Leh, Ladakh is a beautiful place where every person wishes to go in their lives. It is a place where you can breathe fresh air, visit monasteries, explore Tibetan culture, go on an adventure and do many more things. In this article we will tell you about 20 places that you can visit in Leh Ladakh and experience things which you can’t in any other places.
1. Pangong Tso Lake:
A scene from the famous movie, 3 Idiots was filmed near this lake. Thus, Pangong Tso Lake is popular for its blue water, surroundings, and mountain peaks. During winter, the water of this lake freezes, which brings many tourists to the Ice Skating Festival held in this place. This lake is the home for many migratory birds.
2. Shanti Stupa:
Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists in 2500 built Shanti Stupa to promote world peace and Buddhism. Shanti Stupa is one of the famous landmarks of Leh Ladakh. Here you can meditate in the Buddha Hall and walk in the stupa. You can also see the beautiful view of sunrise and sunset from this place.
3. Tso Moriri Lake:
The largest alpine lake in India is Tso Moriri Lake in Leh Ladakh. The lake is very beautiful along with clear sky and mountain landscapes. Many festivals are organized in this place which brings a lot of tourists. Camping and sleeping in the night sky is very famous near this lake.
4. Leh Palace:
Leh Palace is popular for Tibetan architecture and design. Inside this Palace, it is warm on colder days and cool on hotter days. There are many corridors, spacious halls and chambers inside the Palace. There are also museums in this Palace which attract a lot of tourists.
5. Khardung La Pass
Khardung La Pass is very famous for mountain biking expeditions and is one of the toughest roads in India. There is heavy traffic in this region along with melting snow and muddy roads which make it difficult for tourists to come to this place.
6. Magnetic Hill:
This Hill seems to defy gravity and move vehicles from their marked spots. To watch this unusual scene, many tourists visit Magnetic Hills. This place is also famous for Yak Safari, mountain climbing, and trekking among the people.
7. Nubra Valley:
Nubra Valley is a fertile valley where there are Nubra and Shyok Rivers. Thera are beautiful apple orchards and monasteries near this valley. Bactrian Camel Rides and Jeep Safari are popular among the tourists.
8. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa:
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is built on top of a rocky hill surrounded by the Zanskar mountain range and the Indus River. This monastery is famous for the three-storey high golden statue of Maitreya Buddha. There are also various Tibetan architecture and painting in Namgyal Tsemo Gompa.
9. Spituk Monastery:
Spituk Monastery is very famous in Leh Ladakh. It has the statue of Lord Buddha and Goddess Kali, beautiful paintings, and festival masks. Every year Spituk Festival is held in which the idol of Kali is unveiled, and there are masked dances by the monks, followed by prayers.
10. Hall of Fame Museum:
The Hall of Fame Museum was formed for those soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pakistan wars of Kargil and Siachen glaciers. The museum have seized arms and ammunition, stories of brave soldiers, uniforms and other things related to the army.
11. Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary:
In the Sanctuary there are many species that are not found in any other region of India. Tibetan Ass, Wild Yak, Tibetan Wolf, Blue Sheep are popular among tourists. Many migratory birds such as Brahminy Duck and Bar-headed Goose are found here.
12. Tso Kar Lake:
Various nomads who travel around the place to search for food and shelter are found here. This lake is famous for overnight camping among tourists. Migratory birds like Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes, and Brahminy Ducks come to this lake in the summer to breed and lay eggs.
13. Stok Palace:
Stok Palace was built in 1829 and is famous for its architecture, gardens, history and culture among tourists. The palace has a collection of royal clothing, crowns, and other things. It is next to the Indus River and is easily reachable by jeeps and taxis.
14. Zanskar Valley:
The most beautiful place in Leh Ladakh is Zanskar Valley. There are beautiful cave monasteries in this valley such as ‘Lingshed’ and ‘Phuktal’. Many outdoor activities are held in this region such as trekking, river rafting, paragliding and Monastery Festival are held every year in Zanskar Valley. During winter seasons this valley is closed due to heavy snow and bad weather.
15. Kargil
Kargil is near the banks of the Indus river. It was a place of conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999. Kargil War Memorial was formed in this place and there are names of soldiers on the sandstone wall. Many outdoor activities like mountaineering, trekking, river rafting, archery, hiking, camping, and jeep safaris can be done in Kargil. Therefore it is very popular among tourists.
16. Hemis National Park:
This Park has the maximum number of snow leopards in the world. It is the biggest National Park in India where you can find species such as Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon Vulture and the Red Fox.
17. Hemis Monastery:
Hemis Monastery is the largest monastery in Leh Ladakh. It has beautiful architecture, paintings of Buddha, along with murals, Buddhist scriptures, and Stupas. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The Hemis Festival, which is held in the month of June-July, is a famous event, when the whole place is coloured in festivities, from music, mask dance and local cuisine.
18. Moonland, Lamayuru:
It is very famous for its moon-like environment and the photos that are clicked here by the tourists. There are Buddhist painting on the walls of the monastery and is popular for its view.
19. Stakna Gompa:
Stakna Gompa is a very beautiful place near the Indus River. It is built on the top of a cliff and is covered by mountains. The monastery has beautiful walls, paintings of Buddha, a statue of Lord Buddha, and a prayer hall.
20. Tiger Hill:
Tiger Hill is the largest peak of the Kargil sector. The Indian army captured Tiger Hill and its conquest was actually a turning point in the war. Since then, Tiger Hill has become popular as a tourist spot in Leh-Ladakh.
Conclusion:
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Leh Ladakh. You can learn and experience various things while traveling to these places. Therefore you have to visit these places once in your lifetime.