La means Passes, and Dhak means numerous, and so Ladakh is understood as the “Land of High Passes”. it's an epitome of serene beauty that can't be expressed in words. Traveling to Ladakh is an incredible experience because the places offer peace to people who seek spirituality, and it also appeases the need of adventure enthusiasts. 

The charm of mountains and the tranquillity offered by lakes is unparalleled at Ladakh. Going on a vacation to an alluring destination like Ladakh will certainly cause you to want to be within bliss. This destination has many sought-after places like rivers, lakes, valleys, villages, and museums. The changing chroma of the lake and mesmerizing view of snow-clad mountains can cause you to fall smitten with the natural beauty all around you.

It is an ideal tourist destination for unconventional travelers and people who wish to delve into the rugged land of the mountains providing a pleasant experience of the landscape. Pack your bags, and depart on your journey to capture the picturesque view of a lifetime. Scroll through the list of places to go to in Ladakh for a wide-ranging vacation.

 

Popular Tours

1. Pangong Lake

The Pangong lake is also called the Pangong Tso, the world’s highest saltwater lake. The Pangong lake is situated at a five-hour drive from Leh; the best time to visit the Pangong lake is June to September. Two-third of the lake lies in Tibet, while one-third lies in India. Since the Pangong lake is situated at the border of India and China, a permit is required for visiting the same - Inner Line Permit, it is issued both online as well as offline by the Tourist Information Centre at Leh, a special permit is required by the foreigners for visiting this lake.

2. Nubra Valley

Nubra valley is also called the Orchard of Ladakh, Was earlier called the Ldumra meaning - valley of flowers. Nubra valley is known for camels, orchards, monasteries, and vistas. The best time to visit the valley is from June to August. Nubra valley is situated at a distance of about 120 km from Leh. It takes 5-6 hours to reach the valley from Leh via Khardung La. A  Inner Line Permit is required for visiting the valley, it is issued both online and offline by the Tourist Information Centre at Leh, a special permit is required by the foreigners for visiting this valley. 

3. Chadar Trek 

Chadar Trek is a beautiful place to visit in Ladakh, such an unbelievable and exciting experience. ‘Chadar’ refers to a blanket because, in winter, the famous Zanskar River in Leh Ladakh freezes to a blanket of ice. Come to witness the transformation of colors of this frozen river while you trek on it. It looks milky white on a moonlit night. The Chadar Trek journey is said to be one of the most adventurous and most harrowing trek journeys,

4. Hemis National Park

Hemis parkland is additionally called Hemis High Altitude parkland, Hemis parkland is known for snow leopards. it's one of the biggest national parks in South Asia. The simplest time to go to this park is from May to September. The parkland gets its name from a close-by monastery called the Hemis Monastery. Hemis parkland has an entry fee of 20 INR for Indians and 200 INR for foreigners. Hemis Park is located approximately 50 kilometers from Leh. The timing of the parkland is 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5. Hall of Fame

It is a museum designed by the Indian Army in memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives through the Indo -Pak wars. It's situated near the Leh Air-filled. The museum has information associated with Leh culture, way of life, history, and animals originating during this part of the globe. The fee for the Indians is Rs 10 and for the foreigners - INR 50. You can visit the museum from 9:00 am to 1:00 Pm and 3:00 Pm to 7:00 pm. It is located  4km from the main town via Leh Srinagar highway. 

6. Khardung La

Khardung La,  also called Khardung Pass, Khardung La is the gateway to the Nubra Valley. The distance between Khardung Pass and Leh is approximately 40 km, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to cover this distance via bus, car, or bike. The best time to visit  Khardung Pass is from March-May and September-October. An Inner Line Permit is required for visiting the Khardung Pass, it is issued on a daily basis, a special permit is required by the foreigners for visiting the pass - Ladakh Protected Area Permit. The per day entree fee of the  Khardung Pass is INR 20. 

