Plan Your Travel To Ladakh
Places To Visit In Ladakh
Zanskar Valley
Located in the Kargil district to the east of Ladakh (around 105 km) lies the bewitching Zanskar Valley. Pronounced as Zahar or Zangskar locally, it is separated from Ladakh by Zanskar mountain range which is a part of The Tethys Himalayas. Zanskar is known for raw landscape and is mostly travelled to for trekking and river rafting.
The semi-desert region is flanked by snow-capped mountains and sparkling clean rivers along with distinct flora and fauna. The easiest way of reaching Zanskar is from Kargil through Suru Valley. It is cut off from the rest of the world for over 9 months of the year because of heavy snowfall in the region. The only way of reaching Zanskar during the winter months of December to February is undertaking the challenging Chadar Trek.
Read More
Chumathang Hot Spring
The Chumathang Hot Spring is a hot sulphur spring situated in a small hamlet along the Indus River called Chumathang about 138 km from Leh, Ladakh. The spring originates quite close to the river itself and is believed to have medicinal properties. Many believe that the mineral-rich water can cure one of skin diseases.
The generally deserted surroundings featuring imposing mountains and tranquil water bodies are also great for photography or for relaxing. Those who are travelling to Tso Moriri Lake can actually make a pit stop here for a while as Chumathang lies en route. Tourists can also bathe in hot water here as there about 3 or 4 bathrooms. Moreover, there are a few eateries around too.
Read More
Druk White Lotus School
The Druk White Lotus School, also known as Druk Padma Karpo School, is a Buddhist cultural school located in the Shey valley, close to Shey Monastery and Palace. It is popular as the Rancho School from the famed Bollywood movie 3-idiots. It has become a popular tourist attraction, even though it is a not public tourist spot.
The main attraction here is the Rancho Wall, which was orginally the building where "Chatur" was given the electric shock. After it was destroyed in the 2010 flash floods, a replica of this wall has been created at a corner of the school campus. A 15-minute guided tour is available of the Rancho School. There is also a Rancho's Cafe and a souvenir shop inside the school premise.
Read More
Hanle
Hanle, also referred to as Anle or Anley, is a historic and picturesque village situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It lies in the Hanle River valley in the ancient Ladakh-Tibet trade route and attracts large crowds who come here for its magnificent views and its religious and astronomical significance. The main attractions here, besides the tranquillity, include a majestic gompa, an observatory as well as challenging roads or passes.
Hanle is a fairly arid region that is actually not suitable for habitation but it is known for its views of smaller mountains and the vast expanse of open land. The region is perfect for walking, stargazing and taking photographs. The 17th century Hanle Monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu branch of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its Indo-Chinese style of architecture is located in this valley and can be visited by tourists. Furthermore, Hanle is also known for housing the Indian Astronomical Observatory which happens to be one of the highest sites of astronomical observation in the entire world. Hanle village is also connected to Rhoti La, a steep pass that makes for an arduous climb but is renowned for its stunning views of the region. This is as far as one can go since the ILP zone ends here. Umling La, currently the world’s highest motorable road, is also accessible from Hanle; it is a treat for bikers. Moreover, Owing to the fact that the area is quite close to the Tibetan border, it is necessary to acquire permission before visiting.
Read More
Hunder Village
Hunder is a remote village located in the Nubra Valley region, 7km from Diksit Monastery. It is known for its sand dunes, cold desert and bactrian camel rides. It is also home to forests of sea-buckthorn, which is a medicinal plant. Hunder is popular amongst trekkers. Tented accommodations by private operators are available here.
Hunder village has a vast expanse of green and breathtaking beauty. The Hunder Gompa located here is one of the oldest monasteries in Nubra Valley. The village is located close to Siachen Glacier the Pakistan border, and the area beyond is under the control of the army. Indian visitors do not need an inner line permit to visit Hunder Valley. Hunder's claim to fame is the Bollywood song of the movie "Dil Se", starring Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, shot here.
Read More
Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a beautiful gurudwara, dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev. It is located 25km from Leh on Leh Kargil road. The gurudwara is highly revered as it houses a rock which resembles Guru Nanak's back. It is built at the site where he is believed to have vanquished a demon. The gurudwara is looked after by the lamas and the Indian army.
The locals believe that in the 15th century, Guru Nanak stayed at this location which was dominated by a demon. When the locals sought his help, the demon threw a boulder towards Guru Nanak that turned into wax on touching his back and took its shape. This rock is now worshipped at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Most of the vehicles stop here and pay their respects before continuing on their journey.
Read More
Puga
Puga Valley is situated in the Changthang Valley in the south-eastern part of Ladakh, about 22 km away from the Salt Lake Valley. It is a region of great significance known for its natural beauty and geothermal activities. Puga is also visited for its hot sulphur spring.
The region has shown an immense amount of geothermal energy, notably in the form of sulphur and borax deposits, mud pools and also hot springs. While a lot of people visit Puga Valley to study these geothermal activities, others come here to take a bath in the hot springs which are said to help those with skin diseases and rheumatism. This 30 km long valley is an absolute treat for nature lovers as one gets to drive around the valley while admiring the mountains, many of which are snow-capped, and also the trees, boulders, salt deposits, etc. It is an excellent place for photography. One can also spot sheep, yak, bar-headed geese, brahminy ducks, black-necked cranes and more wildlife here.
Read More
Sangam
Sangam is the confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers in Ladakh. It is located 35km from Leh in Nimmu, on the Leh Srinagar highway. The two rivers can be separately seen meeting at this point. While the Indus River appears as shiny blue, Zanskar River appears muddy green. It is a spectacular site to witness.
The flow of the two rivers at Sangam changes according to the season. While Zanskar River is swollen and rapis in summers, Indus River is calmer. In winters, Zanskar slows down and almost freezes while the flow of Indus is even lesser. The Indus is the one of the longest rivers in Asia and originates in Tibet. Zanskar River is formed in the Zanskar Valley region.
Read More
Shey Monastery and Palace
Shey Monastery or the Shey Palace is an ancient monastery located 15km from Leh. It once served as the summer capital of Ladakh but is mostly in ruins now. Located on top of a hillock, it offers stunning panoramic views. The highlight of the monastery is 39ft tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue which is the second largest Buddha statue in Jammu & Kashmir. A special permission needs to be taken to visit the monastery.
Shey Monastery is often visited along with the surrounding Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Stakna Monastery, and Matho Monastery. The monastery complex is adorned with various murals and rock carvings of Buddha. 400 metre away is anothe rshrine which houses the Shakyamuni Statue in the sitting posture. The best time to visit the monastery is during Shey Rhupla and Shey Doo Lhoo festival celebrated in July or August. The Shey Palace was built in 1655 by Deldan Namgyal, the king of Ladakh, in memory of his father.
Read More
Shyok Valley
Shyok Village is a hidden gem located in the Nubra Valley region, between Leh and Pangong Lake. Located on the banks of the Shyok River, this tiny hamlet is an offbeat location with only a few houses and families. It is the perfect place to slow down, breathe in nature and get away from the daily routine.
Shyok village is located on one of the old caravan routes connected to the Silk Route. The entire village runs on solar energy while high electricity appliances are banned. There are man-made irrigation channels spread throughout to conserve water. Since Shyok Village sits in the lap of Kumarakom ranges, it offers breathtaking view.
Read More
Ladakh Travel Packages
View All Travel Packages Ladakh
Nearby Places Ladakh
Browse Package Collections
Browse Hotel Collections
FAQs on Ladakh