Attractions
Near by Places
Places to Visit in (Leh, Ladakh)
Leh is the joint capital and largest town of the union territory of Ladakh in India. Leh, located in the Leh district, was also the historical capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh, the seat of which was in the Leh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and about the same time as the Potala Palace in Tibet. Leh is at an altitude of 3,524 metres (11,562 ft), and is connected via National Highway 1 to Srinagar in the southwest and to Manali in the south via the Leh-Manali Highway.
Pangong Lake
Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes.
Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.
Magnetic Hill
While one raids the barren roads of Leh, a signboard appears indicating “Magnetic Hill- The Phenomenon that Defies Gravity.” A white box marked with ‘Park your vehicle Here’ appears ahead of the board where one can park their vehicles in neutral and see them moving uphill at a speed of 10-20km/hrs by itself against the gravity.
The phenomenon is a sensation and attracts hundreds of tourists every month. One can see them enjoying and throwing various facts & theories behind the same. This small stretch is a perfect stopover to record videos, click pictures and take some rest in solace.
Nubra Valley
One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. A high altitude cold desert, Nubra Valley is actually an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau) that starts in China and extends up to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Home to wonders like the Diskit Monastery,Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the villages of Turtuk and Panamik.
Tso Moriri Lake
If you want to get a jaw-dropping experience, pack your bag and plan for a weekend trip to Tso Moriri Lake. An absolutely stunning and pristine lake with beautiful mountains, sunshine, and cool winds offering a spectacular view is one of the wonderful places to visit in Leh. Staying in camps around Tso Moriri is the best option to enjoy the serene beauty of the place. Tso Moriri Lake is the sister counterpart to the Tso Pangong Lake. Measuring about 28 km in length and about 100 feet in depth, the Tso Moriri Lake is located inside the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to nomadic herders of goats, yaks and cows
Lamayuru Monastery
It is the most ancient, royal and interesting monastery of Ladakh, and one of the best places to see in Leh Ladakh, located at a distance of 125 kilometers from Leh. It is picturesquely enveloped by the rugged, dusty mountains and is beautifully carved out of the badland area. It comes in your way when you move towards Kargil from Leh. Drive on the road towards Lamayuru is an excellent way to explore the scenic snow-capped mountains of the region. Lamayuru Monastery is one of the must-see places to visit in Leh.
Diskit Gompa
If you are someone keenly interested in digging deep into the history, then it is a perfect destination to upgrade your knowledge. Diskit Gompa also known as Diskit Monastery is the largest and the oldest surviving monastery (gompa) in the Nubra Valley of Leh in North India. Standing on the top of a hill right above the floodplains of the Shyok River, the Gompa enthrals you with its enchanting beauty.
Shanti Stupa
In this world, much in need of peace, the white, beautiful and serene Shanti Stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir provides a fabulous, unobstructed view. This white beauty amidst the snow lets you experience a moment of breathlessness and it is one of the beautiful places to see in Leh Ladakh. Situated at a height of 4267 metres, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Stupa is at a distance of about 5 km from the Leh City.
Shey Monastery
Shey monastery is famous because of the magnificent metal statue of Buddha and one of the places to visit in Leh , the second largest statue in the city of Ladakh.
It is located 15 kilometres south of Leh. It was built in the year 1655 by Ladakh’s king Deldan Namgyal. The royal kings of Ladakh used to stay here during summers.
Kargil
The beautiful city of Kargil is the second largest in Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir after Leh. Known for its rich cultural, historical and political importance, this city sits at 2676 meters above sea level, along the banks of the Suru or Indus River. The location of Kargil makes for an extreme climate, with temperatures dropping to as low as -45 degree Celsius in winters.
The people of Kargil were mostly Tibetan-Buddhist until the 18th and 19th century after which most converted to Islam. They are of mixed Dard and Tibetan descent, and most are Baltis. Kargil is known as the battleground for the Kargil War which was fought in 1999 when Pakistani soldiers, disguised as Kashmiri military insurgents, infiltrated the area in and around Kargil. Ever since several movies and documentaries have been made about the War, the most famous of them being the multi-starrer J P Dutta movie, LOC Kargil.
Royal Leh Palace
Marking its place in one of the most striking places to visit in Leh, The Royal Leh Palace showcases the grandeur of the era gone by. The scenic location of the structure adds up to its beauty. It stands, overlooking the Ladakhi town, Leh and was built back in the 16th century. The Palace is as high as a nine-storey building and the upper floors are occupied by the royal families while the lower ones were the storerooms and had stables for the animals.
While on the top, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the rustic Zanskar valley which contrasts with the clear blue skies. Such views are a feast for the eyes, mind, and soul and rejuvenate as well. If history attracts you then this is the perfect place for you as here you can witness the Chinese paintings which are approximately 450 years old and more such beauties of the previous days.
Hall of Fame
You might have definitely heard about this place while on your Leh Ladakh road trip. Keeping alive the soldiers in the heart is one of the best things to show gratitude towards them, and staying intact to this “Hall of Fame” was built. Holding a wide array of weapons of the Indo-Pak war this place is all devoted to showcase the grandeur of the soldiers.
The museum is majorly segmented into two parts the upper part consists of the variants of weapons and arms while the other part holds the apparels which were worn by the soldiers at the time of war. On the lower floor, you can spot several paintings and scenes of the Kargil war which set an exemplary of their never give up attitude. Also, there is a wall named the “Lest we forget” which has the photographs of the soldiers who gave their lives to save the country.
Trekking
Experience an adrenaline rush and unfold the mystic land by trekking in the most uneven terrains of Leh Ladakh. One of the best things to do in Leh is to go on a Trekking Trip. Dive into the spirit of adventure, be a part of the restless world and have an amazing experience with few of these treks: Markha Valley Trek, Ripchar Valley Trek, Padum to Darcha Trek, Frozen River Trek.
If you are an adventurous person, you should not miss these treks. The Snow Leopard Trek is a thrill with your eyes always rolling around in search of the white, fiery and solivagant Snow Leopards.