Best Places to Visit in Ladakh – Detailed Guide to Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh
Leh-Ladakh – a blissful paradise with many enchanting colours! Call this portion of India as a nature lovers’ treasure trove, call it the ‘Mecca’ of adventure lovers, call it the Utopia of backpackers, call it the Shangri La of shutterbugs, or call it a wonderland blesses by Mother Nature herself, you would never go wrong!
Steeped with history and dotted with numerous natural marvels, man-made wonders, spiritual sites, and visited by millions every year, this is one fantasyland that would surprise you with something or the other. Every step you take here, would introduce you with picturesque landscapes, miraculous lakes, magical peaks, ancient monasteries & religious sites, scenic villages, and of course with its heart-warming locals.
Explore this comprehensive blog post structured into three distinct segments: Discover Ladakh’s most stunning lakes its revered monasteries and its must-see destinations. Each segment provides a deep-dive into these topics enriched with details to enhance your knowledge and fuel your wanderlust. Use the provided link to navigate directly to your preferred section and embark on your virtual journey through Ladakh
1. Nubra Valley
Renowned for its scenic vistas, monasteries, orchards, and Bactrian camel rides, Nubra Valley is one of the best places to visit near Leh. Situated between Kashmir and Tibet, it is surrounded by snow capped Himalayan mountains on all sides, offering breathtaking and picturesque views of the Himalayas.
The special feature of the valley is that it looks like the moon landscape in winter and the summer season is filled with greenery. People are not only attracted to the scenic natural beauty of Nubra Valley but also to the religious centers of Buddhism. You will find some of famous monasteries like Hunder, Diskit, Ensa, and Samstemling in the Nubra Valley.
The best thing to do in this place is to take a Bactrian camel ride and explore the beautiful sights around you.
2. Pangong Lake
Among other tourist places near Leh Ladakh, Pangong Lake is a splendid endorheic lake that garners the interests of people from around the world. It is one of the lakes that rests among the highest altitude lakes in India. Although the water in the lake is saline, it does not fail to surprise the visitors with the unbelievable phenomenon of changing colors several times in a day.
It changes from blue to green and even moves to the grayish shade. Moreover, the reflecting image of the Himalayan mountains adds to the intrinsic beauty of the Pangong Lake. The migratory birds arrive at this location every year, and you can be lucky enough to capture photographs of these vibrant birds.
3. Tso Moriri
Another name on the list of high-altitude lakes in India is Tso Moriri. It is one of the gorgeous, serene, and sacred tourist attractions near Leh, stretching about 19 kilometers in length and 7 kilometers in width. Its tranquil beauty makes the visitors awestruck by presenting the reflection of snow-clad mountains in the pristine waters of the calm lake.
As its location comes under the wetland reserve, you can not put your camping tent near the lake. However, you can opt for accommodation in the rental camps around Tso Moriri. If you are a nature lover, the beautiful migratory birds flying over the lake will make you fall in love with nature again and again. Hence, it is a perfect travel destination for an unconventional traveler.
4. Turtuk
Turtuk is a small village area resting upon the Nubra Valley region of Leh Ladakh. It is one of the offbeat places near Leh that remained unexplored for several years until 2010. If you are in Turtuk, you can visit the monasteries and enjoy trekking on the Himalayan ranges.
The image of tiny houses and fields makes it difficult for the visitors to believe its existence in nature. The people and culture add to the overall experience of Turtuk as the people living in this region follow Balti culture. Owing to the historical significance, Turtuk is the last village that was once a part of Pakistan until the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The locals welcome tourists in their homes or guesthouses for a comfortable and cozy stay in Leh.
5. Kargil
Kargil City is one of the best places to visit near Leh for adventure junkies. It is the second-largest city in the Ladakh region renowned for its rich cultural, political, and historical importance. It is well-known for its battleground for the Kargil War that was fought in the year 1999 when Pakistani soldiers, personified as Kashmiri soldiers, invaded in and around the Kargil region.
Now, Kargil is a tranquil and beautiful city that attracts tourists throughout the year. It is indeed a piece of heaven where you can catch the glimpse of towering Himalayan mountains around you, along with the views of the pristine waters of the Indus river. You can also take part in several sports activities like cliff jumping, trekking, and river rafting here in the Kargil region.
6. Drass
Prominently known as the Gateway to Ladakh, Drass is one of the significant halting places near Leh and Kargil. It is a charming site that holds a great place in the historical war of Pakistan invasion in India during the Kargil War. Offering a mesmerizing vacation, the place garners the interest of tourists from different parts of the world through its splendid beauty.
Since it is the coldest region of India and the second coldest region on the planet, Drass experiences extremely cold weather during winters, along with heavy snowfall. If you are looking forward to exploring Drass in the Jammu and Kashmir region, you should visit Mushkoh Valley, Laser La, Manman Top and Drass War Memorial.
7. Lamayuru Monastery
The Lamayuru Monastery is a beautiful place that is regarded as the oldest monastery in the entire region. It is nestled at an altitude of 3511 meters above sea level. Known by different names like ‘Tharpa Ling’ and ‘the place of freedom’, the monks dwelling in the Red-Sect of the Buddhist order live and meditate in this monastery.
Also, over 300 monks take care of the administration in the monastery. Lamayuru Monastery is one of the fundamental tourist places near Leh Ladakh not only because of its historical importance but also due to its fantastic picturesque beauty. The altitude at which the monastery is perched offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and the lakes that border the area.
8. Diskit Gompa
Diskit Gompa is an extensive monastery with a large statue of Lord Buddha perched on top of it. This monastery is one of the famous tourist attractions near Leh that is regarded as the oldest and largest Buddhist center in the Ladakh region. This fundamental attraction attracts a number of tourists across the globe to experience the beautiful view of the Nubra Valley.
Another main attraction of Diskit Gompa is a prayer hall that showcases multiple images of fierce guardian deities and a huge drum. It also displays various shrines along the Mongolian and Tibetan texts in the storehouse.You can also visit Diskit Gompa during the popular festival called Dosmoche that is celebrated during the winter season. Both locals and tourists celebrate this festival together in the Diskit monastery.
9. Tso Kar Lake
Tso Kar Lake is another gorgeous yet fluctuating saline lake located in the southern part of Ladakh. If you want to experience the untouched feel of the lake, Tso Kar Lake is one of the best places to visit near Leh. It offers delightful views of surrounding mountains, which gives the photographers a great opportunity to click splendid pictures.
You can sit and celebrate in the surroundings of the Tso Kar lake with your friends and family. This lake also holds great importance in the sustenance of the life of migratory birds. Indeed, Tso Kar Lake is one of the beautiful lakes that gathers tourists with its unique features, especially the depth and size it possesses.
10. Shyam Valley
Also known by the name ‘Apricot Valley’, Shyam Valley is truly an abode of apricot flowers that blooms in the winter season. It is one of the easiest trekking places to visit near Leh with your friends and family. This ‘baby trek’ allows you to trek on the valley to reach some of the astonishing villages of the Ladakh region, traveling through tiny streams, barley fields, shady willows, and mountain passes.
The contrasting landscape and wild nature offer a chance to the tourists to click pictures while trekking along the Shyam Valley. Apart from trekking, you can explore the beautiful places near Shyam Valley, including Phyang Monastery, Magnetic Hill of Ladakh, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Indus and Zanskar River Confluence, and much more
10 Best Places For Shopping In Ladakh
1. Moti Market
The famous Moti Market in Leh is one of the oldest places for shopping in Leh Ladakh, and it is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region. This market has seen many nomads passing through and is known for its high-quality Tibetan goods.
Stores in this market sell hand-woven woollen garments, jewellery, and handicrafts. In addition to these goods, some sell traditional Tibetan carpets, paintings, prayer flags, and incense.
While shopping in Leh Ladakh, you will find clothes made with natural dyes that are perfect for the chilly weather of Ladakh. This market is unforgettable because the wares are genuinely unique and beautiful.
If you purchase something from this market, you will contribute to by preserving its traditions and craftsmanship. The Moti Market is a great place to get for your friends or family back home.
Location: Leh, 194101
Timings: 9: 30 to 8:00 P.M.
