Discover Ladakhs Top 13 must-visit Tourist Places to explore in 7 Days – A Vagabonds Handbook

Introduction

The highest plateau in India lying between the Himalayas and the Kunlun ranges is the Ladakh, a union territory of India. The breathtaking view of serene lake, Rocky Mountains, ancient monasteries, and other adventurous places will leave spellbound. In this blog, you will be taken to a virtual tour around the must visit Ladakh Tourist spots.

Best Way to reach Ladakh

If you guys really want to enjoy the Ladakh trip peacefully, then all you must do is book your flight tickets. This way you will reach the destination comfortably. If you are an Adventure lover, kickstart your Motorcycle. Because road trip to Ladakh is one of the most satisfying rides you will ever experience. Most Riders choose Manali to Leh road as it offers more sights via route covering 490Kms. Another route is via Srinagar covering 434Kms. Do check the road closures and weather report before you plan your trip because half the year the roads are covered with snow. Do take your loved ones if your love language is quality time to spend with each other.

Must Visit Tourist Places

1. Pangong Lake: A Shimmering Jewel

You are about to get totally mesmerized by the awe-struck beauty of Pangong Lake, the world’s highest saltwater lake with an altitude of 4,350 meters. It extends between the Tibet and India giving out a crystal-clear reflection of the surrounding mountains. It is a must visit spot for Photographers and Nature lovers. The lake freezes completely in the middle of January.

2. Nubra Valley: An Oasis in the Desert

Nubra Valley, a cold desert is also as Dumra which lies in the northern part of Ladakh is well known for its marvellous sand dunes, lush green oasis villages and the double humped Bactrian Camels in Ladakh Desert which are quite different from the usual camels found in Rajasthan. I recommend you to take a Camel Safari to explore the remote paradise around the sand dunes and visit Diskit Monastery. The Inner Line Permit per individual costs Rs.20 and an environmental fee Rs.400 per person. The Camel Safari costs Rs.180 for 15 mins and the photography costs Rs.50 to capture your memory.

3. Leh Palace: Flipping the pages of History

The Ladakh Architecture, Culture and Heritage is royally portrayed in the construction of Leh Palace also known as Lachan Palkar Palace built by King Singay Namgyal during 1600. It projects Tibetan construction style with nine story Palace consisting of Labyrinthine corridors, adorned prayer rooms fully soaked with the beauty of bygone era. It is located at an altitude of 17852ft giving your eyes a treat. The entry fee for this Palace is Rs.15 per person and for a foreigner is Rs.100 per person.

4. Magnetic Hill: A Gravity Defying Wonder

The Newton’s law takes a backseat when it comes to the Magnetic Hill which possess a mysterious Phenomenon. It is located is Leh – Kargil – Srinagar highway, this gravity pulls vehicles uphill, totally defying the logical concept of Gravity and leaving the people in shock. The layout surrounding the hills gives an optical illusion of a hill. It has an altitude of 14,000ft. I recommend you to put your vehicle in neutral gear and witness the surreal illusion that unfolds before you.

5. Thiksey Monastery: Serenity among the Mountain

Diving into the spiritual heart of Ladakh, Thiksey Monastery which gives a fantastic view of Indus Valley is a must visit. It is the Heart of Ladakh which is in the Central Ladakh which has a majestic Buddha statue of 49ft in Lotus position. It is a home to collection of Paintings, Scriptures and Statues giving a glimpse of religious and cultural heritage. I recommend you to take part in Morning prayers and Meditation sessions.

6. Leh Market

To all the shopaholic out there, Leh Market is a big call. It is famous for its woollen garments. It is a walk you take in the afternoons to have your shopping cart filled.

7. Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is a white – domed on a chorten with 500 steps in Leh built by Japanese Buddhist monk Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura. It was built to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism.

8. Lamayura

Lamayura is known for its monasteries and especially for its Lunar landscape. Tourist call them their “Moonscape.” It is known for its weird geological land where you halt and enjoy the scenic beauty.

9. Chumathang

Chumathang is known for its hot water springs and it is one of the first finest villages to have own power stations. Situated on the banks of Indus Valley, these are an eye feast.

10. Tso Kar

Tso Kar is a fluctuating salt sea in the Rupshu Plateau. The word ‘Tso Kar’ means ‘White Lake’ as the margins of the lake has white salt effervescences due to the high evaporation of saline water.

11. Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri or Mountain Lake is situated in the Changthang Plateau of Ladakh, one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. It’s a peace shelter for a person.

12. Kyagar Tso

Compared to other lakes in Ladakh, this is a small brackish lake surrounded by mountains. It’s bright turquoise colour helps you to spot it from afar.

13. Puga Valley

Puga Valley is in the Changthang Plateau of Leh. It’s known for its high Geothermal Energy, Mud Pool, and its Hot Sulphur Springs.

Must Try Food in Ladakh

Thupka, most loved Classical Ladakhi cuisine (clear soup with noodle made from barley or wheat), Skyu (soup-based stew kneaded flour balls and vegetables), Tingmo (Steamed Tibetean bread eaten with dal or meat), Chutagi (Signature dish of Ladakh which means ‘water-bread’, Momos, Chupri (Yak Cheese), Chang (traditional alcoholic beverage), Khambir (Wheat based bread) and Apricot jam are must try mouthwatering food in Ladakh. For the famous restaurants for your taste buds, click here

Pack your bags Today

To experience a mixture of serene beauty of the Ladakh, his culture, its cuisine, its historical monuments, its spiritual embodiments, get all your bags packed. Do check the whether before travelling, select your routes accordingly, make sure to take inner line permit to all the places you are visiting and spend your time with your loved ones. Let Ladakh be your next destination in your Bucket list!

Small plan to spend a week in Ladakh