Tourist attractions in Ladakh

Set in a heavenly landscape, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Zanskar and Karakoram ranges, bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Shyok, Zanskar, and Indus rivers, Ladakh is one of the coldest deserts in the world. Perched at a height of over 11,000 feet above sea level, it is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. Its rugged terrain and gushing rivers offer many opportunities for activities such as trekking, rafting, camping, climbing, and biking. As the winter months approach, the Union Territory is enveloped in a blanket of snow, making it a winter sports paradise. The famous Chadar Trek starts from the village of Chilling, 66 km away, and covers mainly the frozen area of the Zanskar River. Along the way, trekkers walk on precarious icy surfaces, stay in caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and encounter other snowy landscapes.

Ladakh has three beautiful high-altitude lakes, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, and Pangong Tso, which look like sapphires embedded in the ground. Magnetic Hill is a natural wonder that leaves tourists in awe. It is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. Ladakh is an important center of Buddhism and has several important monasteries. Tourists can walk the monastery trail and see the ancient cultures of the region come alive in the various paintings that adorn the walls while engaging in meditation and other therapeutic and spiritual activities. Namaskar India Tour is a local English-speaking travel agency offering travel to Ladakh.

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The heritage of Leh and Ladakh through its attractions

Alchi Monastery

The largest gompa built by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan, Alchi Monastery is one of the most famous sites in the region. Tourists can pay homage to different shrines and temples, such as the main Buddha Vairocana Lhakhang, Lotsava Lhakhang, Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple), and sumtsag Lhakhang. The main statue is that of Vairocana Buddha, but there ar...

The Chadar trek

The Chadar Trek in Ladakh can only be done during the winter months in Ladakh. It gets its name from the fact that during winter, the rivers freeze and turn into a blanket of ice which is the main terrain of this trek. Throughout the adventure, trekkers walk on precarious ice formations, stay in caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and encounter other snowy landscapes. It is very importan...

Chang La Pass

It is widely regarded as the second-highest motorized route in the world. The Chang La Pass is perched at a height of 17,590 feet above sea level. This pass is the main route to Pangong Lake, which is a scenic tourist stop. The pass is also the gateway to the Changthang Plateau, which is known to be the home of the nomadic Changpa tribe. Tourists can also visit the nearby Tangtse village. It remai...

The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that covers an area of 1,600 km2. It is located on the Ladakhi Changthang plateau in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. It boasts the highest lake in the world, the Tso Moriri. It is believed to also include the highest village in the world, Korzok village, which attracts tourists to visit Korzok Monastery. While observing the rare snow l...

The Choglamsar

The village of Choglamsar is a Tibetan community located on the outskirts of Leh. It lies along the Indus River at about 11,000 feet above sea level and is known for its exquisite Tibetan choktse tables, as several artisans who make these handicrafts reside in the village. The village also has a handicraft center mainly devoted to carpet weaving. Many artisans leave from this village to sell their...

The villages of Dah-Hanu

The picturesque villages of Dha (or Dah) and Hanu are among the few villages that are home to Leh’s ethnic Drogpa tribe, known for their hospitality. They are said to be the descendants of the original Aryan or Indo-European race. These villages are a great way to explore the cultural diversity of the region and are a huge draw for photographers, who love to capture portraits and landscapes....

The monastery of Diskit

The village of Diskit is the administrative center of the Nubra Valley and its popularity is linked to the ancient monasteries it houses. Belonging to the 14th century, this monastery is considered the largest and oldest in the Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the most important attraction of the monastery is the huge statue of Maitreya Buddha at the top, which was unveiled by H.H. the Da...

The Dzongkhul

The Dzongkhul Monastery, founded by Mahasiddha Naropa, an Indian Buddhist, is a place of rest and meditation. The cave in which Naropa spent time is still located on this monastery site. It is said that he struck his stick with his hand on a rock at this place, which resulted in the foundation of this monastery. Many Mahasiddhas of Zanskar like Dubchen Kunga Gyatso, Dubchen Nawang Tsering, Dzadpa...

The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Located on the outskirts of Leh, on the Leh-Kargil road, is the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, which was built in memory and honor of Guru Nanak. This place of worship is associated with a very important event in the history of the Sikh religion. It is popularly believed that from 1515 to 18 when Guru Nanak was returning to Punjab via Srinagar, after traveling to Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet, he rested at th...

The Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame, an important stop on the sightseeing tour, encapsulates the essence of patriotism and features exhibits recounting the bravery of Indian soldiers and their courageous accomplishments. Passing through the OP Vijay Gallery, which displays the weapons used during the Kargil War, and seeing the elaborate display of war documents, uniforms that were worn at the Siachen Glacier, and ot...

The Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary

The Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the Hemis Monastery, covers an area of 600 sq km. Comprising the watersheds of Markha, Rumbak, and Sumdah nalas, it is located on the western bank of the Indus River. The terrain of the Hemis Sanctuary, dotted with boulders and rocks, is characterized by rugged valleys that have large expanses of grassland and several dense areas of shrubs and trees. The s...

The homestay experience

One of the best ways to experience the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Ladakhi people is to stay in a homestay. Leh City and its surrounding areas are full of these accommodations run by local families that offer a great experience on a budget. Typically, room and board are included, along with recommendations on things to do and farming opportunities. Hosts spoil guests with plenty of bu...

The Jama Masjid Mosque

The Jama Masjid is located in the heart of the Leh bazaar and is considered the largest mosque in the Ladakh region. Situated in the middle of a bustling market, this tranquil white structure with a beautifully designed doorway draws crowds from all over the region. It is a stunning double-domed structure with intricate modern carvings and quotes from the Holy Quran painted on the entrance. The mo...

Ladakh

The breathtaking beauty of Ladakh makes it perhaps one of the most impressive places in India. Extreme weather conditions, blue waters, rugged landscapes, and magnificent views attract tourists from all over the world to this region. Although the climate can be harsh for most of the year, the warmth of the people more than makes up for it. Ladakh is the largest of the provinces of Jammu and Kashmi...

Lamayuru Monastery

It is located about 127 km west of Leh. In the 11th century, this is the place where Mahasiddha Naropa, an Indian Buddhist, is said to have come to live. The cave in which he stayed still exists today. The Kadampa school has flourished here thanks to the teachings of Rinchen Zangpo. Every year, on the 17th and 18th days of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, the monastic festival of Yuru Kabg...

The Leh Palace

Also called Lhachen Palkhar, Leh Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 1500s and completed in the 17th century. Its facade resembles that of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The roof of the Leh Palace offers a breathtaking view of the Ladakh region and the Stok Kangri. With its huge walls and wooden balconies, it is an excellent example of medieval Tibetan architecture an...

The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh

Perched at an altitude of 14,000 feet, Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is one of the most intriguing places in the country. This tiny hill is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. It is very exciting to defy the laws of science and be pulled in the opposite direction. Scientific theory states that there is a powerful magnetic force emanating from the hills that defies gravity at this...

Maitreya Buddha

The Maitreya Buddha statue is one of the most important attractions in the Ladakh region. Perched atop a monastery, it is the statue of Jampa Buddha, known for its intricate carvings, brilliant craftsmanship, and bright colors. The room beneath the statue houses a wide variety of Buddhist literature and a collection of statues, including those of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guru Rimpoche. The Jampa Budd...

Mountain Biking in Ladakh

There are several mountain biking trails throughout Leh-Ladakh. Adventure seekers can cycle on the Khardung La, which is considered one of the highest motorable roads in the world, along the banks of Pangong Lake, through the Warila Pass, into the Nubra Valley, and along the banks of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Several travel agencies organize one-day and multi-day bicycle tours for individuals...

Mountain Climbing

As the Leh-Ladakh region is blessed with the towering Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, it offers climbers many options. The most popular mountains for this activity are Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse, Mentok Kangri, Chamsher, and Lingser Kangri. They are generally easy to climb. However, climbers must have excellent trekking skills. They should also make sure that they are fully acclimatized to the wea...

The Nyoma

Nyoma village is a cold and temperate village located in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the bank of the Indus River and experiences heavy rains during the monsoons. At 147 km from Leh, it is difficult to reach the village, but it is absolutely worth it. The best way to visit Nyoma is to take a day trip to Chumathang from Leh. The village is the perfect place to walk around...

