Ladakh is one of the greatest locations to visit in the world, majestic in scale and fascinating in the variety of its experiences. The region is characterised by high passes, towering cliffs, magnificent lakes that shimmer, long deserted roads that beckon invitingly, and an aura of serenity and purity that pervades the air.
There are a number of beautiful places to visit in Ladakh, places that are so stunning that they leave you wondering about their divine formation into existence. Ladakh’s scenery is rich with both natural and man-made marvels, making your journey a great adventure that you remember forever.
There are many things to do in Ladakh as it offers a diverse range of activities. The list is endless, from visiting the various monasteries to going on nature hikes, trekking, camping, and so on. Ladakh is still relatively unexplored because of its rugged terrain and high altitude, so it is full of surprises that will linger in your mind long after you return.
The best time to visit Ladakh is during summers when all the tourist places will be open. Because of its high altitude, Ladakh experiences long winters, but truth be told, the region is absolutely magnificent in all seasons.
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Top Things To Do In Ladakh 2022 | Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Ladakh can be exciting and challenging at the same time. Let Yatrigann help you on this journey and take you through the list of sights you can see and activities you can indulge in while you’re visiting this beautiful union territory of Ladakh.
1. Explore the Local Markets and Old Town of Leh
It is critical to acclimate to the high altitude of Ladakh before embarking on your adventure. While you’re at it, spend a few days walking about Leh’s main market area to familiarise yourself with the city, its culture, and its environment. Explore Leh’s vibrant market centre, where rows of Ladakhi women sell fresh local products on the streets, and stores sell everything from souvenirs to trekking gear. Take a look at the local jewellery shops and thangka painting exhibits, and then go around behind the market area to see the remarkably well-preserved maze of tiny alleyways and centuries-old mud brick homes that is Leh’s Old Town. Go on a guided heritage walk around Old Town so as to not miss anything.
2. Go Sightseeing At All Tourist Attractions of Leh Ladakh
Start your exploration of Leh’s Old Town with Ladakh’s biggest and most beautiful Mosque, Jama Masjid. It is a major historical mosque located in the heart of Leh and one of the top attractions of Leh. Next, you can make your way to the Leh Palace, formerly known as Lachen Palkar Palace. This former royal palace with outstanding Tibetan architecture can be reached by walking uphill from town or by road. The Palace Museum has regal memorabilia for you to check out; however, the superb views over town are arguably the biggest draw.
If you’re all about nature and beauty and are looking for another standout view, then visit the white-domed Shanti Stupa near Leh for a gorgeous view of the sunset. One of the must-visit places in Ladakh is Pangong Lake, the famed lake where the final scenes of 3 Idiots were shot. At 4,350 meters above sea level, this surreal salt water lake is among the highest in the world. It’s disputed territory, so permits are required to visit the area. Stargazing is sensational at night!
There are loads of other tourist attractions in Ladakh worth seeing, such as the Magnetic Hill, Stok Palace, Nubra Valley, Khardungla Pass, Hemis National Park, and Donkey Sanctuary among others. All these places are highly recommended and we urge you to not miss experiencing them while you’re there.
3. Try the Local Ladakhi Cuisine
Ladakh is known for its multi-cuisine food, serving Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and even Korean. The food here exhibits tints of foreign influences. To obtain the best flavours of Ladakh, you must try Thukpa, Tsampa, Dumplings, Skyu, and Khambir among other various delicious dishes. Don’t miss out on Butter Tea! The best dishes of Leh Ladakh are a treat for the foodies, for sure.
Related: Food of Ladakh: Best Ladakhi Recipes You Should Try!
4. Indulge in Adventure Activities
All the adrenaline seekers out there must be in awe at the incredible things that may be done in Ladakh. The small roads and rugged terrains provide for an exciting bike ride, while the trekking routes along the Zanskar Valley are surrounded by awe-inspiring natural scenery. If you want to walk on frozen sheets of ice, try the Chadar Trek, which is the most difficult of all. The experience is memorable, and the sights are breathtaking!
River rafting is another popular sport in Ladakh that adrenaline junkies enjoy. However, if you’re seeking for some peace and quiet in the woods, Ladakh has a multitude of tent settings spread across the region. You can select the finest place to sleep beneath the stars while admiring nature‘s splendour.
5. Visit the Buddhist Monasteries
Ladakh has some of the best and greatest Buddhist monasteries in India, where you can spend time with the monks to get a deeper look at the spiritual side of the region. Educate yourself on their way of life, beliefs, and habits in order to revitalise in the most natural manner possible. Take quiet morning walks, contemplate, and converse with the monks. Nothing beats the wonderful ambience of these Buddhist monks in Ladakh’s valleys, we tell you. The most incredible (and most inaccessible) monastery in Ladakh is Phugtal, halfway between Padum and Darcha in the Zanskar region. You’ll have to hike or ride a pony to get there because it’s not accessible by road.
6. Partake in Ladakh’s Harvest Festival
This is an annual event that continues for two weeks and usually falls in September. The event for this festival of Ladakh features a colourful parade that begins in Leh and ends at the Polo Ground. It’s a large-scale event with ceremonial garb, music, and cultural acts. Llamas perform, weddings take place, there are archery and polo contests… it’s truly a celebration of immense scale. You’ll come away with the memory of a lifetime.
Ladakh also has other fascinating and worth-attending festivals such as Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, Sindhu Darshan, Phyang Tsedup Festival, Dosmoche Festival, Saka Dawa Festival, Tak Tok Festival, Matho Nagrang Festival and many more.
7. Pay Your Respects to Kargil War Heroes
Kargil is considered to be the gateway to Ladakh. Being a site of some horrific border clashes with Pakistan (the worst being the Kargil War) the Indian Army has built a Kargil War Memorial at the war zone—about an hour from Kargil towards Srinagar—to honour the hundreds of soldiers who lost their lives defending India from invasion. Visit this memorial for a moving, thought-provoking experience and learn a bit about India’s history.
Wrapping Up
So hurry up and plan a trip to Ladakh. Explore the greatest views, experience the most thrilling activities, and immerse yourself in the lively culture of Ladakh. The people are welcoming and the roads beckon you. What are you waiting for?
Calls us to book a trip to Ladakh for a comfortable journey.
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FAQs
What is the capital of Ladakh?
The capital of Ladakh is Leh.
Is alcohol available in Leh?
There are Very Fewer Options for Wine, when is Leh, And we are providing the list of English wine shops in Leh. There is a liquor shop so-called theka near the Leh petrol pump which is next to the roundabout.
- Wine Shop
- Indus Wine Shop
Which SIM will work in Leh Ladakh?
Prepaid mobile phone connections outside Leh Ladakh do not work in Ladakh. As a state, J&K does not allow outside-state prepaid phone connections to work. The postpaid connections from BSNL / MTNL, Airtel and Reliance Jio do work in Leh Ladakh. For Best Connectivity Experience Choose JIO Postpaid
Which is the famous dish of Ladakh?
Skyu is one of the famous dishes of Ladakh. To find out more about Ladakhi food, visit Yatrigann.
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