7. Moonland

Lamayuru is called the Moonland of Ladakh, a small village located between Kargil and Leh. Lamayuru is home to one of the oldest monasteries and is famous for its moon-like surface. There is folklore that says that Lamayuru was once a lake that dried up. Lamayuru is approximately 100 kilometers from Leh.  The best time to go to Lamayuru is from May to September. Homestays are a preferable option to stay in Lamayuru and they are inexpensive also. Adventure activities like camping and hiking can be done in Lamayuru. There are several meditation centers whose services can be availed easily. 

8. Kargil

Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh and is situated at a distance of approximately 260 km from Srinagar and 220 km from Leh. Kargil is famous for adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, snow skiing, river rafting, rock climbing, billing, cycling, Paragliding, etc.  Kargil is known for its history, landscapes, heritage sites, and the India-Pakistan war of 1999. The distance between Srinagar, Leh, and Kargil is almost equal. Kargil is also called the gateway to Ladakh. A decent number of hotels and homestays are available in Kargil. Inner Line Permit is required for visiting Kargil by the residents of India. 

9. Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the Himalayan state of Ladakh in India. The distance between Leh and Hemis Monastery is approximately 45 kilometers. Hemis Monastery is located on the western side of the Indus river. Hemis festival takes place here every year for two days in the months of June and July. Hemis Monastery is built as per Tibetian architecture. The timings of the monastery are 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. The best time to go to Hemis Monastery is from May to September/October.

10. Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill is situated approximately 30 kilometers from Leh in reality it is a small stretch of the road having the unique feature of defying gravity.  Magnetic Hill is also called a mystery hill or gravity hill. Magnetic Hill is part of the Kargil-Leh highway. If a vehicle is switched off and parked at the bottom of the Magnetic Hill then it is pulled up by a speed of approximately 20 kilometers per hour upwards on this hill. The best time to go to Magnetic Hill is from July to October. Magnetic Hill is located on the east side of the Sindhu river.

11. Zorawar Fort

Zorawar Fort is also called the General Zorawar Fort or the Riasi Fort, This fort is situated above Namgyal Gompa and Leh Palace. General Zorawar, a Dogra ruler from Jammu, who fought the Chinese military and gained victory over them several times was once the owner of this fort. The fort houses a huge collection of coins and stamps. The best time to go to the Zorawar Fort is from June to September. It takes 30 minutes to trek from Leh bazaar to the Zorawar Fort. One can also hire a taxi or a bullet to visit the fort. 

12. Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is also called the Thiksey Gompa, The Thiksey Monastery is situated at a distance of approximately 20 kilometers from Leh. The architecture of the Thiksey Monastery is very similar to the Potala Palace in Tibet. The Thiksey Monastery is situated on the northern side of the Indus river. The Thiksey Monastery organizes the annual festival of Gustor for two days in the month of September, this festival is famous for its mask dance.  The Thiksey Monastery is the largest Tibetian Buddhist monastery in Ladakh consisting of 12 floors. The best time to visit this monastery is from May to November.

13. Gol Market

Gol market is also called the central market of Ladakh or the Tibetian market,  it is famous for its artifacts, woolens, trekking and camping equipment, silk fabrics, Tibetan attire, tea, dry fruits, souvenirs, spices, traditional jewelry, local food, etc. The best time to visit the Gol Market is from May to September. Gol Market is one of the most colorful, joyful, and busiest streets in whole Ladakh. There is no entry ticket required to explore this amazing market. It is recommended to take a stroll of this market during the evening for one of the best experiences in your whole Ladakh visit. 

14. Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is also called Point 4660,  holds strategic importance for the defense system of the country. Tiger Hill is situated in the Drass-Kargil region which is famous for its 1999 India-Pakistan war. It is the highest point/region in the Drass-Kargil region. Tiger Hill is situated above National Highway 1D, this highway is the gateway to the Siachen Glacier.  National Highway 1D connects Leh to Srinagar. There is no entry ticket required to explore this hill. One can easily carry their camera and video equipment. ID cards may be checked by the troops at the entrance of the hill. 

15. Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri is also called Lake Moriri or Mountain Lake, Tso Moriri is one of the highest lakes located in India and it is located in the Rupshu valley of Ladakh. The water of this lake is alkaline in nature. The best time to visit Mountain lake is from May to September. Camping is one of the famous adventure activities that is done near this lake to enjoy this aquatic wonder to its fullest. The distance between Leh and Lake Moriri is approximately 220 kilometers and it takes around 5 hours to cover this distance by car or bike. 

16. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is also called the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, it is located at a high altitude in the Leh district of Ladakh. The highest lake in this world, the Tso Moriri is also situated within this sanctuary, on the Changthang plateau. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary has a plethora of flora and fauna but it mainly is famous for Wild Ass, Endangered Dark Necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Tibetian Wolf, Wild Yak, Brown Bear, Tibetian  Argali, Tibetian  Gazelle, Tibetian  Antelopes, Blue Sheep, Ibex, Ladakh Urial, Lynx, and Wild Dogs. The best time to visit Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is from May to December. 

17. Chang La 

Chang La is a mountain pass lying between Leh and Shyok River Valley in Ladakh, due to its high altitude it is counted as one of the highest motorable roads in India. In the Tibetan language, Chang La means Mountain Pass. Chang La is also the gateway to the Nubra Valley. Due to high altitude, a lot of tourists experience altitude sickness here and hence they are advised to be careful when they visit this pass. Chang La is situated on the way between Pangong Lake and Leh. The peak season to visit Chang La is from May till October.

18. Diskit Monastery

It is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Nubra Valley, also called Diskit Gompa. The most famous feature of this monastery is the huge statue of Lord Buddha on top of it. Diskit Monastery was started by none other than the Dalai Lama. Every December Dosmoche festival is held here, the most famous feature of this festival is the masked dance of Chham. The peak season to visit this monastery is from May till September. The timings of the monastery are 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a fee of INR 30 per head. 

19. Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa (monastery and temple complex) lies about 65 km from Leh on the banks of the Indus River. Alchi is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centers in Ladakh and also as one of the monastic jewels of Ladakh. The Alchi Monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years and so the effect of the Tibetan influence can be seen in the local culture.No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Likir Monastery. For the last 500 years, religion is not practiced in the Alchi Monastery. 

20 Tanglang La

It is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It is the last pass that you will cross while traveling from Manali to Leh, and the first one while traveling vice versa. It is best known for its high altitude. The best time to visit Tanglang La is between June to September. The day temperature will be around 15° between June to September. At night, the weather will remain several degrees below 0.

21  Lamayuru Monastery

 It is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ladakh. It's perched at a high altitude of three,511 meters above water level. Aside from being one of the most important monasteries in all of Ladakh, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery is additionally the oldest gompa within the region and is thought of as "the place of freedom" or "Tharpa Ling".The best time to go to Lamayuru Monastery is between April and August.

22. Stok Kangri Trek

It is one of the strenuous treks. It involves acclimatization at the Stok Kangri Base camp after camping and traveling to Mankorma. The journey on the way and then pass through some narrow tracks and dangerous moraines; one might encounter snowstorms, which can weigh down or be patient trekking to Stok Kangri. This dream expedition offers camping, facilities for homestay at an overseas village, scenic beauty, and pleasant stories. The shortest time to go to Stok Kangri Trek is between May and mid-October.

23. Darcha

Darcha is an intermittent name after you pack your bags for the Padum trek because it's the bottom camp for the moderate yet adventurous trek within the Lahaul region. Darcha is also a tiny low village on the bank of Bhaga River in Lahaul and Spiti Lahaul District in Himachal Pradesh, situated at an elevation of 3360 meters and a height of 3360 meters above water level. it's on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, and Kashmir. The closest terminus is the Shimla terminal, only 174 km away.

