Places to Visit in Ladakh

Rather, the most sought after tourist destination is Pangong Tso in Ladakh region. It is the highest among the high altitude lakes in India which is filled with saline water but provides some awe-struck moments to the visitors with the unbelievable phenomenon of changing colours quite a number of times a day. The reflections of the towering Himalayan peaks in the water add more charm to the lake. Currently, Pangong Tso is the favourite location for tourists.

Something divine makes Nubra Valley close to heart and it is not an exaggeration but a fact that experienced and shared by the countless tourists visited the paradisiacal location in Jammu and Kashmir. Without touching the spectacular roads of Nubra Valley, a Ladakh tour will not be complete. The tri-armed valley has Diskit Village as its capital. Ldumra, a magnificent name is the original name of the valley as the local scholars insist. Ldumra means Valley of Flowers. The large valley is formed after the merging of Shyok River with Nubra or Siachen River causing the separation of the Ladakh and the Karakoram Ranges. The valley is located 10000 feet that is 3048 meters above mean sea level and those who cross the Khardung La Pass can easily come to Nubra Valley from Leh.

Except for the river beds, every other place in the valley shows scant vegetation and low precipitation levels. Most of the villages in the valley are occupied by Nubra skat speakers and in the villages, one can find lush greenery and farming which happen through the regular irrigation. Diskit is the place where native people are seen in abundance and Diskit Monastery is the centre of attraction as well. The Shyok River flowing on one side of Diskit has a captivating effect on the visitors. Nubra Valley unwinds a lot of surprising sights when you visit it and an unbelievable fact is that the valley was open to the public till Hunder until 2010. Beyond Hunder, it was the greener region in the lower altitude where the Turtuk village exists. Till 2010, the Government did not allow tourists to mesmerize themselves in the magnificent beauty of Turtuk where numerous apricot trees and other vegetation along with the tribal community were preserved as a virgin.

Height: 3048 meters above the sea level

Location: The paradisiacal Nubra Valley is located at a distance of 140 km from Leh and the main road access to the valley is through Khardung La pass where you have to show the photocopies of your travel permit to the soldiers camping.

Best time to visit: The months from June to September is the perfect period to visit Nubra Valley

To see the pure, rugged face of nature, One must visit Ladakh once in their lifetime.

It won’t be exceeding at all how much you describe the beauty of Tso Moriri in Ladakh, a highly protected lake in Changthang Region and a significant portion of Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is the largest of all high altitude lakes in India especially in Ladakh and is located at an altitude of 4522 meters above the sea level. The length comes to 26 km north to south and 3 to 5 km is the width and the water is wholly brackish. 

The water to feed the lake comes from the springs and melted snow from the nearby mountains. There are two major stream systems to lead the water to the lake. One in the north part of the lake and the other comes in the southwest part. Huge, extensive marshes are seen at both the entrances of the lake. Rupshu Valley, a breathtaking area is the guardian of Tso Moriri along with an array of the lofty Himalayan Mountains in the surrounding.

The number of people come to witness the beauty of this splendid lake is lesser when compared to that of Pangong Lake. It is because of the secluded location of the lake. Hence, it is a favorite home town for many migratory birds. They come to breed here especially birds like great- crested grebe, the brown-headed gull and the Brahmin duck. The rare Himalayan hares are also abundantly seen near the lake. Thus, the declaration of the lake as a reserved area is a right option to protect these species from extinction. Less human interference would keep their lives strong.

Height: The lake is situated at an altitude of 4522 meters.

Location: You can reach Tso Moriri via road from Leh. It is 150 kms away from Leh Airport. Kalka Railway station is the nearest one to the lake. You will get buses and taxis from the station as well.

Best time to visit: May, June, July and August are the peak season when tourists come to Tso Moriri in large numbers and other months will be filled with snow and have extreme cold conditions.

A nine storey high building displays the influence of Potala Palace in Lhasa is the famed Royal Leh Palace that stands with its head high on a cliff top overlooking the ravishing Leh town. Leh Palace is a must visit during anyone’s tour of Ladakh region as it has been standing there as a symbol of the old glorious days of the royal family lived here. The top floors accommodated the members of the regal community and the low floors were occupied by stables and stores.

