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Ladakh, also known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, is a very captivating district in the northern part of India that draws adventure lovers and nature practitioners. Located between the Great Himalayas and the Zanskar Range, it offers a perfect combination of adventure and serenity coupled with revering sights. With a bevy of places to visit in Ladakh, it is a fact that you would not be disappointed whether you are someone seeking adventure or a serene place to indulge in ultimate spirituality, this place is worth visiting once-in-a-lifetime.
10 Places To Visit In Ladakh
Here is a list of some of the most remarkable places to visit in Ladakh for an exhilarating experience.
1. Leh Palace
Photo: marksquared / Wikimedia Commons
Leh Palace, referred to as Lachen Palkar Palace, is a magnificent nine-storied building. The palace is beautifully crafted in the mediaeval Ladakhi style of architecture featuring large chunks of masonry and a timber balcony which is typical of the culture of that area. The tourists can visit the Palace Museum, which has an array of objects previously held by the royalties including Akshas, crowns and cradled bird thangkas made of highly crushed stones. The palace, in addition, provides breathtaking views of Leh, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Ladakh.
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹250
Best Time To Visit: April to October
2. Chandazik Gompa
Photo: Saad Faruqe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandazik Gompa, positioned in the Ladakh region near Leh, has remained uncelebrated but spreads its importance as a Buddhist monastery. Resting on a steep hillside, it tends to be pleasant and gorgeous with the hills that surround it. The gompa, being the case with many other respective monasteries, is a little bit smaller in size, therefore it enables confinement for meditation and reflection within its walls. Inside the visitors are welcome to the unremarkable but somewhat charming space with a large number of colourful thangkas and sculptures of various deities.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3. Shey Palace
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Shey Palace, which is approximately 15 kilometres away from Leh, is a place where one can explore the history of Ladakh. Believed to have been built by King Deldan Namgyal in the 17th century, it was a retreat for the royal family during the summer season. The palace has beautiful Tibetan and Indian-style architectural designs filled with exquisite paintings and also has one of the biggest copper statues of Shakyamuni Buddha in the region. Located at some height from the ground, Shey Palace is quite worthy to be added to your Ladakh tourist places list.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to September
4. Shanti Stupa
Photo: Sarabjit Singh / Wikimedia Commons
Yet another landmark in the Ladakh region is the Shanti Stupa, which is a Buddhist shrine in the city of Leh, sitting at an altitude of 4267m. This stupa was built in the year 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura and promotes peace. This stupa also houses the relics of Buddha which were placed by the 14th Dalai Lama; thus making it an important place for devotees. The stupa provides amazing views of Leh town and picturesque snow-clad mountains, all the more beautiful at dawn and dusk.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to September
5. Magnetic Hill
Photo: AKS.9955 / Wikimedia Commons
Magnetic Hill, a stunning gravitational phenomenon situated around thirty kilometres from Leh on the Leh-Kargil highway, is a place that is hard to resist. At an elevation of 14000 feet, this place creates an architectural illusion in which vehicles when placed on a neutral gear appear to roll back up the slope. The place is blessed with picture-perfect scenery with the Sindhu River in the vicinity, making it one of the best tourist places in Ladakh, having its own sets of folklore and history.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: June to September
6. Alchi Monastery
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa, as it is known in the local language, is one of the establishments of Tibetan Buddhism in the Alchi village of Ladakh, around 70 km from Leh. Founded in the tenth century A.D. by the Great Translator Rinchen Zangpo, this monastery is famous for its beautiful architecture and ancient wall paintings that can still be seen in Ladakh. It includes several temples, the most important being Dukhang, Sumtsek Temple, and Jampa Lhakhang. The paintings found inside the monastery depict different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and different historical people with great artistic skill that was seen during that period.
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100
Best Time To Visit: May to September
7. Tso Kar Lake
Photo: GerthMichael / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Kar Lake, located at an impressive altitude of 4,590 metres above sea level within the Rupshu Plateau of Ladakh, is a beautiful high-altitude salt lake, with fascinating characteristics and ecological importance. Crowned the “White Lake” due to the crust formed at the edges of the water, Tso Kar is encircled by towering heights including the Gursan and Thugje mountains. This lake is a very great region for several migratory birds including the endangered black-necked crane. Nomadic tribes of people have made this region surrounding the lake, giving the tourists a brief insight into the lifestyle of the locals.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to September
8. Chumathang Hot Springs
Photo: Elroy Serrao / Wikimedia Commons
Chumathang Hot Springs, located approximately 130 kilometres from the town of Leh, is a natural therapeutic spa that contains a rich source of mineral water. These hot springs are located along the Indus River and are known for their curative waters that range from 40°C to 50°C. The region comprises beautiful landscapes including steep mountains and green vegetation. This place is relatively less populated in comparison to other tourist places in Ladakh, thus making it a perfect place for people looking for peace.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to September
9. Khardung La Pass
Photo: Henk Monster / Wikimedia Commons
Khardung La Pass is claimed to be the highest motorable pass in the world and is situated approximately 39 kilometres to the north of Leh, Ladakh, with an altitude of 5,359 metres (17,582 feet). This mesmerising mountain pass is a vital access point to the Nubra and Shyok valleys and has a great military significance for Indian Army supply routes to Siachen Glacier as well. Built in 1976, the Khardung La Pass is famous among adventure seekers and bikers who want to conquer its rugged terrain.
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit: May to October
10. Kargil War Memorial
Photo: Darshancg / Wikimedia Commons
The Kargil War Memorial situated in Drass, Ladakh, serves as a touching reminder of the valour and patriotism of those Indian soldiers who participated in the Kargil War of 1999. The place has a massive wall of remembrance with names of more than 500 martyrs engraved on it and ashore Vijay Stambha depicting the victory of Indian forces. There is a Martyr’s Gallery which visitors can use containing items, images and letters of soldiers who have fought giving the history and picture of their sufferings. There is also a burning flame named Amar Jawan Jyoti that pays tribute to all the people who died for the country.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Travelling to Ladakh in May and June is all about breathtaking sights and experiences, interesting people and excursions, and peaceful times spent at gorgeous lakes. With a bevy of offerings, there are many places to visit in Ladakh that have their own charm, thus making the trip across this heaven on earth a memorable one. To make the best of this wonderful region, plan a tour with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons
