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Things to Do in Ladakh

The ever-changing colours of Pangong lake set against the intense blue sky make it one of the most spectacular sites in Ladakh. Pangong Tso is a glacial lake approximately 150 kilometres long, spreading out over India and China. Only 5 hours of driving distance from Leh, this lake is cannot be missed when you are Ladakh. Nestled amidst the mountains at a height of 4350 metres though it is, Pangong Tso maintains a liquid state year-round owing to its saline content and it is one of the best Ladakh tour places.

The beauty of this lake against the backdrop of the majestic mountains is one of the most powerful sights in the world as well as the most peace-giving. Pangong Tso brings the depth of nature’s creativity to light in full force and makes you want to bow in reverence before it. You can also indulge yourself in camping around Pangong Lake which will give you some spectacular views of the lake. This is one place you absolutely must visit when in Ladakh.

The Indus River, originating from Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, runs across the desert region of Ladakh. While rafting in this river in Ladakh, you get to enjoy some fascinating beauty of nature as the river takes you through the gorges in the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. This river has mainly rapids of Grade I and Grade II and, in some places, Grade III.

There are different sections in the river where the difficulty levels vary. However, there is no denying the fact this gives you a tremendous pumping of your adrenaline along with a mesmerising panorama of the places around the riverbanks, and it is one of the best things to do in Ladakh.

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The bustling market in Leh is full of various types of curio items, colourful trinkets and such other articles which could be a collector's delight. One should take some memento along with him before leaving ladakh.

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Enjoy the excitement of riding a camel in the cold deserts of Ladakh. These sturdy animals will take you on an adventure through the majestic landscape. Feel the sway of their gentle walk as you explore the sandy terrain. Enjoy the views of the rugged mountains and vast plains from atop your camel. You can take a guided camel safari to learn more about the region and its culture as well. Riding a camel in Ladakh promises an enjoyable experience for you.

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Magnetic Hill is one of the most wonderful natural landmarks in Ladakh and must be seen for its magic to be fully understood. The Magnetic Hill is a 'gravity hill’, capable of enacting a unique optical illusion that baffles tourists every time they view it. The hill gives the illusion that an object which is going downhill is actually following an uphill track. Cars that are travelling down the slope seem to be going uphill, thereby apparently defying gravity. 

This unique optical illusion is a rare phenomenon, and only a few places in the world produce it. Experiencing the phenomenon of Magnetic Hill will make you marvel at the intricacy and creativity of nature and give you some unique memories to enjoy even after you leave Ladakh, and it is one of the best Ladakh tourist places.

Spotting a snow leopard in Ladakh is an unforgettable wildlife experience. In Ladakh, you can try to find the elusive snow leopard as these majestic cats roam the mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive fur among the rocks and snow.

It is a thrilling challenge to spot them in their natural habitat. With your luck, you might catch a glimpse of these rare creatures. Join a guided tour for this activity, one of the most amazing things to do in Ladakh. 

A 17th-century palace built after the fashion of mediaeval palaces in Tibet, which stands overlooking the town of Leh, the Royal Leh Palace is one of the most important cultural destinations in Ladakh. Such is its significance that the structure is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Ladakh, despite its dilapidated outlook. Located atop a high hill, the palace offers a panoramic view of the town of Leh spread out against a backdrop of the Stok Kangri and Ladakh ranges. 

The palace also includes a museum which has artefacts dating back almost 450 years. This museum is one of the most attractive parts of the palace. Visiting this museum is a great way to get some valuable insight into the history and culture of Ladakh.

Tso Moriri is a small and dainty lake in Ladakh. Falling as it does on the Ladakhi end of the Changthang Plateau, it is fed by the trickling streams and melting snows of neighbouring mountains. Tso Moriri is at an approximate distance of 250 kilometres from Leh, and a drive of roughly 8 to 10 hours is required to reach here. However, Tso Moriri amply repays the effort it takes to reach here in the form of gorgeous panoramic views. One must take an experience of camping around this beautiful lake to enjoys scenic views of nature.

The simplicity of the lake is the best feature of the lake- its still waters are undisturbed by the commotion and there isn’t as much touristic crowd disturbing the silence as is found near Pangong Tso. Tso Moriri is lovely in its beauty, and admiration for the simple perfection of the area flows naturally when you are near the lake. 

One of the most important tourist destinations in Leh, Nubra Valley is a place that cannot be missed if you are travelling to Ladakh in the summer. Nubra Valley offers tourists the chance to enjoy a multitude of adventures. The 150-kilometre-long valley is rich in sightseeing opportunities. From the Diskit Monastery to the sand dunes to the Shayok and Nubra Rivers, there is a lot to enjoy here. 

