Things to do in Ladakh
Introduction
Ladakh Himachal Pradesh is an incredible land, and there is no doubt about it. Forming the third
part of Jammu and Kashmir, the region has a mystical charm (the other two being Jammu and
Kashmir itself). If one swears by the beauty of Kashmir, then Ladakh is awe-inspiring.
Ladakh Himachal Pradesh is one of the favorite places in India where you can enjoy the beauty of
nature. Leh’s dry and barren landscape allows one to relax and enjoy a healthy break from the chaotic
and hectic city life, giving the adventurous a sense of happiness that life has never seen before. Leh
offers excellent opportunities for hiking and parasailing, so adventurers look for Leh travel packages
whenever possible.
Things to do in Ladakh
Ladakh Himachal Pradesh Tours offers various adventure activities like hiking, parasailing, white
water rafting, and trekking. Renting a motorbike is the best way to experience the beauty of the Leh
region. Driving through the world’s highest motorbike road Khardung La taking in the natural beauty
by bike is an unforgettable experience. There are many Leh Ladakh packages as well which offer
motorbike trip options. Apart from adventure activities, there are many important places that you must
include in your Leh itinerary
Ladakh city is one of the most popular places in India. It is known as a summer resort. There are
many Ladakh Hotels, many of which are known for their excellent hospitality. The 3-star Ladakh
Hotels are the most popular choice in the city. A 3-star hotel crosses between an expensive luxury
hotel and a budget hotel. Three-star hotels are trying to outdo each other regarding the facilities and
services offered. They offer excellent value for money, and you don’t need to spend a lot to have a
good time.
The Ladakh weather can turn bad anytime. Hence it is advised to leave the hotel in groups and under
the supervision of a local travel guide. Carry some warm woolen clothes to protect yourself from
extreme cold. The day will be sunny, so please bring light cotton clothing.
Top 10 places to visit in Ladakh
Pangong Tso
A beautiful lake with deep blue water in Leh surrounded by high mountains. Pangong Tso is located
on the border of India and China, and only a quarter of the lake is in India.
Wildlife attractions
Ladakh is also famous for its small but most impressive wildlife species. Wild animals like yak, nyan,
urial, chur, ibex, and snow leopard can be found here. Many migratory birds can be seen in Leh
Ladakh tourism
Pangong Lake Tour
The blue water of the lake is simply stunning. They captivate you and keep you captivated. Situated at
over 4,000 meters, it is famous for its ever-changing colors. Here you can admire the scintillating
views of Changchenmo Mountain.
Yak ride
If you want to indulge in an adventurous experience that will not leave you agitated and agitated, then
a yak ride is the way to go. The slow-moving yak offers the most intimate experience in Ladakh,
taking you through an otherwise difficult-to-navigate land. Since time immemorial, yaks have been
the means of transport for the local people, and the Ladakh Yak Safari will leave you spellbound.
Rafting in Zanskar
You want to take advantage of rafting on the Zanskar River in Ladakh. Whether alone or with friends,
conquering the rapid currents of this breathtaking river is an adventure you will never forget. While
traveling through the narrow gorges, you cannot help but admire the beauty of nature. For hardcore
rafting fans, there is also the Indus River to explore. The Best time to visit in Ladakh for rafting on
the Indus is June and August, when the river flows entirely.
Try Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is one of the most famous attractions of this place. And for a good reason too. Driving
uphill with the engine off is an incredible event unlike any other. At an altitude of over 14,000 feet, it
is an experience worth visiting in Ladakh.
Trekking in Nubra Valley
Ladakh has some of the best trekking trails. One of the best among them is the Nubra Valley Trek.
The trek takes you through an ever-changing landscape, from rivers to mountains and dunes. You will
pass by some of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh on the way and also enjoy the delicious local
cuisine of Ladakh. If you want the ultimate trekking experience, the summer is the best time to visit
in Ladakh.
Trekking from Lamayuru to Zanskar
Suppose you want to experience the ultimate adventure, trek from Lamayuru to Zanskar. The
approximately 20 km long tour takes you through rugged terrains with mountain peaks in the
backdrop. Several monasteries like Puktar Monastery, Sani Gompa, Karasha Gompa, and Lamayuru
Gompa are on the way, making it a great relaxing place.
Check out the festivals in Ladakh.
If you plan to visit Ladakh in September, travel between the 1st and 15th of the month. It is time for
the annual Ladakh Festival sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Board. The festival is a
great way to experience the culture and traditions of the place, with its dazzling dances, local cuisine,
and much more.
