Places to visit in Leh

Hemis National Park is the largest national park in South Asia, and is located in the eastern section of Ladakh. The park covers 4400 square kilometres and is home to 16 species of mammals, 73 bird species, and around 200 snow leopards. The National Park is famous for the huge population of snow leopards throughout the world and is considered to be the only protected area where these wild cats can be found in such abundance and it must be part of your Ladakh tour packages.

The Hall of Fame in Leh is a museum that was constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives trying to protect their motherland in the Indo-Pakistan wars. Located on the Leh-Kargil Road, the museum is a great place to see photos of the soldiers, their training camps, the different war relics, and a lot more on your Leh Ladakh tour.

With the word Chadar meaning a blanket, the Chadar Trek depicts a trail over the frozen Zanskar River, on which people travel for several kilometers to reach the final destination. Unlike other trekking expeditions in India, this one does not require you to pass through forests or rock formations, but instead lets you walk over frozen water, which once was a gushing river. 

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Ladakh and the shore of the Indus River, Hemis Monastery stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and fine architecture. Founded in the 11th century by King Senge Nampar Gyalva, this ancient monastery is known as one of the largest and wealthiest monastic institutions in the region. Currently, the monastery is serving as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and tourists. Here, young Lamas are prepared to enter the royal monasteries of Shey, Leh, and Basgo, all of which can be experience with our well-curated Leh Ladakh holiday packages.

Since the land resembles that of moon, Moon land near Lamayuru in Ladakh region is fondly called like that. A unique geographical feature appearing here attracts thousands of visitors every year. A traveler who comes to Ladakh should not miss to include this surprising land in Ladakh travel packages. There is also a saying that during full moon, the land becomes exotic and it would be an enchanting sight to behold and rare too. Lamayuru’s fame was dashingly enhanced because of this landscape carved in to the Greater Himalayan ranges. Interested travelers will come to Lamayuru which is located at a distance of 100 kms from Leh on the famous Leh-Srinagar Higway. 

To watch the glimpses of the moon land so clear and closer, you can climb up to the Meditation Hill in Lamayuru. The monks from Lamayuru gompa are living in this hill, at a greater height. The rough, uneven landscape of Moon land will be an amusing sight from the top of the Meditation Hill. The entire Lamayuru becomes visible from the top. One will come to know why Lamayuru and Moonland are heard as synonyms for each other and the natives here find Moon land as an inevitable part of their lives also.

Location: The NH 1-D or the popular Leh-Srinagar Highway is where the Moon land in Lamayuru located. Around 100 kms from Leh is the site. You can reach the destination by bus or jeep. Bikers would get some exciting sightseeing option throughout the journey.

Best time to visit: The months from May to September are the best time to reach Moon land.

The white colour buildings modified by the presence of red roof are a scintillating view from a distance and Likir Monastery is the subject of discussion here. One of the oldest and well-maintained monasteries in Ladakh and it must be part of your Ladakh holiday packages, Likir Monastery is in Likir village which had been in existence from the 11th century onward. What makes Likir so special is the serenity is shows from the height and a 75 feet tall statue of Buddha.

History

Likir Monastery was known as or its original name is Klu-kkhyil gompa. The word Likir means Naga encircled. There is a belief that two serpents, Nanda and Taksako have guarded the monastery. Being the oldest and most visited monasteries, Likir gompa has numerous stories of its origin and existence. The Yellow Hat Sect or the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism is the guardians of Likir gompa and it is scripted that Tsongkhapa was the founder of this monastery in 15th century.

Structure of the monastery

Flanked by the wall paintings, stone relics, murals and art crafts, Likir monastery is a perfect display of Buddhist heritage, the principles and culture. Inside the monastery, there is a school as well. It is run by the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and also a library open to the public where visitors can read old manuscripts and details of Buddhism. The gompa has two assembly halls, a central courtyard with six rows of seats for the lamas and a throne for the head Lama. There is a Gonkhang room that is dedicated to the divinities guarded the monastery.

Location: The monastery is located 6 km north of Leh-Srinagar highway before the village of Saspol. From Leh, the distance is 62 km to the west of the town.

Timings: It is open on all days from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm

Entry fee: INR 5-10 per person

Highlights: The annual event Dosmochey is held in the monastery from the 27th to 29th day of 12th month of Tibetan Calendar.

Phuktal Monastery, located in the remote Zanskar Valley of Ladakh, is a stunning Buddhist monastery perched on a cliff. Accessible by a challenging trek, this ancient monastery offers a serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Believed to have been founded in the 12th century, it remains a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The unique architecture, with whitewashed walls and prayer rooms nestled in caves, makes Phuktal a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and adventurers alike.

Explore the scenic Nubra Valley and visit the captivating Diskit Monastery renowned for its serene ambiance and iconic 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. Perched at an altitude of 10,308 feet, it offers breathtaking views of Diskit Village and the surrounding desert landscape. Inside, marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn the prayer hall. Head to the monastery’s storehouse that safeguards precious Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts. Nearby, the ancient Lachung Temple houses a revered idol of Tsong Khapa, adding to the spiritual attraction of this historic site. 

Given the climatic conditions and the exceptional scenic surrounding, Ripchar Valley Trek is one of the most wonderful adventure activities in Ladakh and must be part of your Leh Ladakh holiday packages. The trails throughout the trek keep the trekker intrigued about the sights coming their way. The onset point of the trek comes near the famous monastery in the region that is Lamayuru Monastery. Nestled amidst an assemblage of the lofty mountain ranges such as Zanskar, Karakoram and the Great Himalayas, Ripchar maintains the level of excitement high always. If you take part in the trek, you will come across numerous small villages, green meadows and pasture lands. 

The regions turns unrecognizable in the months of July and August as the whole area would be blanketed by rare Himalayan flowers and birds. Nature lovers flood to Ripchar during this period to capture the exotic moments in their camera. Moreover, the irrigated vegetation in the ranges are another important section to be visited on your trek; the well maintained crop fields offer a breathtaking view. Usually, the trek would last any number of days but to enjoy every nook and corner of Ripchar you would be ready to spend minimum 5 to 6 days. Chilling, a renowned spot for the production of copper is the last point of Ripchar Trek. The everlasting, untamed beauty of Ripchar is a must visit. Eventually you will reach the point of rejuvenation and bliss.

Maximum altitude: With Ripchar Trek, the maximum altitude you would cover is 4300 meters.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate is the range of challenge a trekker would experience at Ripchar.

Best time to go: Ripchar Valley Trek happens mostly during the month of June, July, August and September since the climate would be highly favorable during this period.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a spiritual sanctuary located on the Leh-Kargil Highway. It stands as a testament to Guru Nanak Dev's divine confrontation with a demon. The Gurudwara is maintained by the Indian Army and captivates visitors with a boulder imprinted by Guru Nanak's form. It is a place where faith and history intertwine. The Gurudwara attracts travellers and devotees alike to experience its serene ambience and rich legacy., make sure to include this place on your Ladakh tour.

Perched atop a mountain, the 15th-century Namgyal Tsemo Monastery in Leh is a sight to behold. Built by King Tashi Namgyal, it houses a stunning three-storey-high golden Maitreya Buddha statue. The monastery offers breathtaking views of the Indus River and snow-draped Zanskar mountains. Inside, you can find ancient manuscripts, frescoes and exquisite statues of Avalokitesvara and Manjushri. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh by exploring Ladakh tour packages, which often include visits to this historic monastery.

Situated at a lofty altitude of 3500 meters above sea level, Leh Post Office stands as one of India's highest. Operating seamlessly amidst unpredictable weather conditions and challenging roadways, it remains a testament to efficiency. Part of the Jammu and Kashmir circle, under the jurisdiction of Srinagar headquarters region and Leh division, this post office is a remarkable feat of resilience. Explore this unique destination with Ladakh holiday packages

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Leh Ladakh, the Donkey Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion and care for these resilient animals. With a mission to provide refuge and rehabilitation, this sanctuary offers a haven where donkeys receive love and attention. Visitors on a Leh Ladakh tour can witness firsthand the impactful work being done to ensure the well-being of these gentle creatures.

Location: The sanctuary is situated on Korean Temple Road in Khakshal Village, Leh Ladakh. It is only 3 kms from the main city to reach the sanctuary.

Best time to visit: Any time round the year is suitable to visit the sanctuary.