History

In the 17th century, King Sengge Namgyal led the construction of Leh Palace and it gained fame in a short span of time. Later, it was termed as an architectural icon and the symbol of pride and glory of Leh. The history says that during the time when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh, Leh Palace was abandoned and the members of the family were asked to move to Stok Palace. The Archeological Survey of India has restored the valuable ruins of the palace and opened to the public as a remarkable tourist attraction.

Structure of the palace

There is a monastery behind the palace which is a part of the palace and there you will find the statue of a seating Buddha in there in the monastery behind the palace. On the walls of the palace, you will see the old pictures and paintings including Tibetan thangka.

Timings: The palace is open to the public on all days from 07:00 am to 04:00 pm

Entry fee: For Indians: INR 20 and for Foreigners: INR 100

Location: Leh Palace is closely located to the town. Visitors can reach the palace by walking from Leh town as it is about 5 kms away from there.

For some years, adventure seekers all around the world have been talking about Chadar Trek in the Zanskar Region. Until this year, hundreds of people have experienced the thrill hidden and the mind blowing sights around Chadar frozen river. In fact, Chadar Trek is the most sought after and one of the breathtaking treks in the Himalayas. The winter trek is so special for those who are ready to have adventure at the maximum level. 

The river trek starts from Chilling where the river begins to freeze and mostly, travelers choose February as the best time to cross the frozen river as the ice sheets will be comparatively stable. The precarious snow-flakes would pose severe threats during the trek but in some other time, the challenges would be kind to the trekker. The surrounding of the river are completely vertical cliffs tall up to 600 meters. The Zanskar River is a tributary of the Indus and is 5 meters long. 

A trekker would have to cover 16 kms per day to complete the Chadar Trek. Usually, people opt for 10-15 days of trek depending on the climatic conditions persisting here. The temperature at Chadar will come to the lowest at -35 degree Celsius during winter and thus Chadar Trek becomes more intimidating. Approximate trekking distance one would have to cover in total is 75 kms.

Maximum altitude: 11123 feet is the height at which Chadar Trek would lead you to.

Location: To take part in Chadar Trek, one should arrive in Leh and from Leh, the journey starts and goes to Chilling, the beginning of the Zanskar River in the frozen state. From Leh it would take about 65-70 kms to reach Tilad via Chilling, the base camp of the trek.

Best time to visit: January end to February is the best time suitable for trekking in the frozen river of Chadar. Quality and safe trekking gears and highly warm clothes are required.

Sakti Village is a scenic paradise that has attracted globetrotters all across the world to experience it’s verdant beauty and allure. This is a picturesque village located in the Leh district of Ladakh far away from the gnawing realities of urbanization. Blessed with an amazing view of the majestic Himalayas, the unexplored hamlet of Sakti village is idyllic to have a memorable vacation. It is located 3500 meters above sea level and is also known as the 'Little Tibet of India’.

It is the land of Lord Buddha’s followers, monks, monasteries, yaks and snow clad peaks. You can witness here a dazzling showcase of composite culture and rich heritage that will leave you totally enthralled. A visit to this village is sure to leave you spellbound with its tale of culture, tradition and history that will reward you with tons of memorable experiences.

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Adventure lovers always had an affection to Markha Valley and still it fulfills the dreams of a trekker or adventure seeker with the unrivalled collection of natural spectacle. Long day trekking tours are offered by a lot of tour providers all over India which promise a journey through the most scenic locations and villages. The awesomely exciting feature of this trek is that it will let the trekker cross two high altitude passes in Ladakh; Gandala La at 4980 meters and Kongmaru La at 5276 meters.

 Being one of the diverse treks in Ladakh region, Markha Valley trek offers a lot of adventurous moments throughout. The barren land of Ladakh and the Buddhist temples found throughout the journey make the trek special. The route winds past the Ladakhi villages and it goes to Hemis National Park where the chances to spot some rare wildlife species are comparably high. The nomadic groups of people will be a unique picture to keep in heart. The symbols of Buddhism like ‘chortens’, stupas, multi colored prayer flags and numerous monasteries narrate the story of Buddhist culture embraced Markha centuries ago. Another interesting fact heard about Markha Valley trek is that it is also called ‘tea house trek’ due to the accommodation provided in parachute tents in most of the villages during the tour.

