Adventure Travel

Top 25 places to visit in Ladakh

By Prakash Joshi 13 Min Read
ladakh
Top 25 places to visit in Ladakh travel information

Introduction

 

Contents
Introduction1. Shanti Stupa2. Leh Palace3. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery4. Zorawar Fort5. Hall of Fame6. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib7. Magnetic Hill8. Sangam Point9. Spituk Monastery10. Leh Market11. Pangong Lake12. 3 Idiots Point13. Tso Moriri14. Chang La Pass15. Hemis Monastery16. Thikse Monastery17. Shey Palace18. Khardung La Pass 19. Nubra Valley20. Hunder Sand Dunes 21. Turtuk22. Army War Memorial23. Diskit Monastery24. Diskit Buddha Statue25. Kargil

    Ladakh is a must-visit destination for every traveler. With its snow-capped mountains, beautiful skies, and flowing rivers, it’s often referred to as the “Land of the Gods.” The region is home to unique natural wonders and is a paradise for bikers. Despite its challenges, Ladakh offers extraordinary experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Today, we’ll explore the top places to visit in Ladakh, including Leh city, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and more. We’ll provide detailed information on each location, including entry fees, timings, and other essential details.

1. Shanti Stupa

  1. Description: Built in Japanese, Tibetan, and Buddhist styles, Shanti Stupa is a significant religious site erected by the 14th Dalai Lama.
  2. Location: On a hilltop in Leh, offering panoramic views of the city.
  3. Timings: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: ₹30.
  5. Special Note: Accessible by trekking and cycling; offers stunning views of Leh city.

2. Leh Palace

  1. Description: A 9-story palace converted into a museum, showcasing the lifestyle of the royal family.
  2. Location: Near Leh city.
  3. Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: ₹15.
  5. Special Note: Offers great views of Leh and the Zanskar mountain ranges.

3. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

  1. Description: An ancient monastery built in 1430, providing magnificent views of the Zanskar Mountains and the Sindhu River.
  2. Location: On a hilltop in Leh.
  3. Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: ₹20.
  5. Special Note: Offers a serene spiritual experience.

4. Zorawar Fort

  1. Description: A fort built by General Zorawar Singh as a symbol of victory, featuring local clay, sun-dried bricks, stone, and wood.
  2. Location: Just outside Leh.
  3. Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM).
  4. Entry Fee: ₹175.
  5. Special Note: Includes a laser show in the evening from 7:00 PM.

5. Hall of Fame

  1. Description: A museum dedicated to Indian soldiers, showcasing their uniforms, weapons, and historical artifacts.
  2. Location: Near Leh airport.
  3. Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: None.
  5. Special Note: Features exhibits related to the Siachen and Kargil wars.

6. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

  1. Description: A gurudwara built in 1517 in memory of Guru Nanak’s visit to Ladakh.
  2. Location: 25 km from Leh.
  3. Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: None.
  5. Special Note: Known for its spiritual significance and beautiful location.

7. Magnetic Hill

  1. Description: A hill where gravity seems to defy normal laws, making vehicles move uphill when in neutral.
  2. Location: Approximately 27 km from Leh.
  3. Timings: Open all day.
  4. Entry Fee: None.
  5. Special Note: Popular for its gravity-defying illusion.

8. Sangam Point

  1. Description: The confluence of the Sindhu and Zanskar rivers, offering spectacular views and river rafting opportunities.
  2. Location: 30-35 km from Leh.
  3. Timings: Open all day.
  4. Entry Fee: None.
  5. Special Note: The location is known for its unique color contrast between the two rivers.

9. Spituk Monastery

  1. Description: An 11th-century monastery with a temple dedicated to Kali Mata, offering views of Leh city.
  2. Location: 6 km from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road.
  3. Timings: Sunrise to sunset.
  4. Entry Fee: None.
  5. Special Note: Requires a walk up many stairs to reach the monastery.

10. Leh Market

  1. Description: The main market of Leh, offering a variety of local handicrafts, cuisine, and shopping options.
  2. Location: In the heart of Leh.
  3. Timings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: None.
  5. Special Note: A vibrant place to experience the local culture and shop for souvenirs.

