Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh
Overview
Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Ladakh is an exotic destination of India. With alpine passes, lakes and towering mountains, this place is your true call. The place accommodates ancient monasteries, dedicated to the religion of Buddhism.
While visiting the lakes and passes give you a sense of adventure, these monasteries offer a cultural immersion. For a peaceful time in the “Land of High Passes”, opt for the wide-stretched valleys like Nubra Valley.
As a year-round destination, there are many places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Whether you are looking for a honeymoon getaway or border tourism, you’ll always have specific places to add to your itinerary.
With Leh Ladakh Tour Packages, plan a thrilling yet safe trip with Cliffhangers India, any time of the year. In this blog, we have summarised the top 15 places to visit in Ladakh along with essential information about their location, best time to visit, opening time and entry fees. Take a look!
1. Leh Palace
One of the exemplary historical monuments. Leh Palace is the first among the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh. It is located on the Fort Road in Leh city, Ladakh.
The attraction was built in the 17 century by Sengge Nemgyal. It is nine-storey, though it doesn’t exist in its original shape.
It was constructed in the perfect blend of Tibetan and Mughal style of Architecture. Popularly called as “Lachen Palace”, as you are on the top. It offers a panoramic view of the Leh city and surroundings.
The best time to plan a trip to Ladakh to visit the place is in summer from May to September. There is no entry fee for Leh Palace. You can visit here from 9AM to 5PM.
2. Shanti Stupa
The white marble dome located on the top of Chanspa hill in the Leh city, Ladakh, is a visual treat. Another attraction to promise a holistic view of the mountains and valleys, it comes under the top 10 places to visit in leh Ladakh.
The complex was recently built, not long ago in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist named Bhikshu. Since the colour of the entire Shanti Stupa is white and it is from the name itself we can predict that it aims for peace and prosperity in the world.
The total distance to be covered to reach here from Leh City is only 3-4 kilometres, taking 10 minutes via taxis and cabs.
April to September is the best time to explore the Stupa and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding it. There are no entry fees and the timing to visit here remains 5AM to 9PM.
3. Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is known for the older than time monasteries that you can visit here. Some of the popular monasteries to explore in the valley include Diskit, Hunder, Elsa and Samsteling Monastery.
Previously known as Ldumbna or Valley of Flowers, it is located in the Nubra Valley region, 105 kilometres from Leh city. To reach the valley, you have to pass Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
It is tucked by mountain ranges and is also known by the name of “Orchards of Ladakh.” Here, you can enjoy a number of adventures such as trekking, camel safari and river rafting. The best time to visit Nubra Valley is in spring and summer from April to September when the snow has melted off.
Although there is no entry fee for Nubra Valley, you do need an Inner Line Permit( ILP). The preferred time to come here is from 8AM to 6PM.
4. Turtuk Village
Turtuk is a beautiful village of Ladakh, popular as an offbeat attraction. Residing in the Karakoram Range of Ladakh, the place is the habitation of local Balti people.
The place holds great historical significance as it only came under the Indian Subcontinent after 1971. Before the Indo-Pak Wars, it was part of Pakistan. Located in the extreme end of Ladakh, it is one of the gateways to the famous Siachen Glacier.
Visiting Turtuk Village gives you a lifetime opportunity to explore the natural beauty that the paddy fields and waterfalls here showcase. The local people of the village are very warm and friendly and you can engage in light hearted conversations with them about life on the other side of the border.
It is 205 kilometres from Leh and there is no entry fee here. The best time to come here is from April to October with 6AM to 6PM on a particular day.
5. Pangong Lake
Undoubtedly, one of the most serene lakes to visit in India. Pangong Lake is a most beautiful place to visit in Leh Ladakh.
It is located in the Pangong Tso region, Leh, Ladakh. Due to a length of around 130 kilometres and 5 kilometres wide, it is recognized as the largest saltwater lake in Asia Continent. You can easily spot the lake in the famous Bollywood movie” 3 Idiots”, as the climax scene was shot in front of it.
Only 40 percent of the Lake resides in India and the rest of it is part of China. Summer, from June to September, is surely the best time to explore the lake as it has melted after being frozen for the entire winter.
