25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Located in the Greater Himalayas in far North India, Ladakh is one of the most incredibly beautiful places I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. The rugged arid valleys are flanked by the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram ranges and hilltops are dotted with crumbling ancient monasteries.

It’s undoubtedly an unbelievable adventure to even reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The town sits at a lofty altitude of 3500m and requires a long road journey or spectacular flight to reach. But from there, you can explore the surrounding area, which has plenty of things to do and see from Buddhist monasteries to high altitude lakes.

I’ve visited Ladakh twice now and spent over two months in total in the region. It’s easily one of my favourite places to visit in India. This post will give you a detailed look at the must see sights in the Ladakh region for your next trip to North India. See you there!

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Why Visit the Ladakh Region?

Ladakh covers the far northern extent of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. Flanked by the dramatic Karakoram Mountains and Zanskar Range, the region is an incredibly beautiful part of the Greater Himalayas.

Characterised by an arid mountain area, known as a cold desert, the landscape is one of the most unique aspects of Ladakh. That coupled with a fascinating history of the ancient Silk Road and a predominantly Buddhist population, the region is very different to the rest of India.

Leh is the main town and transport hub of the Ladakh region. This is where you’ll want to head to explore Ladakh. While some people confuse Leh and Ladakh as being the same thing, Leh is the town while Ladakh is the name of the broader region. From old monasteries dotting ridgelines to delicious Tibetan food, there are many reasons why Ladakh offers one of the best adventures in India.

How to Get to Leh, Ladakh

You can reach Leh by road or by air. However, getting to Leh is no easy feat, especially if you decide to take the road option.

The journey to Leh by road is one of the greatest road trips in the world and is not for the faint-hearted. To reach Leh by road, you can come from two directions: from Srinagar or from Manali. There are public buses, tourist buses and shared taxis tackling the roads in both directions during summer.

For most travellers, coming from Manali is convenient and the most popular option, although the road is more arduous with three high passes. On the other hand, the Srinagar-Leh road is less travelled but is a great option if you want to explore Kashmir. The Srinagar-Leh route also has a more gradual altitude climb compared to Manali.

If you prefer to fly, there is a small airstrip in town at Leh Airport. There are frequent flights to Delhi throughout the year. In winter, this is the only way in and out for tourists. Prices can vary hugely and when any of the roads from Delhi to Ladakh are washed out or closed, expect prices to skyrocket. The flight time is around 1.5 hours and tickets can cost between 3000 rupees (AU$60) up to 10,000 (AU$200) rupees one way.

Read more: How to Get to Leh by Public Transport

When is the Best Time to Visit Ladakh

High season runs from June to August in Ladakh. These are the best months for road safety, as the weather is at its warmest and the snow has been cleared from most passes. However, it’s also the busiest time, although it’s not as crowded as other parts of India.

Still, if you want to join any tours or treks, then it’s the perfect season to meet other travellers and join groups. Outside of these months it can be hard to find regular departures for tours.

On the other hand, you can also go to Ladakh between April and June or from September to October, before and after most of the tourists arrive and leave. However, road conditions can’t always be guaranteed and you’ll have to check closures before departing.

Where to Stay in Leh

There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets in Leh. For budget travellers, the best accommodation are the family-run guesthouses that you can find around the market and Fort Road. You could easily find somewhere to stay upon arriving by walking around, but here are my top picks if you want to book ahead.

Read more: Best Places to Stay in Leh for All Budgets

Permits and Ticket Prices for Ladakh

For some places around Ladakh, travellers require an Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit. These places include Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri, with check points on some of the roads and passes. Permits are approved by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh and are valid for a maximum period of 15 days for foreigners.

While you can arrange the permit yourself, if you’re joining a jeep tour to Pangong and Nubra Valley the travel agency can easily arrange it for you. The permit costs 560 rupees (AUD$11) for a standard three night tour from Leh for a foreigner.

Apart from the permits, entry fees are pretty cheap around Ladakh. Most monasteries charge somewhere between 30-50INR (AU$0.50-1) for entry, with a couple of exceptions like Hemis Monastery and Alchi Monastery which charge 100INR (AU$2).

How to Get Around Ladakh

Once you find yourself in Leh town, getting around Ladakh to all of the attractions listed below is relatively easy with a variety of options. Whether you hire your own transport or opt to go with public transport, travelling by road in Ladakh is one of the best experiences in the region. The options you have include:

• Public bus: There are limited public bus services to places around Leh, however you’ll need a lot of time and patience to reach most places. