Location: Ladakh
Top Things to do in Ladakh
Countries
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Ladakh That You Shouldn't Miss
Bounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains, Ladhak is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The landscape of Ladhak, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting. While rafting options are available on both Indus and Zanskar rivers, the Zanskar course is more difficult and exciting. The trekking options range from short, day-long walks to visit monuments or monastic settlements to long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. Ladhak celebrates a numbers of monastic festivals - annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladhak Festival, that gives a peek into the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage. One can witness the best samples of the region's performing arts, Archery contests and the Ladhak Polo Cup.
Restaurants in Ladakh
1. Tso Moriri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By SavvyFernwehBlog - New Delhi, India
Tso Moriri is mountain lake in Ladakh, little less popular than Pangong, and at a height of 4595m above sea level. It is said to be the largest high-altitude lake, being entirely in India. The lake and surrounding area are protected as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. So, pitching tents/ camps right along the lake is not allowed. But a little far and with a view of the lake, some camps are set up, which can be booked for accommodation. The lake is surrounded by snow clad mountains all around and the lake is mostly felt by the snow meting from this mountain top and some springs. The pristine waters of the lake have blue colors and it is surprisingly calm and serene. There is reflection of snow-clad mountains and clear blue sky in this beautiful lake. Tso Moriri is relatively untouched and experiencing this breathtaking beauty is totally worth the very long drive from Pangong or Leh to Tso Moriri. It is not ideal for a day trip. It is more popular to drive from Leh to Tso Moriri. We drove from Pangong to Tso Moriri (240 kms) through the Changtang region which is quite remote. It is often said to be one of the most beautiful drives in entire Ladakh. So imagine, how breathtaking it could be! We did not see any petrol pump in the route and less toilets/ food stops. To visit Tso Moriri, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. Ask your travel agency or driver to arrange the permit for you. We stayed in Korzok village which is in a highland on the shores of Tso Moriri. Korzok is quite remote but has some simple and traditional homestays and guest houses. We stayed with Goose homestay and absolutely had a great experience. At the same time, much of the places nearby to the lake is army area and in my opinion there are lot more restrictions in Tso Moriri than in Pangong.
2. Pangong Tso
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,466 reviews
Reviewed By LataV - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This is one of the few endorheic basins in India...i.e the water does not naturally flow as a outlet to another water body like a river etc. This is also a salt water lake which lies in India and China and no prize for guessing why it does not have any kind of marine life or flora habituating its waters. In fact a line of control also lies within the lake...While this part of the review takes care of some hard facts pertaining to the lake...now comes the amazing magical part. No visit to Leh can be complete without a visit to this mesmerising lake. The colour of the lake is a reflection of the sky at any point of the day. The water is always calm and peaceful with little gentle waves touching the shores silently. Its so still that you can actually hear your own breath when the man made noise around you comes to a stop. The best way to visit this place is to stay overnight as one then gets to see the lake in its various moods and time....in the afternoon under the blazing day sun, in the evening while the sun is setting , the early morning sun-rise. Each of these bring a different facet of this beautiful water body and should not be missed. There are many camps lining up the Pangong Tso and its worth its while to stay back at one of these.
3. Dras War Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 455 reviews
Reviewed By Bobtherider - Vasco da Gama, India
The Kargil War Memorial is a war memorial built by the Indian Army in the town of Dras, commemorating the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan.We took the tour around the war memorial and Paid homage to the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect our nation. The view of Tiger Hill and the Tololing Range add to the majesty of this place. It was an emotional experience hearing the stories of the soldiers. We felt proud that our Leh / Ladakh's expedition started from the Kargil War Memorial.
4. Zanskar Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
This region is almost totally cut-off from the rest of the world for 9 months a year.
Reviewed By Alienalouis - Northern Poland, Poland
It was an amazing experience. Thank you for such an amazing trip to zanskar valley. Being Solo i enjoyed alot and it was an adventurous experience. I'm looking forward for more such experiences.
5. Khardung La
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 657 reviews
Reviewed By SavvyFernwehBlog - New Delhi, India
Khardung La pass in Ladakh, India is at a very high altitude of 5,359 meters and is the getaway to Nubra and Shyok valley when you are travelling from Leh. Siachen Glacier lies way up from the Nubra valley ahead. Local summit signs claim Khardung La to be the highest motorable road in the world. Travelers love to get clicked with this signboard. However, It is debatable because there are even higher altitude passes like Mana Pass (5454m, in India-Tibet border), Semo La (5565m, in Tibet) and few others. But undoubtedly, Khardung La is the most popular and frequently travelled pass. We didn't expect such snowfall in Khardung La in Ladakh, India. I was super happy and excited to experience the first proper snowfall in my life in Khardung La, Ladakh. Suddenly it was all white as far as we could see. But Khardung La is a busy tourist route. All the tourist vehicles, bikes, army trucks etc. cross this route to reach Nubra or Shyok valley. So suddenly, there was long traffic congestion. The vehicles fully stopped for a small period of time and started skidding in the snow as soon as they started. All drivers followed instructions and put chains in the tyres. All throughout those freezing weather I found groups of people working outside clearing the snow from the road. Hats off to them and such initiatives. AMS is very common in such high altitude and it is recommended not to remain there too long (20 mins maximum as claimed by the sign boards). During snowfall there are also risks of slippery snow. Some travelers fell and injured themselves. So better to be constantly cautious about the grip of your shoes. There is a temple in the top with many colorful flags. It was also submerged in thick snow. There are also a café and a police check post. We experienced the thickest clumps of snow while driving from Kardungla towards Nubra valley.
6. Thiksey Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,730 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalTravelerCritic - Agra, India
Thikse Monastery is a gompa i.e a Tibetan-style monastery that is affiliated with the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located on top of a hill in Thiksey approximately 19 kilometers (12 mi) east of Leh. It is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh, notably containing a separate set of buildings for female renunciates. The monastery is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters or say 11,800 ft above sea level. The climb is difficult for many. There is a beautiful Buddha Statue. The site is very old. There is a good restaurant at the foothill of the monastery, but it offers buffet lunch till 3:00 pm, it also has clean rest rooms Great place to visit.
7. Nubra Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 798 reviews
Reviewed By DebduttaB
It is a 5 to 6 hrs journey from Leh. You have to cross a Himalayan range spreading NW ro SE to reach the valley which is guarded by Karakoram range on the north. The journey is breathtaking and the road is mostly good excepting at the high altitude, where frequent snowfall and the water from these frozen ice mass damage the road. The highest point is Khardung La at 18000+ ft. This is the Highest motorable road in the world.The valley itself is a creation by the God. The barren landscape of cold desert will sure be implanted in you forever. They have excellent camps around. There are some activities like camel ride, ATV ride Kayaking etc within near vicinity. A must see for travelers from any part of the world and of any age. Only word of caution is the lack of oxygen at Khardung La Pass. They have emergency medical centre at that point to help you with oxygen cylinders.
8. Likir Monastery
9. Alchi Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 765 reviews
Reviewed By sonalsrivastv - Lucknow, India
Alchi Monastery is an ultimate historic place... Mesmerizing statues n so many centuries old paintings.. Indus river flowing nearby adds beauty to d charm.. A must visit...
10. Rizong Monastery and Jelichun Nunnery
TAGS
