Ladakh is an abode of tourism and has lots of places to visit in Leh. As an adventure seeker you have lots of options of tours and sightseeing in Leh.
1. The Khardung La Pass
The Khardung La Pass is a must-do for those who are die-hard fans of adventure. Although the Khardung La is accessible all year round, snow can be encountered at any time of the year. While the snow can be spectacular, it is extremely cold, and driving through the pass can be dangerous, especially when frost covers the road.
The road to Khardung La begins at Leh, the closest town to the pass. Private vehicles can be hired for the journey, or visitors can take a daily bus to Nubra Valley. Foreign nationals must obtain a Protected Area Permit in Leh, and must have a valid passport or identity proof. Indian citizens must carry a valid ID proof when travelling to the pass. In the winter, Khardung La is closed to road traffic.
A good idea is to acclimatise in Leh before attempting the Khardung La Pass. To make the journey more comfortable, make sure you carry plenty of warm clothes and woolens. You can also bring medicine for high altitude sickness. A good quality camera is essential, and be sure to pack enough water. The road is long and you will want to hydrate yourself before attempting to cross the pass.
A motorable road in Ladakh, the Khardung La Pass is the last outpost between Ladakh and the rest of the country. In fact, many automobile expeditions and motor rallies have been held in the Khardung La area. Khardung La is north of Leh and leads to the Siachen glacier, the last outpost for Indian security along the border with Pakistan. A motorbike expedition is the most popular way to cross Khardung La.
2. Drass Valley – One of the top Places to Visit in Leh
The Drass valley is the second-coldest inhabited place after Siberia. The temperature drops as low as -40 degrees Celsius during the winters, and wind chill factors are high. This is why small huts are commonly covered in snow during this time. The Drass Valley is located 60 km west of Kargil, and the road to it starts from the Zojila Pass. If you are lucky, you might spot a mountain goat.
The Drass River rises in the Machoi Glacier near Zozila Pass, and it joins several other rivers before reaching the Suru. The Shigar River rises in volume when the snow melts in the upland, and the two rivers meet near Kharul. The valley is characterized by snow-capped mountains, a glacier, and patches of green. But even in the winter, the landscape is stunning, and you will find a pristine mountainside reminiscent of the Himalayas.
Traveling in the Drass valley is extremely dangerous during the late autumn or early spring seasons, as it is snowed in for most of the year. The Zojila pass remains snowed in during this time. The residents of the Drass valley are adept at negotiating the pass to transport trading commodities or stranded travelers. This was the reason why they were able to dominate the carrying trade during the Pan-Asian era.
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3. Magnetic Hill Leh
The magnetic hill Leh, India is a place where you can experience the phenomenon of gravity defying roads. The hill is a huge optical illusion, whereby objects and cars seem to roll uphill in defiance of gravity. The magnetic effect is so strong that it is often referred to as the’magneto-gravity hill’. The magnetic hill is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. If you are visiting Ladakh, you should definitely check out Magnet Hill.
If you are considering visiting Magnetic Hill, consider the timings. The best time to visit this unique attraction is during the late summer months, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are clear. Visiting Magnetic Hill in the early morning will allow you to avoid the crowds that form during the day as the sun rises. It is important to pack adequate food for your trip as the road is not well-connected.
4. Tso Moriri – One of the top Places to Visit in Leh
Tso Moriri, or Lake-Moriri, is a pristine lake in the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh, India. It is part of the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. Here are five reasons you should visit this stunning lake:
The water source for Tso Moriri lake is melted snow from nearby mountains. The water flows through two major stream systems that emerge in the southwest portion of the lake. At the entrances of the lake, huge marshes are visible. The Tso Moriri lake lies near the Rupshu Valley, a stunning region that guards the lake and offers amazing views of the Himalayan landscape.
Tso Moriri lake is a scenic spot close to the Line of Actual Control. To visit this natural wonder, you need to apply for an Inner Line Permit. This permit can be obtained in Leh within a single day. If you have to visit Tso Moriri, make sure you do your research beforehand! You will be glad you did! The views are simply breathtaking, and it’s worth every penny.
Tso Moriri Lake is situated at 4,522 meters above sea level, near the border with China. It is surrounded by Himalayan peaks, and it’s highly recommended that you get acclimatized before visiting this place. Fortunately, you can stay in a guesthouse or a hotel near the lake. In addition, it’s possible to rent a bike and explore the area.
5. Zanskar Valley – Another top Places to Visit in Leh
A visit to the Zanskar valley is a truly unique experience. This subdistrict of Kargil is situated in the heart of J&K, but few first-timers make the effort. The valley is covered in heavy snow, and the temperature can drop below -30°C. It is a truly remote area, so you need to be prepared for a challenging trek to reach it. This article will provide some tips for surviving this region, and help you plan your trip accordingly.
Travelers should be aware of the language spoken in the area. The local language is Zanskari, a mix of Ladakhi and Bodi. Though people speak a local dialect of Ladakhi, most know Hindi and English. English is taught in Indian schools, and many people speak it fluently. If you’re looking to learn a new language, a film by Frederick Marx may be right for you.
When planning your trek, make sure you leave early. You’ll want to have plenty of time to make stops at Purne and Kurgiakh, as well as trek to the Phugtal Monastery. If you are in the area in the winter months, don’t miss a trek down the frozen Zanskar river gorge. Another option is to stop in the village of Padum, which is surrounded by mountains and is home to a number of animals including Marmots, Kiangs, and Tibetan wolves. There’s even a Red Fox and Bharal, so you’ll never run out of ways to spot these animals.
