A dream destination for many, Ladakh is a wonderful place. It is an amalgam of leisure experiences and adventure opportunities. Located at an altitude of 3542 meters above sea level in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, it boasts immense scenic beauty. It boasts amazing allures, including palaces, lakes, and monasteries. Why don’t you tag along with us as we trek in Ladakh, explore the top sightseeing places, and wait for enough for a sneak peek? Here is a blog for you where we share a list of the 23 best places to visit in Leh Ladakh that would interest curious minds like you!
Start scrolling through the 23 Top Places To Visit Leh Ladakh!
- Hemis National Park
- Diskit Monastery
- Pangong Tso Lake
- Shanti Stupa
- Royal Leh Palace
- Tso Moriri Lake
- Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
- Khardung La Pass
- Nubra Valley
- Magnetic Hill
- Hemis Monastery
- Lamayuru Town
- Alchi
- Zanskar Valley
- Markha Valley Trek
- Chadar Trek
- Thiksey Monastery
- Turtuk
- Dah & Hanu
- Zorawar Fort
- Phyang Gompa
- Likir Monastery
- Hunder Village
1. Hemis National Park
Tucked in the eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis National Park is called the Snow Leopard Capital of India. Established in 1981, this national park is best known for sheltering the highest density of snow leopards in the world. Another highlight of Hemis is that it is the only national park north of the Himalayas. Besides, it is home to 16 mammal and 73 bird species, as per records.
Things to do:
- Enjoy birdwatching in the Rumbak Valley
- Spot the snow leopards by trekking in the park.
- Travelers can also try the Markha Valley Trek, which goes inside Hemis.
2. Diskit Monastery
The list of sightseeing places in Ladakh can never be complete without the mention of Diskit Monastery. Dressed down in white, the gompa is Nubra Valley’s oldest and largest monastery. It just takes one visit to feel enlightened, as the aura is soothing and healing. Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, an ardent disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa. Visit this Monastery with the Best of Ladakh Package.
Things to do:
- Take blessings of the iconic statue of Cho Rinpoche.
- Marvel at the 106 feet long statue of the Jampa Buddha atop a hill below the monastery.
Explore Popular Ladakh Tour Packages
3. Pangong Tso Lake
Placed at the height of 4350 m on the Indo-China border, Pangong Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Ladakh. Also known as the Hollow Lake or Pangong Tso, this is one of Asia’s largest saltwater lakes. It covers an area of approximately 100 km. While two-thirds of this lake is in Tibet (Chinese territory), one-third of it lies in eastern Ladakh. Just 160 km from Leh city, it has blessed with breathtaking surroundings. During the winter, the lake turns rock solid and becomes the venue of the ice skating festival. Inner Line Permit can be taken from the deputy commissioner of Leh by giving a small fee.
Things to do:
- Be a part of the ice skating festival.
- Enjoy a bonfire as you stay at Pangong Retreat Camp, Ladakh.
- Capture the stunning sunrise with your cameras.
- Indulge in Bird watching, including seagulls, ducks, and cranes.
Explore Pangong Lake with these Customized Packages
4. Shanti Stupa
Around 5 km from Leh, Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Chorten located on a hilltop in Chanspa, built between 1983 and 1991. Overlooking Leh town, it is one of the best attractions in Leh. To celebrate the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace, this stupa was commissioned by Japanese monks. The walls have gilt panels that depict the life of Lord Buddha. Sunrise and sunset are wonderful from here. On the first of this two-storied structure is a Buddha statue sitting on a pedestal, turning the Dharmachakra.
Things to do:
- Meditate in the Buddha hall.
- Circumambulate around the stupa.
- Savor the stunning views of the surroundings, Sunrise and Sunset.
- Watch the display of varied Buddhist reliefs.
[ Explore Shanti Stupa with this package ]
5. Royal Leh Palace
Leh Palace
Constructed way back in 1553 AD, located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh Palace is the former residence of the erstwhile royal family of Leh. The palace shares a resemblance to the Potala Palace of Lhasa. Slightly smaller, it is built of stones, sand, wood, and mud. Also known as Lhachen Palkhar, it is open from 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM (every day).