Maximum altitude: 15000 feet is the maximum altitude the trek will cover.

Location: In most of the cases, the trek starts from Leh. The trail usually goes through Chilling, Skyu and then to Markha. From Markha it would take the trekker to reach Hankar and Nimaling and finally return to Leh. The ideal trekking distance is 75 kms and it would be graded as difficult.

Best time to visit: The months of June, July, August, September and October are recommended as the best time to do Markha Valley trek.

In the history of India, 1999 is a significant one in terms of politics in India and in its foreign relations. The Kargil War to be true has shocked the pulse of India but due to the timely attack of Indian Army against Pakistan made India proud though the war led many of our soldiers to lose their lives.

 To commemorate the victory India achieved and also to pay tribute to our brave soldiers, the Indian Army has built a War Memorial in Drass, the most important location which became famous during the war and now the memorial is known in different names such as Kargil War Memorial and Drass War Memorial. The Indian name of the memorial is Vijaypath. Lulled by the foothills of Tololing Hills, Drass Memorial keeps the soldier still alive through the epitaph which has the names of all the soldiers embalmed on it. On 26th July every year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated at the memorial. Indian Prime Minister pays tribute to the brave soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyothi at the India Gate, New Delhi on the same day.

 A Sandstone Wall is the prime attraction in the memorial which shows the names of the Indian Army personnel who fought and lost their lives in the war and near to the memorial you can see a souvenir shop as well. On the 13th anniversary of the victory in Kargil War, the soldiers have hoisted an Indian flag that weighs up to 15 kg as a tribute. There is a gallery, Manoj Pandey Gallery that displays the photographs taken during the war, the weapons used and artilleries discovered.

Location: Drass Valley in the foothills of Tololing is the location of Kargil War Memorial. You can visit the memorial during the visit to Kargil from Leh. It is located 5 kms from the city center across the famous Tiger Hill.

Timings: It is open on all days except Sunday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm

Best time to visit: During the months of May, June, July, August and September would be the perfect time to visit the memorial.

Nestled amidst the snow-capped mountains, Basgo Monastery is a strongly built spiritual centre of Ladakh. This splendid monastery is 40 km away from Leh and is nestled on top of the cliffs in Basgo of Leh district, Ladakh. Basgo comprises a dark red base and sky-high temples on the steep trails. The wonders of the edifice boast of Maitreya temples, mural paintings, ancient architecture styles, and exotic surroundings. The three temples, Chamba Lhakhang, Cham Chung, and Chamba Serzang, are painted with the Central Tibetan elements and style.

There are a plethora of activities to do at Basgo. Starting from the base, the temples are situated in ascending order. To explore the premises, you will have to hike a bit and stop by every spot. If you are an art or history fanatic, explore the ancient library or the mural paintings present at the monastery. Also, meditation is quite prominent at the Basgo Monastery. You can stop by and indulge in spiritual practices. Basgo has a cold climatic condition. The best time to visit the monastery is from April to June. The weather will be pleasant and the routes will be clear.

Here is a list of specially curated Leh Ladakh Tour Packages for an amazing experience

Dah and Hanu are two villages located in the Dahanu valley of Leh district of Ladakh, which is the home of the Brokpa community. It is the only village of the Brokpa community in India that is open to tourists. The community here is believed to be Indo-Aryan, who came to the Indus Valley centuries ago. It follows Buddhism and worships animism.

Dah Hanu is popularly called the last Aryan village in India and is the only place in the country to meet the Aryan tribe. The community here still follows its tradition and marries within its own community, as the people here believe that Aryans can marry only Aryans.

Due to the low number of women in the tribe, some of them still practice polyandry. Although the education system has changed the marriage scenario to some extent in Dah Hanu, there are many of these youths who marry outside their community. They are not easily accepted by the tribe, and as a result, they need to settle their homes away from the village.

The temperature here in Dah Hanu is warmer than other parts of Leh as it is situated at a comparatively lower altitude. This climate helps the cultivation of apricot, walnuts, wine-grapes, and cherries here.

The harvesting time usually begins in September which is celebrated here as a festival, known as Bonona festival. The tribes also celebrate their local language festival, which is called the Brokpa language festival.