2. Zanskar Valley Market
Zanskar Valley Market is more than just a shopping experience in Leh. It’s a collection of fabulous souvenirs and other products representative of Ladakhis’ unique culture and tradition.
The store has a wide array of woollen garments, bedsheets, shawls, dresses and tops, handcrafted figurines, and jewellery. The figurines are beautiful metalwork made by local artisans, and the silver jewellery is intricately designed.
The prices are also quite reasonable. You can find various products here for as low as Rs. 300 to Rs. 1500.
Location: Padum, Ladakh 194302
Timings: 9: 00 to 5:00 P.M.
3. Women’s Alliance of Ladakh Shopping Hub
When you visit the Women’s Alliance of Leh Ladakh, you see a hub for women vendors and purveyors, where all shops are run and operated by women. With this association, the women of Ladakh earn money and support themselves through hard work.
You’ll find Pashmina shawls, jewellery, clothing, and woollen items. Shawls come in different degrees of patterning and intricacy, ranging from simple solid colours to more elaborate patterns featuring flowers or images from other cultures in one of the best places for shopping in Leh Ladakh.
In addition to shawls, you’ll find bags, scarves, gloves, hats, mittens, caps, sweaters, and vests at this Leh market shopping, and not just that, you can also check out the many located here.
This shopping hub has developed into a full-fledged marketplace filled with every kind of shop you could imagine, from pieces of silver jewellery and stationery to spices and vegetables.
The shopkeepers here are amiable with their visitors, ensuring your shopping experience is worth remembering forever. Moreover, the Leh market shopping scenes here are amazing amidst majestic mountains and gorgeous natural beauty.
Location: Sankar Rd, Chubi, Leh, 194101
Timings: Open 24 hours
4. Main Bazaar
The Main Bazaar, one of the best for Leh market shopping is located on Changspa Road, one of the best places to visit in Leh and is always bustling with people of all ages and demographics. It features several small alleyways where you can browse through dozens of vendors selling anything from household items to clothing to foods to jewellery and crafts.
Visitors can also find traditional Ladakhi dresses, such as the famous Ladakhi robe (goncha) and the pheran, hand-woven carpets, thangkas (Tibetan religious paintings), and jewellery.
As you keep walking through, you’ll notice that each shop has a speciality that separates it from the rest. For instance, some sell wool carpets and rugs, while others specialize in wooden tables. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it in this market.
Apart from shopping, another essential activity in this market is eating. The area has several street food stalls selling traditional Ladakhi food, such as momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).
Most food stands also sell packaged snacks like dried apricots that can be taken along on treks or hikes into the mountains.
Location: Leh, 194101
Timings: 9:00 to 8:00 P.M.
5. Cottage Industries Exposition (Changspa)
The Cottage Industries Exposition in Leh is a great place for Leh market shopping for locally made handicrafts, decoratives, and jewelry. The range of products that you can find here is nothing less than enchanting.
From exquisitely crafted carpets and rugs to intricately designed shawls and clothing, from miniature paintings to masks, and from beads to bangles, there is something for a fantastic shopping experience.
Other crafts in this shopping place in Ladakh include silver filigree work and appliqué work on felt articles such as flower pots, bags, and bedspreads. In addition, there are also hand-made wooden furniture items like tables and chairs, in this market, which is also known as one of the places for shopping in Leh Ladakh.
Location: Leh, 194101
Timings: 9: 00 to 8:00 P.M.
6. Tibetan Handicraft Emporium
Located in the Main Bazaar, the Tibetan Handicraft Emporium is a must-visit for anyone looking to buy handicrafts and antiques from Leh market shopping. The Tibetan refugees who run this store are some of the most talented craftsmen in India.
Their handiwork is dazzling – you’ll find traditional carpets, jewellery, and clothing used for centuries in Tibet but with a modern twist that makes their work unique to Ladakh.
The store, one of the best for Leh market shopping also has many antiques, such as old paintings and rare books, which are incredibly beautiful and make great collector’s items. There’s not just one kind of handicraft here. There are many varieties priced differently depending on the intricacy of the details.
The store also features an array of reasonably priced souvenirs, including Ladakhi jewellery, gorgeous gift items, housewares & decoratives that you can take back home to remember your trip.