This 9-storied structure now has a museum with royal belongings. The fort is slightly a ruined condition, but the views from the top are stunning. This structure is currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In the second half of the 19th century, it was attacked by the Dogra forces and thus abandoned by the royal family, who shifted to the Stok Palace. More information on tourism in Leh
Things to do:
- Admire the wonderful views from the top.
- Marvel at the amazing architecture.
- Visit the on-site museum with royal belongings, Thangkas, jewelry, murals, costumes, etc.
6. Tso Moriri Lake
Nestled at an isolated spot in the greater Himalayan ranges, the pristine Tso Moriri Lake is known to be the largest alpine lake in India. It looks like the gift of nature at an altitude of over 15000 feet above sea level in the rugged landscape. Due to its high altitude and tough journey, it is visited by fewer tourists. The shadow of the surroundings can be seen in the azure blue waters of the lake. The topography of snow-clad barren hills with peaceful surroundings looks surreal.
Things to do:
- Camping in Korzok, a nearby village
- Relish wondrous sunrise
- Click memorable photographs
- Savor the peace and beautiful scenery
Explore Tso Moriri Tour Packages
7. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Founded way back in 1430, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is located in the background of the Leh Palace. The monastery enjoys a wonderful setting, and this is one of the most popular places to visit in Leh Ladakh. The views of the plains, surrounding snow-covered peaks of the Zanskar mountain range, and the River Indus are stunning. The star highlight is the 3-storied high solid gold statue of Maitreya Buddha. Other attractions are statues of Avalokitesvara and Manjushri. It also has a vast collection of wonderful frescoes. The walls of the assembly hall are adorned with brilliant paintings.
Things to do:
- Marvel at the 3-stories high Maitreya Buddha golden statue.
- Take a look at the fine collection of frescoes and old Buddhist manuscripts.
- Notice the wall paintings at the assembly hall.
- Treat your eyes to the views of the Zanskar ranges, the plains, and the River Indus.
8. Khardung La Pass
Known as the ‘Gateway to Nubra and Shyok Valleys’, Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, at an elevation of 5359 m above sea level. One of the 12 best places to visit in Leh Ladakh is around 40 km from Leh. Also called the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, it opened for vehicles in 1988. This road is quite popular among motorbiking enthusiasts. Enjoy tea and refreshment at the army canteen as you listen to the fluttering sound of the colorful Tibetan prayer flags. The views are awe-inspiring. There is a souvenir shop here from where you can buy some memorabilia. It is also used by the Indian Army to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier.
Things to do:
- Tea and Refreshments from the Army canteen
- Shop for memorabilia at the souvenir shop
- Get awed by the views of the snow-capped peaks
9. Nubra Valley
One of the places to see in Ladakh, the paradisiacal Nubra Valley, is a tri-armed valley that lies 150 km northeastwards of Leh. Perched at an altitude of 3048 m above sea level, this valley has the confluence of Shyok and Siachen Rivers, white sand deserts, double-humped camels, rich, lush villages, shining streams, and craggy mountain peaks. The valley has abundant scenic beauty as it lies peacefully on the slopes of the Karakoram mountain range. Hop onto the back of Bactrian camels and explore the valley.
Things to do:
- Admire nature’s scenery and green surroundings.
- Capture Mother Nature in your cameras.
- Hop onto the back of Bactrian camels and explore the valley.
- Visit the nearby villages and monasteries.
- Visit the apple and apricot orchards.
[ Plan a trip to Nubra valley with these packages ]
10. Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, among the places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Around 30 km from Leh, Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill renowned for possessing magnetic properties. This magnetism is so strong that it can even pull a neutral car uphill. The powers of this hill can be seen from the fact that the passing aircraft increase their altitude to escape the magnetic interference. The hill lies at the height of 14,000 feet above sea level. However, it is said that this is an optical illusion but surely worth experiencing.