Also Checkout: Leh Ladakh Trip Packages

A magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument, the Shanti Stupa in Leh is home to the relics of Buddha, and offers some of the most surreal views of Leh and the nearby village of Changspa. It is also one of the seven grand Buddhist Shanti Stupas in the world, boasting a life-sized figure of Gautam Buddha.

Leh Market is one of the busiest, most colourful places in Leh, where you can get everything imaginable- from groceries to clothes, jewellery to local street food. The Leh Market is a perfect representation of the culture of Leh- vibrant and colourful. The market comprises many stalls, stores and shops that are set up in quaint disarray, where you can navigate your way between the merchants and sellers to discover items worthy of purchase.

The market is divided by small lanes and bylanes, with sections dedicated to things such as handicrafts, spices, clothes, artefacts, food and souvenirs. One of the things that Leh Market is very famous for is its woollen clothing. The cold climate of Leh has led to a culture of creating beautiful, hand-woven woollens, which has become a popular local product of Leh. 

Market’s central location also facilitates easy trips to several nearby attractions such as the Leh Palace, Jama Masjid, Shanti Stupa and much more. Whether you are looking for unique dry fruits, exquisitely hand-crafted Tibetan shawls, or simply looking forward to a good time, Leh Market is bound to fulfil all your expectations.

Read More: Exciting Tour Packages to Leh Ladakh

Tanglang La is a high mountain pass, the glorious pride of Ladakh, the favourite tourist spot for bikers and trekkers. 5328 meters above the sea level is the dream like height of this pass which happily poses some threatening adventure to those who try to climb up the top. The road leading to the pass on Leh-Manali highway, from Upshi to Tanglang La is completely paved. A 500 meter long section of the road is the only part which is unpaved. Tanglang La is also beautifully paved to the make the climb easier. 

There are a lot of confusions existing regarding the position of Tanglang La in the list of world’s highest motorable passes and the world believes it to be the second highest which is proven to be wrong. The local sign on the top of the pass shows the altitude of the pass is 17582 feet or 5359 meters. But now, it is said that the sign board gives a wrong impression but the original height of the pass is 5328 meters. The pass is made beautiful by the innumerous Buddhist prayer flags despite the fact the road is tough to conquer and any type of traveler will fall for the scenery at the pass and adventure lovers would love to try their energy level by climbing up to the top. But remember, the oxygen level will be decreased as you cover the altitude and reaches to the half of what you feel at sea level.

Height: 5328 meters of 1248 feet

Best time to visit: May to October

How to reach: The pass is close to Leh-Manali highway and can be reached via 21 Gata loops

In the picturesque district of Leh lies the enigmatic town of Nyoma. It is located about 150 km from Leh and 370 km from the Paradise on Earth - Srinagar. Nyoma lies on the banks of the Indus River and experiences cold weather conditions. The Nyoma village is irresistible because it offers soothing naturistic sights with monasteries that define the place.

If you are looking to visit here, then you can do so when you travel to Chumathang from Leh. The village is a relaxing affair where you can get the opportunity to take long walks and sink in the dazzling sights that the locals present. The locals are friendly and you would engage yourself in a friendly conversation with them.

There is also a small Buddhist Monastery called Gompa which is a beautifully decorated prayer place. You can experience peace and serenity in the pretty sights Nyoma has to offer. Nyoma also has a landing ground for India Air-force which is currently operational. The virgin village presents innumerable opportunities to explore and click as many photos as you please.

The terrain is equally beautiful when it is sun-soaked and when it is immersed in rain and colors of the rainbow. Nyoma is a treasure that is waiting to be explored. If you visit Leh Ladakh, visiting here should be a part of your plan else you will miss the aura of the place.

Read More: Manali to Leh Road Trip

The Tibetan New Year is the famous Losar; Lo stands for year and Sar stands for New. Since the influence of Tibetan Buddhism was spreading in the north of India, Jammu and Kashmir also celebrates Losar Festival annually. In Ladakh, currently it is Ladakhi New Year too. Falling on the end of January or in February depending on the Tibetan calendar, Losar is celebrated for 15 days but the first three days have the supreme significance. A five day long process of Vajrakilaya is the important part of the festival. For Ladakhis, Losar is a very special time as it mustards all the people in the area and take it to the level of a prominent socio religious festival of the region. 

