I’m at a loss for words to describe Leh Ladakh, because its beauty is so vast that it can never be fully captured in an article. The word “Leh Ladakh” itself evokes a sense of wanderlust in anyone. Tucked amid lush green valleys, stunning glaciers, and snow-capped mountain ranges, Leh Ladakh is a dream destination for every tourist. Even if you’ve traveled across India, if you haven’t visited Leh Ladakh, you haven’t really explored India yet. So, let’s explore Leh Ladakh first, and we’ll worry about the rest of India later. Here’s a list of must-visit places in Leh Ladakh.
Royal Leh Palace
- Built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal.
- Nine-story palace with Buddhist architecture.
- Offers panoramic views of Leh.
- A symbol of Buddhism’s grandeur in India.
Yes, the land known for nature’s splendor also houses a nine-storey royal palace. Standing against the majesty of the Himalayas, Leh Palace exudes the stateliness of King Sengge Namgyal, who built it in the 17th century as his royal residence. The interesting thing about this palace is that it portrays a completely different architectural style compared to the rest of the forts and palaces of India, as it was built by a Buddhist king. Today, the fort is in a dilapidated state, but it still reveals the heyday of Buddhism in India, showcasing numerous Buddhist artifacts. From the rooftop of the palace, you can have a stupendous view of the entire Leh.
Pangong Lake
- Located at 4,350 meters altitude.
- Water changes colors from blue to gray.
- 12 kilometers long.
- Famous for Bollywood’s 3 Idiots climax scene.
To give you a clearer picture of Pangong Lake, let’s talk about Bollywood. Remember the climax scene of 3 Idiots when Kareena confessed her love for Aamir? Yes? Okay, forget it. Now, remember the soul-stirring background of that scene. Yes, that’s Pangong Lake. It is located at an altitude of 4,350 meters and stretches over a length of 12 km. The most interesting fact about this lake is that the water changes colors. If this time you saw Pangong Lake glorified with blue water, maybe next time, you might find it with grey water. That’s truly incredible! Owing to its fascination and magnetism, it is called the heart of Leh. Pangong Lake is one of the most famous places to visit in Leh Ladakh.
- You may also like to know about: Famous Lakes of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh
Nubra Valley
- A mix of lush greenery and desert.
- Known for sand dunes and vibrant nature.
- Has rivers and monasteries.
- Accessible via Khardung La Pass.
Have you ever seen lush greenery and sandy deserts located majestically side by side? No? Then, Nubra Valley will enchant you. On one hand, the valley is brimming with vibrant greenery, trees, and flowers, while on the other, the awe-inspiring sand dunes of the sloping terrain make it look like a desert. The stellar fusion of nature’s beauty leaves visitors astonished. To add more charm to this scenic beauty, the valley is dotted with pristine rivers and remarkable monasteries. Nubra Valley is indeed one of a kind and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Leh Ladakh, so it’s a must-visit.
Leh Shanti Stupa
- White-domed Buddhist stupa built in 1991.
- Commemorates 2,500 years of Buddhism.
- Offers stunning views of Leh.
- Features Buddhist artifacts and art.
Located on the hilltop of Chanspa, the Shanti Stupa is the most splendid monastery in India. The architectural style and sculptures of this white-domed stupa portray the sheer brilliance of Buddhist craftsmanship. The Stupa was built in 1991 by the Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura to commemorate the completion of 2,500 years of Buddhism on Earth. Visit this place and experience utter tranquility. You can also learn a lot about Buddhism here, as it contains various artifacts of Buddhist culture and history. The Shanti Stupa is especially notable during moonlight because of its white marble adorned with embellishments, which naturally illuminates.
Kargil
- Known for Kargil War memorial.
- Famous for trekking and hiking.
- Scenic, patriotism-filled area.
- A key site in India-Pakistan conflict.
How can any Indian forget the word ‘Kargil’? The Kargil War is the first thing that comes to mind when we hear this word. So, visit the ‘Kargil War Memorial’ and pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for us. Upon reaching there, you’ll naturally feel the vibes of patriotism. The Indian flag waves majestically from all sides. This is truly a scene worth capturing. After spending some moments here with army Jawans, you can explore other activities. Kargil is famous for adventurous activities and is, of course, one of the famous places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Trekking and hiking are the most loved activities by visitors in Kargil.
Khardung La Pass
- World’s highest motorable road at 18,380 feet.
- Connects Leh with Nubra Valley.
- Popular for adventurous trips.
- A must-visit for road trip enthusiasts.
Khardung-La Pass is not a particular place but a road that is believed to be the highest motorable road in the world. Located at an altitude of 18,380 feet, Khardung La Pass leads to Nubra and Shoyk Valleys. If you’re a backpacker and are crazy about bike trips, a long drive on the highest road in the world will overwhelm you.
Magnetic Hill
- Defies gravity; objects move uphill.
- Located at 14,000 feet.
- A natural, unexplained phenomenon.
- Popular tourist attraction.
Have you ever heard of a place in the world that defies the principles of gravity and is magnetic? Probably not! So, let’s explore such a place. Yes, Magnetic Hill is a hill in Ladakh that defies the law of gravity and attracts things upward towards the hill. It is located at a high altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level and remains a fascinating place for visitors. You’ll see a signboard and boundaries where magnetism works. Many scientists have tried to research this, but they’ve failed to give an exact reason for this phenomenal activity.
Best Time to visit Leh Ladakh
- Summer (May-September) for pleasant weather.
- Winter (November-February) for snow activities.
- Avoid the monsoon season.
- Summer is the peak tourist season.
Leh Ladakh is a frozen zone, so summers are the ideal time to visit this place. During this season, the weather remains pleasant, and all the routes operate smoothly. If you want to enjoy snow activities, winter is an advisable time for you. The rainy season is strictly avoidable because Leh Ladakh receives heavy rainfall. Landslides and cloudbursts are common during this season. So, to stay safe, visit the city in the summer.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh
- Air travel to Leh Airport (44 km from city).
- No railway station; nearest is Jammu Tawi (700 km).
- Well-connected by road.
- Winter roads may be closed due to snow.
Leh Ladakh is not an inhabited area, so getting there is a bit more difficult compared to other tourist destinations in the country. However, places to visit in Leh Ladakh can be explored easily. Air travel is the most suitable way to get there. Leh Airport is just 44 km from the main city, and from the airport, you can easily get autos and taxis at any time to your desired destination. As for the railway system, the city doesn’t have its own railway station. The closest railway station to Leh Ladakh is ‘Jammu Tawi,’ which is more than 700 km away from the city, so forget about the railways. This is the most difficult way to reach there. Alternatively, you can travel by buses or motorbikes, as Leh Ladakh is well-connected by road.
Tucked into high altitudes, Leh Ladakh is one of the most unspoiled places on Earth. After reaching here, life seems more beautiful. So, visit Leh Ladakh at least once in your lifetime and witness the unexplored splendor of nature.