Things to do:
- Marvel at the magic of Magnetic Hill.
- Visit the nearby Gurudwara, maintained by the Indian Army.
11. Hemis Monastery
Around 40 km south-eastwards of Leh, Hemis Gompa is the largest, wealthiest, and most popular monastery in Ladakh. This monastery was constructed under the ruler of Ladakhi, King Singge Namgyal, in1672 AD. Hemis is the headquarters of the Red Hat Drukpa order and all Ladakhi gompas. The young lamas are given training here. This gompa enjoys patronage from the region’s royal family. The monastery has various paintings, gold-plated stupas, and statues of Lord Buddha. Every year, the Hemis festival is celebrated here. Its highlight is a holy masked dance performance by the local resident Lamas.
Things to do:
- Appreciate the stunning architecture of the Gompa.
- Be a part of the Hemis Festival celebrations.
- Have a look at the Buddhist exhibits.
Explore Popular Packages for Hemis Monastery
12. Lamayuru Town
With a dreamy moon-like landscape, the quaint Lamayuru town lies sandwiched between Leh and Kargil. A sight to behold, it has a crater-type yellowish-orange formation in the brown-colored soil. The beauty of this town cannot be described in words. Visit the beautiful Lamayuru Monastery here, which is not only a place of worship but also has thangkas, Buddhist guardian deities, and frescoes on display. This monastery dates back to the 11th century. The gushing sounds break the peace of the town of River Sind. It is 127 km away from Leh.
Things to do:
- Stay in a homestay.
- Visit the 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery.
- Marvel at the moon-like landscape.
- Explore the place.
13. Alchi
Alchi is a beautiful tiny hamlet on low land, one of the places to visit Leh Ladakh. It lies on the banks of the Indus River, at a distance of around 70 km westwards of Leh. The village is known to have fertile land. Notice the apricot trees on both sides of the road as you explore the place. The influence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam can be seen here. Explore this wonderful place and visit its various attractions like Sumtsek Temple, Manjushree Temple, Monk Cells, etc. Do not miss a visit to the very popular Alchi Monastery, one of the most popular monasteries in Ladakh.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the peace and greenery spread all around.
- Visit the popular attractions of the village.
- Pay a visit to the very popular Alchi Monastery.
[ Enjoy things to do in Alchi with these packages ]
14. Zanskar Valley
Lying in the remote corner of Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is a pristine hill retreat with wonderful Tibetan-style monasteries, surrounded by snow-covered mountainous peaks. Strong Buddhist culture and picturesque landscape are the two allures. The views of Drang-Drung Glacier is simply mesmerizing from here. The valley also has 2 small placid alpine lakes. Plan a visit to Panikhar Fort, a prime attraction here on the border of the Suru Valley. The valley is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts, especially Chadar Trek or Zanskar River Trek, during winters.
Things to do:
- Camping at the Penzella Pass.
- Visit the Gelugpa monastery at Karsha Village.
- Admire the mural art at Labrang.
- River rafting from Serchu to Nyimu via Padam.
- Embark on various trekking expeditions like Chadar Trek and Zanskar River Trek.
15. Markha Valley Trek
Valley is situated in the Ladakh region and is accessible from Ganda La Pass near Spituk and Gongmaru La Pass near Hemis. This trek is one of the most thrilling experiences in your life in which you would be camping at various sites like Markha, Hankar, and Skiu and seeing the starry skies in the mountains. You can get an opportunity to glare at the enchanting views of the Stok Kangri.
Things to do:
• Seeks blessings at the Techa Gompa in the valley
• Enjoy camping in Markha, Skiu, and Hankar
• Cross Ganda La and Gongmaru La on the way
• Stare at the mesmerizing beauty of Stok Kangri
[ Enjoy Markha Valley Trek with this package ]
16. Chadar Trek
This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Ladakh region. The Zanskar River freezes in the winter and people have to walk on the frozen river to reach the Nerak. This trek is a famous winter trek that starts from Chilling, from where the river starts freezing.
