Ladakh, also known as the “Land of High Passes,” is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in India. Located in the northernmost region of the country, Ladakh is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. In this article, we will explore the top six things to do in Ladakh.
Visit the Serene Pangong :
Lake Pangong Lake is a 160 km long saltwater Lake located in eastern Ladakh at a height of approximately 14,000 ft. One-third of this Lake is in India and the other is a part of China. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ladakh. This unbelievably beautiful Lake with crystal clear blue water provides a sense of peace and tranquillity. Visiting Pangong Lake is one of the top things to do in Ladakh for most Indian tourists because it was featured in the blockbuster Bollywood movie “Three Idiots”.
Biking at Khardung La Pass :
Khardung La Pass in Ladakh is famously the world’s highest motorable road located at a height of approximately 18,300 ft. Bike riding through Khardung La Pass is one of the most adventurous things to do in Ladakh. If you are an adrenaline junkie then your trip to Ladakh will be incomplete without this bike ride adventure.
Visit the Royal Palace of Leh :
The historical Royal Palace of Leh was constructed in the 17th century by SenggeNamgyal to serve as a residence for the former royal family. The wonderful architecture of this nine-storied palace has similarities to the Tibetan architecture of Potala Palace in Lhasa. For those tourists who love visiting historical monuments, visiting this palace will be an amazing experience.
Watch the sun going down Shanti Stupa :
Shanti Stupa is located on the Chanspa hilltop in Leh and was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhists. It is one of the seven Shanti Stupas built by Buddhists as a symbol of peace. Visiting Shanti Stupa is one of the most wondrous things to do in Ladakh. It is also popular due to its religious significance.
Chadar Trek :
Chadar Trek is a winter trek and the best time to go for it is the month of February. This trek is over the Zanskar River which is frozen during this time of the year. This is one of the most popular things to do in Ladakh in the winter season. Despite being difficult, it is one of the most popular choices for adventure lovers and those who want to enjoy the panoramic beauty of the snow-clad fringes of Ladakh.
Experience the magic at Magnetic Hill :
This hill is located 30 km away from the city of Leh. This road is believed to have strange anti-gravitational magnetic abilities. When the car is parked in neutral gear on this road it starts moving up the hill on its own. Visiting this magical Magnetic Hill is one of the most exciting activities to do in Ladakh.
Visit Hemis Monastery:
For those interested in exploring the religious and cultural heritage of Ladakh, a visit to the Hemis Monastery is a must-do activity. Located approximately 45 km from Leh city, Hemis Monastery is the largest and richest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh.The monastery was built in the 17th century and is famous for its annual Hemis festival, which is celebrated in the month of June or July. The festival attracts thousands of tourists and locals, who come to witness the colorful masked dances performed by the Lamas (monks) of the monastery.The Hemis Monastery also has a museum, which displays a collection of ancient artifacts, religious scrolls, and thangkas (Buddhist paintings). A visit to this monastery provides a unique insight into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Ladakh.
Visit the Nubra Valley:
Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India
Located about 150 km north of Leh city, Nubra Valley is a stunningly beautiful valley that lies on the ancient Silk Route. The valley is known for its scenic beauty, which includes lush green fields, picturesque villages, and a mesmerizing desert landscape.One of the most popular tourist activities in Nubra Valley is the camel ride on the double-humped Bactrian camels, which are found only in this region. Visitors can take a camel ride to the sand dunes of Hunder, where they can witness the stunning beauty of the desert landscape.
The valley is also home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries, including the Diskit Monastery and the Samstanling Monastery, which are famous for their unique architecture and religious significance.
Visit the Zanskar Valley:
Zanskar Valley, Ladakh, India
Located in the remote corner of Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is one of the most scenic and isolated valleys in India. The valley is known for its rugged and starkly beautiful landscape, which includes deep gorges, snow-capped peaks, and stunningly beautiful glaciers.
One of the most popular tourist activities in Zanskar Valley is trekking, which provides an opportunity to explore the remote and unspoiled beauty of the valley. The valley is also home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries, including the Phugtal Monastery and the Karsha Monastery.
During the winter months, the Zanskar River freezes over, and the valley becomes a popular destination for ice trekking and ice climbing.
Visit the Tso Moriri Lake:
Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh, India
Located at an altitude of about 15,000 feet, Tso Moriri Lake is one of the most stunningly beautiful high-altitude lakes in India. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is home to several rare species of birds, including the bar-headed goose, the Brahminy duck, and the black-necked crane.
Visitors can take a walk along the shores of the lake, enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape, and witness the unique flora and fauna of the region. The lake is also home to several nomadic tribes, who can be seen grazing their yaks and sheep in the surrounding fields.
A visit to Tso Moriri Lake provides a unique insight into the remote and unspoiled beauty of Ladakh and is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers.