Wondering which is the best place to visit in India to find nature all around? Ladakh is an ideal destination for exploring nature at close quarters and feeling the adrenaline rush of mountain biking, trekking, climbing, and much more. Follow this travel guide to come across the best places to visit in Ladakh and must-have things to do.
Leh Ladakh, a mesmerizing place in the northernmost region of India, is a real paradise for bikers and nature enthusiasts and a dream destination for many people. It is a nature-driven landscape filled with chilly mountains, rugged terrains, pristine lakes, high-altitude deserts, and majestic monasteries.
This destination offers the most unique journeys because it has the world’s two mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakoram, the three highest motorable roads, and attractive night skies. When it comes to exploring the best places to visit in Ladakh, there are several attractions you can think of.
So, if you are new to Leh Ladakh, then this blog will be a helpful guide for your assistance to know the major tourist attractions categorized below:
- Famous monasteries in Ladakh
- Best lakes to explore in Leh Ladakh
- Mountain Passes in Leh Ladakh
Let’s get started on the same.
Famous Monasteries in Ladakh
Think of Leh Ladakh or watch some videos; one of the first things you will come across is a colorful line of flags flying on the top of monasteries, signaling the availability of religious monks. The aesthetic landscape of Ladakh is best complemented by several Tibetan Monasteries (Because the place still has Tibetan culture being followed at an extensive scale), each with a different architecture, history, and geographical background. When finding the best Leh Ladakh tourism places, you must explore the following famous monasteries.
Thiksey Monastery
One of Ladakh’s most striking and popular monasteries is the Thiksey Monastery. Strategically located 17 kilometers South of Leh, this monastery belongs to the Gelukspa order. Built in the 15th century, the monastery features a 14-meter-high Maitreya Buddha statue built to commemorate the memorable visit of the 14th Dalai Lama. The monastery also features a temple with 21 forms of Goddess Tara. This Lamo-khang shrine houses the statue of Paldan Lhamo, and Chikhang houses the statue of Buddha and other religious sites.
Ideally located on the hill, Thiksey Monastery offers panoramic views of the stunning Indus River and surrounding landscape. If you visit this monastery in October, don’t forget to attend the famous Gustor festival.
Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery is another Ladakh tourist place, a must-visit for culture and nature-seeker riding in the Nubra Valley. One of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley region, Diskit Monastery, was founded way back in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo. It features magnificent-looking architecture, best attracted by the 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, visible from a far-off distance. The statue overlooking the Nubra Valley symbolizes peace and tranquility in the region.
Located on a hilltop, Diskit Monastery offers stunning views of the valley, dunes, rugged terrains, snow-clad mountains, and other attractive surroundings. Close to Hunder Sand Dunes and Turtuk Village, this monastery is a must-visit in Ladakh and opens from May to September.
Lamayuru Monastery
The list of places to visit in Ladakh is incomplete without mentioning the Lamayuru Monastery, located 125 km from Leh, specifically on the Leh-Kargil Road. One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, this one was built around the 11th century by Naropa after draining the lake and creating the magnificent-looking structure of the monastery. Sitting at an elevated height of 3,510 meters above sea level, the breathtaking views of Moonland Terrain, the village below, and the surrounding mountains from this monastery will surely catch your attention at a glance.
Also known as Yuru Gompa, Lumayuru Monastery is one of the significant monasteries owing to its conduct of the famous Yuru Kabgyat Festival. It also features unique architecture due to the presence of murals, a Buddha statue, an assembly hall, and more.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is one of the most important monasteries to visit in Ladakh. Officially built in the 17th century, it is just an hour’s drive from Leh. Belonging to the Drukpa order, it features an imposing courtyard that houses unique-looking wooden balconies. The monastery’s architecture is further complemented by large prayer halls, painted walls, thangkas, ancient relics, and much more.
Another key highlight of the monastery is the collection of Buddhist artifacts, a museum showcasing ancient Buddhist relics and rare artwork. Pay a visit to this scenic monastery to experience the scenic surroundings, meet the religious monks, and experience spiritual enlightenment.
Monasteries in Ladakh are not confined to the limits of the ones mentioned above. There are more monasteries you can explore while traveling to Leh Ladakh on your next trip.
