Things To Do In Leh Ladakh
Best Things to do in Leh Ladakh
Nothing is better than going adventurous in the high altitudes. Ladakh offers a wide range of adventures. With older than time monasteries, gushing rivers and streams and ever-charming peaks in the backdrop, you will be transferred to a different world.
The waterfalls, the lush greenery all around are just ethereal. Starting with river rafting in high flowing waters with snowy mountains in the backdrop are the perfect choice. Arguably the best winter trek of India, chadar trek in Leh-ladakh is something you should definitely plan once as it gives the best trekking experience possible.
It is as adventurous as it can get. Among the various adventure activities that ladakh offers, motor biking is chosen a lot by adrenaline junkies. Paragliding, camel safari, and trekking are some of the adventures for people who are just in search of a thrill-seeking activity.
The best time to plan your trip to Ladakh is in the summer season(April to July) as temperature is moderate. However, various activities like Chadar trek and Snow Leopard trek are best done in winter. Plan the timing of your trip based on your preferred activity. Here are some things to do in Leh Ladakh. A detailed account of their location, best time to do, timing and average cost is given below. Take a look!
01. Camel Safari in Hunder
Very well adapted to the mostly cold season of Ladakh, Bactrian camels are the largest animal mostly found in the Hunder dunes. They are double humped unlike the normal camels. It is the same reason that 2 to 3 people can ride at once. Camel Safari is quite a safe and Ladakh-specific experience.
People often get worried about its safety, seeing the big physique of the animal but there is nothing to worry about. They are very friendly. The complete experience is done in two-three hours.
It will cost you around INR 150-500, depending on the booking mode, distance covered and difficulty level involved. However, tourists can also book it for days to explore the Nubra Valley.
- Location: Hunder, Nubra Valley, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: 500-5000 INR ( depends on duration).
- Timings: Anytime of the day.
- Best Time To Do: Summer( June to September).
02. River Rafting in Zanskar River
White water rafting in the Zanskar River has attracted many tourists recently. It is a popular adventurous activity to do in Leh Ladakh. A range of different rafting levels are found at the river. Both beginners and advanced rafters are welcomed here. Summer is an optimal time for river rafting.
The gorgeous views of Ladakh and the Zanskar Ranges make the experience even more memorable. The spectacular scenery makes river rafting a truly adventurous experience. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and safety jackets before stepping on the rafting boat.
- Location: Zanskar River, Zanskar Valley, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: INR 1500-1800
- Timings: Throughout the year.
- Best Time To Do: Summer (June to September)
03. Motor-biking on Khardung La
Motor biking or bike riding on one of the highest motorable passes of the world is a must to do experience in Ladakh. Khardung La Pass sits on an elevation of 5359 metres above sea level.
The pass is every biker’s dream route. Where there’s minimal human interaction, it seems like an endless road. The pass is closed for almost 8 months.
It opens in Late May and remains so until September. Make sure to check road conditions and any update before visiting the pass. You can easily book a bike in advance. Even in summer, it feels cold at the pass. Make sure to wear proper clothes.
- Location: North of Leh, Ladakh
- Average Cost: INR 1500-2500
- Timings: Anytime of the day. Takes three hours from Leh to Khardung La.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( July to September).
04. Camping at Pangong Lake
When you reach Pangong Lake, the highest saltwater lake of the world, situated at an altitude of 4.350 ft. you will feel immense tranquillity. All the driving, every effort, will be worth it on arriving at the lake.
To spend the night , camp near the lake. You will wake up to a lovely sight of Pangong Lake. You can stargaze, lying under the starry sky.
There are some shops nearby to get refreshments and snacks. Its beauty has been featured in many bollywood movies like the super-hit “3-idiots”, “Jab tak hai Jaan” and others. On reaching there, you can take slow walks along the shore, clicking pictures.
- Location: Pangong Lake, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: No entry fee.
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( June to September).
