Top 10 Best Places In Laddakh

1. Because You can stop Time in Leh-Ladakh:

This video captures all the forms of beauty at Leh-Ladakh. It is represented in a stunning 3 minute Time-lapse video and is bound to keep your eyes glued to the screen and make you fall in love with the place!

2. Zanskar and Ladakh Mountain Ranges: Stroll among the giants:

The majestic Ladakh (left) and Zanskar (right) Mountain Ranges which cradle the Ladakh valley (Pic credits -Pavan and Gopal)

The large mountain ranges of Zanskar and Ladakh will be your companions through most of your trip to Ladakh. They may even be intimidating at times. These huge mountains can make anyone feel small. However, the key is to enjoy the beauty that these mountains have to offer. The steep terrains covered with snow reflect the heavenly skies. The loud rivers rush through these mountains making for an absolutely beautiful combination of view and sounds. Every point here is an echo point so if you find yourself in a safe area, you may want to risk a shout to hear the echos ricocheting from the hills.

3. Pangong Tso Lake: The unending lake from 3 Idiots:

Remember the breathtakingly beautiful lake from 3 Idiots where Chatur lost it all? It’s the Pangong-Tso lake that traverses the boundary international boundary to stretch from India to Bhutan. The lake offersawesome site for camping and is the current hotspot for all people traveling to Ladakh. The rules do not allow boating on Pangong-Tso Lake but when the lake freezes in the winters, if you’re feeling too brave, you might want to ice skate at just the bank of the lake.

(Courtesy: wikimedia.org)

4. Tso Moriri Lake: Where you can stay forever:

The enchanting waters of the Tso Moriri lake (Picture credits: Jens)

The place is a canvas colored with the blue-white skies, blue-green mountains with white tops, the calm blue water of the lake and lush green pastures. Who needs any place better than this? The Tso Moriri lake is probably not as famous as the Pangong Lake but it is still a must place to visit in Leh Ladakh for anyone taking a trip in this region.

5. Khardungla Pass: Highest civilian motor road in the world:

Khardung-La Pass (Picture credits: Dustin Larimer)

It might not look like much of a road but it’s the best that there is. Managed by the Border Roads Organization, Kardung-la Pass is the gateway to the north and can be considered by many as a tourist spot in itself. However, being at such a height, one has to take extreme care of health while traveling through the pass. On the fun side, the numerous Tibetan flags that are said to ward off bad spirits and keep you safe set up a beautiful contrast with the white snow.

Tibetan flags at Khardung- La Pass(Picture credits: Dustin Larimer)

6. Nubra Valley: A desert among the snowy hills:

Dunes of the Nubra Valley (Picture credits: marksquared)

A desert is probably the last thing one expects while planning a trip to Ladakh but there it is. The sand dunes of the Nubra Valley offer the tourists a very much Arabian Nights like experience. The famous two-humped camels are also found in the region and are often the highlight of the trip for those interested in animals. The origin of the desert is supposed to be from the Tethis Sea from the depths of which the Himalayas are said to have risen.

7. Magnetic Hill: Defy gravity – feel superhuman:

The anti-gravity Magnetic Hill near Ladakh (Courtesy: wikimedia.org)

The science behind the phenomenon is unknown but it has been observed that if you leave your vehicle at the base of the hill with the brakes unlocked, it will start moving uphill slowly on its own. Magic? Definitely not. It’s simply the superpowers you get when you reach this place 

8. Spituk Gompa: Monastery at the hilltop:

The magnificient Spituk Gompa will mesmerize you with it’s beautiful location (Picture Credits: Koshy)

Ladakh is known as the land of the monks and monasteries and rightly so. Spitukis one of the many monasteries in the region. This is famous for its beautifully carved location at the top of a hill. With nearby mountains being much taller, the location is not exactly a vantage point but the view from the monastery is still pretty amazing. The winds at the night however may chill you to the bones.

9. Namgyal Monastery: The place for the inner peace:

Buddha Statue inside Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (Courtesy: wikimedia.org)

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa or the Namgyala Monastery is particularly famous for the Buddha statue it hosts. It has previously also been visited by the Dalai Lamahimself. Monks and Buddhism enthusiasts flock from all over the country to spend a few days here. Like most monasteries in Ladakh, it allows volunteers to stay and help with the daily chores at the Gompa while enjoying a few peaceful days here.

10. Hemis Monastery: The one with the masks:

Festival Parade at the Hemis Monastery (Picture credits: Madhav Pai)

Hemis Gompa is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. The annual Hemis festival that takes place in July is visited by people in large numbers. The masked parade is the highlight of the festival and is said to be one of the most sacred rituals here. Every year, on the 10th day of Tibetan Lunar month called as Tse Chu, the Monastery holds this two-day celebration to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava who is often said to be a reincarnation of Buddha.