If you’re looking for something extraordinary to remind you of your time in Leh Ladakh and honour the Tibetan people’s artistic legacy, look no further than this shop.
Location: Main Bazaar Road, Leh
Timings: 9: 00 to 6:00 P.M.
7. Diskit Market
Located in the Nubra Valley, Diskit Market is a smaller market with a range of traditional Ladakhi clothing, jewellery, and other products. The people of Diskit Valley are some of the warmest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet, so if you get a chance to visit, it’s worth taking!
Location: Diskit, Jammu and Kashmir 194401
Timings: 6: 30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
8. The Vegetable Market
The local market for shopping in Leh Ladakh is one of the best places to observe Ladakhi people walking around and doing their shopping. Of course, you can visit the vegetable market any time, but it is more fun to come here early in the morning when most sellers are still setting up their stalls and people are beginning to arrive for their everyday purchases.
Located at the end of the Main Bazaar, this hub for shopping in Leh Ladakh is divided into two sections. The first section has several shops selling local fruits and vegetables, while the other is home to a dozen shops selling spices and other ingredients used in Ladakhi cuisine. The most notable thing about the place is the variety of fresh fruits available here, which you won’t find anywhere else. Besides that, there are Ladakhi food stalls here – go with an empty stomach to sample some of the best local snacks and enjoy their flavours as they have been prepared traditionally by Ladakhis.
The variety of apricots on display is astonishing—every vendor has at least five different kinds for sale.
Location: Leh
Timings: 9:00 to 6:00 P.M.
9. Evergreen Arts Emporium
This place is a paradise for artsy people and those who appreciate traditional handicrafts. They sell beautiful tapestries made especially for tourists and some authentic stuff that artisans from Ladakh’s neighbouring villages handcrafted.
You can get some lovely fabric here, that too at great prices! You can also pick up jewellery made by local artists. One of the highlights of this place is the variety of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that are available in turquoise!
So if you’ve been admiring those pretty blue rocks on your trip but couldn’t buy any, make sure to stop by Evergreen Arts Emporium before leaving Leh!
Location: Main Bazaar Rd, Leh, 194101
Timings: 9: 00 to 6:00 P.M.
10. Shopping on Changspa Road
Changspa Road is more than just a marketplace for It’s a place for many travellers to meet, eat, and plan their next adventure.
Set up like an outdoor shopping mall, the road is filled with travel agencies and shops on both sides, the street is in the heart of Leh, so it’s easy to find, and it makes a great starting point for exploring the city.
You’ll find everything here that you could ever need: food stalls serving traditional Ladakhi foods like momos (dumplings), Tibetan bread, and thukpa (noodle soup), guest houses, travel agencies offering shuttle services to places like Zanskar Valley, accommodation options for all budgets, places to get souvenirs like jewelry and woolen garments, as well as some small handicrafts shops. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find some little something for everyone on your list.
Location: Leh, 194101
Timings: 9:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Food in Ladakh: 10 must-try local dishes
Food is a means to provide important insights into the culture and history of a place. Since Ladakh is rich in culture and history, eating food in Ladakh is similar to taking a trip down the memory lane and reliving the history that this region has to offer.
One of the best parts of travelling in Ladakh is to savour different dishes and cuisines prepared by the locals. Tibetan influence on Ladakhi cuisine is palpable, especially thukpa and momos. Ladakhi food is not spicy as Indian cuisine and is simple but healthy.
To bring to you all the delicious food that you can try in Ladakh, here is the list of the top 10 dishes that should definitely be on your menu while you are in Ladakh.
1. Momos
the most popular dish in Ladakh. It is a dumpling filled with meat or vegetable wrapped in dough. While momos stuffed with minced meat enjoys popularity among locals, veg momos are also savoured alike. These dumplings are either steamed or fried and served with dipping sauce. Momos are served to guests on special occasions such as losar festival (Ladakhi New Year).
Momos are steamed in a container called Mokto which has several compartments with holes in them and placed on top of each other. Water is boiled in the bottom-most container and the steam is used to cook momos. These dumplings come in different beautiful shapes, especially round pleated and half-moon.
