Things To Do In Leh

Things to do in Leh

The capital city of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Leh, is a popular tourist destination of India. The developed city is home to various sightseeing spots and offers an endless number of activities to visitors.

Housing some of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh like Hemis Monastery, Diskit and Thiksey Gompa, visitors often get to attend different festivals and events held there. 

Sightseeing tours to places like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and Leh Market are often executed via cycling by adventure buffs. One of the most popular things to do in Leh is Biking. The city offers some of the most adventurous biking routes to places like Khardung La, Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley.

For a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience, tourists often indulge in photography, camel safari  and stargazing at places like Hanle, Hunder sand dunes, etc. 

Lastly, you can summarise a beautiful tour to Leh by a shopping spree. Buy some gorgeous souvenirs and gifts to take back home as a lifelong memory. 

Here’s a guide to various activities to do in Leh. Take a glance!

01. Leh Heritage Walk

Leh Heritage Walk

With Leh heritage walk, you take a tour of the entire town and explore various culturally significant monuments. A guide accompanies you, taking you to the narrow lanes of the city, monasteries and various other local attractions. 

In this walk, tourists start with the Leh Palace, a 17th century Mahal, overlooking the entire town of Leh. In this guided tour, various Buddhist Monasteries of the city such as Hemis, Thiksey Gompas are covered too. You take the soulful walk in the Old Leh Town where the mud brick houses are still present. 

You are introduced to various local artisans who have mastered the art of Ladakhi architecture. 

02. Cycling Around Leh Town

cycling around leh town

While tourists generally prefer cabs or taxis to visit different places in Leh, a much more exciting way is via cycling. If you enjoy a leisurely ride, start from the Leh market and the Old town.

Since the routes are quite easy on the paddles, you’ll actually enjoy the activity. Another thrilling route is to the Leh Palace where you need to ride uphill for a short distance. 

Through cycling, take a cultural tour to the different local villages of Leh city such as Stok, Choglamsar, and Saboo. For a more challenging route, choose a ride on the Khardung La Pass which offers rugged and binding roads. However, you do need to be highly experienced in alpine cycling to tackle it. 

03. Motor Biking

motor biking on kardung la

Motor biking is one of the most adventurous things to do in Leh. Not only does it offer an exciting experience, you get to witness unparalleled scenery unfolding around. 

Motor biking in Ladakh is in every adventure buffs’ bucket list since the city has various routes leading to beautiful destinations. You get a lifetime opportunity to bike on one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Khardung La Pass. More options include Leh to Pangong Lake, Leh to Nubra Valley, Leh to Tso Moriri, etc. 

Before visiting these places via bike ride, acclimatise properly in the Leh town and wear protective gear like helmet, gloves, and suitable clothes.

04. Attend Festivals of Leh

Attend monastery festivals

Throughout the year, various festivals are celebrated in Leh city. It is a whole another experience to be part of any of them. 

Starting the year, Losar (Ladakhi New Year) festival is celebrated in December/January, featuring grand feats, cultural events and much more.

In February/March, the Dosmoche is held in Leh city in which the mask dance to sacred off evil remains the prime attraction. If you are visiting Leh in June/July, do attend the Hemis Festival, the biggest event of Ladakh. It is hosted at the Hemis Monastery. 

The event includes Cham dance by Lamas, showcase of traditional rituals, etc. As you attend these festivals, you get a deep insight in the culture and traditions of Leh Ladakh. 

05. Shopping

Shopping in Leh

As one of the popular things to do in Leh town, shopping is a relaxing experience. At the local markets, scattered in the city, different types of shops and stalls are present, selling various kinds of things. 

Those include Ladakhi architectures like Pashmina Shawls, carpets, Tibetan souvenirs like Buddhist idols, flags, murals, paintings, etc.

These items are generally crafted and curated by local artists. Popular markets of the Leh city are Leh Main Bazaar, Moti Market, Tibetan Refugee Market and Women’s Alliance of Ladakh. 