Things to do:
• The thrill of walking on the frozen Zanskar River
• Camping in the cave along the river
• Enjoy the enchanting and untouched beauty of the valley
• Catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains
17. Thiksey Monastery
Make your way to one of the top tourist places in Leh Ladakh, Thiksey Monastery. Lying at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level, it is known to be the largest Tibetan monastery in Ladakh. People from near and far come here to see the distinct style of architecture and immerse themselves in the rich Buddhist culture. The highlight of the monastery is the Maitreya Temple, built in honor of the 4th Dalai Lama in 1970. The monastery houses stupas and statues, and the twelve stories of this building houses various sections with artifacts.
Things to do:
- Attend the annual Gustor Festival in October/November.
- Interact with the locals.
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Witness the beautiful views of Indus Valley.
18. Turtuk
Turtuk is a village in Ladakh, which was previously called Baltistan, a place under Pakistan’s control till 1971. It is difficult to reach Turtuk, but every step seems worth it once you are there. It comprises many little villages and has only one monastery atop a hill. Turtuk is 8 to 9 hours from Leh, so one has to make an overnight stop at Hunder. People here are hospitable, and you can interact with them for an insight into their daily life.
Things to do:
- Stay in a homestay.
- Click pictures from the bridge.
- Hike to the monastery.
- Witness Mount K2.
- Savor local delicacies.
19. Dah & Hanu
If you are looking for offbeat places to visit in Leh Ladakh, Dah Hanu is perfect. Dah and Hanu are two isolated villages in Ladakh located in Dahanu Valley in Leh. It is the only village in India that houses the Brokpa community and is open to tourists. This community is said to be Indo-Aryan, which settled in the Indus Valley centuries ago. Dah Hanu is famously called the last Aryan village in India and is the only place where you can meet the Aryan tribe. There are fewer women in the tribe, and some of them, to this day, practice polyandry.
Things to do:
- Click pictures of the tribe (ask for permission first).
- Stay in tented accommodation.
- Get an insight into local tribes’ lives.
20. Zorawar Fort
One of the lesser-known places to see in Ladakh is Zorawar Fort. Not many people have heard about this, but it is a must-see for history lovers. The fort is also called Riasi Fort and once possessed rulers of the Dogra Dynasty. Located above the Leh Palace in Ladakh, the views from here are not to be missed. It was once owned by General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, one of the greatest warriors, and thus, you can see a range of coins and specimens of new stamps along with the ruler’s treasure in this fort.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the picturesque beauty.
- Witness the coins and old treasures of erstwhile rulers.
- Click Insta-worthy pictures.
21. Phyang Gompa
A 900-year-old museum, Phyang Gompa is one of the two monasteries in Ladakh that belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect. It is named after the mountain in its backdrop, Gang Ngonpo, and was founded by Denma Kunga Drakpa, who camped here in the 16th century. You can see numerous scriptures, idols, and thangkas, along with Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan weapons. For the best experience, attend the Phyang Tsedup festival celebrated annually from the 17th to the 19th of the 1st month of the Tibetan calendar.
Things to do
- Seek blessings at the Mahakal temple here.
- Visit the monastery’s own school called Ratnashri School.
- Learn more about Buddhist culture.
22. Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery has various stories attached to its origin and existence. Here you can see a 75 feet tall Buddha statue and spectacular views of the valley. People living in Likir Village say it has existed since the 11th century, but no one knows the facts. Likir Monastery has stunning paintwork, stone relics, murals, and art crafts, which makes it one of the top attractions of Leh and Ladakh you cannot afford to miss. There is a school inside the monastery and a library open to the public to read old manuscripts of Buddhism.
Things to do:
- Talk to the locals, and they will tell you interesting stories.
- Enjoy the stunning views.
- Witness the stone relics and other amazing paintings.
- Go through old manuscripts at the library here.
