Ladakh – The land of high passes is that one destination which everyone dreams to visit once in their lifetime. And why not, this union territory is absolutely mind blowing and breath taking!
Trust me when I tell you this, with every turn the landscape changes and it will take you by surprise. From moon like surfaces to pink mountains, Ladakh truly has everything a true mountain lover finds appealing. I spent 8 whole days here and still felt it wasnt’t enough.
In my previous blog, I shared a Ladakh Starter Guide which takes care of your itinerary, accommodation and everything you need to know (Check it out here). In this blog I will be taking you along with me to the top places to visit in Ladakh – Both a mix of Offbeat and Touristy. So lets get started!
Visit the serene Pangong Lake
If you are synonymous with Ladakh then Pangong will definitely be the reason. This lake is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ladakh and for good reason. Spread across India and China, this lake is truly breathtaking. The views are absolutely out of the world and the drive along it is a memory you will always cherish.
I would highly recommend staying here for a night. If you are lucky, you might even see the milky way galaxy at night! There are various camps around this area but I would recommend staying at the ones located in Maan Village!
Lamayuru Monastery and Moonland
A beautiful and offbeat destination in Ladakh, the Lamayuru Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries I have ever seen. Situated 3 hours away from Leh city, I would recommend heading here early morning. The drive is absolutely stunning with some beautiful view points on the way.
Right next to the monastery, is an extraordinary surface on planet Earth – The Moonland. The terrain of this place is unique and is said to resemble that of the moon. Its truly a spectacle to behold. You can climb around and enjoy the formations.
Khardungla Pass
Located at a staggering height of 17,582 feet over sea level, the Khardungla Pass is one of the most highest passes in Ladakh. Its the getaway to Nubra and Shyok valleys in the Ladakh region.
I would recommend coming here as early as possible as this place gets really crowded. My favorite about part about this Pass is the Gompa situated here. String of thousand prayer flags and the thin mountain air just sets the right mood. If you are lucky enough you can also witness a snowfall just like me!
I would highly recommend not staying beyond 20 mins here!
North Pullu
Just after you come down from Khardungla you come across a checkpoint on the road that connects Leh with the Nubra Valley. You can stop here to have some maggi and enjoy some tea/coffee. You can sit on the banks of the river and take in the beautiful mountain views!
Diskit Monastery
Perched on a hilltop, the Diskit Monastery is another sight in Ladakh to behold. One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The top highlight of the monastery is the 33 feet tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha facing down the Shyok River towards Nubra Valley. The statue was built with three main functions in mind – protection of Diskit Village, prevention of further war with Pakistan, and to promote world peace.
Nubra Valley
Traditionally known as Dumra meaning the “valley of flowers”, the Nubra Valley is another top attraction in Ladakh.
Nubra is a high altitude cold desert which is famous for its Dunes and double humped camels. If you are an adventure lover then you can try riding ATVs here over sand dunes! Located near the Indo Pakistan border, this place is strategically important for India.
When it comes to stay, there are a plethora of camps and hotels to choose from. I would recommend staying here two nights as you can visit many offbeat and touristy places from here!
Visit Thang and Turtuk - The northern most village in India
Located right on the Indo Pakistan border, the village of Thang and Turtuk offer an experience worth remembering.
To visit these villages you need a special permit and need to submit your ID proofs at the army checkpost.
Opened to tourists in 2018, these villages give you an insight on the lives of the Balti people. From Thang, you can see army bunkers both on the Indian side and at the Pakistani side. At Turtuk you can enjoy the lush green valley which houses a natural freezer, Balti museum and much more. I would suggest spending a good 3-4 hours here!
Visit the mesmerizing Tso Moriri Lake
In my opinion, Tso Moriri lake is one of the most beautiful places in Ladakh. Did you know, this lake is the largest lake wholly existing in India. The journey to Tso Moriri is one of the most difficult stretches in the whole of Ladakh. Winding roads, untouched lakes and outstanding views are what you will find if you start your journey from Pangong.
You need to stay a night at Tso Moriri to experience the true beauty of this place. There is also a viewpoint from where you can get a panoramic view of the lake. The lake is highly reflective and the moon light shines like diamond on the surface of the lake.
Again like Pangong, hot water can be a big issue here (so kind of forget taking a bath here).
Visit Leh city
Leh, the capital of Ladakh and the largest city in the union territory is the most developed of all the cities/towns in Ladakh. The city has a sprawling market and some beautiful attractions. There is so much to see in and around Leh city that it warrants a whole guide to itself. So stay tuned for a 2 day guide to Leh city!!
Puga Valley
Gained popularity thanks to all the viral reels on Instagram, the Puga Valley is the newest attraction in Ladakh. Known for its sulphur springs and green meadows, the Puga valley is an interesting geological formation.
Locals believe that the hot springs have medicinal properties and is known to treat joint pains. The walk to the hot spring is a little tricky as you will have to walk past mud pools. I would highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing if you intend to see the springs up and close.
Taglang La Pass
Famed as the 12th highest motorable pass in the world the Taglang La Pass is surely a sight to behold!
Adorned with beautiful prayer flags, this popular spot in Ladakh is known for being the second highest mountain located in Zanskar range.
Just like Khardungla, I will not recommend staying here for more than 20 mins.
Umling La Pass
Now famed as the highest motorable road in the world, the Umling La pass is a sight to behold! Though I didn’t get to visit the pass this time around, I am looking forward to visit on my next trip to Ladakh.
I hope you enjoyed these recommendations and find them extremely useful to plan your Ladakh trip. Don’t forget to check out the Ladakh Starter Guide and stay tuned for a full guide on Leh city!
Until then, see you in the next one.
Love,
Rituparna
Wonderful blog for a place full of wonders!
Glad you liked it 😃
Well written with elaborate coverage! Must visit.
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it