Paying visits to the local villages of Hunter, Turtuke, and Diskit is also a good way to enjoy the sights of Nubra Valley. Trekking and camping are adventurous ways to enjoy Nubra Valley, but you can also engage in jeep and camel safaris. Hiring a local guide is a good way of enjoying the valley in all its aspects. 

One of the most renowned passes in India, Khardunga La is a high-altitude motorable pass in Ladakh. According to the locals, it is the highest motorable pass in India, though opinion is divided on the matter. Khardung La is majestic in its scope, and visiting it is one of the most exotic experiences you can have in Ladakh, and this is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

The pass is situated at an altitude of nearly 18,500 feet, and the views from here are awe-inspiring. Sharp, chilly winds blow here relentlessly and add to the adventurous nature of the pass. An army canteen near the pass provides tourists with the chance to enjoy a nice hot cup of tea and some snacks as they gaze tirelessly upon the fascinating view.

Situated at a height of 3510 metres and about 127 Kms from Leh, this is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery is maintained by the Red Hat sect of Buddhism.

The beautiful collection of wall paintings rich in colour, murals, thangkas, and scriptures makes the visit to the monastery worthwhile. The landscape here resembles a mainland-like terrain and has led to a spurt in camps and road trips conducted in this region.

Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. An ancient Buddhist monastery complex makes up the monastery and houses several chortens and temples. Alchi Monastery primarily includes three major shrines that are important to Buddhism – the Dukhang (assembly hall), the Sumtsek and the Temple of Manjushri. These shrines date back to the 12th century and are considered to be of great significance in the Ladakh region. 

Several wall paintings also decorate the monuments of the monastery and reflect both Buddhist and Hindu ideals. Wooden artefacts are also an important part of the monastery’s décor and are considered to be important artistic works. Alchi Monastery is a monument to Ladakh’s past and therefore plays an important role in the culture of the region. Its location on the banks of the Indus River further adds to the glorious experience of visiting the monastery, and this is one of the best things to do in Ladakh.

Located 15 kilometres south of Leh on the Leh-Manali road is the famous Shey monastery complex. Shey was the summer capital of Ladakh in the years gone by, and the palace and the monastery are reflections of a bygone era. The palace is mostly in ruins today, but the monastery is still worth a visit. The monastery houses a grand statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, and it is one of the best Ladakh places.

This 12-metre-high statue covers all three floors of the monastery and is one of the most spectacular man-made wonders to be seen in Ladakh. The upper floor of the monastery is covered in beautiful, intricately designed paintings, while the lower floor features a library rich in ancient books. Small shrines further add to the depth of the monastery. 

Ladakh is rich in monasteries, but the Diskit monastery is one of the most renowned of all monasteries in the region. Located in Nubra Valley, this monastery is the oldest and the largest monastery in Ladakh. A grand 100-foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha is ensconced at the entrance to the monastery and makes a grand and awe-inspiring picture as you approach it, and it is one of the best Ladakh tourist places.

The monastery is located on a high plain with the Shylok River flowing peaceably by. A number of other shrines and temples are also located inside the monastery. The monastery hosts a “Festival of the Scapegoat" during February, one of the best festivals the Ladakh region could have, a festival which reflects the spirit of the culture of Ladakh. It is an enjoyable festival, though tourists find it hard to attend because the snows block Nubra Valley from civilisation in the winters.

The Hall of Fame near Leh is actually a museum dedicated to the Indian army's heroic struggles during the war in the Kargil and Siachen sectors. It's a very interesting museum displaying the weapons employed during the Kargil War and belongings of the enemy soldiers, including their outfits found after the Kargil War, and is one of the famous Ladakh tour places.

Also, on display are the different outfits of the heroic soldiers with multi-layered shoes to protect them from frostbite and their frozen foods, which they warm with balls of hexamycin tablets before dinner. Due to the excessive cold in the Ladakh region, with the temperature hovering between -30°C and -50°C, it is difficult to strike a fire. This is also the reason why there were so many deaths of our heroic soldiers during the Siachen war.

The Thiksey monastery is situated in the Indus Valley and is just 18 kms away from Leh. The 12-storey monastery contains ten temples with an assembly hall and living quarters for the monks and also a nunnery. The 40-foot one. The high statue of Maitreya Buddha is the prime attraction here and is dedicated to the Goddess Tara. 

Other than this, one can also see some rare, precious stupas, wall paintings, statues and swords in the monastery. 

The Losar festival is perhaps the most popular and eagerly awaited festival in Ladakh. It starts on the first of the eleventh month of every year. The rituals and rites which are performed during the Losar festival is a mixture of Buddhist and pre-Buddhist religious practices. The start of the festival is heralded with the end of the harvesting season. 

People dress themselves up in new attire, and women adorn themselves with fine jewellery to join the festive spirit. Goats and sheep are kept reserved for use during the festival time. Chang, a local beer made from barley, flows freely as a part of the celebrations.