Extending from the Siachen glacier to the great Himalayas, the union territory of Ladakh is set amidst the mountain Karakoram range. Known for snow-dusted mountains, dramatic landscapes, lush valleys, and exquisite lakes, Ladakh is rich in cultural heritage, Buddhist gompas, and historical attractions. You will be mesmerized by the natural charm, pristine beauty, and serenity of this region.
Apart from this, It is also an adventurous land offering thrilling activities like mountain climbing, a Jeep safari, river rafting, paragliding, high altitude trekking, and mountain biking. The land of high passes, Ladakh has the most scenic road journeys. Riding on its rugged and rough terrains is an unforgettable experience like nowhere.
There are many places to visit on your Leh Ladakh tour, have a look at the top 5 best traveller spots to visit.
Pangong lake
Spanning in eastern Ladakh and west Tibet, Pangong lake is a 134 Km long lake that is divided into 5 sub lakes. Set at an elevation of 13,862 Ft, it is the highest saltwater lake of the world. The lake is one of the major tourist destinations in Ladakh, many Bollywood movies have been shot here. The uniqueness of the lake is its changing colors from azure blue to green to red throughout the day. Driving on rugged terrains crossing beautiful rivers, meadows, and breathtaking mountains, and fascinating landscapes, The 5-hour road journey from Leh to Pangong is thrilling and enchanting. The lake freezes in the winters so summers are the best time to visit and behold the surreal beauty of this lake.
Hemis national park
Hemis national park is set at a maximum altitude of 17,000 Ft on the west banks of the Indus river. Surrounded by Zanskar mountains in the Karakoram ranges, it is the largest national park in India covering an area of about 4400 square km. Famous for its rich wildlife, it is a prime tourist attraction at a distance of 50 Km from Leh. The park boasts several exotic and rare flora and fauna species including 16 mammals and 73 bird species. It is also renowned for some adrenaline-rushing activities like trekking, camping, and mountaineering.
Also Read: Top 6 Challenging Himalayan Treks
Khardung la
Set at an elevation of 18,380 Ft, Khardung La is a high mountain pass offering spectacular visuals of enchanting landscapes, snowy mountains peaks, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery. A thrilling and challenging ride on the world’s highest motor-able pass is a must-try in Ladakh. It is a dream ride for adventure enthusiasts and mountain biking lovers. Located at a distance of 40 Km from Leh city, it is the gateway to Shyok and Nubra valley.
Due to heavy rain and snow falls, the pass closed from October to March. The recommended time to visit the Pass is March to June and September in a pleasant and comfortable climate.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru or Yuru Monastery is nestled in a village between Leh and Kargil called ‘Lamayouro’.
At an altitude of 11,520 ft above sea level, the monastery is famous as Tharpa King means a place of freedom. Home to 150 permanent monks, Yuru Monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. It hosts two annual masked dance festivals known as Yuru Kabgyat in the second and fifth months of the Tibetan calendar.
This monastery is a perfect place for spirituality Learners, meditators, and visitors who want to spend time in a peaceful and sacred environment in the heart of the Himalayas. At a distance of 125 Km from Leh city, it is on the Srinagar Leh highway along the Fotu La pass.
Royal Leh palace
Nestled on the foothills of Namgyal hills, Royal Leh Palace or Lachen Palkhar is a 17th-century palace. Situated at an elevation over 11,600 Ft above sea level, it was the former residence of the royal Leh family. Also known as Lachen Palkhar, it was constructed in medieval Tibetan architecture, the design of this palace is inspired by Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It is a nine Storeys building, consisting of corridors, spacing halls, and chambers. It is now converted into a Museum that has rich collections of Jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial dresses, crowns, ancient Buddha relics, and Tibetan thangkas.
The dune-colored Leh palace is made of such material that makes temperature warm in winters and pleasant cool in summers. You will be left awe-struck after getting the panoramic views of the entire Leh city from the topmost floor called Victory tower.