05. Paragliding at Leh
A recently introduced activity in Leh is Paragliding. The view of the local attractions and mountains from the above is exciting. You go as high as about 14000 feet. There are enough flying sites in Ladakh.
You can surely come here for the activity with your friends and family. You will be accompanied by a guide throughout the flight. Acclimatize well before the flight. Wear comfortable clothes according to the weather.
- Location: Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: INR 2000-4000 INR per head.
- Timings: Anytime of the year.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( June to September)
06. Attend Hemis Festival
Hemis Monastery holds great significance in Buddhism and as a tourist attraction. So many devotees and travellers visit Hemis Monastery when they are in Ladakh.
In May or June, the Hemis Festival is celebrated at the monastery. It is one of the biggest celebrations of Ladakh. Cham Dance is performed by the Lamas of the monastery.
It is a prime example of the rich heritage of Ladakh. Attending the Hemis Festival gives you an opportunity to get to know about it. The monastery is found on the banks of the river and the sight is just surreal. Locals from nearby villages attend the festival in huge numbers. Location: Hemis Monastery, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: No entry fee.
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM ( entire week including Sundays and national holidays).
- Best Time To Do: May-June
07. Alchi Monastery Tour
The Alchi monastery is the oldest one in Ladakh. Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century built the gompa. The paintings at the momastery here have survived the longest.
It consists of 3 complex. The assembly hall is called The Dukhang, and other two are Sumstek and Temple of Manjushri. In the main hall, you can witness the monks performing ceremonies and worships.
The sumstek is the most beautiful part of the monastery, that was constructed in the 13th century with natural stone. On the walls, you can see depiction of the life of Lord Buddha. Lastly, the temple here have paintings dating back to around 1225 AD.
- Location: Alchi Village, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: No entry fee.
- Timings: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
- Best Time To Do: Throughout the year.
08. Explore Zanskar Valley
The valley is among the popular tourist spots in Ladakh and is situated at an altitude of 12154 ft. Zanskar valley is the base camp for numerous treks like Chadar trek which can be done in October.
It is also famous for offering numerous adventurous activities like hiking, paragliding, motorbiking etc. It is at a distance of 105 kilometres from Leh city.
The Zanskari people here have a very unique culture. You can have a peek when you visit this stunning valley. It also contains some ancient monasteries like Sani Monastery, Phuktal Monastery, and Stongdey Monastery etc. Explore the valley through these monasteries.
- Location: Zanskar Valley, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: No entry fee.
- Timings: Anytime of the year.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( June to September).
09. Stargazing at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Star gazing at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh. It has the second highest optical telescope in the world.
The area is about 22 kilometres and is protected by the government. It is to protect it from pollution and keep the natural darkness of the sky.
Stargazing at the reserve is pristine and peaceful. It is inside the Changthang Wildlife Reserve. Around the reserve, there are many lakes, rivers and vistas in the surrounding area. Even villages here are well equipped to guide tourists through the night sky.
- Location: Changthang Wildlife Reserve, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: no entry fee.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( June to September).
10. Bird-watching at Tso-Moriri Lake
The ever-calming lake is situated in the Rupshu Valley and the distance between the lake and Leh is about 245 kilometres. The lake is visited by local as well as mandatory birds. Tourists often come to Tso Moriri Lake for bird watching. You can set up an outdoor picnic near the lake and enjoy the sights of flying birds in huge numbers.
You visit here via Changthang which is a risky yet adventurous pass of Ladakh. Inner Line Permit is mandatory to enter the valley and visit the lake. It is the only high-altitude lake that lies entirely in the Indian Borders.
- Location: Changthang plateau, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: No entry fee.
- Timings: Anytime of the day.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( June to September).
11. Snow-leopard Trek
Snow leopard is one of those rare treks that can be done in winters. Hemis National Park is a favourite abode of snow leopards. The Rumbak Valley is found inside this park and is the main destination of this trek.
