Ladakh
Why Visit Ladakh?
Ladakh is a magical place, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and charm. With snow-covered peaks, sparkling lakes, vibrant gompas, and unique wildlife, it truly feels like paradise. At Travelojurney Trip, we offer Ladakh tour packages for every budget, whether you're looking for an affordable getaway or a luxurious experience. If you haven't visited yet, here are some reasons why you should plan a trip to Ladakh soon.
- The scenic beauty
Ladakh is full of stunning scenery, with clear blue skies by day and countless stars at night. There are beautiful lakes, valleys, and picture-perfect views everywhere. Some top places to visit include Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes, Zanskar Valley, Markha Valley, Nubra Valley, Royal Leh Palace, and Magnetic Hill.
- Many activities for adventurous souls
Ladakh is perfect for adventure lovers, offering a variety of activities. It's a trekker's paradise with routes like the Snow Leopard Trek and Markha Valley Trek. You can also enjoy jeep safaris, mountaineering, river rafting, camping under the stars, and more.
- Take a road trip
A road trip to Ladakh is an exciting adventure, even though the roads can be tough. Don’t miss visiting Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable road in the world, which is a must-see spot. A trip to Ladakh will give you unforgettable stories to share for years.
- A treat to your taste buds
If you're a foodie, Leh Ladakh offers a mix of local and neighboring cuisines. You can try unique drinks like pink tea and butter tea, along with traditional momos and thukpa. Ladakh’s food blends Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese flavors.
- A delight to your lens
If you're a photographer, Ladakh is a dream destination. The stunning mountains, deserts, rivers, and wildlife offer endless opportunities to capture beautiful moments. Don’t miss the chance to photograph snow leopards blending into the landscape. You'll never run out of amazing shots in Ladakh.
- Magical Hill
Magnetic Hill, located 30 km from Leh, is a must-visit for an amazing experience. Stop your car on a marked spot, turn it off, and leave it in neutral. You’ll witness a strange natural phenomenon as your car seems to move on its own.
- Adventure Options
Ladakh offers a variety of treks for all levels, from beginners to challenging ones like the Chadar Trek. Choose the one that suits you and explore the stunning natural beauty with your friends.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
The best time to visit Ladakh is from April to July when the temperature is between 15°C and 30°C. Summers are pleasant, while winters can be extremely cold, making summer the ideal time to go.
Summers in Ladakh (June- September)
Ladakh has pleasant weather and is welcoming to tourists. However, the Manali-Leh highway, the main route, is closed for most of the year. The alternative, the Srinagar-Leh highway, can also be blocked by landslides.
Ladakh during the Monsoon (July-August)
Ladakh's weather is perfect for outdoor activities like white-water rafting in the Indus and Zanskar rivers. From May to October, it's also great for trekking, with popular routes like the Kang Yatse, Markha Valley, and Spituk to Stok treks.
Ladakh during the winter (September-February)
In winter, Ladakh's temperature can drop below 0°C, with the coldest recorded at -23°C. From September to January, temperatures range from 5°C to -21°C, getting extremely cold by November to February. The early winter months (September-October) are chilly, but later months can be unbearable, with temperatures in Kargil reaching -50°C.
Tips :
Due to the low temperature and high altitude, you might experience altitude sickness or a cold. Be sure to pack warm clothes, medicine, and stay hydrated. If you feel dizzy or have headaches, oxygen bars can help. Also, carry a power bank and extra batteries, as the cold drains them quickly.
Top Places to visit in Ladakh
- Sand Dunes at Hunder
It was amazed to discover that one of the top attractions in the Himalayas is a desert! The stargazing at night was even more incredible. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert, and reaching Nubra Valley felt like entering a completely different world. I camped at Hunder, surrounded by golden dunes and a star-filled sky, with live folk music. The jeep ride across the sand was thrilling, and I even spotted the rare double-humped Bactrian camel.
- Leh Palace
The Leh Palace, perched on Tsemo hills, is unlike any palace I've seen, showcasing Ladakh's unique architecture. Often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, I walked from Leh market to reach it and saw clouds surrounding the palace, giving it a mystical feel. Built from stones, mud, and wood, it has a medieval charm.
- Sangam at Nimmu
Many people overlook this spot, as it's quieter than other activities in Ladakh. But its hidden beauty drew me in. At Nimmu, the Indus River, one of Asia's longest, meets its tributary, Zanskar. River rafting here is a thrilling experience! The strong currents and rafting through rocks made the 14 km journey an unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
- Lamayuru Monastery
I’ve only scratched the surface of Tibetan culture, mostly learning from local beliefs and monastery teachings. Each village in Ladakh has its own fascinating legend. One such village, Lamayuru, between Kargil and Leh, is called "Moonland" because of its moon-like landscape. The Lamayuru Monastery, set in this unique place, is one of the most beautiful monasteries I’ve ever seen.
