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Leh is the capital of Ladakh territory and one of the most enchanting places to visit in North India. The place reflects natural beauty, rich culture and multiple adventurous activities. Located between the huge Himalayas, it offers a blend of pretty landscapes, ancient monasteries and traditional villages. There are multiple things to do in Leh which pledge to give you peace and keep your adrenaline rush high. Whether you’re trying the traditional Ladakhi Cuisine or riding bikes on the Leh Highway, the place promises an unforgettable experience with a lasting impression.
10 Things To Do In Leh
Leh attracts both nature lovers and travellers alike. With many exciting things to do in Leh, it provides an array of experiences which cater to every individual’s preferences.
1. Visit Pangong Tso
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is one of the most iconic places near Leh. It is believed that the water of the lake keeps changing its colours from blue to green and other hues. This lake is the highest-altitude lake in the country and one of the highest-altitude-saltwater lakes in the world. The journey to this lake includes breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and multiple passes.
Highlights: Changing Colour Hues, High Altitude Saltwater Lake
2. Bike Riding On Motorable Passes
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
Bike riding on motorable passes in and around Leh is one of the most exciting things to do. There are many passes including the famous ones of Khardungla Pass, Chang La Pass and Taglang La Pass. Khardung La Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in Leh, Ladakh which connects Leh to the Nubra Valley. It also serves as a gateway to Siachen Glacier. Chang La Pass is one of the most beautiful passes and paves the way from Leh to Pangong Lake. Taglang La Pass is located on the Leh-Manali Highway and is accessible from Leh.
Highlights: Khardungla Pass, Chang La Pass, Motorable Passes
3. Explore The Magnetic Hill In Leh
Photo: AKS.9955 / Wikimedia Commons
Magnetic Hill is located in the Leh district of the Ladakh region in North India. Particularly, this hill is located on the Leh-Srinagar National Highway. Breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and landscapes can be witnessed while travelling to this hill. Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill which creates the optical illusion of gravity that makes objects and cars look as if they are rolling upwards the hill when they are actually rolling downwards. This place remains a mystery even today.
Best Time To Visit: 8 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Surrounding Views, Gravity Hill, Optical Illusion
4. Know About Phyang Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Phyang Monastery or Phyang Gompa is a very old monastery located in Fiang, a small village near Leh. It is believed that the monastery was established in 1515 and is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. This monastery is built on a hilltop similar to Likir Monastery. Phyang Monastery is a unique one as it belongs to the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism. It also hosts an annual festival where the traditional rituals, dance, music and local cuisine are showcased. Visitors visit this monastery to get more insights about Buddhist culture and their practices.
Highlights: Traditions, Rituals, Buddhist Sect
5. Explore Shanti Stupa
Photo: ClickAR89 / Wikimedia Commons
Wondering what to do in Leh? Head to Shanti Stupa, a white-domed stupa which is perched on a hilltop in Chanspa. The stupa was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist Gyomyo Nakamura. It is perched at an altitude of 4267 metres. The stupa has become a tourist spot not only because of the religious importance it holds but also because of the panoramic views it offers. There is also a photograph of the Dalai Lama with some relics at the base, one of the best things to see in Leh.
Highlights: Breathtaking Views, Rituals, Buddhist Sect
6. Dive Into The History By Visiting Leh Palace
Photo: Abhishek611sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Leh Palace is also known as Lachen Palkar Palace regionally. This palace was previously a palace for the royal family and it overlooked the city of Leh. The palace is huge and is nine storeys high. The upper floors were occupied by the royal family whereas the lower floors had stables, store rooms and guest rooms. Leh Palace has a rich collection of jewellery, clothes, artefacts, ceremonial crows and attires. More than 450-year-old Tibetan Thangka (paintings) are displayed in the palace. The paintings are made with bright colours and have intricate designs.
Highlights: Cultural Heritage, Breathtaking Views
7. Visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib located in the periphery of Leh City dates back to the 15th century. This Gurudwara is built in the loving memory and honour of Guru Nanak Ji. This place is an important site of worshipping as it marks an important event in the history of Sikhism. The storied past says that Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built at the exact place where Guru Nanak Ji rested, meditated and defeated a demon in the region. The place is considered one of the highest Sikh shrines as it is located amidst the beautiful Himalayan Peaks.
Highlights: Religious Insights, Surreal Scenery, Highest Sikh Shrine
8. Witness The Sangam Point
Photo: Jasmeet23289 / Wikimedia Commons
The Sangam Point lies at the Leh-Srinagar Highway and witnessing majestic views from there is one of the best things to do in Leh. This is the exact place where the confluence of two rivers, River Zanskar and River Indus can be witnessed. The site looks beautiful as visitors can effectively spot the difference in the colours of the water of both rivers. Zanskar is more brownish-green in colour and the Indus River has blue-coloured water. The confluence is indeed a treat for the eyes and is worth witnessing.
Highlights: Surreal Scenery, Confluence Of Zanskar And River
9. Spot Weapons At Hall Of Fame Museum
Photo: Jagseer S Sidhu / Wikimedia Commons
Hall Of Fame is a war memorial built by the Indian Army in Leh. The museum is built in the loving memory of those brave soldiers who lost their lives while protecting the territory, especially during the Indo-Pak War. The museum is located on the Leh-Kargil Road and stands as a reminder of the strong soldiers. Hall Of Fame museum is a two-storeyed museum where the upper floor showcases multiple weapons, arms and ammunition used during the Kargil War and the ground floor bears the photos of the martyred soldiers.
Highlights: War Memorial, Indian Army, Weapons
10. Shop Souvenirs At Leh Market
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Leh market sells everything from clothes to jewellery and local street food dishes. It is recommended to try the traditional Thukpa at this place which is a part of the local cuisine of the region. There is another great market called the Tibetan Market. Purchasing local handicrafts is one of the most important things to do in Leh. The markets have an extraordinary collection of Pashmina Shawls. Jewels, clothes, Buddhist relics and prayer wheels are also displayed at the shops. Local handicrafts and colourful trinkets are displayed on the walls of the shops.
Highlights: Souvenirs, Jewellery, Clothes, Pashmina Shawls
Leh is a place where peace meets adventure and is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking the same. It showcases the best of the landscape views ranging from hills, mountains and valleys to rugged terrains and serene lakes. Book a trip with TripXL and experience the things to do in Leh, from local hospitality at traditional villages or trekking through the valleys.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
