Khardung La in Leh Ladakh is an essential destination in most Leh packages and should not be missed by thrill-seekers. At over 24,000ft above sea level, this motorable road offers breathtaking scenery and can be reached either by car or motorcycle (if you prefer adventure!).
Summer is the ideal time to visit Ladakh as its roads and terrain become accessible due to melting snow, but for optimal results it’s recommended that visitors spend some time resting and acclimatizing in Leh prior to travelling uphill towards Changla Pass.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa, located on top of a hill overlooking Leh, is one of Ladakh’s most beloved tourist spots. This white domed structure, known as Shanti Stupa, stands as a symbol of peace when illuminated at night, providing stunning panoramic views over snowcapped mountains and valleys as well as offering serenity through prayer services.
The Stupa is a sacred shrine where Buddhist relics are venerated. The 14th Dalai Lama personally installed these relics at this location and has visited it frequently to ensure they would bring eternal peace for its inhabitants.
Stupas are holy places with religious significance. However, they also serve as ideal vantage points from which to admire spectacular sunrise and sunset views from sunrise or sunset vantage points. Watching as the skies change color over time cast a magical glow across the landscape makes this attraction must-see attraction for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Shanti Stupa is open throughout the day, though for optimal viewing experience it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. By visiting during these times you can also experience its impressive architecture while taking stunning photos.
If you’re curious to experience Ladakh’s culture, take time to visit monasteries and interact with its inhabitants. Additionally, take part in cultural events and festivals to get a deeper sense of its rich heritage.
Rafting trips offer another excellent way to experience Ladakh’s natural beauty. Both the Indus and Zanskar rivers offer exciting whitewater rafting adventures, and there are various trip lengths available depending on your preferences.
Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for an adventure? Try a camel safari in Nubra Valley. This exciting ride takes place atop an iconic Bactrian camel known for its double hump design – perfect for photography enthusiasts and travelers looking for unique views! With breathtaking mountainous peaks surrounding shimmering lakes, Nubra Valley provides incredible landscapes to take photos.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace is one of Ladakh’s premier attractions, standing majestically atop Leh’s picturesque townscape and bearing witness to centuries of royal history in Ladakh. Even through years of wars, its beauty remains undiminished; decorated by old pictures and paintings which offer insight into Buddhist art and culture.
Leh Palace features a small museum filled with historical relics and paintings that provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about Ladakh’s fascinating medieval Tibetan architecture and rich heritage.
Hemis National Park is an essential stop on any Leh Ladakh tour for nature enthusiasts, boasting an expansive wildlife sanctuary full of rare flora and fauna species. Popular among trekkers and campers alike, this scenic wildlife reserve also makes an excellent place for camping trips and treks.
Ladakh’s Pangong Lake, an endorheic lake located at an altitude of 4350 meters, is another top tourist attraction in Ladakh. Famed for its beautiful azure blue hue, many have considered Pangong one of the world’s most stunning lakes – it was here that Bollywood film ‘3 Idiots’ was shot!
Khardung La Pass in Ladakh is an exhilarating high-altitude mountain pass connecting Leh with Nubra Valley, popular among adventure enthusiasts who relish driving or bicycling over challenging terrain. Additionally, this pass offers stunning panoramic views of its surroundings mountains and valleys.
Ladakh offers visitors an unforgettable and special experience when riding on the back of a double-humped Bactrian camel, an extremely rare species found only here and known for its strength and endurance. These trained camels provide tourists with a comfortable ride. This should definitely be added to your Ladakh travel itinerary! Book India Tour Packages
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery lies about 70 kilometers west of Leh and is considered to be one of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries. Established by famous translator and scholar Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo in 1290 AD, this monastery served as an important center of Buddhist learning until being taken over by Lekir Monastery around 1560 AD. Home to numerous temples and chortens that visitors should see while visiting, Alchi is truly worth experiencing for themselves!
The monastery boasts beautiful and intricate wall paintings that hold great religious significance, along with numerous ancient statues of Buddha that draw tourists from across the world to witness amazing wood carving art, monumental Buddha models, ancient thangkas and scriptures that comprise its treasure trove.
One of the key attractions at this monastery is the Dukhang or assembly hall, a three-storied structure housing its main temple and many shrines. An ancient structure with an incredible history, its integrity has remained unchanged ever since its foundation.
Sumtsek Temple houses a three-storied Buddha that makes for an excellent tourist stop, believed to be one of the oldest in Ladakh. Additionally, this site contains shrines and chortens as well as traditional Ladakhi dance performances at its monastery.
Visit this monastery during the summer season when roads and weather conditions are free from snowfall and pleasant, making exploring easier. There are also plenty of buses running along the Leh-Srinagar National Highway which make accessing this monastery convenient.
As Ladakh can experience harsh climate, it is recommended to bring along a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes throughout your journey. In addition, make sure your bag includes sun protection products, warm clothes and personal medication as these will all come in handy on this adventure.
Leh Market
Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, provides breathtaking vistas for mountain enthusiasts in Leh Ladakh. Furthermore, this magnificent pass boasts some incredible monasteries and lush landscapes which bear testament to a vibrant culture. If you’re interested in experiencing this incredible region then May and April is ideal –
After an enjoyable flight to Leh, your adventure begins as you visit its markets and top attractions – from Shanti Stupa (overlooking the city and providing spectacular views) to Royal Palace of Leh (with exquisite architecture resembling Potala Palace in Tibet) and Hemis Gompa – one of Ladakh’s largest and best known monasteries that features one of the region’s largest thangka (Buddhist painting) unfurling once every 12 years!
After lunch, you will visit Pangong Tso Lake, known for its blue-green waters and its prominence in the film “3 Idiots.” Aside from offering breathtaking scenery and being home to numerous species such as Brahmin duck and bareheaded goose birds, this picturesque body of water makes a popular tourist spot.
Leh Ladakh offers visitors another wonderful activity: touring the Hall of Fame Museum. Here is where soldiers who have died for their country are honored; visiting here will leave a deep-seated sense of sacrifice and bravery, while providing insight into what life was like during battle for them and the Indian Army.
Chadar Trek provides the ultimate adventure. Along this trek, you will walk on Zanskar Lake’s frozen surface; known for its clear waters and striking natural beauty. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when visiting Ladakh!