- Magnetic Hill
About 30 km from Leh, there’s a hill that seems to defy gravity! A sign on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik highway explains that the road has magnetic properties. I tried it myself, putting my car in neutral, and it felt like it was being pulled uphill. This is why planes also increase altitude when passing through this area to avoid magnetic interference.
- Shanti Stupa
The Japanese Buddhists built this white-domed stupa to celebrate 2500 years of Buddhism and peaceful living. It also offers a stunning view of the valley below. I visited around 8 pm, and the sight was magical — the stupa lit up and the valley's nightlights created a beautiful scene. If I could, I’d visit again just for that view.
- Pangong Tso Lake
After watching the movie ‘3 Idiots’, visiting Pangong Tso Lake was a must for me! This lake is famous for its ever-changing colors, shifting from blue to green to red throughout the day. It's a stunning sight and definitely a must-see in Ladakh.
- Khardungla La Pass
As a fan of travel movies, Khardung La Pass felt like a familiar scene – a biker with a packed backpack and a Tibetan flag fluttering. At 17,582 feet, it’s one of the world’s highest motorable roads. I struggled to catch my breath if I stayed too long, but the view of the mountains made it unforgettable.
- Turtuk
Turtuk is a peaceful village near the Pakistan border, offering a refreshing change from the desert landscape. It’s the closest village I could visit near the Line of Control, and its greenery made me feel at home. The villagers gave the warmest welcome, making it a beautiful and memorable place to visit in Ladakh.
Top Activities / things to do in Ladakh
- Ride the World's Highest Motorable Road - Khardung La
Khardung La is the highest motorable road in the world, standing at 17,582 feet! Known as the "Gateway to the Silk Route," it's a must-visit for every traveler. Don't miss taking a selfie with the famous "Khardung La - World's Highest Motorable Road" sign. Make sure to spend a couple of days in Leh to adjust to the altitude before heading out. The stunning views and winding roads will leave you amazed.
- Trek on the Frozen Zanskar River (Chadar Trek)
The Chadar Trek is an unforgettable adventure across the frozen Zanskar River. It's a unique journey through icy landscapes and towering cliffs, where you’ll feel like walking on glass. Meet the local Zanskari people and experience life in one of Ladakh’s most remote regions. With temperatures dropping to -30°C, be sure to dress warmly. This challenging trek is a true achievement for adventurers and a must-do in Ladakh!
- Camp by the Pristine Pangong Lake
Camping by Pangong Lake offers stunning views of blue waters, surrounded by mountains and wide skies. Known for its changing colors and its role in 3 Idiots, the lake is a paradise for nature lovers. The colors shift from blue to turquoise to green, while the clear night sky is perfect for stargazing.
- Go on a Camel Ride in Nubra Valley
A camel ride in Nubra Valley is a must-do, especially on the unique Bactrian camels with two humps. It's a fun way to explore the beautiful sand dunes of the region!
- Discover the Magic of Magnetic Hill
At Magnetic Hill, about 30 km from Leh, you’ll experience an optical illusion that makes it feel like you're defying gravity. It's a fun and mysterious spot that’s perfect for photos!
- Cherish The Hemis Festival
The Hemis Festival in Ladakh is a lively celebration of colors, music, and spirituality. Held at the Hemis Monastery, this two-day event honors Guru Padmasambhava and highlights Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
- Get Moonland Vibes at Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery, also called the "Moonland Monastery," is one of Ladakh's oldest and most mystical spots. Located on a hill with moon-like landscapes, it combines spirituality with stunning views, making it a must-see in Ladakh.
- Raft on the Zanskar River
Rafting in the Zanskar River is an unforgettable adventure. With thrilling rapids and stunning views, it's one of the best outdoor activities in Ladakh, often called the "Grand Canyon of India."
- Marvel at the Beautiful Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery, just 8 km from Leh, is a peaceful spot with rich history and beautiful views. It has ancient masks, thangkas, and statues. If you visit in winter, don't miss the lively festival with masked dances and rituals.
Best Shopping Places
Moti Market
Moti Market in Leh is one of the oldest shopping spots in Ladakh, famous for its high-quality Tibetan goods. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
Zanskar Valley Market
Zanskar Valley Market in Leh offers a great variety of souvenirs, including woollen clothes, shawls, jewelry, and handcrafted figurines, showcasing Ladakhi culture and tradition.
Dalai Lama Charitable Trust Handicraft Emporium
The Dalai Lama Charitable Trust Handicraft Emporium sells handmade shawls, woollens, paintings, and crafts. All profits help local artisans continue their work and support themselves.
Evergreen Arts Emporium
This shop is perfect for art lovers, offering beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, tapestries, and authentic handicrafts made by local artisans from nearby villages.
Shopping on Changspa Road
Changspa Road is a lively spot in Leh, filled with shops selling jewelry, woolen clothes, and handicrafts. It’s also a hub for travelers to meet, eat, and plan their next adventure, making it a great starting point for exploring the city.
