September 10, 2022 By

Piyush

Sometimes traveling can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when someone wishes to travel solo. The thought of going places alone can make you go heebie-jeebie. Traveling is nothing but an escape. It’s the serenity/ peace that everyone seeks. Traveling not just allows meeting new people but also gives a reason and a purpose to this monotonous life. Some seek peace, while some are up for thrill and adventure. For someone expecting to experience thrill and serenity together, “The Land of High- Passes,” i.e. Leh Ladakh, is the best option.

Ladakh’s beauty and tranquility are better captured by the eyes than words. Pictures and recordings cannot capture the breathtaking beauty that Ladakh gives. Because it caters to all types of people, it makes the location even more unique. Ladakh is ideal for everyone, whether you’re looking to satiate the desire of motorbike enthusiasts or provide spirituality for those seeking tranquility.

The Himalayan range is magnificently green & white thanks to the “region of high passes,” which is 8,370 feet above sea level. The roughness of the Alps may be seen in the enormous stretches of white sands. But nothing comes close to the serene atmosphere that the waterways provide.

Summertime is the perfect season to explore Leh Ladakh. The best time to travel to Ladakh is in the period between April and May when most of the touristic destinations will be open. In order to dodge an overabundance of tourists, some travelers choose the months of June through August. Long winters are a result of Ladakh’s high elevation.

Leh Ladakh being the best touristry destination, has a lot to offer. The number of places to visit here is endless.

12 Must- visit places in Leh Ladakh

1. Khardung La Pass

Several alluring and uncharted vistas may be reached over the Khardung La pass. Both adventurers and conventional visitors enjoy visiting this renowned mountain range. Khardung La, which is perched at the height of 5,359 meters, is found in the Leh division of the Indian Union Territory. It is acclaimed as the world’s highest motorable route. Due to its location on the main caravan path that connects Leh, in Northern India, to Kashgar, in Central Asia, Khardung La is extremely significant historically.

Mountain enthusiasts, tranquility seekers, and adrenaline junkies will all enjoy a break at Khardung La pass. Travelers must have an Inner Line Permit in order to enter and traverse the pass. The Khardung La pass is blocked from October through May because of persistent rainfall and snowfall.

India depends heavily on the pass since it is utilized to transport goods to the Siachen Glacier. Construction of Khardung La began in 1976 and was made public in 1988. The Himalayas and the Karakoram range are seen from the summit in beautiful panoramas.

2. Pangong lake

Pangong Lake in Ladakh offers tranquility, peace, silence, and heaven altogether. Pangong Lake, known colloquially as Pangong Tso, sits serenely at an altitude of 14,270 feet. This lake is 12 kilometers long & lies between the borders of India and China.

A pristine location in Ladakh is distinguished by mild to highlands and sparkling blue waterways. The great expanse draws attention as sorcery is unfolding directly before the eyes.

The dreamlike pure blue water is brackish or saline in composition, and this trait prevents any marine life from surviving in them. Furthermore, the temperature spectrum of -30 to -10 degrees Celsius causes even this saline lake to solidify with massive ice sheets. This is entirely the reverse in the context of salt-laden water bodies.

Every year, the presence of migratory birds adds to the attractiveness of this stunning landscape spot, attracting many tourists in quest of adventure, photography, bird-watching, and a refreshing experience. Another distinctive and enduring characteristic of Pangong is its ability to change colors like a metamorphosis, going from blue to greenish to perhaps grey on occasions.

3. Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is the most significant sites to explore in Ladakh is Nubra Valley, which is renowned for its double-humped camels and white sand dunes. The picturesque foothills of the Karakoram range and the convergence of the Shyak and Siachen rivers make Nubra valley an unforgettable journey!

The Nubra Valley, which is around 160 kilometers from Leh, is a major draw for visitors. The Nubra Valley, which provides easy access to the higher portions of the nation, particularly Siachen, has an oasis-like village called Diskit in its center. It is a wonderful location to pause and take in the surrounding splendor. As night falls, go to the Diskit Monastery to see the enormous Maitreya Buddha statue that views the whole valley and welcomes it for yet another day.

4. Lamayuru

The Lamayuru monastery, also known as Tharpa Ling, is among Leh’s most prominent and oldest monasteries. This location is the quietest and most tranquil destination in Leh, the monastery is situated at the height of 3,510 meters. It is a well-known ancient Buddhist temple that is inhabited by more than 50 monks and is a member of the Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism.

This location entertains tourists with its lovely architectural and religious aura. It is adorned with exquisite wall paintings, scriptures, old murals, thangkas, statues of Buddha, and other deities. Another popular tourist destination adjacent is a cave known as Naropa’s Cave. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Yuru Kabgyat, the “Mask Dance,” and several ceremonies, including the “Burning of Effigies.”

5. Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri is one among the most tranquil locations in Leh Ladakh and is nothing short of a utopia. The Tso Moriri Lake, which is tucked away in the quiet and lovely Rupshu Valley, is encircled by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking scenery. The reservoir is a terrific place to admire the remarkable natural splendor because it is around 4,000 m above water level, 29 kilometres in length, while 8 km broad.