The dance of the Ibex deer, numerous religious rituals, staged dance dramas and music together churn the festival to be one of the top-notched tourist attractions as well. One principal ceremony during the festival is Metho ceremony that represents the fight between good and evil. There will be a huge procession in which hundreds of people gather with flaming torches in their hands and chanting the special prayers. 

The torches will be thrown away after the parade in order to let the evils go away from the society and people and welcome the fresh year to their lives. The festival is celebrated by Tibetans, Bhutanese, Yolmo, Sherpas, Acharyas, Gurungs, Bhutias and several other Himalayan natives and their Diasporas.

Location: There is no fixed location for Losar as different locations will be arranged every year. Anywhere in Ladakh you can be to watch and partake in Losar.

Best time to go: The festival will take place any time between the December and February.

Basgo is a small town of 150 households in Jammu and Kashmir, located on the Indus River in Leh district of Ladakh. It is sometimes also called Bazgo Gompa. It is a historical site, popularly known for its Basgo Monastery and Gompas, situated on the hills of Leh on the northern mountain range of Himalaya and Karakoram.

Two huge statues of Maitreya Buddha and Jamyang Namgyal King are seen here, which are 14 meters in height, where the locals and monks pay daily visits.  

The Basgo ancient temples and structures were first documented in the 11th — 13th century which is now listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. The US World Monument Fund has also listed the Basgo Palace among the 100 most endangered heritage sites in the world due to its weak structure.

It is situated at an altitude of 10801 feet where the local language is Urdu. The once flourishing area of Basgo is now buried in barren and ruins, with no proper infrastructure left except for the monasteries.

Apart from this, there are three famous Buddhist temples in Basgo: Chamchung temple, Serzang temple and Chamba Lhakhang. Amongst these, the Chemung temple was formerly a mosque which was later converted by the Bagso queen into a Buddhist temple.

Another interesting thing about Basgo is that it has been featured in many Bollywood films and has consistently been a favorite location for shooting by directors. The famous song ‘Satrangi Re’ from the film Dil Se (1998) was shot here, and a song from the 2008 film Tashan, 'White White Face' was also shot in Basgo.

Planning a Trip to Ladakh, Here is a List of Specially Curated Leh Ladakh tour Packages

The famous Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is a cyclops hill, a place where vehicles seem to have defied the force of gravity and move upwards when parked at a particular marked location here. Located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway, this place remains a mystery even today, as many tourists are awestruck to witness the magical experience.

Tucked amidst the breath-taking landscapes of Ladakh is the Alchi Monastery, which is amongst the most sacred places for Buddhists. Dating back to at least 1000 years, the monastery is also the oldest Buddhist Learning Centre in the region. Detailed carvings on the walls, along with the age-old wall paintings are some of the major attractions of Alchi Monastery.

Pay a visit to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, located a mere 25 kilometres from Leh, dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev. The Patthar Sahib Gurudwara is considered to be of immense religious significance among Sikhs, since it is home to a rock that resembles the back of Guru Nanak. According to the local tales, it is believed that Guru Nanak had defeated a demon here. 

Also known as the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, the Namgyal Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist shrines in Ladakh and features a three-Storey-high statue of Maitreya Buddha. Built during the early 15th century, it was named after King Tashi Namgyal, who built the monastery as a means to guard his dynasty and the valley from evil spirits.

Around 4400 sq.km is the area the prime attraction of Ladakh spreads into. We are talking about the renowned Hemis National Park named after the popular monastery in the region that is Hemis Monastery. The very rare species of wildlife is the reason behind its global recognition. Bharal and snow leopards are examples for the unseen animal collection found in Hemis National Park. The park is located on the west bank of the Indus River. 

The animals, the flora, the birds and the nature in the park and its vicinity are coming under the highly protected areas and this is the only place in India where the protected snow leopards are seen in abundance. The Rumbak and Markha catchments were found to be protected with the discovery of the park in 1981 and it grew into 4400 sq.km in 1990 and becomes the largest national park in South Asia. Argali or the Great Tibetan Sheep, Shapu etc are the supporters of the prey base for the predators in Hemis. Asiatic Ibex, the Tibetan Wolf, the Eurasian brown bear and red fox are some of the endangered species found before and some are still present in the park. The crucial problem faced by the park is the regular animal-human conflicts because over 1600 people are living inside the park boundaries, mainly pastoralists living with poultry farming, goats and sheep.

