Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass is popular as one of the highest motorable pass at the height 18,380 feet and is the gateway to Nubra and Shyok valley. Very recently Uming La pass in Eastern Ladakh is known as the highest motorable pass in the world.

Biking to the Khardungla is one of the most sought after adventures and which is why it one of the best places to visit  Leh Ladakh. 

Managed by the Border Roads Organization, reaching and crossing Khardungla Pass is a challenging journey. Due to the height at which it is located, one might face Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to lack of oxygen. Staying here for a long time can hamper the brain’s activity by causing headache, nausea, blurry vision amongst others.

In order to enjoy the mesmerizing views from the top, it is advisable to be acclimatized to heights (stay in Leh for atleast 2 days), be well hydrated before the start of the journey and not stay at the top for more than 20 minutes.

Nubra Valley

Nubra valleys is popular for two things – the golden sand dunes and riding the two-humped Bactrian camel. 

Nubra is a typical tourist destination with less bikers or adventure thrillers here and more of families having a good time.

Situated on the bank of Nubra river, there are many camps and resorts around the sand dunes where you can spend a night. Since it is far from Leh – approximately 160 kms it is best to plan a night stay. Photo by Sonam Shah

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is located on the Chanspa hill within Leh city. It is one of the most magnificent and peaceful Buddhist monuments that was built by Japanese monks to promote world peace.

The peace at the stupa will engulf your aura and you will want to close your eyes and meditate to the distant chimes.

One can also enjoy the unobstructed, panoramic views of the city landscape and beyond which makes it one of the best tourist places to visit in Leh and around.

Hemis Monastery

Hemis is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in India. It is popular for its annual mask festival called Hemis Festival, celebrated in the memory of Guru Padmasambhava. Hemis is the largest Gompa in Ladakh district and is the most accessible – approximately 45kms from Leh city. It permanently houses around 500 monks. Check the schedule of Hemis Festival here.

Leh Palace

Wherever you are in Leh, you cannot miss the sand coloured grandeur overlooking from a nearby cliff. A prominent symbol of the royal family since the 16th century, The Royal Leh Palace is nothing short of a scenic beauty. The Palace is over nine-storey high overlooking the panoramic views of the rustic Zanskar valley.

Tso Moriri Lake

Known as the twin to the popular Pangong Tso Lake, Tso Moriri is slowly rising to stardom for its tranquil yet stunning views. Located 220 km from Leh city, a day trip is possible to this picturesque lake.

Located in the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri is a wetland reserve and home to many migratory birds. The lake paints a beautiful picture against the barren snow-capped mountains, deep blue skies and pasteur green grasslands.

Diskit Monastery

Founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, in the 14th century, the monastery has a statue of Cho Crowned Buddha and is one of the most beautiful and oldest monasteries in Ladakh district. Standing on the top of a hill right above the floodplains of the Shyok River and in Nubra valley, the monastery enthrals you with its enchanting beauty.

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.

Hall of Fame Museum, Leh

Hall of Fame Museum was built to show gratitude towards the soldiers of Kargil war. The museum is divided into two parts : 1) paintings and scenes from the Kargil war  with detailed description of the encounters and 2) weaponry and arms while the other part holds the apparels which were worn by the soldiers at the time of war. There are also photographs of the soldiers who gave their lives to save the country.

Leh Market

Shopping is synonymous to any vacation and no trip can be complete without taking back some souvenirs to remember the amazing time spent here.

Leh Market has some amazing options to shop for handicrafts, silver jewelry, woolen items and paintings. Some of the most common souvenirs from Ladakh include colourful prayer flags, beaded bands, keychains and refrigerator magnets. The Leh market reminded me of the beautiful and very similar Mcleodganj market.

Some offbeat things Leh souvenirs include Apricot jam and Sea buckthorn juice.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LEH LADAKH

According to me the best time to visit Ladakh is in monsoon. While the rest of the country reels under monsoon, it is summer in Ladakh because the entire region falls in rain shadow region. The best months are June to August. The weather is not too hot or cold for treks. There is still snow on mountain peaks and the nip in the air is perfect for walking around without wrapping too many layers.

However, areas like Pangong Tso and Khardungla are extremely cold even in summers with the possibility of hail storm or even snow event in both places. It is best to be prepared before going here.

If you want to witness the snow, then winter is ideal. Storms are not quite common here as the region receives heavy snow annually. It is best to avoid January and February due to the heavy rainfall.

Chadar Trek, popular for trekking on frozen river takes place in January.

HOW TO REACH LEH LADAKH

By air

The nearest airport to is Leh Airport. There are direct flights from Delhi and Srinagar to Leh everyday with good frequency. From the airport, local cabs can be hired to reach anywhere in Leh.

By Train 

Pathankot, Chandigarh and Kalka are the closest railway stations to Leh. Important trains from various Indian cities serve these stations. One can board a train till either of these stations and then hire a cab to reach till Leh.

By Road

Manali-Leh road has been serving as the second best road to Ladakh. Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC) and Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) operate daily deluxe and ordinary buses between Manali and Leh. Government buses, both deluxe and ordinary, run from Kargil and between Leh and Srinagar on regular and frequent intervals. Cars and jeeps are also available for Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali route.

Bike rent in Leh

It is possible to rent bikes in Leh if you have not already got one from Srinagar or Manali. Small adventure seekers can drive bokes to places to visit in Leh and around on bike.

There are many local shops in the main market which offer these services. Depending on the bike, the rent range is between INR 2000-3500 per day.

WHERE TO STAY IN LEH

In order to tick off the places to visit in Leh Ladakh, one must start from Leh city. It is possible to cover all the places mentioned above by doing day trips from Leh. For the same reason, Leh offers many accommodation options to suit every budget.

Homestay: Hotel Naro, Nathula Homestay, Ladakh view homestay

Mid-budget: Hotel Dolma Residency, Hotel Chube, Cho Palace

Luxury: Hotel City Palace, Gomang Boutique Hotel

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN LEH

• Though the city hotels have flush toilets, the places around may not. There is facility for pit toilets (water-less). Live like a local and use them.
• Get your own refillable bottle and fill it at hotels. The plastic bottle menace is too much for a high altitude city.
• Do not dispose food or plastic waste anywhere in the region.
• Support the local community by choosing a home stay.

I hope this Leh Ladakh travel guide on Best places to visit in Leh Ladakh will help you to plan your trip. Did I miss out on any things to do in Leh Ladakh? Let me know in the comments below.

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