Things to Do in Leh

Chumathang Hot Spring is Leh and Ladakh, a natural wonder known for its exceptional therapeutic properties and goodness. Chumathang Hot Spring is tucked neatly at an elevation of around 13,000 feet, offering a picture-perfect and serene view located amidst the majestic mountains. Chumathang Hot Spring is located around 78 km from Leh and Ladakh, promising a relaxing and rejuvenating experience to all travellers.

Tsaga La Pass is Ladakh, a high mountain pass located in the Ladakh region of India, renowned for its rugged beauty and breathtaking vistas. Situated at an elevation of around 5,300 meters or 17,400 feet, Tsaga La Pass offers a challenging yet rewarding journey for both adventurers and travelers.

Panamik Hot Springs is located in the Panamik Village of the Nubra Valley region at an altitude of around 10,000 feet above sea level. The rich amount of sulphur makes the water hot in the springs and this site is famous for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. While there are other hot springs in India such as Manikraran and Bakreswar, Panamik Hot Springs stand out because of its surrounding landscapes. It is also the one and only hot water spring village in the country.

Located on the banks of the Indus river, the Sindhu Ghat is a riverbank which is famous for the Sindhu Darshan festival. This is an annual festival that attracts both tourists and locals who flock in huge numbers eager to admire the surroundings. This is also a place that offers the best views of the Himalayan mountains.

Druk Padma Karpo School, located in Leh, Ladakh, is a renowned educational institution that aims to provide quality education while preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region. The school offers a holistic approach to learning, emphasizing academic excellence, character development, and traditional values, making it a top choice for students in the region.

The Pangong Lake or the Pangong Tso is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world and is famed for its colour changing water, from blue to red and green. From camping to lakeside bonfire, a wide variety of activities can be enjoyed here. During the winter months, the lake can be seen completely frozen, which is a delightful sight in itself.

Nestled in the northern part of Ladakh, Nubra Valley offers a stunning blend of deserts, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Famous for its Bactrian camels and scenic vistas, the valley is accessible via the thrilling Khardung La Pass. Home to remote villages, ancient monasteries, and the enchanting Shyok River, it offers a serene escape for travelers, Nubra Valley has everything that an explorer seeks and is among the most famous places to visit with our Le Ladakh packages. Being a high-altitude destination, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of this remote Himalayan region.

The famous Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is a cyclops hill, a place where vehicles seem to have defied the force of gravity and move upwards when parked at a particular marked location here. Located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway, this place remains a mystery even today, as many tourists are awestruck to witness the magical experience.

A nine storey high building that displays the influence of Potala Palace in Lhasa is the famed Royal Leh Palace. It stands with its head high on a cliff top overlooking the ravishing Leh town. Leh Palace has now been converted into a museum which features ancient paintings and relics of Buddha along with cutlery used by the Royal family.

Hemis National Park is the largest national park in South Asia, and is located in the eastern section of Ladakh. The park covers 4400 square kilometres and is home to 16 species of mammals, 73 bird species, and around 200 snow leopards. The National Park is famous for the huge population of snow leopards throughout the world and is considered to be the only protected area where these wild cats can be found in such abundance and it must be part of your Ladakh tour packages.

The Hall of Fame in Leh is a museum that was constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives trying to protect their motherland in the Indo-Pakistan wars. Located on the Leh-Kargil Road, the museum is a great place to see photos of the soldiers, their training camps, the different war relics, and a lot more on your Leh Ladakh tour.

With the word Chadar meaning a blanket, the Chadar Trek depicts a trail over the frozen Zanskar River, on which people travel for several kilometers to reach the final destination. Unlike other trekking expeditions in India, this one does not require you to pass through forests or rock formations, but instead lets you walk over frozen water, which once was a gushing river. 

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Ladakh and the shore of the Indus River, Hemis Monastery stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and fine architecture. Founded in the 11th century by King Senge Nampar Gyalva, this ancient monastery is known as one of the largest and wealthiest monastic institutions in the region. Currently, the monastery is serving as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and tourists. Here, young Lamas are prepared to enter the royal monasteries of Shey, Leh, and Basgo, all of which can be experience with our well-curated Leh Ladakh holiday packages.

Since the land resembles that of moon, Moon land near Lamayuru in Ladakh region is fondly called like that. A unique geographical feature appearing here attracts thousands of visitors every year. A traveler who comes to Ladakh should not miss to include this surprising land in Ladakh travel packages. There is also a saying that during full moon, the land becomes exotic and it would be an enchanting sight to behold and rare too. Lamayuru’s fame was dashingly enhanced because of this landscape carved in to the Greater Himalayan ranges. Interested travelers will come to Lamayuru which is located at a distance of 100 kms from Leh on the famous Leh-Srinagar Higway. 

To watch the glimpses of the moon land so clear and closer, you can climb up to the Meditation Hill in Lamayuru. The monks from Lamayuru gompa are living in this hill, at a greater height. The rough, uneven landscape of Moon land will be an amusing sight from the top of the Meditation Hill. The entire Lamayuru becomes visible from the top. One will come to know why Lamayuru and Moonland are heard as synonyms for each other and the natives here find Moon land as an inevitable part of their lives also.