Height: The elevation at which the park exists is 3000-6000 meters above the sea level.

Location: The park is located about 5 kms from Leh and Leh Airport is the closest airport to the park.

Best time to visit: To reach the park there are a number of trekking routes opened from Mid-June to Mid-October. But the best season to spot snow leopards is of course, in late winter.

The Zanskar Range is the mountain range in Jammu and Kashmir that acts as the separating line between Ladakh and Zanskar. The Zanskar Range is a part of the Tethys Himalayas, formed with weakly transformed sedimentary series. The average height of the Zanskar Range is 6000 meters. It is an inevitable spot for adventure lovers during their adrenaline rushing trekking trips to the Trans Himalayas every year.

On the way to Zanskar Valley, one will come across the incredible Suru Valley which puts forth a decent trekking experience to adventure lovers. Zanskar is alluring always with its brightly shining mountain peaks and the presumably attracting villages, sometimes, it looks overshadowing the relishing Changthang Region as well. Tourism has caused a great enhancements on the economic side of the region like education flourished and the lifestyle of the people has changed but it took its toll on the fragile mountain environment.

Nevertheless, Zanskar is the favorite tourist destination still because of the vast area that is made beautiful by multiple hues, the distinct flora and fauna and the extremely variant climatic conditions. There are two main branches of the Zanskar River; one is Doda which has source near Pensi-La and flows south eastwards to reach Padum and the second one is formed by two tributaries called Kargyag River and it has source near Shingo La.

Height: The valley is situated at an average height of 6000 meters above the sea level.

Location: It is located at a distance of about 464 kms from Leh and would take around 10 to 11 hours to reach. Buses are available from Leh to reach the valley.

Best time to visit: The months of June, July, August and September are suitable to visit the Zanskar Range as the other months will cause heavy snowfall and the roads will be blocked.

Known as Tharpa Ling, or “The Place of Freedom,” Lamayuru Monastery is the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Considered to be amongst the largest monasteries in the region, Lamayuru Monastery is known for its peaceful and spiritual ambience. Tucked amidst Ladakh’s lunar landscape, the monastery is also the site of the festival of Yuru Kabgyat. 

One of the high altitude post offices in India is Leh Post Office situated at an altitude of 3500 meters above the sea level. Perhaps, this is the only post office which works even the climatic conditions are unpredictably fluctuating and the roads are not in the proper conditions depending upon the seasons. Leh Post Office belong to Jammu and Kashmir circle and also under Srinagar headquarters region and Leh division.

However, the tourists of Leh, come to the post office to buy picture postcards. The post office in Leh comes under the category of head post office as there are three major categories such as Head Post Office, Sub Post Office and Brach Post Office. Despite the rigid climatic conditions, all the postal services are available at Leh Post Office as well such as delivery of mails and parcels, money transfer, banking etc. There are many other post offices in Ladakh like Alchi, Keylong etc but Leh head post office is the most easily accessible post office in the region and easy to found also.

Height: The post office is located about 3500 meters above the sea level in Leh town.

Timings: It is open from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm.

Location: The post office is very close to the town, hardly 500 meters from the main city.

Pin Code: 194101

Spituk Monastery in Ladakh has another name that is Pethup Gompa, very famous among the locals. It is located at a distance of 8 km from Leh and there are 100 monks inside the gompa. The major attraction at the monastery is the giant statue of Goddess Kali. The Buddhist monastery is at a site which was blessed earlier by Arhat Nyimagung.

History    

Spituk Monastery was founded by Od-de. He was the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od. When he came to Maryul, he built the monastery and introduced the monastic community. But Lotsewa Rinchen Zangpo on his arrival said that an exemplary religious sect should be there and thus the name of the monastery was changed to Spituk which meant exemplary.

Structure of the monastery

There are three chapels in the gompa with numerous statues of Buddha and several thankas as well. The Dukhang Hall is the highlight and the two rows of seats running to a throne at the end are also something unique found here. Visitors will come across the beautiful sculptors and chortens.

Location: The monastery is perched on a thrilling hill top near Indus and about 8 kms away from Leh on Srinagar road. It is at an elevation of 3307 meters.