11. Pangong Lake

  1. Description: A breathtaking lake shared between India and China, known for its changing colors throughout the day.
  2. Location: Southeast Ladakh.
  3. Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  4. Entry Fee: ₹10 toll fee.
  5. Special Note: Famous for its appearance in the movie “3 Idiots.”

12. 3 Idiots Point

  1. Description: A spot near Pangong Lake where scenes from the movie “3 Idiots” were filmed, featuring souvenirs and photo opportunities.
  2. Location: Near Pangong Lake.
  3. Timings: Open all day.
  4. Entry Fee: Minimal charge for photo ops.
  5. Special Note: A popular spot for fans of the movie.

13. Tso Moriri

  1. Location: Tso Moriri Lake, at 14,830 feet, is one of India’s highest lakes, 240 km from Leh.
  2. Size: 19 km long, 3 km wide, and 350 feet deep.
  3. Name Origin: “Tso” means lake in Tibetan, so “Tso Moriri” translates to “Moriri Lake.”
  4. Seasonal Access: Best visited from May to September; freezes from October to April.
  5. Local Life: Villagers cultivate barley and potatoes; stargazing opportunities include viewing the Milky Way.

14. Chang La Pass

  1. Location: Chang La Pass, at 17,500 feet, is between Leh and Pangong, about 2 hours from each.
  2. Altitude: One of the highest motorable passes; higher than Khardung La but less frequented.
  3. Features: Home to the Army’s Chang La Post and Chang La Baba Temple.
  4. Advice: Limit stay to 20 minutes due to low oxygen levels to avoid altitude sickness.
  5. Snow Coverage: The pass is snow-covered year-round.
  6. Access: No fee; accessible by bus between Leh and Pangong.

15. Hemis Monastery

  1. Location: Hemis Monastery, also known as Hemis Gompa, is 45 km from Leh, located in Hemis village.
  2. History: Originally built in the 11th century, re-established in 1672 by King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakh.
  3. Legend: Russian journalist Nicolas Nicoday suggested that Jesus Christ visited Hemis during his lost years.
  4. Deity: Dedicated to Lord Padma Sambhav, a revered figure in Buddhism, born as predicted by Buddha Sakyamuni.
  5. Visitor Info: No entry fee; open from sunrise to sunset; a must-visit for both Indian and foreign tourists.

16. Thikse Monastery

  1. Location: Thikse Monastery is 20 km from Leh, situated on a hilltop in Thikse village.
  2. Statue: Features a 50-foot-tall statue of Maitreya, a major attraction in Ladakh.
  3. Appearance: Resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet.
  4. Artifacts: Houses Buddhist art, including thangkas, paintings, swords, and statues.
  5. Visiting Info: Open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; closed from November to April. Entry fee is 20-30 rupees.
  6. Climbing: Requires a climb up the hill; plan for at least two hours to explore.

17. Shey Palace

  1. Location: Shey Palace is 15 km from Leh, situated on a hilltop in Shey village along the Leh-Manali highway.
  2. History: Built in 1655 for the Namgyal royal family as a summer retreat; Haider Duggal stayed here during his attack on Ladakh.
  3. Monastery: Shey Monastery occupies part of the palace, featuring a 40-foot-tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.
  4. Visitor Info: No entry fee; open from sunrise to sunset.
  5. Significance: The palace and monastery offer a glimpse into the summer residence of the Namgyal family.

18. Khardung La Pass

  1. Location: Khardung La Pass, 80 km from Leh, takes about 1.5 hours to reach.
  2. Altitude: At 18,380 feet, it is one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
  3. Popularity: A dream destination for bikers; however, Omling La Pass, at 19,380 feet, is higher but restricted.
  4. Snow: The pass is snow-covered year-round.
  5. Visitor Info: Spend 30-45 minutes; no entry fee; open year-round. Enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks at the pass.
  6. Significance: Separates Nubra Valley from Leh District and is a popular stop for travelers heading to Nubra Valley.