In winters, Snow leopards descend in winter in the valley in search of food. It is easier to spot them during cold months. The trek generally takes 3-4 days starting from Spituk Monastery.
From the monastery, we follow the Indus river by its south bank and do so till Zingchen gorge. It is a 15 km trek on the first day that takes 5-6 hours. From Zingchen, trek for 6 kilometres in the Hemis National Park till Rumbak Village on the 2nd day of the adventure. Homestay in the village takes place. Third day marks your search for a snow leopard in the Rumbak Valley.
- Location: Hemis National Park, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: INR 40000 approximately.
- Timings: 3-4 days
- Best Time To Do: January to March.
12. Chadar Trek
The most popular winter trek of India is Chadar trek also known as frozen river trek. The gradient of this trek is considered moderate to difficult as you have to trek as high as 11,123 ft.
It is a long trek as well, in which you have to cover a distance of about 105 kilometres, single way. The duration to complete this trek is about 6-8 days where you walk about 16 kilometres each day.
The highlight of Chadar trek is the memorable walk on the frozen Zanskar River. It is a surreal experience. Since it is a tough trek, be prepared mentally and physically. Wear heavy layers of woollen clothes to remain fit and carry all the trekking gears like first-aid kits, tents, trek pants, thermals etc.
- Location: Zanskar Valley, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: Around 26000 INR.
- Timings: 8 Days.
- Best Time To Do: January and February
13. Savour Ladakhi Cuisine
If you have visited Ladakh, then your experience would be incomplete without trying the mouth-watering delicacies of Ladakhi cuisine. A number of restaurants and eateries for family dinners. From fancy ones to under budget, there are a range of choices for dining in Ladakh.
The local dishes there are prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try would be Momos, Thukpa, Skyu, Chhurpe, Tingmo etc. you can drink refreshing beverages like Cholak, Tngdur, and butter tea.
The main ingredient used to flavour dishes here is wild garlic. One other Ladakh-specific dish is the soup made from stinging nettle. The Apricot jam is the highlight here used as spread on breads and with desserts too. You can buy it from local Ladakhi markets.
- Location: Sky wok restaurant, Norlakh Restaurant, Namza Dining, Leh, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: INR 1500-2000.
- Timings: Anytime of the day.
- Best Time To Do: Throughout the year.
14. Shopping at Leh Market
Carry some memories in the form of souvenirs back to your home to cherish the good days spent in ladakh. You can shop in Moti Market, one of the oldest markets of leh.
Hand-woven warm clothes, jewelleries, handicrafts are some of the things that you found here. A shopping place called, Women’s Alliance of Ladakh Shopping Hub is fully run by women only.
Pashmina shawls are a speciality here along with caps, sweaters, mittens etc. Buy apricot jams from these markets. Though the articles here are available at a reasonable price, you must bargain to avoid overpayment.
- Location: Leh market, Ladakh.
- Average Cost: INR 2000-4000 ( Comes under miscellaneous cost i.e., depends on the buyer.)
- Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM.
- Best Time To Do: Throughout the year.
15. Manali-Leh Bike Tour
A bike trip from Manali to Leh city is one of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh. Every biker dreams of going on a Leh Ladakh bike trip at least once in their life.
Well, if you do it once, you will definitely plan it again. It is that adventurous. Throughout the summer, the roads are in the best conditions for a bike trip.
The bike trip usually starts from Delhi and continues from Manali to Ladakh. Generally, it takes at least 15 days to do this venturous trip but it also depends on your biking skills and other factors like the path taken.
If you are someone who is fully equipped to ride in mountainous regions, only then is it advisable. The routes are rugged and challenging. Wear proper clothes and safety gear like helmet, gloves, and biking jacket.
- Location: Manali-Leh Highway (NH1).
- Average Cost: 25000-40000 INR.
- Timings: Start early in the morning.
- Best Time To Do: Summer ( June to September).
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