The union territory of Ladakh is located in the northern region of India and was formerly a part of the Jammu and Kashmir state. Lying amidst the gorgeous Great Himalayas, it is a place of unspoiled natural beauty and phenomenal scenic views. The region is filled with mesmerising snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, vast meadows, gushing rivers, etc. Ladakh, popularly known as the Land of High Passes, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful motorable mountain passes, like Khardung La, Chang La, Marsimik La, etc. It is one of the best places in the world where tourists can experience the joy of sightseeing and adventures all in one trip.
Though mainly known for its unmatched natural landscapes and picturesque views, Ladakh offers various other major tourist attractions, ranging from historical sites and religious landmarks to local festivals and cultural events. Some renowned tourist attractions in Ladakh include Soma Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Tsemo Fort, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, etc.
Ladakh is also a dream destination for thrill seekers, as it offers a massive range of adventures. Trekking, motorbiking, water rafting, mountaineering, etc., are just a few examples of popular things one can expect from Ladakh. Shopping is also one of the most fun things to do in the region due to the availability of various unique products, like Pashmina shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, Fruit jams, etc.
Food in Ladakh is one of its main highlights, offering dishes from delightful Tibetan-influenced cuisines to a quick bowl of instant noodles. And with its shivering cold atmosphere and scarcely populated roads, options for nightlife in Ladakh are limited but not nonexistent.
Attractions in Ladakh
Thousands of tourists flock to Ladakh to witness its fascinating landscapes, delve into the local festivities, or learn about its unique history. Here are some of the most popular events, festivals and tourist places in Ladakh that you can check out during your visit:
The Leh Palace:
The Leh Palace is a 17th-century palace that used to serve the royal dynasty in the region. It was constructed under the orders of King Sengge Namgyal and is nine stories tall. The palace is mostly in ruins now and houses a museum featuring 450 years old exhibits like paintings, Buddhist relics, royal dresses, jewellery, etc. It is a massive tourist attraction and one of the most-visited Ladakh tourist places. Many visit Leh Palace to observe its unique architecture and get panoramic views of Leh City from a height.
The Hemis Monastery:
The Hemis Monastery is a widely famous Buddhist monastery located in Hemis town. It belongs to the Drukpa lineage and is believed to have existed prior to the 11th century. Even though it is mainly known for hosting the iconic Hemis festival, tourists also visit the monastery to check out the gallery consisting of the paintings of Mahasiddhas. It is one of the best Ladakh tourist places you can visit while on your trip.
Old Town Leh:
It refers to the vintage-style settlement lying directly below the Leh Palace, with numerous mud and brick-built houses, labyrinth-like alleyways, ancient ruins of monasteries, and so on. The town used to be within a wall of a fortification, most of which is in ruins now. Old Town Leh attracts thousands of tourists who explore the region and relive a part of history. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ladakh tourist places, ideal for photography.
The Chamba Temple:
It is a beautiful temple with remarkable architecture and historical significance. The Chamba temple was built in the 15th century by the then-king of Leh, Tragspa Bumde, and is dedicated to the Maitreya (the future Buddha). The main attractions of this temple include the 3-storey tall Buddha statue and mural fragments from the mediaeval period on the outer and inner walls.
The Hall of Fame:
It is a museum built by the Indian Army to commemorate the brave Indian soldiers who lost their lives protecting their motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. The Hall of Fame is on Leh-Kargil Road, roughly 4 kilometres from Leh city. From weapons used in the Kargil war and the life of the Indian Army in the Siachen region to biographies of brave soldiers and artefacts related to Ladakhi culture, individuals can learn a lot at this museum. It is one of the most popular Ladakh tourist places you don’t want to miss out on.