Keeping in mind the popularity of these dumplings, some restaurants leh have even started serving chocolate momos
2. Thukpa
he staple food of people of Ladakh. It is a soupy noodle dish with assorted vegetables (for vegetarians) and minced meat (for non-vegetarians). The noodle is made of wheat or barley flour. The broth, rich in spices, not only satiates the taste buds but also warms the body. There are different types of thukpa (known as thentuk, pakthuk, etc.) served in different parts of Ladakh.
Thukpa is not only popular with locals but also with visitors. It is available in all the restaurants of Leh at a very affordable price.
3. Skyu
Another delicacy from Ladakh, skyu is a soup-based traditional speciality. The dish contains vegetable and dough kneaded into flattened thumb-sized balls. These flattened balls are then put in a pot with water and vegetables and cooked on low heat. Skyu is also served with meat. The dish is high on calories and fills the stomach. Skyu is mostly consumed in winter when temperature drops below freezing point. It is also a favourite among tourists who do trekking and stay in villages.
Milk is sometimes added as a main ingredient in skyu. This dish is called oma (milk) skyu. One must try this dish when in Ladakh
4. Chhutagi
literally translates as “water bread” (chhu means “water” while tagi is “bread” in Ladakhi). Chhutagi is one of the distinctive Ladakhi delicacy rich in nutrition. The flattened dough is usually cut into circular shapes and then given the shape of a bow-tie. The dough is then cooked in a thick soup made of either vegetables or meat. Chhutagi is a heavy meal and is often served during harvest season to workers to give them energy. Some local restaurants in Leh have come up with different versions of chhutagi. It is definitely one of the culinary specialities of Ladakh that need to be tasted.
5. Tingmo
These bun-shaped Tibetan bread is steamed and served with vegetables, meat and dal. Tingmo is a delicate, soft and fluffy bun that is prepared from wheat flour without putting any filling. It is best served hot and is mostly served with meat. It is a staple food of Ladakh and is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dough is kneaded and then folded and twisted intricately before being put in Mokto.
6. Chhurpe (dried yak cheese)
made from the milk of dzomo (a hybrid between domestic cattle and yak), is used as an ingredient to create flavourful delicacies in Ladakh. It is white and is added to thukpa to bring out flavour when vegetables or meat are not available in winter. Chhurpe is also added to tsampa (roasted barley flour) and mixed with Tibetan butter tea to prepare kholak which is then eaten with vegetables or minced meat. It is a rich source of vitamins and proteins. Chhurpe is found in two varieties: soft and hard.
7. Butter tea
No occasion in Ladakh could be complete without butter tea. It is served during weddings, festivals and all important occasions of Ladakh. People of Ladakh drink it all day as it not only provides warmth but also keeps the body hydrated in a cold, high-altitude area. Known as gur-gur chai, the tea is prepared with butter, milk and salt that are added and churned until thoroughly mixed with boiled tea leaves. Tsampa is often added to butter tea to prepare kholak.
8. Chhang
Ladakh’s local beer and is served as a traditional drink to the guests. Barley is fermented to produce chhang which has an alcohol content of 5% to 7%. Chhang is consumed during festivals, weddings and other important functions. When making a marriage proposition, a pot of chhang is offered to the girl’s family. If the pot of chhang is accepted, then it means that the girl’s family is ready for nuptial knots.
Chhang is served to guests with a small piece of butter on the brim of cups as a sign of respect. A finger is dipped and a few drops of chhang is flicked in the air three times as an offering to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha before drinking.
9. Khambir
Often known as tagi (bread), khambir is a local whole wheat brown bread with a thick crust. The round-shaped fermented bread tastes best when it is served freshly baked. Khambir is served for breakfast with butter tea. People also eat it with vegetables or eggs. Khambir could be eaten even after a week’s time and is one of the popular staple food in Ladakh
10. Apricot Jam
Even though there are different flavours of jams readily available in all the stores, nothing could beat the taste of apricot jam. Made from chulli (“apricot” in Ladakhi), which is the most popular fruit grown in the region, the jam has become popular among visitors in Ladakh. One could have an apricot jam with khambir or bread
