actually a downhill road. However, due to the layout of the area and surrounding slopes, the road appears to be a hill road going upwards.

Any vehicle left unattended starts moving downwards, but it gives appears an illusion of the vehicle going upwards.

9. Shanti Stupa

This Buddhist white-domed stupa was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist and holds the relics of the Buddha at its base which were enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. Shanti Stupa is a popular tourist attraction in Chanspa, Leh District of Ladakh. The place is famous for it’s religious significance and its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

10. Kargil

Second largest town in Ladakh after Leh, it owes its popularity not only to scenic beauty but to Bollywood and inter-national-level politics as well. In the earlier times, Kargil fell on the Silk Route which was used by traders from China, Afghanistan, India and Turkey.

11. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Despite the population of Ladakh being primarily Buddhist, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is honoured and worshipped by all the people here, alike. The Gurudwara is located around 25 kms from Leh and believed to be one of the major attractions in Ladakh.

12. Hemis National Park

The only national park in India that lies in the north of the Himlayas and the largest notified protected area in India. Hemis National Park is globally known for being home to the highest density of snow leopards in any protected area in the world. It is also home to various other endangered mammals. It is located at an elevation of 17,000 feet.

13. Tso Kar Lake

Located around 160 kms from Leh, Tso Kar Lake is known for its size and depth. It has a fluctuating salt content, which flows towards the shore and forms a white layer around the lake. For this reason, the lake is also called the ‘White Lake’.

The area around the lake is ideal for bird watching and is home to grebes, brown-headed gulls, strip geese, terns, Tibetan grouse and black-necked cranes.

14. Dras Valley

Dras is the coldest place in India and the temperature goes down to -23 C in winters. This town, situated in the Kargil District of Ladakh is also called ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’ and gained popularity after the 1999 Kargil War. While here, you can explore various places like Manman Top, Gomchan Valley, Dongchik, Dras War Memorial, Laser La, Bhimbet Stone and Chorkiat Forest.

15. Donkey Sanctuary

This sanctuary was a brainchild of a good samaritan who thought of taking care of those donkeys who had either lost their way or were hurt or rendered useless after serving their masters for a long time. While the drive that leads to this place is simply amazing, being here also gives you a different perception of life and animals.

16. Leh Post Office

Looking for postcards? Stop by at one of the highest post offices in the world which also holds an annual exhibition during the Ladakh Festival.

17. The Hall of Fame

This is museum dedicated to the Indian Army and their heroic efforts in various war in the Kargil and Siachen sectors. From their outfits and belongings, to the various weapons that were used, all are displayed at the museum. Also, in the coming times a Nature Interpretation Centre would be set up and supported by the Indian Army at the Hall of Fame.

18. Leh Market

For all your shopping requirements for souvenirs, a trip to the market is a must. Indulge in products depicting their unique culture and take back something reminiscing forever!

Monasteries in Leh Ladakh

How can we forget one of the most popular tourist attractions of this region – Monastery. Leh Ladakh boasts of various monasteries which are places of residence and worship for Buddhist Monks.

Here are some of the monasteries that you can visit:

19. Lamayuru Monastery

This Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Lamayuru, Leh is situated at a height of 3,510 metres. This monastery is one of the largest and oldest gompas in Ladakh, with a population of around 150 monk residents.

It plays host to two annual masked dance festivals, when all the monks of the surrounding areas gather to pray together. The monastery is home to many beautiful wall paintings, murals, thangkas and scriptures.

20. Alchi Monastery

Alchi monastery is primarily a monastic complex comprising of four separate settlements in the Alchi village, dated to different periods believed to be between 958 and 1055. The unique style and workmanship of the Alchi monastic complex is the best known in this region. It carries the artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and Hindu kings of that era in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

This complex is home to some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh, huge statues of Buddha, elaborate wood carvings and art work comparable to the Baroque style.

21. Shey Monastery

Situated around 15 kms from Leh, this monastery was built in 1655 by the king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal to be used as summer retreat by the kings of Ladakh. The Shey Monastery is known for its giant copper with guilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha and is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh.

22. Diskit Monastery

This monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh and belongs to the Gelupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Diskit Monastery is situated on a hill, just above the flood plains of the Shyok river and makes for a beautiful sight.

The monastery houses a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha) in the prayer hall, a huge drum and several images of fierce guardian deities.

23. Spituk Gompa

Situated at a height of 3,307 metres, this monastery lies around 8kms from Leh. The site of this monastery was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung and dates back to the 11th century. The monastery houses about 100 monks and contains a giant statue of Kali. This monastery is home to the Gustor Festival which is held from the 27th – 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.

24. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

This is another Buddhist monastery in the Leh district of Ladakh and worth paying a visit to. This monastery comprises of a three-storey high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha along with many ancient manuscripts and frescoes. It was founded by King Tashi Namgyal of Ladakh in 1430.

25. Hemis Monastery

This monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage in Hemis, Ladakh. The monastery is located around 45 kms from Leh and hosts the Annual Hemis Festival in early June. The monastery is believed to have existed before the 11th century, however it was re-established/completed in 1672.

26. Thiksey Monastery

This monastery is a gompa affiliated with the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is located atop a hill at a height of 3,600 m, around 19 kms from Leh. It is the largest gompa in central Ladakh and is known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

This twelve story complex contains a separate set of buildings for female renunciates and houses many items of the Buddhist art such as stupas, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. Not to be missed is the 49 feet high statue of Maitreya, which was installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama. It is the largest such statue in Ladakh.

With so many places to explore, Leh Ladakh is that ‘one place’ where you have always wanted to go. It is mine for sure! And those who have been to Leh Ladakh, know why this trip has to be taken at least once in a lifetime.

It is a land of snow-clad-white and brown-barren mountains, playing perfect scenery partners with the contrasting waters of the deep blue lakes! It talks about the rich Buddhist heritage that most of us do not know much about. This vacation, let us drop the regular ‘hill-stations’ and head for this unique and unexplored land of the Himalayas!