Here, you can spend a night camping by the shores. You don’t need to pay any entry fee here and the timing remains 9 AM to 6 PM. Before visiting Pangong Lake, make sure you have obtained an Inner Line Permit( ILP). Only groups are allowed to come here with a certified guide.
6. Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri lies in the Changthang region, Leh, at a distance of 245 kilometres away from the main city of Leh. The lake is the only alpine lake, residing completely in the Indian Subcontinent and it is one of the best places to visit near Leh Ladakh.
The lake is about 29 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide. Visiting the salt water lake requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP). From November to March, the high-altitude lake freezes, turning into a hard rock of ice.
While some people do come here in winters for ice skiing, the convenient time to visit here is in summer from April to September as the weather is pleasant and roads are accessible.
Bird-watching is a popular activity here with migratory birds seen flying over the lake. Tso Moriri Lake doesn’t exempt any kind of entry fee and it opens to the public at 7AM in the morning till 5PM in the evening.
7. Tso Kar Lake
Another alpine lake of Ladakh and an ideal place to visit on your Ladakh tour. Since the lake is located in the Changthang Region, the contrast between the rugged plateau surrounding it and the crystal clear waters of the water body is astonishing.
The best time to visit Tso Kar Lake is from June to October. Like other high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, it also freezes in winter.
The place is a true testament of Ladakh’s natural beauty, providing a peaceful ambience for picnics and slow strolls. You can carry your camera here with other photography gears to click postcards for perfect pictures.
The lake’s visit doesn’t require any kind of entry fees and you can come here from 9AM to 6PM. Early mornings are very much preferred as the sun rises in the backdrop, creating a magical sight.
8. Padum Zanskar
Padum is a scenic village of Zanskar Valley. The local people of Padum are called Zanskaris and as you are there, you can learn about their unique culture and language.
It is also known by the recognition of being the administrative headquarter of Zanskar district, Kargil, Ladakh. In the village, there are many short yet fun trekking trails to undertake.
The main highlight of the Padum Zanskar is the Zanskar River flowing through it. The river is known to offer various kinds of activities such as water rafting, boating, fishing and angling.
Here, you can explore the Padum Monastery, built in the 11th century. The best time to come here is in summer from May to September. There’s no entry fees and the suitable timing is from 8AM to 6 PM.
9. Drass Valley
Drass Valley has gained global recognition as the second coldest inhibition in the world. It lies in the Dras region of Kargil District before Leh. As you are on your way to Leh city, it is one of the first enroute spots.
The valley offers a number of activities like trekking, camping, etc. Drass Valley is a strategically important part of India as it was one of the same places where the Kargil War was fought in 1999.
Here, you can visit the Drass War Memorial where names and history of martyrs are present. A quick exploration of the Drass Village, occupied by Brokpa Community is a must to do in Ladakh to know the rich culture and heritage of the place.
The best time to visit Drass valley is from June to October. No entry fee is here for the visit. The ideal time remains from 8AM to 6PM.
10. Shey Monastery
The Shey Monastery or Shey Palace found in the Shey Village at a distance of about 15 kilometres from Leh City. It was also the Summer capital of Ladakh at one time and later changed to Leh.
Built way back in the 17th century by King Deltan Nemgyal, the monastery is a popular attraction of the Union Territory and certainly one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. Here, you can see the largest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, about 39 feet tall.
You can easily explore the monastery in an hour or so including the wall paintings and library found here. Participate in the festivals celebrated year round with Shey Doo Lhoo Festival as the most popular one.
The best time to visit Shey Monastery is in summer from 8AM to 7 PM. The entry fee for Indians is 20 Rs and 50 Rs for foreigners.
11. Hanle
Hanle Village is another place to visit on your Ladakh tour this year. Located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, it is a scenic attraction, known for its natural beauty.
The village not only accommodates Hanle Monastery but also Indian Astronomical Observatory, given its high-altitude of about 4,200 m. A rather small population of only 1000 people live here, as the village is located in a remote region of Ladakh.
The best time to visit Hanle village is in Summer from May to October.
In Winters, heavy snowfall is received by the rural area, making the road a bit challenging to drive on. There’s no entry fees and the ideal time to come here on a particular day is 8AM to 6PM.
12. Suru Valley
Suru valley is one of the most-visited places in Leh Ladakh. Located at a distance of about 230 kilometres from the capital city of Leh, it is in the eastern part of Ladakh, accessible via Suru-Leh Highway (NH1).
