Leh is aptly known as the “Land of High Passes” and has a population of 14000 people (2011). Located in the Ladakh region of India, Leh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Nestled in a valley at an altitude ranging from 3000-5000 meters is this gorgeous little region that takes you back centuries with its mountain palaces, monasteries, and shrines. here is the list of best places to visit Leh-Ladakh.
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India’s union territory of Ladakh. Heaven on earth is accurately described by Ladakh. Words cannot express the beauty of this site. Any traveler’s first choice for a dream vacation is here. Ladakh is a paradise that stretches from the Siachen Glacier to the main Great Himalayas. Tibetan monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, whitewashed stupas, exquisite murals, and red-robed monks are some of Ladakh’s most notable landmarks. Make sure you obtain a permit if you are planning a vacation to Ladakh because the Ladakh government has opened an internet portal for it. You should always carry copies of these documents when traveling through the Nubra Valley, the Durbuk Block, Khardung La, Dha-hanu Villages, Tso-Moriri, Tsokar Lakes, and Pangong Lake.
The best time to visit Leh Ladakh would be during the summer months between May and September which are generally hot.
HOW TO REACH LADAKH
Ladakh is a stunning, desolate country, but it is not often very accessible. In actuality, the roads leading to Leh are only open from May to October and are buried in snow the rest of the year. Nevertheless, a sizable number of tourists still go there each year. How to get to Ladakh is as follows:
BY AIR
The closest airport is at Leh, which has good connections to Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, and a number of other Indian towns. You can take a taxi to your destinations from the Leh airport. There are numerous lodging alternatives in Leh.
BY TRAIN
Jammu Tawi, which is 700 kilometers from Ladakh and has good connections to Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, is the closest railway station. From there, you can take a JKSRTC bus or order a taxi to get to Ladakh.
BY ROAD
Ladakh is 434 kilometers from Srinagar and 494 kilometers from Manali away. To get to Ladakh, you can take a JKSRTC bus, a taxi, or a vehicle. Alternatively, depending on how much time you have, you can start a bike ride from Srinagar, Manali, or Chandigarh to Leh. Heavy snowfalls throughout the winter months cause the highways to be closed. Therefore, you may only go by vehicle to Ladakh from May to September.
Best Places to visit in Leh-Ladakh
1. LEH PALACE
Leh Palace, perched on a hill, is among the best representations of mediaeval Tibetan architecture. The palace, which is constructed of stones, wood, mud, and sand, is frequently contrasted with Lhasa’s famed Potala Palace. The palace’s walls keep the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Crowns, ceremonial attire, jewelry, and fine paintings embellish the interiors. Some of them date back as far as 450 years and were colored using powdered gemstones and stones. The walls have murals that reflect the heydays of the past. If that weren’t intriguing enough, the palace offers breathtaking views of the valley below and the nearby mountain range.
How to get there: Leh Palace is just a short stroll uphill from Leh Market. As an alternative, you can approach the entrance by car.
2. SHANTI STUPA
On top of a precipitous slope lies the white-domed structure known as the Shanti Stupa. It was built by an intriguing fusion of locals and Japanese Buddhists, facing snow-capped peaks. It was intended to be a symbol of peace as well as a way to mark and honor the 2500 years of Buddhism. The stupa has a gilded figure of the Buddha and representations of his birth and death.
The stupa provides clear views of the valley below due to its vantage point. When illuminated at night, it takes on a unique beauty. This is one of the best places to go in Ladakh if you want to see a spectacular sunrise or sunset.
3. AT NIMMU SANGAM
The Sangam is located along the Srinagar-Leh highway on the way to Leh. At Nimmu, two rivers come together. Here, the emerald waters of the Indus and the brownish waters of Zanskar mix in a sight to see. Particularly for those who enjoy the outdoors, it is a breathtaking sight. If you wish to witness breathtaking natural beauty, it is one of the top 10 locations to visit in Ladakh.
How to get there: It is 33 kilometers away from Leh by car.
4. Pangong Tso Lake
Pangong Lake, one of the most well-known sights in Ladakh, is situated at a height of 4350 m on the Indo-China border. One of Asia’s biggest saltwater lakes is also referred to as the Hollow Lake or Pangong Tso. It has a radius of about 100 kilometers. This lake has one-third in eastern Ladakh and two-thirds in Tibet (Chinese territory). It is around 160 kilometers from Leh city and boasts stunning surroundings. The lake freezes over and becomes an ice skating festival location during the winter months. By paying a modest cost, one may obtain an Inner Line Permit from the deputy commissioner of Leh.
Things to do
- Participate in the festival ice skating.
- While staying at Pangong Retreat Camp in Ladakh, enjoy a bonfire.
- Use your cameras to capture the magnificent sunrise.
- Enjoy watching birds, such as seagulls, ducks, and cranes.
