Ladakh is a region in north India, in the Himalaya mountains. It is close to Tibet and Pakistan, and has a very different culture from the rest of India.
The people of Ladakh are very religious, and follow many ancient customs. They are also very hospitable, and will do everything they can to make you feel welcome.
Ladakh is a beautiful place, with stunning mountain views and a rich culture. If you’re looking for an adventure, or just want to experience something different, then Ladakh is definitely worth a visit.
PLACES TO VISIT IN LADAKH
There are many possible itineraries to visit Leh-Ladakh. Almost every village in Ladakh has a Buddhist monastery which can be visited. These monasteries are an important part of the local culture, and offer a great opportunity to learn about Buddhism and the local way of life. Some of the most interesting villages to visit are:
- Thiksey – This is a large monastery village, with beautiful temples and monasteries. It’s a great place to learn about the Buddhist religion and culture.
- Shey – This is another monastery village, and is home to the Shey Palace, which is a beautiful old palace with stunning views.
- Alchi – This is a small village with some of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples in Ladakh.
- Lamayuru – This is a small village located in a stunning mountain valley. It’s a great place for trekking, and is also home to a monastery which dates back to the 11th century.
The remote valleys
Remote valleys with beautiful mountains and landscapes are one of the main attractions for visitors to Ladakh. One such valley is the Markha Valley, which is located in the central part of Ladakh. The Markha Valley is a popular destination for trekkers, as it offers some of the most beautiful and challenging trekking routes in the region.
Another popular valley for trekking is the Zanskar Valley, which is located in the far north of Ladakh. This valley is home to some of the most remote and rugged mountain scenery in the area. It’s also a great place for skiing in the winter months.
If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, then the Nubra Valley is a great option. This valley is located in the north of Ladakh, and is known for its beautiful river valleys and high-altitude lakes.
High altitude lakes
There are many high-altitude lakes located in Ladakh, and they are all worth a visit. Some of the most popular lakes include:
- Pangong Tso – This is the most famous lake in Ladakh, and is located on the border with China. It’s a beautiful lake, with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views.
- Tso Moriri – This is another beautiful lake, located in the eastern part of Ladakh. It’s much quieter than Pangong Tso, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Tso Kar – This is a small lake located in the Zanskar Valley. It’s a great place for trekkers to stop for a break, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Our top picks
Indus valley monasteries
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh, and is located in the eastern part of the region. It’s a large monastery, and is home to some of the most beautiful Buddhist murals in the area. The monastery is also known for its annual Hemis festival, which is a major event in the local calendar.
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery is located in a small village near Leh, and is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is famous for its beautiful wall paintings, which date back to the 11th century.
Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery is located in a small village near Leh, and is home to a large statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha. The monastery is also known for its beautiful murals, which depict scenes from the life of Buddha.
Nubra valley
Hunder Sand Dunes
The Hunder Sand Dunes are located in the Nubra Valley, and are one of the main attractions in the area. These sand dunes are some of the largest in India, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. They’re also a great place for a camel safari, as you can ride through the sand dunes on a camel.
Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery is located in Diskit village, which is the main town in the Nubra Valley. This monastery is home to a large statue of Maitreya, and is a popular destination for tourists. The monastery is also known for its beautiful murals, which depict scenes from the life of Buddha.
Tso Moriri lake
Tso Moriri is a beautiful high-altitude lake located in the eastern part of Ladakh. At an altitude of 4500m, it’s one of the highest lakes in India. The lake is a popular destination for trekkers and tourists, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Tso Moriri is also home to a number of Buddhist monasteries, which are worth visiting while you’re in the area. One of the most famous monasteries is the Choglamsar Monastery, which is located on the banks of the lake. The monastery is home to a large statue of Maitreya, and is a popular destination for tourists.
BEST TREKS IN LADAKH
There are many wonderful trek itineraries in Leh-Ladakh. Three of the famous treks are listed hereafter.
Markha valley trek
The Markha valley trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh, and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and alpine meadows. The trek starts at Spituk village and ends at Chilling village. Trekkers will have to pass through a number of passes during their journey, including Kongmaru La (4800m).
Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek
This beautiful trek takes you from Rumtse village to the stunning Tso Moriri lake. Along the way, you will pass through a number of small villages and get stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The trek is relatively easy, and can be completed in 4-5 days.
Nubra valley trek
The Nubra valley trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Ladakh, and takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region. Along the way, you will pass through lush meadows, stunning mountain passes and traditional villages. The trek starts at Sumur village and ends at Panamik village. It takes around 5 days to complete the trek.
These are just some of the great treks and hikes you can do in Ladakh. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, there’s something here for everyone! So get out there and explore this beautiful region that is waiting to be discovered.