One of the finest places to visit in India that has got a lot of traction in the past couple of decades is Leh-Ladakh. Conquering the high-altitude passes and enjoying Ladakhi cuisine, riding bikes on challenging roads, and going off-roading are some amazing things that it offers to the visitors.
But if you are visiting here, it is not only the activities that would interest you. There are multiple enchanting and enthralling attractions throughout the newly made union territory. So, if there is the slightest of interest inside your brain to visit here.
This is the list of best tourist places in Leh Ladakh that you should visit during your trip.
1. Pangong Tso
Pangong Tso is a high-altitude lake located in Ladakh, spanning across India and China. The lake’s crystal clear waters, surrounded by rugged mountains, make for a breathtaking view. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and the unique experience of camping by the lake.
- It is the highest saltwater lake in the world situated at an astonishing 4350 m above sea level.
- While you stay here for a night, you will see the lake changing color over time. When the sun shifts its position, there is a slight color difference that the lake showcases.
- If you don’t want to visit here in your vehicle, you can take a bus from Leh and it will take approximately 8 hours to reach here.
- From swiss tents to normal ones, you can stay at any of these options. Enjoying dinner under the sheet of stars and sunrise is simply breathtaking.
- Pangong is 5 km wide and 134 km in length even though only one-third of the lake is in India.
- In winter people enjoy ice-skating and trekking on the lake because the temperature goes down to freezing temperature and the entire lake becomes ice.
2. Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is a popular tourist destination located in Ladakh. The hill has a magnetic field that pulls vehicles upwards, seemingly defying the laws of gravity. It’s a unique natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from all over the world.
- Magnetic Hill is a wonderful place in Leh district offering a gravity-defying phenomenon.
- This amazing attraction is approximately 25 km from Leh city located on the Leh-Srinagar Highway.
- The entire hill is an optical illusion and what scientists call it “has highly magnetic activity” that pulls the quad bike up the hill even when you are on neutral or not pressing the acceleration.
- It is an amazing experience to visit Leh on your way to the Hall of Fame and Sangam.
3. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is the largest national park in the entire union territory of Ladakh. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and several bird species. It’s a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Hemis National Park is one of the best places in the world where you can enjoy a winter safari.
- It is the second-largest protected area in India sprawling in over 3350 sq. ft.
- The national park is home to approximately 16 species of mammals and 73 species of birds (including migratory birds).
- The main attraction of Hemis National Park is the Snow Leopard.
- It is an amazing place for bird watchers as they can enjoy spotting a lot of species of birds including fire-fronted serin and robin accentor.
- The park is beautifully located on the west bank of the river Indus.
4. Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery whose architecture is inspired by the Potala Palace in Tibet. It is home to several Buddhist artifacts, including a statue of the Maitreya Buddha. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its spiritual significance and cultural heritage.
- One of the finest places in Leh. To reach the top you will have to climb a lot of stairs.
- While you reach the entrance of the monastery, do follow all the rules that are written on the gate.
- You can chat with the monks to know more about Buddhism.
- Clicking pictures with the monks without taking their permission.
- Be very silent inside the monastery and do not disturb the monks at any cost.
- The entire monastery is divided into 4 sections; assembly hall, guardian deity shrine, Maitreya temple, and Tara Temple.
- The major attraction of the monastery is the Maitreya statue which was built in 1977.
5. Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa and a very popular attraction in Ladakh. The stupa was built to promote world peace. It is considered a symbol of the ties between the Japanese and Ladakhi people. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its spiritual significance and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- From the Leh taxi stand, Shanti Stupa is approximately 15 minutes of walking but it will be all worth it.
- Shanti Stupa also has a temple in the lower part of the monument. If you feel out of breath after a 15 min walk, you can rest in the lower section and enjoy drinking warm water.
- The entire place gets a positive aura from the incantation of the mantras by the monks.
- You can enjoy a wonderful view of the entire valley and the villages around it.
- Tourists can only visit here between 5 am and 9 pm but sunsets are the most preferred ones.
- You will have to climb 500 steps to reach the top of Shanti Stupa and that’s where the 360-degree view becomes breathtaking.
6. Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery is a Buddhist worship place that’s located in Likir village. The monastery dates back to the 11th century and is known for its impressive architecture and vibrant murals. It’s home to a 23-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts. The monastery also hosts a colorful annual festival called the Likir Dosmochey.
- Likir Monastery is beautifully located with Maitreya Statue being the highlight of the place which is 75 ft tall.
