What are the best places to visit in Ladakh — this question is debatable as every inch of Ladakh is as beautiful as heaven. The pictures and videos of Ladakh leave people spellbound with its beauty. But believe us, Ladakh is more beautiful than what you have explored on the internet.
Geographically Ladakh is huge in area and it had hundreds of tourist places worth visiting. But here we shall tell you about the major tourist attractions that you should not miss to visit. From its high altitude beautiful lakes to the world’s highest mountain passes to ancient monasteries, unique Ladakhi culture and landscapes, Ladakh has everything to offer to visitors from India and abroad. Be if motorbiking or trekking enthusiasts, culture and religion lovers, admirers of beautiful landscapes, high altitude blue water lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers or winding roads, Ladakh has everything for everyone. Given below are the best places in ladakh you can visit:
1. Pangong Lake
In Ladakh, you never know what surprise nature has in store for you. Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China.Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself.
- The best time to visit Pangong Lake is during summers i.e. from May to September as weather during winter is intense and the lake would be frozen.
2. Khardungla Pass
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At 5,359 meters, Khardung La is the highest motorable road in the world. A sign which greets visitors upon arriving there proclaims it with a hint of pride. The realization that one is traversing through the highest motorable road is in itself as exciting as it gets. Khardung La is a high altitude mountain pass located almost 40 kilometers from Leh, and is the gateway to Shyok & Nubra Valleys. It has an enormous strategic importance for India, as it is used to transport supplies to the Siachen Glacier. The Khardung La Pass, a major tourist place in Ladakh, is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation and all kinds of vehicles, from two wheelers to heavy trucks, ply this road.
- The best time to visit Khardung La pass is from April to June and from September to October.
3. Nubra Valley
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A tri-armed valley that is separated by Nubra (Siachan) River and Shyok River, Nubra Valley in Ladakh is popular for its cold desert and picturesque landscape. The valley is connected to Leh with Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Nubra valley is amongst the top tourist attractions in Ladakh and its Diskit Monastery and Hunder Village are a must-visit. Nubra Valley’s Hunder Village is known for its cold desert and the opportunity of camping and riding on Bactrian Camel (double-humped camel). The Diskit Monastery in the largest town of Nubra Valley is the oldest and largest one in the region and is also a must-see. However, the main attraction here is the 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha which is hard to miss out due to its size.
- April to June and September to October are the two best times of the year to visit Nubra Valley.
4. Diskit Monastery
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- The months of May to September are a perfect time to visit Diskit Monastery
5. Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, is a Buddhist monument located in Leh, Ladakh, in the northernmost part of India. It was built to promote world peace and commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. The stupa is one of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions in the region.
The construction of Shanti Stupa was initiated by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Nichidatsu Fujii in collaboration with the Ladakhi Buddhists. The foundation stone was laid in 1983, and the stupa was completed in 1991. The stupa is situated on a hilltop at an elevation of 4,267 meters (13,999 feet), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the town of Leh, the Indus Valley, and the snow-capped Himalayas.
Shanti Stupa is a symbol of peace, unity, and tolerance. Its purpose is to spread the message of non-violence and harmony among people of different cultures and religions. The stupa's architecture reflects a blend of Japanese and Tibetan styles, with a white dome-shaped structure adorned with golden statues, images, and engravings related to the life and teachings of Buddha.
The stupa consists of two levels. The first level contains a small hall with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Buddha's life, and it also houses relics of the Buddha brought from Japan. The second level has a larger meditation hall where visitors can sit and meditate in a peaceful environment.
Visitors often climb a steep flight of stairs to reach the stupa, but there is also a road that allows vehicles to reach the top. Many tourists and locals gather at Shanti Stupa during sunrise and sunset to witness the breathtaking views and participate in prayer ceremonies. The stupa is illuminated at night, creating a mesmerizing sight visible from various parts of Leh.
- Best Time to Visit Shanti Stupa is from July to september.
6. Leh Palace
Leh Palace is a historic palace located in Leh, the capital of the Leh district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the scenic Himalayan landscape. The palace is a prominent tourist attraction and an architectural marvel of the region. The construction of Leh Palace is believed to have begun in the 16th century, under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal. It served as the royal residence for the Namgyal dynasty, who ruled over the region for several centuries. The palace was built in the Tibetan architectural style, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The nine-story Leh Palace is made of stone, mud, and wood, and stands tall at a height of around 75 feet. Its imposing structure, with its towering walls and turrets, is an impressive sight. The palace is adorned with intricate woodwork, murals, and colorful frescoes, depicting Buddhist motifs, floral designs, and other artistic elements.
- The opening hours of Leh Palace is between 7 am and 4 pm.
- Spending 2 hours in and around the palace is enough. ...
- The best time to visit Leh Palace is between 9 am and 11 am.
7. Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame in Leh was established by the Indian Army in 1994 to commemorate the valor and sacrifices of Indian soldiers during various military operations in Ladakh and the surrounding regions. The museum aims to honor and educate visitors about the Indian Army's role in defending the borders of Ladakh, particularly during times of conflict.The museum displays various exhibits, including photographs, artifacts, weapons, documents, and audio-visual presentations. It provides insights into the history, geography, culture, and strategic importance of Ladakh. Visitors can learn about the Indian Army's efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, as well as their contributions during the Indo-Pak Wars, Kargil War, and other military operations.Apart from showcasing military history, the Hall of Fame also exhibits the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. Visitors can explore displays of traditional costumes, jewelry, handicrafts, musical instruments, and photographs depicting the local way of life. The museum serves as a platform to promote awareness and appreciation for Ladakh's cultural diversity.
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