The lake of Pangong Tso

A mosaic of myriad shades of blue, Pangong Lake in Ladakh is perched at a height of 14,270 feet above sea level and is considered one of the highest brackish water lakes in the world. It lies almost on the Indo-Chinese border, with one part of the lake in India and the other in China. The beauty of the lake is such that it was used as a backdrop for the popular movie 3 Idiots. In fact, there is a...

River rafting in Ladakh

Thrill-seekers will find amazing rafting opportunities in Ladakh’s Indus and Zanskar thanks to the presence of two major rivers. The Zanskar River has one of the best navigable gorges in the world. Rafters going down the river find plenty of rapids and witness spectacular geological formations all around. One can also enjoy the hospitality of the Zanskari people. There are several tours tha...

The Shanti Stupa

Set amidst steep and rugged mountains, the pristine white building of the Shanti Stupa is a magnificent work of art. Beautiful Buddhist murals and golden artwork interspersed with a stunning facade make this stupa an attractive tourist stop. To soak up the peace and serenity of the surroundings, visitors can walk around the stupa while chanting mantras, which are said to envelop tranquility. Touri...

Shopping in Ladakh

The main bazaar in Leh is a great place to buy souvenirs, woolen clothes, pashmina shawls, and other products. Other local specialties include Buddhist thangka paintings that are made on silk, Tibetan choktse tables, prayer wheels, and Buddhist masks. Turquoise Jewelry and other exquisite trinkets are also sold on the main bazaar road. The Tibetan Handicraft Emporium is a very good place to buy ha...

The Stok Palace

It is located on the banks of the Indus, on the outskirts of the city. The Stok Palace is a magnificent three-story structure. It is still the summer residence of the royal family of Ladakh, and some 12 of its 80 rooms are still functional to this day. The royal palace museum is a must-visit as it displays items such as imperial thangka paintings, the king’s crown, robes, coins, Perak jewelr...

The Suru Valley

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, and lush green valleys, the picturesque Suru Valley is a must-visit during your trip to Ladakh. Located in the Kargil district, it has a blend of Turkish and Tibetan architecture reflected in the few picturesque houses here. A popular attraction is Kartse Khar, where a 7th-century statue of Buddha stands at a height of about 1.80 meters. Touris...

The Ladakh Festival

The Ladakh Festival, held annually in September throughout Ladakh, is a magnificent showcase of the region’s tribes, cultures, performing arts, and food. The festival lasts about two weeks and begins with a spectacular parade in Leh, with masked dances, folk songs, and performances by all the tribes of Ladakh. The colorful clothing is distinguished by the fact that Turks, Drokpas, Dah Han...

Trekking in Ladakh

The various terrains of Leh-Ladakh include mountains, valleys, and rivers, which makes it a real paradise for trekking tour enthusiasts in Ladakh. It is important to acclimatize to the climate of the region before embarking on a trek, be it short or long. These treks pass through remote villages and pristine sites, offering a glimpse into the local life of the villagers. Some of these treks can l...

Trekking in the Markha Valley

The best season to embark on the Markha Valley trek is from June to September. This is a trek of about 3,700 m above sea level, which takes about eight days. Along the route, there are fascinating views and experiences to be had. The trek along the Markha River will take you to the village of Nimaling, where you can see the high peak of Kangyatse. Other peaks that can be seen along the route inclu...

Tso Kar Lake in Ladakh

It is located about 50 km from Tso Moriri, the smallest of the three high-altitude lakes in Ladakh, the remote Tso Kar Lake. Located at an elevation of 15,280 feet, it is bordered by high mountains that are home to the elusive snow leopard. Also called the White Lake because of the white salt content of the water deposits on its shores, it leaves visitors in awe of its beauty. The area surrounding...

The lake of Tso Moriri

The beautiful Tso Moriri Lake, a sapphire in the middle of a stark landscape, is one of the most beautiful sites in the Ladakh region. Nestled in the Changthang Valley, this 28 km long pristine body of water is also called a “mountain lake” because it is surrounded by several high peaks. At any time of the day, you can see several species of feathered friends flitting about and the lak...

The Zanskar Valley

The Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid region located on the northern flank of the Great Himalayas. What attracts tourists to this region are the beautiful snow-capped mountains, the pleasant climate, the sparkling water bodies of Zanskar, and a lush landscape. The valley is 105 km from Leh and is a mecca for adventure sports such as trekking, paragliding, rafting, and many others. You can also do popu...