- The visiting hours are between 8 am and 5 pm, so plan your trip accordingly.
- There is no entry fee but the only thing that people have to keep in mind is obeying the rules of the monastery. Also, if you want to visit the museum, you will have to pay 20 INR for entry.
- One can find murals, thankas, and paintings on display here at the Likir Monastery.
- Visitors can also find the hand-painted mandala.
- There is a Monastery Museum in the vicinity where people can enjoy spotting different relics and items.
- If you are here in February or March, check the calendar and you might be right in time for the Dosmoche festival.
- If you want to stay around the monastery, there are a few homestays and guesthouses around so you can spend a night around the monastery.
7. Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery is another Buddhist worship place in Ladakh. The monastery was built in the 11th century and is known for its stunning murals and a 100-foot-high statue of the Buddha. It’s a popular destination for tourists and spiritual seekers looking to explore the region’s cultural heritage.
- Spituk Monastery is open for travelers to visit between 8 am and 1 pm and then between 1:30 and 6 pm. It requires approximately 2 hours to explore and enjoy at the monastery.
- It was built by Lha Lama Changchub Od’s elder brother Od-de and is a spectacular attraction in Leh.
- The entry fee for the Spituk Monastery is just 30 INR.
- One of the festivals that are celebrated at the monastery with a lot of zeal is Gustor. This festival is celebrated from the 27th to the 29th day of the 11th month according to the Tibetan Calendar.
- Visitors can also be a part of the festival and enjoy the dance, rituals, as well as food preparation for the events on these days.
8. Leh Palace
Leh Palace is a historic monument located in the capital city. The palace was built in the 17th century and was once the residence of the royal family of Ladakh. It’s known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. It’s now open to the public as a museum.
- Leh Palace is the UNESCO preserved monument’s construction started in 1553 and ended in the 17th Century.
- It is now an active tourist attraction that can be visited between 7 am and 4 pm every day.
- People who love architecture can visit here for the amusing Medieval Tibetan architecture that it is constructed in.
- The entry fee for Indians is just 15 INR and for foreign travelers, it is 100 INR. The best time to visit here is between April and July.
9. Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame is a museum in Leh that showcases the history and culture of the Indian Army in the region. The museum exhibits weapons, documents, and equipment used by the Indian Army and provides insights into the region’s military history. It’s a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.
- People can visit the Hall of Fame between 9 am and 1 pm and then between 2 pm and 7 pm.
- The best time to visit here is between April and July when the union territory experiences the summer season.
- The entry fee for the Hall of Fame is 25 INR and if you wish to carry your camera, you will have to pay 50 INR additionally.
- There is a statue of Lord Buddha that’s erected in front of the Hall of Fame and it has a quotation written on it that states, “It is better to conquer yourself than winning a thousand battles.”
- The attraction is approximately 4 km away from Leh and it falls on the Leh-Srinagar highway.
Complete information about Hall of Fame, Leh
10. Zorawar Fort
Zorawar Fort is a historic fort that was built in the 19th century. It was named after General Zorawar Singh, who played a significant role in the region’s military history. It’s a popular destination for history enthusiasts looking to explore the region’s past.
- Zorawar Fort reminds the tourists of the amazing victory of General Zorawar Singh Kahluria over the Chinese.
- This fort is one of the major attractions of the city and it was once a wealth-holding place for the Dogra Dynasty.
- Now the fort also has a lot of specimens in its vicinity. There are several coins of different ages and all of them are on display here.
- The Zorawar Fort is approximately 15 minutes from Leh Market. Walking, hiring a cab, or commuting by bike- all of these are the ways to visit here.
See Also: All about Zorawar Fort
Conclusion
Leh Ladakh is a region that boasts of unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Visitors can explore the scenic landscapes of the Himalayas, witness the traditional way of life of the local people, and discover the rich history and cultural traditions of the region. From high-altitude lakes to ancient monasteries, this place offers a variety of tourist places and attractions that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, there is something for everyone in this fascinating region.
See Also: Best time to visit Leh Ladakh | Hidden places to visit in Leh Ladakh
Places to visit in Leh Ladakh in October | Places to visit in Leh Ladakh in May
Places to visit in Leh Ladakh on bike | Places to visit in Leh Ladakh in September
Places to visit in Leh Ladakh in June | Places to visit in Leh Ladakh for couples
Places to visit in Leh Ladakh in July | Places to visit in Leh Ladakh in February