Stok Palace Ladakh:
The Stok Palace was constructed in 1820 to serve as the summer home of the royals of the Namgyal Dynasty. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel, with its major attractions being the Stok Palace Temple and the Stok Palace Museum. The museum houses royal antiques, including crowns, jewellery, ceremonial dresses, photographs, etc. It is among the most popular Ladakh tourist places you can visit.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib:
Located 23 kilometres from Leh city, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to the Ladakh region. The gurudwara houses a massive stone boulder inside, which has an interesting story behind it and is believed to have the imprint of Guru Nanak in his meditative state. It is one of the most popular Ladakh places to visit.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa:
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery near the famous Tsemo castle. It was constructed under the orders of Ladakh’s King, Tashi Namgyal, somewhere in the 15th century. Tourists flock to this monastery to catch a glimpse of the beautiful 3-storey tall gold Maitreya statue. It also houses other attractions related to Buddhism, including frescoes and ancient manuscripts.
Shanti Stupa:
Nestled on a hilltop in Chanspa, the Shanti Stupa is a beautiful white-domed Buddhist monument. It was constructed by Japanese Buddhists in 1991 and featured relics of Buddha at the base of the monument. Apart from its spiritual significance, the Shanti Stupa is one of the most popular Ladakh places to visit for its scenic views.
Phyang Monastery:
The Phyang Gompa is another significant Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, about 15 kilometres from Leh City. It was built in 1515 and is known as one of the earliest gompas in the Drikung Kagyu sect. The monastery is home to several Buddhist scriptures, thangkas, weapons, idols, and shrines. The major festivals celebrated at Phyang Monastery are Gang-Sngon Tsedup and Sacred Dances.
Magnetic Hill:
The Magnetic Hill is one of the most famous places to visit in Ladakh. Located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, it is known for its scenic landscapes and unusual phenomenon. Tourists visit Magnetic Hill in their cars to experience the gravity-defying event that causes vehicles to go uphill when parked in neutral. The popular belief is that it is just an optical illusion, whereas others believe it is an act of a magnetic field.
Spituk Gompa:
The Spituk Gompa is a famous Buddhist monastery in Spituk, just 8 kilometres from Leh City. This beautiful site is home to 100 monks and a massive Goddess Kali statue, which is only revealed during the annual festival. Other tourist attractions of the Spituk Gompa include its collection of weapons, thangka, ancient masks, and other Buddhist antiques. It is one of the best places in Ladakh famous for sightseeing.
Tsemo Fort:
Resting on top of a hill, the sight of this beautiful fort can be seen from all corners of Leh city. Tsemo Fort was built under the reign of Tashi Namgyal and is a prominent part of history in the region. One can find numerous prayer flags covering this small structure from a distance. The Tsemo Fort is about a 15-minute climb from the opposite of Chenrezi Lakhang and is one the most historically significant Ladakh places to visit during a trip.
The Thiksey Monastery:
It is a Buddhist monastery located on a hilltop in Thiksey. It is known as the largest gompa in Central Ladakh, featuring a beautiful Tibetan style of architecture. The Thiksey Gompa has a 12-storey complex that houses Buddhist statues, wall paintings, stupas, arms, and other exhibits. It also has a beautiful temple with a 49 feet-tall Maitreya statue.
Soma Gompa:
It is a small monastery in Leh, close to the main market. It is open to tourists and displays an interesting range of Buddhist artefacts. Soma Gompa is a perfect place to visit for a quick walk around for curious minds and learn more about the religion and culture in the region.
The Performance of Cham Dance by the Lamas:
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the region is witnessing the performance of Cham dance by the Lamas. The 2-day Dosmoche Festival, the last festival of Tibetan New Year, is a great time when tourists can observe this traditional ritual. It is performed by monks from various monasteries, dressed in colourful costumes and intimidating masks, who dance to the drumbeats.
Hemis Festival:
It is an annual festival held at the famous Hemis Gompa to commemorate Padmasambhava. The Hemis Festival usually takes place in early June and is attended by locals and tourists. The highlights of this festival include its grand rituals, traditional clothing, Cham dance, prayers, etc.