06. Camel Safari

camel safari

While Camel Safari isn’t accessible in the main city of Leh, it can surely be enjoyed in Nubra Valley. The valley is about 150 kilometers away from the town and takes 4-5 hours to reach. 

Camel safari in the cold desert of Hunder Sand Dunes of Nubra Valley is one of the most exciting things to do in Leh. The ride also includes exploration of the area around the Silk Route.

The Bactrian double humped camel found here offers a relaxing ride to the visitors.

On a particular day, the time frame of sunset or sunrise is the ideal time to enjoy the safari. It costs you around INR 1000-1500 per head and the ride lasts for about 2 hours. 

07. Stargazing

stargazing

The idea of lying under the star studded clear sky and attaining utmost solitude is enthralling. Since the pollution in the city is very less, even distant planets, the Milky Way and constellations can be seen. 

The mesmerising views seen here are a visual treat. Around Leh city, various popular spots are found for stargazing and astrophotography.

Visit one of the world’s highest observatories, Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle or plan a camping tour at Pangong Lake for a memorable experience. More places that are perfect for stargazing around Leh are Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri Lake. 

Summer is the suitable time for crystal clear skies and views. 

08. Savour Ladakhi Cuisine

Savour ladakhi cuisine

As you taste any dish of Ladakhi cuisine, you will get flavors of Tibet, India and even Central Asia. 

A perfect blend of all three are present in the palette of Ladakhi cuisine. They are mostly cooked from locally sourced grains like wheat, barley and vegetables. Non-vegetarian dishes are available too. Taste Thukpa, Momos, Skyu, Tingmo, etc. While the main ingredients are the same in these items, you can either go for vegetables or meat in fillings or soup. 

Start your day with butter tea, which is known to provide an energy boost.

Apricots are found in abundance in Ladakh and various apricot based dishes like jams, juices and desserts are savored by tourists. 

09. Photography

Photography In Ladakh In January

The entire city of Leh is so beautiful that it looks like a painting on a canvas. Photography is one of the most popular things to do in Leh town. 

The views of ancient monasteries, alpine lakes, high-altitude passes, towering mountains are worth capturing. Some of the best photography spots in Ladakh are Hunder sand dunes in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Hanle, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, etc. 

At various events and festivals, you can click on the traditional attire and daily life of locals. They are more than pleased to get clicked. Record a sunset timelapse in Ladakh to take back home as a memory. 

10. Visit Jama Masjid

Visit Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is a spiritually significant mosque of Ladakh. It is located near the Leh market and is at a walking distance from the main city centre. 

Built back in the 17th century, the construction of the mosque is a blend of both Islamic and Ladakhi styles. In the large beautiful dome, the prayers are held joined by locals and tourists alike.

As one of the oldest Masjids of Ladakh, a huge crowd is seen especially on Fridays. It attracts visitors irrespective of religious faith. The serene ambiance around is perfect for nature walks and strolls too. 

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    FAQ's

    A well planned itinerary of 5-7 days is perfect for a holistic Leh tour. In a week, you can explore the city and even visit various places located near Leh such as Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Nubra Valley. 
    The various local attractions and activities accessible in Leh, makes it very special. Tourists can plan sightseeing tours at monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey and engage in activities such as motor biking, cycling, photography, etc. 
    Spend a day in Leh by exploring the local attractions that are in proximity. Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Hemis Monastery. In the evening, explore the Leh Market and enjoy snacks and butter tea at a Ladakhi restaurant. 
    The most visited place in Ladakh is Pangong Lake. Accessible via the Nubra valley, it is one of the world’s highest alpine lakes. The views seen here are mesmerizing. You can camp near the lake as well. 
    The Best time to visit Leh Ladakh is in summer, from May to September. The pleasant weather, mild temperature levels and access to different local attractions makes it a perfect time. The alpine passes are open as well. 
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