Entry fee: No entry fee is required to visit the sanctuary

Nestled about 3500 meters above the sea, Sakti village is far removed from the busy tourist life that permeates Leh. With mostly Tibetan inhabitants, the village is often referred to as the Little Tibet of India. Sakti village is known as the home of Takthok monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist gompas in Ladakh dating back to the 16th century.

Jispa is a small town located in Himachal Pradesh, and is often marked as an essential halt on a Leh-Manali trip. This quaint village has many features that allures travelers to stop here, including a famous Monastery, a small folk museum, and a helipad with a post office. Surrounded by Himalayan backdrop, the place is perfect for a city detox.

Adventure lovers always had an affection to Markha Valley and still it fulfills the dreams of a trekker or adventure seeker with the unrivalled collection of natural spectacle. Long day trekking tours are offered by a lot of tour providers all over India which promise a journey through the most scenic locations and villages. The awesomely exciting feature of this trek is that it will let the trekker cross two high altitude passes in Ladakh; Gandala La at 4980 meters and Kongmaru La at 5276 meters.

 Being one of the diverse treks in Ladakh region, Markha Valley trek offers a lot of adventurous moments throughout on your Ladakh trip. The barren land of Ladakh and the Buddhist temples found throughout the journey make the trek special. The route winds past the Ladakhi villages and it goes to Hemis National Park where the chances to spot some rare wildlife species are comparably high. The nomadic groups of people will be a unique picture to keep in heart. The symbols of Buddhism like ‘chortens’, stupas, multi colored prayer flags and numerous monasteries narrate the story of Buddhist culture embraced Markha centuries ago. Another interesting fact heard about Markha Valley trek is that it is also called ‘tea house trek’ due to the accommodation provided in parachute tents in most of the villages during the tour.

Maximum altitude: 15000 feet is the maximum altitude the trek will cover.

Location: In most of the cases, the trek starts from Leh. The trail usually goes through Chilling, Skyu and then to Markha. From Markha it would take the trekker to reach Hankar and Nimaling and finally return to Leh. The ideal trekking distance is 75 kms and it would be graded as difficult.

Best time to visit: The months of June, July, August, September and October are recommended as the best time to do Markha Valley trek.

Stok Kangri, nestled in Ladakh, stands as a premier destination for high-altitude trekking in India. While the region's scenic beauty attracts countless adventurers from across the globe, it's essential to note that the Stok Kangri trek isn't suitable for all. When planning your Leh Ladakh itinerary, consider the trek's challenges and requirements carefully.

It is advisable that only experienced trekkers set out on this expedition as the climatic and geographical conditions of the place may not suit novice or amateur trekkers. Nonetheless, Stok Kangri is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. It is for this reason that the Stok Kangri trek forms an inevitable experience while trekking in India.

The trek begins from Leh, which is noted for its natural beauty as well as the warm and hospitable people. During the first couple of days of the trek, you can move around Leh, go sightseeing and get acclimatized to the weather of the region. These couple of days will prepare you for the trek ahead. You will next be taken to Chang Ma via Stok Village by road.

The journey from Leh to Stok Village takes you to witness the amiable yet fictional setting which includes lush greenery, glistening snow peaks and scenic splendor of the region in this stretch. On reaching Chang Ma, you reach a snow covered region and begin trekking. You will need to climb on for about three hours. From here you will head on to Manokorma, which is at an elevation of 14200 feet.

During the trek, you will be able to view some very beautiful peaks such as the Gulap Kangri, Parcha Kangri, etc. The base camp of the trek is at an elevation of 16, 300 feet. From here, the journey continues till you reach the Stok Kangri. The rewarding scenery from the top is what draws trekkers from all over the world to high altitude trekking in India. The trek back to Leh is a bit arduous and you may need to be careful while climbing down the mountainous terrain.

Best Season: June - October

Difficulty Level: Medium

Max. Elevation: 5000 m

Number of Days: Maximum 10 days of trek can be done here

Yuma Changchubling, also known as Rizong Monastery, is a renowned religious site in Ladakh. Situated along the route to Lamayuru, west of Alchi, it is embraced by breathtaking mountainous scenery. Positioned atop a rocky hill north of the Indus River, Rizong Monastery offers a serene retreat amidst nature's grandeur. Experience the beauty of this sacred place on a trip to Ladakh.

