Ladakh, the epitome of beauty can easily make you realise how important it is to be in and around nature. It is encircled by three parallel ranges of the Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh and the Karakoram with rivers like Zanskar, Indus and Shyok flowing in between the ranges making the valley beauteous.
Leh Ladakh is a treat to one’s eyes with its picturesque monasteries, imposing mountain, scenic landscapes, scheming meadows, clear blue rivers and a lot of adventures.
If you are planning a trip to Ladakh the valley has a bellyful of places to visit. Here is the List of 14 exclusive destinations while planning a trip to Leh Ladhak.
1. Pangong Lake
If you are looking for heaven, tranquillity and rejuvenation Pangong Lake is the right place for you. Also known as Pangong Tso, it is situated at an elevation of 14,720 feet. It flows between India and China with 60% of its part in the latter country. the 12 km long Pangong Tso is at a marked distance of 225 km and a drive of 5 hours from Leh. The lake is endorheic and changes its colour throughout the day which is heavenly to watch. It is amazing to visit this lake throughout the year but if you want to experience a lifetime adventure on thick frozen sheet winter is the right time for you.
2. Zanskar Valley
Pronounced as Zangska or Zahar by locals this valley is situated in the Zanskar mountains range which is a part of Tethys Himalayas. This desolate Himalayas place to visit between June to September in the moderate temperature. In winters the valley is closed for a significant time due to heavy snowfall. Snow-capped mountains, sparkling clear river along with the diversity of flora and fauna are prime attractions of Zanskar valley which one cannot afford to miss while in Ladakh.
3. Kargil
The second largest town in Ladakh after Leh is Kargil which is very well known for its glorified history. The land of Kargil will surely bring all those patriotic vibes in you. Famous for its Kargil war the city is situated near the Line Of Control between Pakistan and India at 2676 metres above sea level. Nestled in the middle of giant Himalayas with Indus flowing beside, Kargil is just heaven on earth. The population consists of mixed religions inhabited mostly by Muslims and Buddhists.
4. Nubra valley
If you want to get the true feeling of Arabian nights between all those sand dunes then Nubra valley is the right place for you. The famous tourist attractions of this beautiful place are Samstaling valley and hot sulphur springs of Panamic village which makes it one of the best places for sightseeing. One can often notice two-humped camels in this scenic land of Leh. Autumn season is the best time to visit the valley which is the in-between month of July to September.
5. Chadar trek
Chadar Trek got its name from ‘chadar’ which means blanket because in winters in Zanskar River freezes in a thick cold sheet of ice making it completely adventurous for one who wants to soak in the charm of this wonderland. Situated at an altitude of 13,000 ft above sea level, this 65 km of the trek can be a tough task for beginners which one can experience from late January and February and sometimes the starting of March.
6. Khardung La
With the highest motorable road in India, the Khardung La was once a part of ancient caravan root which was the passage for transporting supplies from Leh to the town of central Asia. It is 40 km from Leh city and is situated on the way to Nubra Valley. The patches mountains, steep and rugged terrain and unpredictable weather make it extremely adventurous and famous among bikers and travellers.
With the highest motorable road in India, the Khardung La was once a part of ancient caravan root which was the passage for transporting supplies from Leh to the town of central Asia. It is 40 km from Leh city and is situated on the way to Nubra Valley. The patches mountains, steep and rugged terrain and unpredictable weather make it extremely adventurous and famous among bikers and travellers.
7. Hemis National Park
Also known as Snow Leopard Capital of India, Hemis National Park was established in 1981. It is home for the highest density of snow leopard in the world. As per record, it is a shelter for 16 species of mammals and 73 species of birds. Bird watching in the Rumbak valley and trekking in the Markha valley trek is among the few things that tourist can enjoy doing.
8. Shanti Stupa Ladakh
For the best of Ladakh site seeing and diving in your own thoughts, there is no other place better than Shanti Stupa. Situated 11,841 ft, this place holds relics of Buddha, sanctified by 14th Dalai Lama. The mesmerising view of Chang Spa Valley and chanting of Buddhist monks, this place promises you to achieve tranquillity you have been looking for.
9. Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monestry is also known as Spituk Gompa which is 8 km from Leh. Full of ancient masks, numerous Thangpa paintings and antiques, this monastery will introduce you to true indigenous culture. The giant statue of Kali and haven to 100 monks makes Sputik monastery one of the most astonishing monasteries of India.
10. Tso Moriri Lake
This place is lesser-known among the tourists but its location contributes to its beauty. The beautiful deserted hills with snow-covered mountains, sunshine and winds blowing around just make it a heavenly place.
Tso Moriri Lake is located in the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to various kinds of species like Brahmin Duck, bareheaded goose, great crested grebe and the brown-headed gull. It is a twin to the popular Tso Pangong Lake.
It is situated at 240 km from Leh. One can reach here in 6 to 7 hours of driving. It remains mostly frozen from January to March. The advantage of being lesser known can be made enjoyable by staying in camps around this place. Enjoy the open sky and stargazing of this serene beauty.
11. Gol market
A perfect place to buy beautiful Ladakhi embroidery work and apparels, Gol market is a local market which attracts many shopaholics. Visiting this place you can also interact with the locals and get to know about their culture and traditions. One can buy woollen clothes like beautiful Pashmina Shawls, semi-precious stones, tribal jewellery and handicraft items here. The place is always on the list of campers to buy general items for camping.
12. Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is one of the highest peaks in the area. It is also known as Gangz La or Point 5062 and holds historical importance because of the 1999 Indo Pak Kargil War. March to September is the best time to cherish the breath-taking view from this height.
13. Gurudwara Patthar Saheb
This is one of the most frequently visited sites in Ladakh. This place was established to keep up Guru Nanak Dev alive in the hearts of people. It got its name, Pathar Saheb because of ancient folklore when Guru defeated a demon. It is beautifully located on the Leh Kargil Highway, 25 miles from Leh. The best time of the year to visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is between June and October and one can experience both Nirvana and elation in God’s shelter.
14. Nyoma
Nyoma is a town located in the district of Leh on the banks of River Indus. You can experience a small Buddhist monastery, Gompa on the hill. But tourists with Inner Line Permit are only have permission to visit this place.
One can visit Nyoma from September to May being the best months for this purpose. The town is quite picturesque for your social media feed.
With so many things do and visit in Leh Ladakh one can never fall short of the entertainment this beautiful land offers. So pack your bags and get ready to hear “ Jullay”.