 19. Nubra Valley

  1. Location: Nubra Valley, north of Leh, is accessed via Khardung La Pass.
  2. Features: Known for sand dunes, the Shyok River, and double-hump camel rides.
  3. Climate: Slightly warmer than Leh due to lower altitude.
  4. Agriculture: Cultivates wheat, peas, mustard, potatoes, apples, and apricots.
  5. Visitor Info: No entry fee; open year-round. A must-visit destination for its stunning landscapes and unique experiences.

 

 
 

20. Hunder Sand Dunes

  1. Location: Hunder in Nubra Valley, 127 km from Leh.
  2. Unique Feature: Large sand dunes, created by the Shyok River, similar to Jaisalmer’s desert.
  3. Activities: Experience double-hump camel rides, sandboarding, archery, and desert safaris.
  4. Significance: Known as the “desert of Ladakh”; it is the last major tourist spot before Turtuk, the final village in India.
  5. Visitor Info: No entry fee; open year-round.

 21. Turtuk

  1. Location: Turtuk, the northernmost village in Nubra Valley, near the Shyok River.
  2. Attraction: Balti Heritage House Museum, established by Muhammad Ali Ashor in 2018.
  3. Significance: Preserves Balti art, culture, and history; entry fee is ₹50.
  4. Historical Note: Turtuk was part of Pakistan until 1971, now an important border village.
  5. Activities: Explore the village on foot to see waterfalls, mosques, monasteries, and other historical sites.
  6. Visitor Info: Offers a glimpse into Balti culture and the strategic importance of the region.

22. Army War Memorial

  1. Location: On the route from Hunder to Turtuk in Ladakh.
  2. Attraction: Army War Memorial, showcasing the valor of soldiers and military equipment.
  3. Highlights:
    • War memorial dedicated to martyred soldiers.
    • Displays include replicas of Siachen bunkers, army clothing, guns, and vehicles.
    • Provides insight into army life and equipment used on the Siachen and Pakistan borders.
  4. Visitor Info: Free entry; a visit takes about 15-30 minutes.
  5. Nearby: Diskit Monastery, your next destination on the trip.

23. Diskit Monastery

  1. Location: Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh.
  2. Altitude: Approximately 10,480 feet above sea level.
  3. Attraction: Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Nubra Valley.
  4. History: Built in the 14th century by Chang Zeb Sehrab.
  5. Features:
    • Situated on a hill overlooking Diskit village.
    • Includes a non-governmental school that supports children with food and education.
    • The monastery is known for its historical and cultural significance in Northern Ladakh.
  6. Visitor Info:
    • Entry Fee: 30 rupees per person.
    • Timings: 7 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 7 pm.
  7. Nearby: Diskit Buddha Statue, your next destination.

24. Diskit Buddha Statue

  1. Location: Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, about 120 km from Leh City.
  2. Attraction: Diskit Buddha Statue, located near Diskit Monastery.
  3. Height: 106 feet.
  4. Description: The statue depicts Maitreya Buddha and is notable for its gold and red colors.
  5. Significance:
    • Visible from almost every corner of Diskit.
    • Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010.
    • Symbolizes the protection of Diskit village, prevention of conflict with Pakistan, and world peace.
  6. Entry Fee: 30 rupees per person (includes vehicle entry fee).
  7. Timings: 7 am to 7 pm.
  8. Nearby: Explore the Diskit Monastery, a key site in Nubra Valley.

25. Kargil

  1. Location: Kargil, Ladakh, approximately 205 km from Srinagar.
  2. Significance: Known as the “Land of Agaz” and site of the 1999 India-Pakistan war.
  3. Key Attractions:
    • Sani Monastery: One of the oldest and most famous monasteries, among the 8 Reserved Monasteries in the world.
    • Maitreya Buddha: Also known as the Future Buddha or Laughing Buddha, located in Mulbekh Monastery.
    • Zanskar: A sub-district of Kargil, known for its remote beauty and seasonal accessibility.
    • Drang Drung Glacier: Located in Suru Valley, a significant natural attraction.
  4. Seasonal Access: Kargil is frozen for 8 months of the year; best visited during the remaining 4 months.
  5. Travel Tip: Include these destinations on your Google Map for easy navigation.

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