History

The history says that before the establishment of the monastery in the year of 1831, there was a hermitage for teaching the Buddhist religion to the monks. Lama Tsultim Nima was the person behind the construction of the hermitage and in the later stage as the number of monks was increased, he started the construction of the current monastery, much bigger and expansive. Now, the monastery belongs to the powerful sect of Buddhism, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect.

Structure of the monastery

At the centre of the monastery there is a relic shrine which has another name as Sku- Gdung that preserves the relics of the founder of the monastery. The frescoes of Dharmaraja and other deities are all around the shrine. Shakyamuni Buddha’s statue is the main attraction of the assembly hall as well as the idols of other deities give the hall a complete sacred atmosphere. The sacred chamber, Thin-Chen shrine etc have many other idols and all together create the harmonic serenity inside the monastery.

Location: It is located at a distance of 73 Km from Leh. You can reach by bus or jeep.

Timings:The gompa is open on all days from the month of June to September

Entry fee: The entry to the monastery is free

Highlight: A name that should be read in association with Rizong Monastery is Chulichan Nunnery under the administration of Rizong gompa. 20 nuns are residing there. People visit this nunnery also during the tour.

The Kargil War Memorial, located in Dras, India, honors the sacrifices made during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. It is a tribute to the soldiers who fought courageously in the conflict, showcasing their bravery and resilience. The memorial also has a Wall of Remembrance written with the martyrs' names and offers visitors a glimpse into the heroic tales of the war.

Tanglang La, a high mountain pass, stands as Ladakh's proud jewel, a beloved destination for bikers and trekkers alike. Rising to a dreamlike height of 5328 meters above sea level, it offers a thrilling adventure to those daring enough to ascend its summit. The Leh-Manali highway leading to the pass, from Upshi to Tanglang La, is predominantly paved, except for a 500-meter unpaved stretch. With its well-maintained pavement, Tanglang La ensures a smoother climb, enhancing the experience on your Ladakh trip itinerary.

There are a lot of confusions existing regarding the position of Tanglang La in the list of world’s highest motorable passes and the world believes it to be the second highest which is proven to be wrong. The local sign on the top of the pass shows the altitude of the pass is 17582 feet or 5359 meters. But now, it is said that the sign board gives a wrong impression but the original height of the pass is 5328 meters. The pass is made beautiful by the innumerous Buddhist prayer flags despite the fact the road is tough to conquer and any type of traveler will fall for the scenery at the pass and adventure lovers would love to try their energy level by climbing up to the top. But remember, the oxygen level will be decreased as you cover the altitude and reaches to the half of what you feel at sea level.

Height: 5328 meters of 1248 feet

Best time to visit: May to October

How to reach: The pass is close to Leh-Manali highway and can be reached via 21 Gata loops

Situated in the rugged and hilly terrain of Ladakh, the Basgo Monastery is testament of the Buddhist culture of Ladakh. Standing atop a hill, this monastery will seem as if it is an ancient one, yet it was constructed only in the 15th century. You’ll find ruins of the complex, with empty rooms, walls and narrow alleys. There are three temples in this complex - Serzang Temple, Chamba Temple, and Maitreya Temple and all of them have a grandeur of their own. 

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas in Ladakh, India, Leh Market is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it offers a unique shopping experience to visitors, with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, colourful textiles, and Tibetan artefacts. While admiring the breathtaking scenery, you can treat your taste buds with local delicacies like momos and thukpa. The market is an example of Ladakh's rich heritage and its role as a crossroads of cultures.

Dah Hanu, also known as Dah and Hanu, are the last Aryan villages in the country, in addition to being the only place in India where you can meet the Aryan tribe. Home to the Brokpa community, Include this famous place in your Ladakh trip and get a chance to learn a lot about the Indo-Aryan history, cultures and traditions.

Experience the vibrant Hemis Festival in Ladakh, a joyous celebration dedicated to honouring Lord Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. This renowned festival commemorates Rinpoche’s birth, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha himself. Witness the mesmerizing Cham Dance, where monks adorned in colourful masks gracefully perform traditional melodies. Immerse yourself in the festivities alongside the local community, as this auspicious event is believed to bestow blessings of good health upon all participants.