Visit the Stock Palace Museum
The palace was once home to Ladakh royalty. Today, it displays various artifacts related to the royal
family, including clothing and jewelry worn by the royal family. The collection here is impressive,
but photography is prohibited inside the museum. Still, you can get close to the culture of the land.
Trekking Destinations in Ladakh Himachal Pradesh
Shang La – Matho La – Stok Kangri
This trek is usually covered in 8 days. From Leh, one has to reach Martseland (3,414 m) near the
Indus River and the famous Hemis Monastery. The trek takes you through Shan Phu (4,237 m), where
you can find typical Ladakh small stone hut settlements. The route should pass through Stok Kangri,
Matola Kangri peak, and Parcha Kangri peak. Reaching the top of Stock Kangri Peak offers a
beautiful view of Nun Peak (7,132m) and the Karakoram range. In this way, you will also have to
cross Stoke Palace and Stoke River.
Trekking from Padum to Marcelon
It is also counted among the famous trekking routes of the Ladakh Himachal Pradesh. The main
attractions of this trek are the various river crossings, deep gorges, and steep passes. It offers
breathtaking views of barren landscapes and places on the most distant worlds on Earth. The trek
starts from Padum and goes through Kargil, Darcha, Zangla, Thumrung Sumad, Sharchara, Tilut
Sumad, and Zurung Karpora. This is one of the ways you can get a beautiful view of the area’s
landscape and wildlife, like the ibex, the famous animal of the region.
Padum – Lamayuru Trek
This is usually a ten day trekking expedition. The main attractions of this trek include arid desert
lands, good high-altitude camps, high passes, Buddhist monasteries, and picturesque landscapes. The
tour starts from Padum, Karsha village, Chushik water temple, Karsha monastery, Rinam village,
tributaries of Zanskar river, Zangla, Parfira (3,950 m), Harmara (5,000 m), Linshet Gompa, Nitak Sela
(4206 m). and Singe La (4,940 m). It is one of the most challenging trekking routes, with many steep
and steep climbs.
Darcha – Padam Trek
Many trekking enthusiasts also like the trekking route from Darcha to Padum. It is also known as
‘Lost World’ ‘Forgotten Valley’ or ‘Land of Fairies.’ The trail starts at Dalcha (10,827 ft) in Lahore and
continues till Padum in the Zanskar Valley. The trek will cover Palam (11,300 ft), Singkung Nara,
Chuminakpo (13,320 ft), Tsapar Linthi Valley, Key Village, Puktar, Tsarap Chu, and Champa setting
villages. On your way back to Padum, you can visit Bardun Monastery and Mune Monastery. As this
trekking expedition departs from Himachal Pradesh, you will pass through various settlements, giving
you exposure to the different landscapes and cultural differences of the land of Himachal and Leh
Ladakh.
Best tourist destinations in Ladakh
High Pass Country Ladakh is a region of Jammu and Kashmir that attracts many tourists from many
parts of the world. Nestled between the Kunlun Mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the
south, it offers a majestic and beautiful landscape that impresses visitors. Apart from the panorama of
the Himalayas, it is also known for a monastery called Gompa. It is where Buddhist monks and nuns
live, study and practice their religion.
Ladakh monasteries are known for their beautiful hill locations and rich collection of Buddhist
thangka paintings, art, and artifacts. These monasteries are significant attractions of Ladakh tourism
because of their beautiful crafts, designs, and bright-colored decorations throughout the complex. The
entire Ladakh valley is filled with all kinds of monasteries belonging to different sects and schools of
Buddhism. Some of the most famous Ladakh monasteries are:
Alchi Gompa
This is the only monastery in Ladakh built on flat land about 69 km west of Leh. It was built by the
translator Linchen Zhangpo in 1000 AD. The sanctuary is famous for its three holy shrines, with three
images on three floors of the building. These temples are made of mud and are painted with different
colors. There are thousands of mini-images of Buddha on the third temple’s walls, which display
Buddha’s various teachings and philosophies.
Japanese sect monastery
This monastery is called ‘meditation heaven’ and is known for its stringent rules and standards.
Located 73 km from Leh, it was founded by the great Lama Tultim Nima about 138 years ago. The
monastery is situated atop a rocky gorge on the north side of the Indus River, which adds a unique
charm to its scenic location. Many temples are located on this ground, and there is a rich collection of
scriptures, texts, and biographies of great lamas.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Gompa in Ladakh is about 18 km from Leh. It belongs to the Gelug sect of Buddhism and is
one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region. Situated at 3,600 meters above sea level in the
Indus Valley, this monastery is a fine example of Ladakh architecture. The sanctuary has a 12-story
complex containing stupas, statues, thangkas, murals, swords, and other Buddhist artifacts. The
monastery’s architecture is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is referred to as the “mini
Potala.” In the courtyard, you can see wall pillars carved with Buddha’s thoughts and teachings.