Timings: It is open on all days from 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

Entry fee: INR 20 per person

Highlights: Gustor Festival held from the 27th to 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan Calendar and it is for two days with mask dance and prayers. Usually, the festival falls on winter time which guarantees the presence of natives in large but the number of tourists would be comparatively lesser.

Gelug sect in Tibetan Buddhism is a famous part and Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh is a significant symbol of the pride and glory of Gelug Sect. In Thiksey Village, on a hill top, this monastery is located, around 19 kms east of Leh. The Potala Palace in Lhasa has a wide resemblance with Thiksey Monastery and that is one of the reasons for the fame the monastery is carrying with it for centuries now. The 3600 meters of elevation where Thiksey gompa is perched on gives a chance to the visitor to enjoy the panoramic view of the splendors of Indus Valley down. A twelve story complex is this monastery which incorporates many things display Buddhist art such as stupas, thangkas, wall paintings and swords.

History

In the mid-15th century, Palden Zangpo, the disciple of Sherab Zangpo who established a monastery for the Gelug sect as per the advice of the then king in 1433 and named it as Lhakhang Serpo has built the larger Thiksey Monastery.

Structure of the monastery

Since it is perched on a hill top, the buildings have a special arrangements such as they have kept in ascending order of importance and the architecture is mind blowing. Since it looks similar to Potala Palace in Lhasa, it has the name Mini Potala as well. The courtyard in the foot opens a flight of steps that leads to the main monastery. The temple which has a height of a 12 storied building is one of the main attractions here. The red, white and ochre painted walls of the monastery add brightness to the entire location. It houses 60 lamas also inside. The attached nunnery is also important to have a look at. There is another attraction in the monastery which is the splendid Maitreya Buddha Temple built to commemorate the arrival of 14th Dalai Lama in the year of 1970.

Location: It is located in Thiksey Village, which is at a distance of around 19 km east of Leh.

Timings: The monastery is open on all days from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm.

Entry fee: For Indians and foreigners: INR 20 per person

Highlight: Cham dance or Mask dance held in relation with the annual festival during the month of October or November is one of the reasons for tourists to visit this monastery.

The Hall of Fame in Leh is a museum that was constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives trying to protect their motherland in the Indo-Pakistan wars. Located on the Leh-Kargil Road, the museum is a great place to see photos of the soldiers, their training camps, the different war relics and a lot more. 

A magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument, the Shanti Stupa in Leh is home to the relics of Buddha, and offers some of the most surreal views of Leh and the nearby village of Changspa. It is also one of the seven grand Buddhist Shanti Stupas in the world, boasting a life-sized figure of Gautam Buddha.

The hard lives of donkeys are read by the public with complete negligence and the reason behind that attitude is unknown. Once, donkeys were a usual member in households in the villages but now they are abandoned and thus they face some critical problems to live. Donkey Sanctuary in Leh is a unique idea executed by Stany and Joanne. After seeing the pitiable situation of the stray donkeys, they decided to find a shelter for them and hence the proper guardians for those stray donkeys have come to India. A native of Ladakh, Sonam Angchuk is now taking care of the donkeys now as his own, feeding them and makes sure that they are getting proper medication and care always. 

They get wheat and grass to eat on time and one doctor from the Government Veterinary Hospital will visit and check the donkeys monthly. Now they are looking forward to make the sanctuary bigger to have 40 donkeys at a time and for that they are expecting funds from well-wishers and animal lovers. To rescue the animals wandering on the road and meet with accidents often, this shelter is a real blessing and the people behind the shelter are really focused to make their services widened. The name of the sanctuary is Home for Helpless Donkeys. They accommodate the injured donkeys and after they get healed, they will be freed to look after on their own.

Location: The sanctuary is situated on Korean Temple Road in Khakshal Village, Leh Ladakh. It is only 3 kms from the main city to reach the sanctuary.

Best time to visit: Any time round the year is suitable to visit the sanctuary.

Entry fee: No entry fee is required to visit the sanctuary

Phugtal or Phuktal gompa or monastery, a significant Buddhist monastery located in the Lungnak Valley that too very remotely from the main town and this one is reachable only by walking. The essential things for the monastery will be carried by animals during summer days and during winter they will be transported through the frozen Zanskar River.