Best Lakes to Explore in Leh Ladakh
Undoubtedly, Leh Ladakh’s beauty is best seen in person owing to the manifold pristine lakes with chilling water set against the backdrop of beautiful valleys. Exploration of the Ladakh tourist places is incomplete without visiting the high-altitude lakes like Pangong Lake, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, and several others. In this Leh Ladakh travel guide section, you will learn about the region’s must-visit lakes.
Pangong Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in Leh Ladakh is definitely Pangong Lake, better known as Pangong Tso Lake. Situated at a high-altitude region and shared by both Indian and Chinese borders, this cold and blue crystal-clear lake is the world’s highest saltwater body. The most stunning feature of the lake is that it changes color and freezes completely in the extremely cold weather season.
Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri Lake, situated at a height of 15,000 feet above sea level, is known as the White Lake owing to the surrounding alkaline deposits and whitish clay. A beautiful saltwater lake amidst the majestic surroundings of the mountains captures the attention of travelers at first glance. Located 250 km away from Leh, Tso Moriri measures 7 km in broadness and is around 19 km long. It is a protected wetland in Ladakh.
Kiagar Tso
Kiagar Tso, one of the highest lakes, sits at an elevated height of 4,700 meters above sea level. This lake is located on the road from Sumdo Village and offers an integral stopover for exploring the Changthan Plateau. An off-beat place to visit in Ladakh, this lake will attract your attention owing to its brackish water, rich biodiversity, and grasslands nearby. Snow-capped peaks, a peaceful environment, and barren hills best surround it.
Mountain Passes in Ladakh
Mountain Nun Peak
Nun Peak, located in the Leh Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the highest regions for mountain expeditions. Situated at an amazing height of 7135 meters, this peak in the remote landscape of the Zanskar region offers an adventurous trek to its easily approachable base camp. Adventure seekers can experience snow-trekking, camping, and nature excursions around Nun Peak during the best exploration time from June to August.
Mountain Kun Peak
If you want a hardcore mountaineering experience, then Mountain Kun Peak in Ladakh is your place. The twin mountain range next to the equally famous Mountain Nun Peak stands tall at 7,077 meters. The second-highest peak in the Zanskar region offers an advanced trekking experience through its uneven slopes, daunting structure, and difficult ways to reach the top.
Matho West
The Matho West Mountain Range is another high-altitude peak in the Ladakh region, suitable for adventurers, trekkers, and experienced climbers. It is part of the larger trans-Himalayan region located south of Leh, an integral part of the Zanskar mountain system. Sitting at an impressive height of 6,000 meters, this mountain range offers the best trekking and climbing experience, especially from June to September and November to March.
Mentok Kangri
Another must-visit place in Ladakh is Mentok Kangri, one of the central mountains. With ‘Mentok’ meaning ‘flower’ and ‘Kangri’ meaning ‘peak,’ this mountain appears like a flower on top of a rugged landscape and inspires climbers to trek to the top. A challenging peak at a height of 6,270 meters is of great cultural significance among locals. This peak draws the attention of adventure seekers from all across the globe who want to experience the raw beauty.
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Concluding Thoughts
In the end, Leh Ladakh is not just any travel destination. It’s more than that. It’s like climbing one of the highest peaks, exploring hilltops and architecturally amazing monasteries, and riding through rugged terrains. From snow-clad peaks, serene monasteries, vibrant festivals, and a raw nature vibe, there are many places to visit in Ladakh for adventure, nature, and cultural exploration.
So, make a travel plan to Ladakh, learn more from TBO Academy, create an itinerary, pack your bags, and be ready to create unforgettable memories.
Places to Visit in Ladakh FAQs
What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
The ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh and explore the surroundings is May to September. The weather is pleasant, and the roads are open.
Which road to reach Ladakh?
You can visit Ladakh either through Manali or Srinagar, whichever is convenient for you. You can also visit this amazing place by flight, followed by a road trip, or by bike from anywhere in India.
Is there any permit required to travel in Ladakh?
To visit places like Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, and Pangong Lake, you require a valid travel permit. This license is called an Inner Line Permit (for Indian tourists) or a Protected Area Permit (for foreign tourists).
What is the must-visit places in Ladakh?
You must visit key attractions of Ladakh, such as Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Khardung La Pass, Zanskar Valley, and Pangong Lake.
Is it safe to travel to Ladakh alone?
Yes, it’s safe to travel solo in Ladakh, especially during the daytime. Still, it’s better to have fellow travelers around you to reach the high-altitude regions with ease.
