Leh is a popular destination for those seeking adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural exploration. Leh tours generally take place between May and September, as winter months are very cold and snow blocks some roads. Visiting Leh is an incredible experience, offering a chance to explore the unique culture, rugged landscapes, and spiritual sites of the Northern region
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (May to September): Ideal for exploring, with pleasant weather.
- Winter (October to March): Perfect for those seeking snow and the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River.
Travel Tips
- Acclimatization: Leh is at a high altitude (~11,500 ft). Spend a day or two acclimatizing.
- Pack Warm Clothes: Even in summer, nights can be chilly.
- Permits: Obtain Inner Line Permits for Nubra Valley, Pangong, and other restricted areas.
- Health: Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities on the first day.
Places to visit in Leh
Pangong Tso:
Pangong Tso, or Pangong Lake, is one of the most iconic destinations in Ladakh, located at an altitude of 4,350 meters (14,270 feet) above sea level. Known for its striking beauty and crystal-clear waters, the lake is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region. The unique features of the lake are;
- The lake’s color changes from azure to green to various shades of blue depending on the time of day and light conditions.
- A saline water lake that freezes completely in winter despite its high salinity.
The journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes and the Chang La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
Khardung la:
Khardung La, located at an altitude of 5,359 meters (17,582 feet), is one of the world’s highest motorable mountain passes and a gateway to the Nubra Valley and Shyok regions of Ladakh. It’s a must-visit for adventure seekers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Things to Do
- Photography: Capture the mesmerizing landscapes and the iconic Khardung La signboard.
- Enjoy the Snow: Play in the snow and enjoy the chilly winds at this altitude.
- Biking Adventure: Popular among bikers, Khardung La is part of the famous Manali-Leh route.
- Sip Tea at the Top: Relish a cup of hot tea at the army-run café.
Thiksey Monastery:
Thiksey Monastery, located about 19 km from Leh, is one of the most beautiful and largest monasteries in Ladakh. Perched atop a hill, it is often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, due to its stunning architecture and layout.
Architectural Marvel: The 12-story monastery houses 10 temples, prayer halls, a nunnery, and monks’ quarters.
Its terraced structure provides a panoramic view of the Indus Valley.
A 15-meter (49-foot) tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, the largest in Ladakh, occupies two floors of the monastery.
Home to over 100 monks, the monastery is a center for Buddhist learning and meditation.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is a sacred Sikh shrine located about 25 kilometers from Leh, in the Ladakh region of India. It is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and commemorates an important event during his journey to Ladakh in the early 16th century.
Significance
According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this region during his second Udasi (missionary journey). A local demon attempted to harm him by rolling a massive boulder (pathar) towards him while he was meditating. However, the boulder softened upon touching the Guru and bore the impression of his body, protecting him. Seeing this miraculous event, the demon realized his mistake, sought forgiveness, and became a devotee of Guru Nanak. The boulder with the imprint of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s body is preserved inside the Gurdwara and is the centerpiece of devotion.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame in Leh, is a renowned museum and war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the Indian Army, particularly those who sacrificed their lives in the Indo-Pak wars, including the famous Kargil War. It is managed by the Indian Army and serves as a tribute to their bravery and dedication.
The museum honors the soldiers who fought bravely in various conflicts, including the Kargil War and other operations in the region.
The Hall of Fame is not just a war museum but also a place of inspiration and patriotism. It gives visitors a deep appreciation of the sacrifices made by soldiers while offering insights into the region’s history and culture.
Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, located in the Leh region of northern India, is a stunning high-altitude park renowned for its unique biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. It is one of the largest national parks in India and a major attraction for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It covers an area of 4,400 square kilometers, making it one of the largest protected areas in the country.
Hemis National Park is particularly famous for being the Snow Leopard Capital of India. It hosts a variety of rare and endangered species like:
Mammals:
Snow Leopard (the star attraction), Tibetan wolf , Eurasian brown bear, Red fox, Blue sheep (Bharal), Himalayan marmot
Birds:
Golden eagle, Himalayan vulture, Lammergeier (bearded vulture), Snowcock, Chukar partridge
Leh Royal Palace
The Leh Royal Palace, also known as Leh Palace, is a historical marvel located in the heart of Leh. Built in the 17th century, it is a nine-story structure that once served as the residence of the royal family of Ladakh.
The palace is renowned for its architectural beauty and offers a glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 1600s, the palace was inspired by the architectural style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
The palace is made of stone, mud, wood, and sand, showcasing traditional Tibetan-style architecture.It is designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions of Leh.