5. SAND DUNES AT HUNDER
Lying in the desert and observing a billion stars is one of the best sensations in Ladakh. Would you really not believe us? Who, after all, anticipates discovering a desert on the Himalayas? The majority of you would not know that Ladakh is truly a frigid, high-altitude desert. The incredibly beautiful Nubra Valley is a prime example.
The village of Hunder is one of this valley’s most well-known tourist destinations. Thousands of tourists visit this location every year to see the sand dunes encircled by mountains in a golden brown color.
The double-humped Bactrian camel, a rare species found exclusively in this part of Ladakh, also makes its home in the desert.
How to get there: The road distance from Leh is 120 km.
6. Nubra Valley
The idyllic Nubra valley, a tri-armed valley 150 kilometers northeast of Leh, is one of the sights to see in Ladakh. A valley with the confluence of the Shyok and Siachen Rivers, white sand deserts, double-humped camels, rich, verdant settlements, shimmering streams, and jagged mountain peaks may be found in this valley, which is located at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. The valley is surrounded by natural beauty and is gently situated on the Karakoram mountain range. Explore the valley while riding a Bactrian camel.
Things to do
- Take in the beauty of nature and the lush surroundings.
- Use your cameras to capture Mother Nature.
- Climb atop a Bactrian camel and tour the valley.
- Explore the monasteries and villages in the area.
- Go apple and apricot orchard-hopping
7. Zanskar Valley
Zanskar Valley, located in a secluded region of Ladakh, is a beautiful hill retreat with magnificent monasteries built in the Tibetan style and encircled by snow-capped mountain peaks. The two draws are the vibrant Buddhist culture and the beautiful surroundings. From here, the views of the Drang-Drung Glacier are just breathtaking. Two more tiny calm alpine lakes can be found in the valley. Visit Panikhar Fort, a popular destination right here on the Suru Valley border. During the winter, adventure seekers are particularly fond of the valley for the Chadar or Zanskar River Treks.
Things to do
- Tenting at Penzella Pass.
- Go to Karsha Village’s Gelugpa monastery.
- Check out the murals at Labrang.
- River rafting via Padam from Serchu to Nyimu.
- Set off on one of the many hiking excursions, such as the Chadar Trek or Zanskar River Trek.
8. Chadar Trek
One of the most well-known tourist destinations in the Ladakh region is this. In the winter, the Zanskar River freezes, and travelers must cross the ice to get to the Nerak. This walk is a well-known winter excursion that begins at Chilling when the river begins to freeze.
Things to do:
- The thrill of walking on the frozen Zanskar River.
- Camping in the cave along the river.
- Enjoy the enchanting and untouched beauty of the valley.
- Catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains.
9. Turtuk
Ladakh, once known as Baltistan and governed by Pakistan until 1971, has the settlement of Turtuk. Turtuk is far away, yet once you get there, every step seems worthwhile. It consists of numerous tiny settlements and only has one monastery perched atop a hill. Leh is 8 to 9 hours away from Turtuk, and at that time, one must stop at Hunder for the night. You can interact with the friendly locals to gain insight into their way of life.
Things to do
— Book a homestay.
- Take photos from the bridge.
- To reach the monastery, hike.
- Look at Mount K2.
- Enjoy regional specialties.
10. Hunder Village
Hunder Village is located on the route to Turtuk. There are both homestays and tent stays available in this isolated community in the Nubra Valley area. There are no ATMs and the restaurants only serve minimal fare. Airtel and BSNL postpaid numbers are also required because other numbers do not function here. For trekkers who like to explore the chilly desert, sand dunes, and take Bactrian camel rides, it is a terrific area to go to in Ladakh. The Siachen Glacier, another popular site in Ladakh, is nearby, and the settlement itself is gorgeous and right out of a fairy tale.
Things to do
- Take a camel ride.
- Explore the forest regions.
- Take in the region’s stunning views.
- Camp in tents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of clothing should I pack for a trip to Ladakh?
Depending on when you travel, Ladakh’s weather conditions will be severe. Always keep warm by dressing in thick wool clothing, cozy shoes, thermals, socks, and jackets. You should pack lightweight jackets and cotton T-shirts for the summer. Carry a raincoat, a pair of shoes, and light clothing if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
2. How accessible are the internet and cellphone in Ladakh?
In Ladakh, post-paid connections function well. A few locations will have working Airtel connections, however, BSNL would not work effectively. You must obtain a postpaid connection from MTNL or BSNL. Your internet will function properly in big cities, but you will only have access to 3G-level internet services. There are certain locations with no connectivity.
3. How do the ATMs in Ladakh work?
While there are ATMs available in the Leh market, they are difficult to locate elsewhere. So make sure you have extra cash on hand because tiny business owners won’t accept cards.
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