Location: The NH 1-D or the popular Leh-Srinagar Highway is where the Moon land in Lamayuru located. Around 100 kms from Leh is the site. You can reach the destination by bus or jeep. Bikers would get some exciting sightseeing option throughout the journey.

Best time to visit: The months from May to September are the best time to reach Moon land.

The white colour buildings modified by the presence of red roof are a scintillating view from a distance and Likir Monastery is the subject of discussion here. One of the oldest and well-maintained monasteries in Ladakh and it must be part of your Ladakh holiday packages, Likir Monastery is in Likir village which had been in existence from the 11th century onward. What makes Likir so special is the serenity is shows from the height and a 75 feet tall statue of Buddha.

History

Likir Monastery was known as or its original name is Klu-kkhyil gompa. The word Likir means Naga encircled. There is a belief that two serpents, Nanda and Taksako have guarded the monastery. Being the oldest and most visited monasteries, Likir gompa has numerous stories of its origin and existence. The Yellow Hat Sect or the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism is the guardians of Likir gompa and it is scripted that Tsongkhapa was the founder of this monastery in 15th century.

Structure of the monastery

Flanked by the wall paintings, stone relics, murals and art crafts, Likir monastery is a perfect display of Buddhist heritage, the principles and culture. Inside the monastery, there is a school as well. It is run by the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and also a library open to the public where visitors can read old manuscripts and details of Buddhism. The gompa has two assembly halls, a central courtyard with six rows of seats for the lamas and a throne for the head Lama. There is a Gonkhang room that is dedicated to the divinities guarded the monastery.

Location: The monastery is located 6 km north of Leh-Srinagar highway before the village of Saspol. From Leh, the distance is 62 km to the west of the town.

Timings: It is open on all days from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm

Entry fee: INR 5-10 per person

Highlights: The annual event Dosmochey is held in the monastery from the 27th to 29th day of 12th month of Tibetan Calendar.

Phuktal Monastery, located in the remote Zanskar Valley of Ladakh, is a stunning Buddhist monastery perched on a cliff. Accessible by a challenging trek, this ancient monastery offers a serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Believed to have been founded in the 12th century, it remains a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The unique architecture, with whitewashed walls and prayer rooms nestled in caves, makes Phuktal a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and adventurers alike.

Explore the scenic Nubra Valley and visit the captivating Diskit Monastery renowned for its serene ambiance and iconic 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. Perched at an altitude of 10,308 feet, it offers breathtaking views of Diskit Village and the surrounding desert landscape. Inside, marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn the prayer hall. Head to the monastery’s storehouse that safeguards precious Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts. Nearby, the ancient Lachung Temple houses a revered idol of Tsong Khapa, adding to the spiritual attraction of this historic site. 

Given the climatic conditions and the exceptional scenic surrounding, Ripchar Valley Trek is one of the most wonderful adventure activities in Ladakh and must be part of your Leh Ladakh holiday packages. The trails throughout the trek keep the trekker intrigued about the sights coming their way. The onset point of the trek comes near the famous monastery in the region that is Lamayuru Monastery. Nestled amidst an assemblage of the lofty mountain ranges such as Zanskar, Karakoram and the Great Himalayas, Ripchar maintains the level of excitement high always. If you take part in the trek, you will come across numerous small villages, green meadows and pasture lands. 

The regions turns unrecognizable in the months of July and August as the whole area would be blanketed by rare Himalayan flowers and birds. Nature lovers flood to Ripchar during this period to capture the exotic moments in their camera. Moreover, the irrigated vegetation in the ranges are another important section to be visited on your trek; the well maintained crop fields offer a breathtaking view. Usually, the trek would last any number of days but to enjoy every nook and corner of Ripchar you would be ready to spend minimum 5 to 6 days. Chilling, a renowned spot for the production of copper is the last point of Ripchar Trek. The everlasting, untamed beauty of Ripchar is a must visit. Eventually you will reach the point of rejuvenation and bliss.

Maximum altitude: With Ripchar Trek, the maximum altitude you would cover is 4300 meters.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate is the range of challenge a trekker would experience at Ripchar.

Best time to go: Ripchar Valley Trek happens mostly during the month of June, July, August and September since the climate would be highly favorable during this period.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a spiritual sanctuary located on the Leh-Kargil Highway. It stands as a testament to Guru Nanak Dev's divine confrontation with a demon. The Gurudwara is maintained by the Indian Army and captivates visitors with a boulder imprinted by Guru Nanak's form. It is a place where faith and history intertwine. The Gurudwara attracts travellers and devotees alike to experience its serene ambience and rich legacy., make sure to include this place on your Ladakh tour.

Perched atop a mountain, the 15th-century Namgyal Tsemo Monastery in Leh is a sight to behold. Built by King Tashi Namgyal, it houses a stunning three-storey-high golden Maitreya Buddha statue. The monastery offers breathtaking views of the Indus River and snow-draped Zanskar mountains. Inside, you can find ancient manuscripts, frescoes and exquisite statues of Avalokitesvara and Manjushri. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh by exploring Ladakh tour packages, which often include visits to this historic monastery.