Suru Valley features the majestic Suru River as it also gets its name from here only. Here, you can do different water based activities like river rafting, boating and camping.
The valley is known to accommodate many monasteries such as Wanla and Panzella Monastery. The famous Panzella-Suru Trek is one of the main highlights.
The timing of the valley is from 6AM to 6PM and there is no entry fee whatsoever. You should visit Suru Valley from May to October when temperature rises, offering a comfortable weather for sightseeing.
13. Aryan Valley
Aryan Valley is one of the most unique places you can visit in Ladakh. Inhabited by ‘Brokpa’ people who are considered to be last descendants of the Aryan tribe and part of the army of Alexander The Great.
The Valley is located in Kargil district, 160 kilometres far from Leh. It is said that women from different countries come here to get impregnated by the men of Aryan Valley to bear a strong and skilled progeny.
Aryan Men have strong stature and are highly intelligent. The remote valley is made of about 5-6 villages each of their unique culture and heritage. Due to less human intervention, the ancient traditions are still followed here.
You can come here in summer from May to September around 9AM to 7 PM on a particular day. There’s no entry fee to be paid here.
14. Siachen Border
Located at an height of about 20,000 feet, as the highest battlefield in the world, Siachen Border is a disputed region between India and Pakistan. Located in the Karakoram range of Ladakh, the place shares borders with countries like India, China and Pakistan, each asserting their authority.
Since the controversy, tourism is not allowed at Siachen Glacier, although from a safe distance, you can see it. The border is filled with army troops, keeping a steady eye on the invading forces.
Throughout the year, it is covered in snow and in winters, the temperature goes to around -30°C, making it one of the coldest places in India.
It is really difficult for the soldiers posted there to live under such extreme cold but they are on their duty, performing proudly.
15. Puga Valley
Puga Valley is part of the Changthang region of Ladakh. It is sprawled in an area of about 30 kilometres. The valley is a popular attraction, known for its hot springs. It is one of the wonders that has a real capacity of geothermal energy in India.
Other than this, these springs are believed to have medicinal properties curing many diseases.
From these springs, you get a panoramic view of mountains standing tall. The total distance between Leh and Puga Valley is about 176 kilometres, taking 6-7 hours to cover it.
The best time to visit Puga Valley is in summer from April to September as the valley offers crystal clear views of hot springs and mud pools.
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FAQ's
Which is the most visited place in Leh Ladakh?
Some of the most visited places in Leh Ladakh are monasteries like Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Phugtal Monastery and lakes like Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar Lake including other attractions such as Leh Palace, Nubra Valley and Shanti Stupa.
Are 4 days enough for Ladakh trip?
4 Days are surely enough for a Ladakh trip with a well-planned itinerary. Researching prior about the attractions, distance and travelling time makes it easier to cover major sightseeing spots in Ladakh in under 4 days.
Which things is famous in Leh Ladakh?
Ladakh Is famous for the alpine lakes, passes and valleys. Other than this, the Ladakhi cuisine is popular for the range of dishes available such as Momo, Thukpa, Paba, Baley, Laping, and Butter Tea or Gur Gur Cha.
Which month is best for visiting leh ladakh?
While the best month is based on your preference, the preferred season to visit Leh Ladakh is Summer lasting from May to September. The weather is moderate with mild temperatures. Different local attractions are accessible via cabs and taxis. For winter treks and activities, plan the Leh Ladakh trip from December to March.
Is ladakh cheap to visit?
You can plan a pocket-friendly trip to Ladakh. Different local tour agencies do offer affordable packages where the focus is more on the experience rather than luxury. Staying in under budget guesthouses and dining at eateries are some ways for a sustainable trip to Ladakh.
What are the off-beat places to visit in leh ladakh?
Some of the remotely located offbeat places to visit in Leh Ladakh included Turtuk Village, Suru Valley, Tso Kar Lake, Zanskar Valley, etc. They are known to offer a peaceful time in the company of nature with minimum human contact.
Is permit required to visit ladakh?
Generally, you don’t need any kind of permit to visit Ladakh. However, some specific places in Ladakh that share borders with neighbouring countries do require Inner Line Permit( ILP). Such places include Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Nubra Valley, etc.
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