It is a haven for bird lovers and photographers since it hosts a wide range of exotic bird species, from native to seasonal. It is inside the boundaries of the Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and is referred to as the biggest high-elevation lake in India. One should include this magnificent location in their schedule for Leh if they want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but ensure to get an Inner Line Permit beforehand because visiting this lake requires one. And schedule the trip for the summertime, when the area’s splendor is at its peak.

6. Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is among the most enigmatic and fascinating tourist destinations in the nation, and this is situated at the height of 14,000 feet. As automobiles appear to be pushed upward on this little cyclops hill, it’s also stated that this location is where the laws of gravity are disregarded. The enigma behind this unusual phenomenon may be explained by a number of scientific hypotheses. However, a widely held local belief claims that the Magnetic Hill Road is a straight “stairway to heaven.”

The entrance to Magnetic Hill has been marked with a white box where people are instructed to park their cars. The signboard says, “Magnetic Hill – the Phenomenon that defies Gravity.” They gradually start to move upward on their own, against gravity, at a pace of about 10 to 20 km/h after the car is parked in neutral.

This is one such occurrence that has drawn vacationers to Magnetic Hill from all over the world. Whatever the explanation, Magnetic Hill is unquestionably a fantastic site to explore. It’s a terrific rest point just on Manali-Leh Highway, a perfect spot to take beautiful photographs, relax, or just bask in nature.

7. Kargil

In Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh area, Kargil is a charming city that ranks second in size only to Leh. This city is well-known because of its rich historical, cultural, and political significance. It is situated 2676 feet above water level along the Indus River or Suru. Kargil’s geographic position results in a severe climate, with temperatures of -45 degrees Celsius in wintertime!

Because Kargil is a mecca for adventure activities like hiking, mountaineering, river rafting, camping, etc., it is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers.

What is the most intriguing aspect? It is the Line of Control, which is located barely 11 kilometers from Kargil. It separates Pakistan from India. It is also a tourist haven since, as one meanders through its roads like a wanderer. Tourists get to see several exquisite and historic monasteries and gompas, picturesque valleys, and breathtaking mountain peaks. Kargil is a serene, breathtakingly beautiful city that attracts tourists year after year.

8. Zanskar Valley

Unquestionably amongst the top tourist spots in Leh Ladakh and definitely the finest holiday destination is Zanskar valley. It is the Himalayan range’s most barren location. The beautiful heavens are reflected throughout the snow-covered mountainous hills. This is the best location for river rafting in India is along the Zanskar River’s tributaries. The points of attraction in Zanskar, Ladakh, are undoubtedly among those must-see sights in Leh Ladakh.

The ideal months to go to Zanskar are between June and September. That is when the route is free of snowfall and the weather in Leh is comfortable. Due to the severe wintertime and snowfall, it will be shut for a considerable amount of time.

9. Hemis National Park

The Hemis National Park, has the accolade of being the largest national park in the regions of South Asia, is a must-see if someone really wants to experience the finest Ladakh sightseeing. Leopards, red foxes, Tibetan wolves, Asiatic ibex, and Eurasian brown bears are just a few endangered animals that call the area home.

This needs to be on the list of attractions to see in Ladakh, especially for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Bird viewing is more enjoyable when done in a quiet setting without pollution. Without it, the Leh sightseeing tour is worthless. The ideal time to explore this is between May and September.

10. Spituk Gompa

The name Ladakh means “country of the monks and monasteries.” The most popular tourist destination in Ladakh is Spituk. This is well-known for its exquisite carving at the summit of a hill. However, the nighttime breezes could make you shiver terribly. To feel cozy when visiting one of Leh Ladakh’s most tranquil locations, it is advised to carry extra woolen garments.

Od-De founded the Gompa in the eleventh century. It holds the divine representation of Mahakaal, which is only displayed during the Spituk festival every January. A wide variety of vintage objects, including Thangkas and old masks, may be seen at the museum of Spituk Monastery. The ideal time to take a tour here is between May to September, but if someone is keen on attending the festival, January is the best time.

11. Chadar Trek

Imagine walking across a freezing lake. Among the most spectacular spots to tour in Ladakh is Chadar Trek, which offers an incredible and thrilling experience. The word “chadar” means “blanket,” as the well-known Zanskar River near Leh, Ladakh, freezes over in the winters and forms a thick layer of ice. While travelers stroll along this ice frozen river, they stop to see how its colors change.

After being exposed to the sunrays for a couple of hours during the day, moderate blue color turns pale yellow. Under the moonlight night, it seems to be milky white. This Trek is regarded as the most challenging and demanding treks.

12. Tso Kar Lake

Explore nature’s paradisiacal virtues or simply relax beside Tso Kar Lake, which is home to many beautiful sights. This reservoir is explored by throngs of tourists throughout the year and is amongst the most rejuvenating stuffs to do in Leh. The lake seems to have a rustic reflection and is strewn over 9 km.

One can fall in love with this location and return time and time again because of the vistas it offers. Along the lake, travelers may also see some nomadic people, and every one of those has a fascinating life story to share. These people are best spoken to when someone is willing to know much more about the entire region.