Losar Festival:
The Losar Festival is a New Year celebration according to Tibetan Buddhism. Losar is a 15-day celebration marked by folk dance performances, traditional music, festive cuisine, ancient rituals, etc. It is one of the grandest festivals celebrated in Ladakh and a popular tourist attraction in the region.
Activities in Ladakh
If you want to make life-long memories in Ladakh, there are a number of adventures and unique activities that you can try. Here are some of the best things to do in Ladakh:
Night Camping:
Camping in Ladakh is an experience that remains unmatched by any other location in the world. The barren landscape, clear blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains in the distance create a phenomenal setting for camping activities, especially under the night sky. The best Ladakh famous places to visit for night camping in Ladakh are Zanskar Valley, the Manali-Leh highway stretch, Thiksey, etc.
Spot a Snow Leopard:
One of the most thrilling things to do in Ladakh is to go on a snow leopard trek. It is a specialised trek with the objective to spot a snow leopard in the wild. Many tourists go on these treks to catch a glimpse of these majestic beasts during winter. The Hemis National Park is one of the best places in Ladakh where you can spot snow leopards and other wild animals.
Ride along the Challenging Ladakh Terrains:
There are two types of tourists who visit Ladakh, the ones who want to witness the beauty of the place and the others who also want to witness the beauty of the place but on a motorcycle. Riding along the challenging Ladakh terrains is a bucket list item for many people. There are multiple motorable passes in Ladakh, with Khardung La being the most preferred one.
Whitewater Rafting:
Whitewater rafting is another popular activity tourists try during their Ladakh trip. It is an exciting water adventure to do in a group and make memories of a lifetime. Some of the best places to visit in Ladakh for whitewater rafting are the Indus River stretch (between Spitnuk and Nimu) and the Zanskar River stretch (between Padum and Nimu).
Attend an early morning prayer at the Monasteries:
It is one of the most delightful things you can try in Ladakh. The peace and tranquillity of the region, mixed with soothing early-morning religious hymns will offer you an experience of a lifetime. One of the best things to do in Ladakh is to attend an early morning prayer at the Monasteries.
Chat with the monks:
From the point you land in Ladakh, you will come across several Buddhist monasteries and monks at every step of the way. These monks have dedicated their life to Buddhism and are a hub of knowledge. You can chat with the monks during your monastery visit and converse about divine topics. It will enable you to learn more about their religion and way of living.
Watch a game of Ice Hockey:
During winter, Ice Hockey becomes a prominent activity across various campsites in Ladakh. It follows the same concept as regular ice hockey, except played in open-air fields. It makes up for thrilling games packed with full-on entertainment. The Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink is the best place in Ladakh to watch a game of Ice Hockey.
Archery:
It is a traditional game in Ladakh and a favourite pastime activity. During summer, Leh and various villages in Ladakh host fun events involving archery competitions. These archery events are filled with excitement and enthusiasm, which you can witness during your trip.
Chadar Trek:
The Chadar trek in Ladakh is one of the most popular treks around the globe, attracting thousands of domestic and international thrillseekers. This adventure involves walking on thin ice sheets created by the frozen Zanskar River during the winter and enjoying the surreal scenic beauty of the region. It covers a path of 105 kilometres and takes about 6-7 days to complete.
Shopping in Ladakh
The popular products sold across various markets and shops in Ladakh hold a piece of the local culture and traditions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Ladakh for gift and souvenir shopping:
Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop:
It is a shop that offers a platform for rural arts and crafts. It is one of the best places for gift and souvenir shopping in Ladakh, featuring high-quality products. Some items sold at the shop include woodcrafts, carpets, textiles, etc. The prayer wheels are a signature item tourists can buy at the Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop.
Wamda Wood Carving Shop:
It is a famous shop based in Leh, offering remarkable wood-crafted products. It is a compact location with a massive collection of beautiful handcrafted items. The quality of goods compliments its pricing and is ideal as gifts for close family and friends. Some of their popular products in the Wamda wood carving shop are wooden choktse tables (with engravings of mythical creatures), wall hangings, key rings, etc.