6. Nubra Valley- One of the top Places to Visit in Leh
The Nubra valley is located in Ladakh, India. It is a tri-armed valley formed by the Nubra and Shyok rivers. The Nubra valley’s inhabited areas are located around the Shyok and Dumra rivers. Dumra means “valley of flowers” in Tibetan. If you are going to visit Nubra, make sure to take the time to understand the history of this region.
In addition to its famed mountain views, Nubra Valley is also home to a thriving Tibetan community. It is also home to the northernmost village in India, Turtuk. The village has a diverse culture and dialect, and it is situated 90 km ahead of Hunder. In addition to a thriving community, you’ll also find well-paved roads and a stunning landscape replete with majestic mountain ranges. You’ll also find wild horses roaming free.
The most picturesque place in Nubra is the Valley of Flowers, and there are few accommodations in this area. While there are a few hotels and lodges in the valley, the best way to explore Nubra is by camel safari. A camel safari is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the valley. The valley is a beautiful location and the trek to get there will take about twenty minutes. Whether you’re hiking or cycling, Nubra is an unforgettable destination.
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7. Pangong Lake – Another top Places to Visit in Leh
The endorheic Pangong lake is a natural wonder that spans across eastern Ladakh and western Tibet. At 134 km long, it is divided into five sub-lakes. The main lake is the Pangong Tso, while the four smaller lakes are Tso Nyak, Rum Tso, and Tso Nyak. Visiting this stunning lake is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Pangong Tso Lake has biological, cultural, and aesthetic values. It is the largest brackish wetland in the Transhimalayan region. The lake was once freshwater, as evidenced by the discovery of fossil freshwater molluscs in lacustrine clay deposits. The lake is also home to typical steppe vegetation, including low thorn scrub and perennial herbs. No matter what time of year you visit, you will be able to find something new to see.
One of the most memorable experiences of camping at Pangong Lake is watching the sunrise over the breathtaking landscape of the peaks surrounding the lake. The cold, salty water is best enjoyed early in the morning and you’ll be in for a beautiful experience. In addition, the lake is extremely scenic at sunset and during the sunrise. You can explore Pangong lake by road, but make sure to bring plenty of water. You can also camp on the outskirts of Pangong Lake.
As the Lake lies on the border between China and India, you’ll have to travel through Chinese territory to reach it. This means that you’ll need to acquire special permissions to visit this lake. For Indians, you’ll need an Inner Line Permit to enter the lake. Foreigners will need a Protected Area Permit to cross the border. If you’re a foreigner, you will need to get a Protected Area Permit from the Chinese government before you can travel to Pangong.
8. Diskit Monastery – One among the top Places to Visit in Leh
If you have never been to Ladakh before, the Diskit Monastery in Ladakh is definitely a must see. Also known as Deskit Gompa, this monastery is located in the Nubra Valley. You will be amazed by its exquisite architecture and fascinating religious history. You can find many Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns living here. It is also worth the visit if you are visiting the Nubra Valley during the summer months.
The Diskit Monastery is also home to an active school run by the Tibet support group. Students here learn English and science at an English-language school. Visitors can also experience the famed Cham dance performed by the Lamas. At the monastery, you can also participate in the festival of the scapegoat. If you plan to visit the monastery, make sure to take part in the festival.
A history of the monastery dates back to the 14th century, when the area was ruled by King Grags-pa-bum-lde and the local ruler Nyigma-grags-pa. The Gelugpa order advocated Buddhism and built a monastic site with an idol of the deity Tsong Khapa. The monastery was later built by the Royal Kings of India and Tibet from mani stones.
The best time to visit the Diskit Monastery is from May to October, when the roads are open and weather conditions are pleasant. You can also visit the monastery during summer, when the mountains are green and there are no snowfalls. To avoid the crowds of tourists during these months, you should plan your trip from May to September/October.
9. Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
First, let us examine the legend of Guru Nanak Dev’s visit to Leh. Legend has it that the Guru’s popularity caused a demon to roll a boulder towards him from a nearby hilltop. The boulder, however, became as soft as wax and was not able to move or harm the Guru. The demon was appalled, The boulder was not destroyed. In fact, it was turned into wax when it touched Guru Nanak’s body.
This sahib is home to the iconic statue of Guru Nanak. In 1517, the Guru visited Leh on his journey to the Punjab. Along the way, he also visited Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet. He also stayed in a house nearby, which he named Pathar sahib. The Pathar sahib Gurudwara is located near the magnetic hill in Leh.
If you are a Sikh, a day trip to Pathar Sahib Gurudwara from Leh is the best option. During the daytime, it remains open until 7:00 pm, making it easy for you to visit. The Gurudwara’s facilities are good, and you can even enjoy langar and Prasad here.
10. Leh Donkey Sanctuary
The Leh Donkey Sanctuary was founded by South African journalist Joanne Lefson who was heartbroken after witnessing the poor living conditions of donkeys in the region. Animal lovers felt helpless at the sight of the animals and decided to create a refuge for them. Since then, the Leh Donkey Sanctuary has grown to become a major tourist attraction in the area. The sanctuaries help rescued donkeys improve their living conditions.
A visit to Leh Donkey Sanctuary is a great way to learn more about this endangered species. While it may seem like a shady enterprise, this sanctuary provides food, proper habitat, and medicine to the donkeys. The animals are also treated at the sanctuary for diseases and medical care. There are several ways to get to the sanctuary. Usually, people will club their visit with other attractions like the General Zorawar’s Fort or the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization.
The Donkey Sanctuary is located on an ancient caravan route, just outside of Leh which one of the top Places to Visit in Leh. This ancient town is filled with picturesque scenery. Visitors can spend their time viewing the stray donkeys or taking a walk through the lush landscape.