History

The etymology of the name Phutkal is interesting and the name means the cave of liberation or leisure as per the information given by scholars. The birth of Phutkal Monastery was 2500 years ago and it was built around a cave with the aim of inviting any number of sages or saints to come and meditate. But the current status of Phutkal Gompa is because of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in the early 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo.

Structure of the monastery

The honeycomb structure of the monastery surprises every one. Given the increased number of tourists, the monastery is popular now as a favorite trekking point. The cliff side structure houses a temple, prayer rooms, apartments, quarters, library with sacred manuscripts, teaching facilities and the original cave and a spring. Around 70 monks who are residing in the monastery are always seen chanting or meditating.

Location: The location of the monastery is Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar.

Timings: It is open on all days of the week from 06:00 pm to 04:00 pm.

Entry fee: To enter the monastery no entry fee is required. But cameras and food from outside are not allowed.

Highlights: There are a number of festivals happen everywhere at the monastery which are celebrated for different reasons. Every year the dates of the festivals change depending on the lunisolar calendar. Smonlam Chenmo is the most important one as it signifies the entry of the New Year.

Controversies regarding the proclamation that Khardung La is the highest motorable pass in the world is not yet diminished but Ladakh travelers still believe that it is the highest and most adventurous pass in the world. Despite the controversies, Khardung La keeps on attracting hundreds of adventure seekers every year, be it bikers, trekkers or visitors. Nestled amidst the most reverberating surrounding, the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’ is located at an altitude of 17582 feet. Near to the pass, the collection of awesome valleys will lure you and along with the natural extravaganzas, the Tibetan prayer flags are an additional charm.

The pass was constructed in the year of 1976 and later in 1988, it was opened to public and from then on, the pass was inviting uncountable bikers, trekkers and tourists. It is maintained by the Border roads Organization as the pass is highly significant and important to India because it was once used to carry supplies to the Siachen Glacier. Recently, Khardung La became the hot potato of the town with a happy news that a ten member team of visually impaired people is going to conquer the pass through cycling in 2017.

Height: Khardung La is located at an altitude of 5359 meters. But there is an incorrect proclamation on the signboards appear here saying that the height of the pass is 18379 feet.

Location: The highest motorable pass in Ladakh is lying about 39 kms away from Leh. By road, one can reach the pass. The first 24 kms of the road are paved and from there to the North Pullu check post, the 15 kms of the road are filled with loose rock, dirt and occasional rivulets formed after the melting of snow.

Best time to visit: The season between May to October is the best time to visit Khardung La.

Stok Kangri, Ladakh is one of the most popular places for high altitude trekking in India. Although the beauty of Ladakh draws in innumerable tourists and trekkers from all over the country and the world, the Stok Kangri trek isn’t really suited for anyone and everyone.

It is advisable that only experienced trekkers set out on this expedition as the climatic and geographical conditions of the place may not suit novice or amateur trekkers. Nonetheless, Stok Kangri is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. It is for this reason that the Stok Kangri trek forms an inevitable experience while trekking in India.

The trek begins from Leh, which is noted for its natural beauty as well as the warm and hospitable people. During the first couple of days of the trek, you can move around Leh, go sightseeing and get acclimatized to the weather of the region. These couple of days will prepare you for the trek ahead. You will next be taken to Chang Ma via Stok Village by road.

The journey from Leh to Stok Village takes you to witness the amiable yet fictional setting which includes lush greenery, glistening snow peaks and scenic splendour of the region in this stretch. On reaching Chang Ma, you reach a snow covered region, and begin trekking. You will need to climb on for about three hours. From here you will head on to Manokorma, which is at an elevation of 14200 feet.

During the trek, you will be able to view some very beautiful peaks such as the Gulap Kangri, Parcha Kangri, etc. The base camp of the trek is at an elevation of 16, 300 feet. From here, the journey continues till you reach the Stok Kangri. The rewarding scenery from the top is what draws trekkers from all over the world to high altitude trekking in India. The trek back to Leh is a bit arduous and you may need to be careful while climbing down the mountainous terrain.

Best Season: June - October

Difficulty Level: Medium

Max. Elevation: 5000 m

Number of days: Maximum 10 days of trek can be done here