Gol Market:
It is a famous shopping spot for all kinds of goods and remains filled with locals and tourists. Lying close to Ladakh’s central market, there are various stores at this location. You can find items ranging from woollen clothes to traditional handicrafts. Gol market is one of the best places in Ladakh to shop for trekking gear and small souvenirs.
Food in Ladakh
Both restaurants and streetside food vendors offer the best solution for hunger during a Ladakh trip. Here are some of the best choices for restaurants and dishes to go for in Ladakh:
Restaurants in Ladakh
Tibetan Kitchen:
Located on Fort Road, the Tibetan Kitchen is a famous restaurant in Leh City. It serves delicious Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese dishes at affordable prices. It has a humble setting with a cosy seating arrangement, attracting tourists and locals alike. Some of their must-try items are Cheesy Chicken Momos, Mutton Momos, and Thukpas.
Chopsticks Noodle Bar:
If you are craving noodles in Leh, consider visiting the famous Chopsticks Noodle Bar. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner alongside a multi-cuisine menu, which includes Indian, Tibetan, Asian, and Chinese. It features outdoor and indoor seating and uses fresh vegetables from local farms to prepare delicious dishes. Some of their must-try items are Wonton Soup, Pad Thai Noodles, and Spring Rolls.
Gesmo Restaurant:
It is another popular restaurant in Leh city, known for serving Fast Food, along with Indian, Italian, and some other cuisines. From delicious Pizzas to mouthwatering Thukpas, the restaurant aims to offer quality and variety at the best price. Some of their must-try items are Yak Cheese Pizza and Apricot Jam and Pies.
Dishesin Ladakh
Yak Cheese Momos and Yak Cheese:
In Ladakh, Yaks are a prominent source of milk, butter, and meat for the locals. These are used to make local delights like Yak Cheese Momos and Yak Cheese (Chhurpi), which have a phenomenal taste. Leh City is one of the best places in Ladakh where you can try these delicacies.
Warm Butter Tea:
Chai lovers will not want to miss out on this popular beverage during their Ladakh trip. Warm Butter tea, also called “gur-gur chai”, is a warm beverage made with tea leaves, milk, butter, salt, and water. It is not only delicious but also helps to fend off the sheer cold. Even though it is available across the region, Hemis Gompa is a great place to try it out.
Relish Guzzling Maggi:
During your Ladakh trip, you will see an abundance of food stalls and restaurants offering a variety of Maggi in Ladakh. It is a particularly famous noodle in the region due to its remarkable taste and easy-to-make aspects. A very popular Maggi point in Ladakh is the Rinchen Cafeteria, otherwise known as the highest cafeteria in the world.
Nightlife in Ladakh
When visiting Ladakh, it is often advised to avoid drinking alcohol which can otherwise cause water retention. However, there are still a lot of ways to enjoy the nightlife in Ladakh, like:
Restaurant hopping:
If you are in Leh, there are tons of prominent restaurants that you can check out. They have a nice ambience and delicious food and are mostly crowded with tourists. You can hang out with friends or meet new people in the city at these locations. Even though most restaurants close early in the evening, there’s still enough room to have a fun time.
Campfire:
The sheer cold in Ladakh has made campfires a routine requirement across the region. Seen at various corners of the cities, villages, and campsites, these campfires are a spot for friendly gatherings of locals and tourists. Visitors circle around these sites not just for warmth but also to chat with people, sing fun songs, do a bit of dancing, grab a cup of hot coffee, and so on. It is not just a good way to spend evenings in Ladakh but also to make happy memories.
Stargazing:
The unmatched beauty of Ladakh at night is as breathtaking as it is under the bright sunlight. The cities light up as the sun sets for the day, offering a unique charm to the snow-covered region. The clear night sky also makes the activity of stargazing a fun thing to do in Ladakh. The sight created by the starry sky and the snow-covered barren mountain peaks is truly extraordinary. Hanle is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for stargazing.