Losar Festival Ladakh is held on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Losar means New Year in Tibet and the festival marks the beginning of a new year for Tibetans. Buddhists in Ladakh celebrate this festival by making religious offerings to their shrines or in the Gompas. The whole Tibetan community celebrates the festival by making festive food, visiting each other and indulging in cultural activities and rituals, if you take part in this festival during your Ladakh trip. Losar is a very special festival which draws people together.

Monastery Festivals

Annually, there are some events happening in Ladakh related to the hundreds of monasteries in the region. The natives will eagerly wait for this time of the year when all the monasteries will be decorated and long days of festivities take place. Almost all the festivals are celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the monastery or the birth anniversary of the saint or patron of the monastery. Major events of the monastery are fixed according to the Tibetan Calendar. The locals believe these festivals are a moment of gathering, a moment of equality and happiness unlimited.

Though there will be a number of events, the dance-dramas known as Chhams are the attraction of any festival for that matter. The choreography of the dance is awesomely done by Chham Spon. The coloured masks using in the dance enhances the overall beauty of it.

The rites and rituals which are specially designed for the festivals will be conducted by the Rimpoche or the head lama. In the courtyard, the throne for the lama will be arranged and he sits on that high throne and leads the rituals. The other lamas in the monastery and the monk musicians will attend the festival wearing the ceremonial attire. The accompaniment of traditional music by using trumpets, large drums, wind instruments and cymbals will add on more beauty to the colourful festival.

Spituk Gustor, Dosmochey, Yargon Tungshak, Stok Guru Tsechu, Hemis Tsechu, Korzok Gustor, Karsha Gustor etc are some of the famous monastery festivals. All of them have unique reason and the dates of each festival fall on different months depending upon the Tibetan Calendar. The bright colours, the special items used for the rituals, the dance and music and the themes of each festival are together playing an important role in the lives of Ladakhis.

Location: Any monastery in Ladakh will have their own festival annually.

When to go: The time and date of each festival are depending on the Tibetan Calendar.

As every Ladakh lover will know, Hemis festival celebrated at Hemis Monastery has a large number of admirers. It falls onto the month of July usually but the dates would be changing according to the calendar followed by the Buddhist monks. Yuru Kabgyat Festival is a two day festival at Lamayuru Monastery in the month of July. In this one as well, there is a mask dance and similar rituals followed in other major monasteries in the region.

Sankar Monastery is famed for its splendid architectural design and captivating artwork, housing a diverse collection of religious sculptures and paintings. Serving as a branch of the renowned Spituk Monastery, Sankar Gompa holds significant religious significance in Leh. Located merely 6 kilometers from the city center, this monastery is easily accessible on foot, adding to its prominence among Ladakh packages.

Stok Kangri, Ladakh is one of the most popular places for high altitude trekking in India. Although the beauty of Ladakh draws in innumerable tourists and trekkers from all over the country and the world, the Stok Kangri trek isn’t really suited for anyone and everyone.

It is advisable that only experienced trekkers set out on this expedition as the climatic and geographical conditions of the place may not suit novice or amateur trekkers. Nonetheless, Stok Kangri is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. It is for this reason that the Stok Kangri trek forms an inevitable experience while trekking in India.

The trek begins from Leh, which is noted for its natural beauty as well as the warm and hospitable people. During the first couple of days of the trek, you can move around Leh, go sightseeing and get acclimatized to the weather of the region. These couple of days will prepare you for the trek ahead. You will next be taken to Chang Ma via Stok Village by road.

The journey from Leh to Stok Village takes you to witness the amiable yet fictional setting which includes lush greenery, glistening snow peaks and scenic splendour of the region in this stretch. On reaching Chang Ma, you reach a snow covered region, and begin trekking. You will need to climb on for about three hours. From here you will head on to Manokorma, which is at an elevation of 14200 feet.

During the trek, you will be able to view some very beautiful peaks such as the Gulap Kangri, Parcha Kangri, etc. The base camp of the trek is at an elevation of 16, 300 feet. From here, the journey continues till you reach the Stok Kangri. The rewarding scenery from the top is what draws trekkers from all over the world to high altitude trekking in India. The trek back to Leh is a bit arduous and you may need to be careful while climbing down the mountainous terrain.

Best Season: June - October

Difficulty Level: Medium

Max. Elevation: 5000 m

Number of days: Maximum 10 days of trek can be done here