What to do and see in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

June 29, 2021 Randal Brittian

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

India
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 343 reviews

Tso Moriri

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

Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Ladakh, , India;, Leh 194101 India
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 3,466 reviews

Pangong Tso

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. Ju-Leh Adventure

Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
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0%
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5.0 based on 345 reviews

Ju-Leh Adventure

Ju-Leh Adventure is a trekking and travel agency based in Leh, Ladakh. We specialise in personalised itineraries and custom-made tours in the Indian Himalaya.

4. De Pashmina Emporium

Changspa Road Opposite Moravian Mission School, Leh 194101 India +91 98587 84505 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/De-Pashmina-Emporium-178783845811473
Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
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0%
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5.0 based on 102 reviews

De Pashmina Emporium

Visit us to get the real feel of Cashmere Fabric and get your eyes pleased with beautiful handmade carpets. workmanship of highly skilled craftsmen

Reviewed By sheenad206 - Inverness, United Kingdom

I have just bought another silk carpet from Omar via the internet and am delighted with it. I only saw photos of it beforehand and a good written description. It was relatively easy to pay for and it arrived within a week to Scotland so a great service all together. Would definitely recommend. High quality beautiful carpets.

5. Djule Adventure

Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
Terrible
1%
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5.0 based on 69 reviews

Djule Adventure

" A Local travel agent based in Leh, Professional, Experienced, Responsible, Trust, Specialize in Trekking, Mountaineering, Custom Made Tours, Culture tour, Sking, Rafting in Ladakh, Zanskar and Indian Himalaya."

6. Adventure Sindbad

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Adventure Sindbad

We offer Handpicked, safe, well curated and tailor-made Hiking Holidays, Expeditions, Family Adventures and Tours across the Himalaya in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Awaken your Inner Sindbad - Come on an Adventure with us!

7. Zanskar Kanishka Expeditions

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
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5.0 based on 96 reviews

Zanskar Kanishka Expeditions

We the Zanskar Kanishka Expeditions is runs by a local energetic and friendly professional haling from Ladakh and Zanskar mostly. We provide all trekking services be it for a day hike or for 10-15 days Hiking, climbing a peak, or if you wish to go for a white water rafting Expedition on Zanskar river or Indus River, Our friendly and Knowledgeable Staff are always with you to take care.

8. Suru Valley

India +91 95969 75810 http://www.globalhimalayanadv.com
Excellent
77%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
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4.5 based on 53 reviews

Suru Valley

9. Hemis National Park

Karu Market, Leh 194101 India
Excellent
72%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 47 reviews

Hemis National Park

Reviewed By dgpdotco - Springwood, Australia

I camped just short of the village of Rumbak in Hemis National Park. Camping in winter there is a great experience as long as you're ready for the cold. Overnight it got down to -25c but the Austrian Army issue down sleeping bags did the trick. We were also fortunate enough to spot 3 snow leopards while here. A mum and 2 cubs attacked a heard of blue sheep. A sight I'll never forget.

10. Indian Astronomical Observatory

Hanle 194 101 India +91 1982 252 195 http://www.iiap.res.in/centers/iao
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
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0%
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

Indian Astronomical Observatory

Reviewed By gsuhas - Pune District, India

At remote corner of northern boundary , some 300 kms from Leh, is at 15000 ft (4500 meters) altitude. Main mirror is of 2 meter diameter, remotely operated from Bangalore. The village has only one hope stay with 12 beds

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