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Leh Ladakh, tucked away in India’s northernmost region, truly feels like a hidden paradise for those with a passion for stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. This remote area, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas, is dotted with serene Buddhist monasteries, lakes with strikingly clear blue waters, valleys with dunes and unique double-humped camels, and ancient monasteries that open a window into Ladakh’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage, inviting visitors to slow down and reflect.
10 Places To Visit Near Leh Ladakh
From serene lakes to spiritual places of worship, here are some of the must-visit places near Leh Ladakh for you to explore:
1. Pangong Lake
Photo: Yash Parashar / Unsplash
About 160 kilometres from Leh, Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is one of the most exquisite high-altitude lakes in the world. The most attractive part of the lake is the colours of the lake which keep on changing and are never the same from blue and green to reddish at different times of the day turning into seasons. Pangong Lake is approximately 134 kilometres long and attracts many tourists, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. While swimming is not permitted due to its salty water and extreme coldness, it’s common for lake visits to camp by the lakeshore appreciating the quiet.
Best Time To Visit: Between May and September
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
2. Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley, around 150 kilometres to the north of Leh, is one of the remarkable places to visit in Ladakh. With its barren but captivating as well as distinct landscapes, the valley is a mixture of all the creative works of nature. The Shyok and Nubra rivers flow through the valley creating an oasis in the middle of a dry and hot desert. The wet-dry contours of the landscape consisting of sand, green vegetation, and steep mountains is an adventurous near paradisiacal attraction which can be reached through the high altitude, Khardung La pass.
Best Time To Visit: Between May and September
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Khardung La
Khardung La, or simply K-Top, is 40 km from Leh at an altitude of 18380 feet, making it one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Being a tactical pass, it links the city to the Nubra and Shyok Valley regions. Khardung La is a vantage point for stunning scenery of snow-holding mountains and rough topography, making it an ideal place for adventure seekers and bikers alike. The pass is also the access point that heads towards the Siachen Glacier, the highest battleground in the world, thus making Khardung La not only scenic but also a place of historical importance.
Best Time To Visit: Between May and September
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
4. Tso Moriri Lake
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash
At around 4,595 m (15,075 ft) above sea level, Tso Moriri Lake is regarded as one of the most gorgeous high-altitude lakes in Ladakh. This water body is located in its entirety within the Changthang region where its sheeny water impresses with breathtaking views that are free from noise. Tso Moriri is delicious to the eye and is a supportive environment in the dry land region for many species of migratory birds such as the bar-headed goose. Semi-nomadic people called Changpa inhabit the area thus providing an insight into their life and culture. Near the lake ringed with mountains and undulating terrain, camping, trekking and photography attract many.
Best Time To Visit: Between May to early October
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
5. Hemis Monastery
Photo: Vijayakumar TT / Wikimedia Commons
The Hemis Monastery in the Ladakh region of the Indian subcontinent is one of the most influential monasteries. It is about 45 kilometres from the capital, amidst a rugged landscape, rocky terrains, and steep valleys, enhancing its secluded ambience and great aura. This Himalayan Buddhist monastery was built in the 11th century. It underwent changes and transformations in the later years and was rebuilt in the 17th century. Renowned for its stunning architecture and housing a collection of ancient relics, manuscripts, etc, it became a major site of interest to all the history enthusiasts across the globe. It is to date visited on a large scale by many.
Best Time To Visit: Between June and September
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day
6. Magnetic Hill
Photo: Debashritaiitmandi / Wikimedia Commons
Magnetic Hill garners much popularity due to the fascinating and enigmatic phenomena associated with it where vehicles seem to be defying gravity. When a car is placed in a neutral position at a particular spot, seemingly rolls up the slope by itself, thus creating an anti-gravity effect. \Being located in a picturesque setting, Magnetic Hill is one of those places which every visitor to the area should include in their itineraries as it boasts of an interesting experience along the Leh Kargil Srinagar highway.
Best Time To Visit: Between May to September
Ideal Trip Duration: Half a day
7. Zanskar Valley
Photo: Joshi Milestoner / Unsplash
Zanskar Valley is often called “the hidden paradise of Ladakh” for its striking natural beauty and its colourful culture. Between the Zanskar Range and the Great Himalayas, the valley is a picture of snow-clad mountains, deep valleys, and several rivers that cut through the landscape. The valley is open for exploration only during the summer months which makes it suitable for activities like trekking and river rafter games. Zanskar is also known for the Chadar Trek, where adventurists get to walk on the frozen Zanskar River from which the trek falls into the winter season, and this one attracts many travellers.
Best Time To Visit: Between late June to early September
Ideal Trip Duration: 7 – 8 days
8. Thiksey Monastery
Photo: Ananya Bilimale / Unsplash
Thiksey Monastery, approximately 19 kilometres away from Leh, is an impressive Buddhist monastery situated on top of a hill at an elevation of 3,600 metres. The monastery is beautifully designed, in a similar way to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and has many shrines with a prominent 15 m statue of Maitreya Buddha. The visitors are allowed into the temples, and they can take in the lovely views of the Indus Valley along with the calmness of the rich spirituality of Ladakh that the place has to offer.
Best Time To Visit: Between May to September
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
9. Shanti Stupa
Photo: Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shanti Stupa, in Leh, Ladakh, is a historic Buddhist structure, constructed in 1983 by a Japanese Buddhist named Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. It embodies peace and calls for the unification of the nations. The stupa stands on the crest of a hill and commands a breathtaking sight of the Leh valley and the mountains. Its white dome is decorated with complex designs and gorgeous paintings covering the story of the Buddha. Famous among travellers, Shanti Stupa is more beautiful during sunsets, thus serving as an ideal place for quiet meditation in this desert mountainous region during dusk.
Best Time To Visit: Between May to September
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
10. Lamayuru Monastery
Photo: Rutpratheep Nilpechr / Unsplash
The Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest as well as one of the most popular monasteries in the region of Ladakh and it is on a high cliff with a beautiful view of the “Moonland” terrain. This monastery was built in the eleventh century and has around one hundred and fifty monks residing in it along with ancient paintings, sculptures, and an interesting assortment of Buddhist relics. People can visit the peaceful surroundings and also take part in the culture, especially during the yearly event in honour of the god Naropa. The vistas are stunning hence this is one of the tourist hotspots quite close to Leh.
Best Time To Visit: Between May to September
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Each of these spots showcases Ladakh’s natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a dream destination. Once you have sorted out your list of places to visit near Leh Ladakh, it’s time to secure all your travel bookings with TripXL. Leave the burden of your holiday planning to us and focus on preparing to embark on your next vacation.
Cover Photo: Shivam Dewan / Unsplash