Alchi Monastery: Also known as Alchi Gompa, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Built in
the lowlands near the small village of Saspol, this wandering monastery consists of six main
buildings, a main hall, and a three-tiered shrine. The oldest temple at Alchi Gompa, the Sum-Stek, is
flanked by wooden pillars and carved woodwork of mythological animals and is a major attraction for
visitors. Seeing the seated Buddha with Hare Tara (Saviour) in the middle of the monastery is
beautiful. The aesthetic beauty and serene calmness of the sanctuary are awe-inspiring.
Diskit Abhay:
Famous for its attractive mural paintings, this 350-year-old monastery is located in the Nurwa Valley
on the caravan route from Leh to Kashgar. The view surrounded by high hills mesmerizes all the
tourists visiting this religious place. Moreover, the way that visitors have to take to reach this
monastery is full of surprises. Once there, you will be mesmerized by the grand Buddha statues,
excellent architectural design, and the unique atmosphere of peace and righteousness. Visit Diskit
Abbey and witness the awe-inspiring morning prayer ceremony.
Hemis Monastery:
This beautiful religious abode was built in 1672 by the great leader of Buddhism, King Sigye Nampar
Gyalwa. Located in the small town of Hemis, about 40 km south of Leh, it is one of the wealthiest
monasteries in the Ladakh region. King Singay Nampar filled it with golden statues, stupas, and
beautiful gems from various places, including Tibet. The Lama of the Hemis Monastery is from the
Ladakh royal family. The monastery has a courtyard 60 meters long and 18 meters wide, in the center
of which four pillars are connected to the ground regularly. This is where monastic dances take place
during the Hemis Festival in July.
Mato Gampa:
It is the only monastery in Ladakh representing the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Perched atop
a ridge about 29 km south of Leh, Mato Gunpa offers majestic mountain views and unparalleled
beauty. It was established by Tumpa Dorje in the 16th century. The monastery has a beautifully
decorated courtyard, an artistically designed temple, and an attractive mural painting of a guardian on
the entrance porch. The image of the Four Sarvavidyas (Teachings of the Buddhas) on the right
entrance wall looks stunning.
Shankar Gompa
This is a small but fascinating place in Leh. The location is open to the public from 7 AM to 10 PM
and 5 PM to 7 PM. This Gompa is home to about 20 monks, who warmly welcome visitors and serve
tea made from yak butter and boiled mustard greens.
Jami Masjid
It is a highly spiritual place for Islam in Leh and is also visited by people of other faiths. The labyrinth
of flat-roofed houses, ‘chortens,’ ‘mani’ walls, and narrow sandy lanes are the attractions of this place.
Shanti Stupa
Let’s Shanti Stupa is situated on the hilltop of Chamsupa village. This stupa was built by a Japanese
Buddhist group. It was made to honor the 2,500-year history of Buddhism and to protect world peace.
It is a beautiful structure with white color and offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. Many
tourists come here to see this magnificent stupa.
Real food
The second most important factor for a good holiday is food. The city of Leh has a lot of food options,
and anyone who likes to explore different food items can be adventurous. But in places like Pangong
and Nubra, you have no chance to eat outside other than at the camp you are staying in. It isn’t easy to
reach here, especially at night, so choosing a campsite that offers well-equipped facilities and great
food is better.
Wazwan
Traditional Ladakh cuisine dates back to the 15th century when many cooks migrated from
Samarkand to the Kashmir Valley. The state’s feature, ‘Wazwan,’ is named after him. It is a grand
feast known for 36 different dishes, most of which are non-vegetarian.
Specialty goods
All Indian vegetarian dishes are served in the state. Still, the people here specialize in cooking
different types of rice, saag (green leafy vegetables), lotus root, dam potato, Chaman, apricot jam, and
much more.
When it comes to non-vegetarian dishes in Ladakhi cuisine, I can’t wait to try rogan josh (the juiciest
mutton curry), thukpa (noodles cooked in mutton broth), circa (made of vegetables, mutton, and
flour), fried short ribs, Gushtaba (plantains and spiced meatballs), steamed mutton curry, methi korma
(intestine with chopped vegetables), and more.
Traditional Ladakh Himachal Pradesh food is made with dry fruits such as walnuts, almonds, and
raisins, which add a pleasant aroma and flavor.
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