23. Hunder Village
On the way to Turtuk lies Hunder Village. It is a remote village in the Nubra Valley region, where you can get homestays and tent stays. Restaurants here provide basic meals, and there are no ATMs. Plus, you need a BSNL and Aitel postpaid number, as others do not work here. It is a great place to visit in Ladakh for trekkers who love to explore the cold desert, sand dunes and enjoy Bactrian camel rides. The village is breathtaking, straight out of a fairytale, and is located close to Siachen Glacier, a huge attraction in Ladakh too.
Things to do:
- Enjoy camel rides.
- Explore the forest areas.
- Witness the spectacular beauty of the region.
- Stay in tents.
Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in India and houses many attractions you can explore during your visit. Plan a road trip or a trip to Ladakh by car/flight and explore the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh for a memorable tour. The surreal views, the villagers, and the connection with nature and wildlife are some experiences you will never forget. So what are you waiting for?
Now browse through our well-customized Leh Ladakh holiday packages with the best deals.
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Nice Photos! Leh- Ladakh really very beautiful. Great places to visit in Leh – Ladakh. Must visit.
Hey Nisha,
I totally agree with you, Leh Ladakh is really very beautiful. Keep following our blog for more interesting posts on India travel & tourism.
This blog is amazing, I definitely want to travel some of the places in this blog.
Hey Barsha,
I am glad that you found the blog amazing. Hope you travel to all of these places. Keep following our blog for more travel inspiration.
Really a great post about Leh Ladakh. I was thinking of visiting Leh Ladakh at some time in my life but I would now make it like a priority.
Hey Sapna,
Thank you for kind words. Leh Ladakh must be visited by all once in their lifetime and i am very glad that you are planning to make it a priority. You can follow our blog for more informative posts on India travel & tourism.
Though Ladakh has been made famous by the odd Bollywood movie every now and then, most of it still remains largely unexplored. travel Ladakh for its gompas and stupas, for walking to the turquoise Indus as it meets the muddy Zanskar and for its lovely silences that just don’t need to be filled. Spend a morning in prayer with monks at Thiksey or go horse riding beside PangongTso and come back with equally memorable photographs. travel Ladakh for the serenity in solitude and the empty endless roads ahead. travel Ladakh for its tranquillity and stay humbled by the sheer size of this vast cold barren desert.
I visited Ladakh last year and agree with your wonderful post.
Happy Travelling 🙂
Hey Pragya,
Thank you for your kind words, Ladakh is truly wonderful. For more interesting posts on India travel & tourism, keep following our blog.
You have missed to mentioned some unique /unpopular but must be visit places of ladakh like turtuk. Very famous place like Thiksey gompa I think you forget to mention. Nothing is unique in Alchi…very popular/unique place like Da-Hanu, inhabited by the pure Aryan is also not mentioned…so please try to include these places in your blog
Hi Ibrahim,
Thank you for reading the article and giving your valuable suggestions. While the places you mention must have something special about them, Alchi is most famous for its monastery. However, we will keep your suggestions in mind when writing about articles related to Ladakh in the future. Keep reading and providing such valuable suggestions in the future too.
Thanks for sharing your amazing trip to Ladakh….it’s very heartfelt when we see garbage and water bottles littering on such beautiful places in our home planet so it’s our responsibility to preserve our ecosystem otherwise its no so far to see the catastrophic effect
Hey Vipul,
I absolutely agree with you. It is our responsibility to prevent a catastrophe in Ladakh. for the latest in Indian tourism, follow our blog.
Hey, I am so glad to read your thoughts because I really enjoyed reading this. The way you explain your travel experience is truly awesome.
Hey Priya,
Thank you for your kind words. Do follow our blog for more such informative posts in the future.
I really like your writing style, fantastic info, appreciate it for posting
Hi Neha,
Thanks for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts.
I love your stuff
Hey, I have been reading your site for a while just wanted to say I enjoy
Hi Sherrill,
Thanks for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts.
Nice Blog. Very Informative.
Hi Sunny,
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future. If you will have any query, then you can contact us.