24. Spituk Monastery

Spituk Gompa is situated on the hilltop; it was established in the 11th Century by Od-De. The word 'Spitok' means exemplary. Spituk Gompa belonged to the Kadampa School and with the passage of time, it came under Dharmaraja Takspa Bum - Lde Lama Lhawang Lotus, who introduced the stainless order of Tsongkhapa there. Today it is the home of 100 monks and an awe-inspiring image of Mahakaal, the face of this image is kept covered and is unveiled at the annual festival of Spituk in January. This Monastery's museum has a rich collection of ancient masks, antique arms, other icons, and numerous Thangkas.

25. Gata Loops

Gata Loops is a series of 21 hairpin bends that leads to the top of one of the highest motorable passes in the Ladakh region that is NakeeLa. It is a gift from many beautiful sights of the snow-laid peaks in the background and an excitement-filled journey to the topmost portion. The pass is located at an altitude of 17000 feet at the maximum above sea level. The loops are located 25 km away from Sarchu on Leh-Manali Highway. The roads will be suitable to have a ride during June, July, August, and September.

26. Markha Valley Trek 

It is the largest valley in the region. Leh is the start point of the trek to explore the Buddhist monuments. You will be surprised to travel across through the tiny hamlets as you gain altitude. The duration of the trek is 8 days. It is considered a moderate to difficult trek. The maximum altitude is 17,100 ft. . The approximate trekking is 65 kilometers. This is the most sought-after tourist destination. It is a gateway to the burned-out trails. Each day of this trek  will certainly reflect mesmerizing views surrounded by the mountains 

27. Drass Valley

It is situated in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir and called the gateway of Ladakh. It has played an important role in the Kargil war. It is the coldest region of India, where 12-degree Celsius is the average temperature during winters. It is the base for Suru Valley Trek. The best time to visit is in May and September. There are various places to visit, such as Drass War Memorial, Minimart, Matayen, Musko Valley, Amarnath, Tiger Hill. During the harsh climate conditions, the inhabitants here kept guarding the valley intact, and thus they are called the guardians of Ladakh's gateway.

28. Likir Monastery

Likir has a history that is preserved in the form of wall inscriptions. The word like translates to “The naga-Encircled “, constituting Naga Rajas, Nanda, and Takako, the great serpent spirits. Bordered by the wall paintings, murals, articrafts inscriptions, it is an exemplary display of the heritage of Buddhism. It is managed by the Central Institute of Buddhist studies and opens to the general public as a library. It is open on all days from morning 9 am to afternoon 1 Pm and from 2:00 Pm to evening 6:00 Pm. The entry fee is Rs 5-10 per person.

29. Phuktal Monastery 

It is a Buddhist monastery situated in the Lungnak valley from the main town, and it is accessible only by walking. The literal meaning Phuktal comes from the word Phug which means cave, and tal means leisure. The monastery is open on all the days of the week, from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cameras and outside food are not allowed. The entry to the monastery is free. The spotlight of the monastery is that there are various festivals celebrated. It is a 15th-century monastery, but it has caves that are 2500 years old.

30. Shey Monastery 

It is situated 15 kilometers from Leh town on the Leh  Manali road.  Shey monastery was built in the 16th century AD. It is open from 6:00 am to 1:00 PM and from 1:30 Pm to 6:00 Pm. The fee for visiting the monastery is Rs 30 per person. It is famous for its two annual festivals . one to mark the start of the sowing season called Shey Doo Lhoo.  Another one is Shey Rupla to specify the harvesting season. The monastery is the spotlight of any tour of Ladakh, Shey was the summer capital of Ladakh.

31. Tso Kar Lake 

The literal meaning of Tso Kar is white lake because of white salt efflorescence found on the margins due to the evaporation of highly saline water. It is brackish saltwater, and it is also one of the most important breeding areas of the black-necked crane in India. The lake is situated at the height of 15,280 ft and bordered by lofty mountains. The best time to visit the TSor lake is from April -October. Beauty at the lake is appreciable - capture as many views as you want and relax with various birds surrounded by the lake.