Today in this article, we will cover the Famous Tourist Places in Leh ladakh. Leh Ladakh, popularly known as “Land of Cold desert” is generally famous for its Buddhist Monasteries, beautiful sky, free flowing rivers and crystal clear lakes, Tibetan Culture, market dusty trails, high altitude passes which makes it a dream destination for tourists specially bike riders. Some places in Ladakh are not found anywhere else in the entire world. Bikers find Leh Ladakh trip nothing less than a Heaven on Earth.
Famous Tourist Places in Leh Ladakh:
The most visited and explored places of Leh Ladakh are mentioned below:
1. Monasteries
Leh Ladakh is mostly famous for its amazing and enchanting Monasteries. A monastery is nothing but a sort of Buddhist temple where monks meditate and perform their rituals. There are numerous monasteries found in Leh. These monasteries in Ladakh have kept the Buddhist heritage still alive and fresh. If you want to experience inner peace, solemnity, peaceful environment and know about the Buddhist culture, then you must explore these enchanting monasteries. Leh Ladakh is a Hub to monasteries, some of them are ancient and unique, while some of them are picturesque and magnificent and some of the monasteries are architectural Marvel. Some of the popular monasteries in Leh are Shanti Stupa, Hemis Monastery, Thicksey Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery etc.
2. Leh Market
Leh Market lies at a distance of about 5 kms from Leh Airport. Leh market is quite sizeable and offers a vibrant and diverse shopping experience in a beautiful setting. The presence of Tibetan sellers adds a distinctive cultural flavor and unique charm to the market. Leh market is an ideal place to explore traditional Tibetan Handicrafts, textiles, art crafts and purchase authentic Tibetan Souvenirs. It offers visitors to connect with the local heritage. Besides these, Leh Market also offers a variety of other products like Tibetan food, dry fruits, spices, Pashminas, fresh Apricots and winter cloths. Vehicles are not allowed inside the market. Leh market is beyond doubt the best place to spend your first day in Leh as it helps you to acclimatize with high altitude sickness problem.
3. Lakes
Leh Ladakh is very much famous for high altitude, large crystal clear lakes. The crystal clear blue water of the lakes makes Leh Ladakh the blue heaven. Some of the most beautiful and explored lakes are mentioned below:
a.) Pangong Tso Lake
Pangong Tso lies at a distance of 227 Kms from Leh Airport and it takes approximately five and a half hour of journey to reach this tourist Hub. Pangong Tso Lake is spread over an area of 160 kms with one third part of lake is Indian while two third part of lake is in Tibet. This crystal clear saline water lake is world’s highest salt water lake. Many renowned and famous Bollywood movies like Three Idiots, Jab Tak Hai Jaan etc were shot on its banks. The crystal clear blue water of this land lock lake will add an unforgettable and indescribable memory to your Leh trip. Proper staying and camping facilities in the form of tents are also available at reasonable rates. Despite saline water lake, its freezes completely during winter. The iconic landscapes and pristine water make this place a perfect destination for clicking selfies and photographs. No trip to Leh is complete until and unless you explore Pangong Tso.
b.) Tso moriri Lake
Tso moriri Lake lies at a distance of 222 kms from Leh airport and it takes approximately five hours drive to reach this iconic destination and takes approximately 7-8 hours if you drive from Pangong lake. Tso moriri is a fresh water lake situated at an altitude of 14836 feet with its entire boundary in India. Like Pangong, this lake also freezes during winter.
c.) Tso Kar Lake
Tso Kar Lake lies at a distance of 155 Kms from Leh airport and it takes approximately three hours drive to reach this lake from Leh airport. Tso Kar Lake is situated on Leh Manali road and not very large, crowded and famous like Pangong and Tso moriri but is very beautiful in its own way. The grasslands and barren hills around the lake make it a treat to watch. The salt crystals on the shore in white colour give it a different sight and distinguish Tso Kar Lake from other lakes of Ladakh region.
4. Khardungla Pass
Khardungla Pass lies at a distance of 75 Kms from Leh Airport and it takes approximately two hours of journey to reach from your vehicle. The road to Khardungla Pass is nothing less than an epitome of adventure. Khardungla situated at a height of 17,982 feet is one of the world’s highest motor able roads. It’s not advisable to spend more time at Khardungla Pass as you may feel difficulty in breathing because of low oxygen. Khardungla Pass is gateway to one of the most breath taking landscapes of India like Nubra Valley, Hunder, Diskit and Turtuk etc. Khardungla Pass is very popular among adventure seekers and mountain lovers. The experience of being here in Khardungla is something indescribable, beyond words, thrilling, full of adventure and once in a lifetime opportunity.
5. Nubra Valley
Nubra valley situated at a distance of 163 Kms from Leh Airport and it takes approximately four and half an hour journey to reach here by your personal convince. Nubra valley is nothing less than a hidden gem in the heart of mighty Himalayas. Nubra valley is famous for its warm sand dunes, beautiful stunning landscapes; cultural richness, warm hospitality and world famous double Hump Camel. The sand dunes and double hump camel ride makes Nubra valley an unforgettable experience. Nubra valley is such a beautiful place that it will definitely left an incredible mark on everyone’s soul. Nubra valley has something to offer for everyone and must be there in every travelers bucket list. Adventure lovers can also enjoy ATV riding here.
6. Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame is a war memorial museum built by Indian Army on Leh-Kargil road in 1986. Hall of Fame lies about 2-3 Kms from Ladakh Airport and is dedicated to soldiers martyred during Indo-Pak wars. Hall of Fame is very important for Army as it displays the photographs, videos and weapons captured in the all Indo-Pak wars since 1947. If you want to visit Hall of Fame you have to buy an entry ticket which costs you about Rs250 per person and Rs20 extra for Mobile and Rs100 for video camera. It displays the culture of Ladakh, its traditional food, the dresses of warriors, antique handmade guns, Ladakhi weapons, utensils, rulers of Ladakh. Moreover, it has war galleries where you can see the various weapons used by Indian and Pakistan Army during war time. Apart from this here you can also read the story of Indian soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of country. Besides these, you can also found scrap book of operation Vijay and a map where all important points have been mentioned which were conquered back by Indian Army during operation Vijay. A part from all these you will learn many more about the life, struggle, sacrifices and hard life of Indian Army posted at high altitude mountains like Siachin. You can also watch light and sound show which is displayed in night at 8:00 pm, where you can watch a full movie dedicated on Kargil War and a skit performed by Indian Army. You also explore Shaurya Sathal and Adventure Park which is meant for children. Hall of Fame is a must visit place for every Indian.
7. Magnetic Hill
A place where reality blurs with extra-ordinary. Magnetic Hill lies about 27 Kms from Leh on Leh-Kargil-Srinagar road in the Trans Himalayan region and it takes approximately half an hour journey to reach here from Leh. Magnetic Hill is an awe inspiring Natural wonder that defies the phenomenon of Gravity. In order to experience a surreal experience of this place, you have to simply park your vehicle at neutral gear in the box marked with paint and you will be amazed that your vehicle starts moving uphill at a speed of almost 20k/hr beating the phenomenon of gravity, creating a mind blending optical illusion. This magical power of Hill pull is found only in Magnetic Hill and nowhere else in the entire world making it a must visit place for every tourist. The stunning Himalayan panoramic views of landscapes and surrounding mountains add to the allure. Travelers not only from India but from the entire globe come here to experience this fascinating experience.
8. Zanskar Valley View Point
Zanskar Valley view point, popularly known as Ice Desert of Ladakh, is one of the best tourist places in Leh Ladakh. Zanskar Valley view point lies about 58 Kms from Leh Airport on Leh Kargil Srinagar road. It is known for world famous for river rafting and bungee jumping. Most tourists explore this place in order to view the Sangam of two rivers.
9. Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
Pathar Sahib Gurudwara lies at a distance of 21 kms from Leh Airport in Trans Himalayan region. Pathar Sahib Gurudwara situated at a height of 11500 feet is a very sacred, pious, historical and spiritual place with amazing positive vibes and interesting History. It is believed that Sikh Guru Gurunanak Dev ji did meditation at this place and got this place free from a local demon. The Gurudwara is maintained and run by Indian Army.
10. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park lies at a distance of 48 kms from leh airport, is one of the largest national parks in South Asia, which holds a unique place in the heart and soul of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Hemis National Park, the jewel of conservation in Himalayas, is a home for a diverse range of wildlife species like snow leopard endangered species like Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, and Eurasian Brown Bear etc. Moreover, Hemis National Park is also a home to various bird species like lammergeyer, Fork tailed Swift, Himalayan Snowcock, bearded vulture, Fire fronted Serin and golden eagle etc. Hemis National Park serves as a true gem of natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural significance. It offers its travelers a unique opportunity to experience the Himalayan wilderness and encounter some of the world’s most endangered and captivating wildlife species.
Conclusion
To conclude, we must say this trip will fill you with the unforgettable lifelong memories which will remain fresh in your mind till your last breathe. This trip won’t let you down at all. In fact everyone must visit Leh once in a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Which season is best for Leh Trip?
The best time to explore Leh Ladakh is May to September. After October, there are heavy chances of snowfall Most areas of Leh Ladakh got closed due to chilly cold conditions.
2. How many days are sufficient for Leh Ladakh Trip?
Generally 8-10 days are more than sufficient to explore entire Leh.
3. Does Prepaid Sim works in Leh?
Prepaid Sims of other States/UT won’t work in Leh except prepaid Sim of UT of J&K.
3. How to cope with low oxygen/ High altitude Sickness?
Keep drinking water at regular intervals whenever you feel slight headache, keep portable oxygen cylinder with you during the entire trip and not to forget to place diamox tablet with you.
4. What is the Budget of entire Leh-Ladakh Trip?
It depends upon the mode of travel. However, the entire Leh Trip may costs you somewhere between 25-30K.
5. Why is Leh Ladakh famous among bike riders?
Leh Ladakh is famous among bike riders for adventurous rides. The entire trip is full of thrill and adventure. Its a thrill to drive among the high altitude mountain passes, free flowing stream crossings, off road driving and so many which makes the entire trip an unforgettable journey.
6. How you can reach Leh Ladakh?
You can reach Leh Ladakh either by Manali-Leh Road or by Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road. However, you can reach Leh by flight which you will get from Jammu and Srinagar.
7. Do you require any permit for Leh Ladakh trip?
Yes you require a permit to explore the entire tourist spots of Leh Ladakh and you get it online from the website www.lahdclehpermit.in.
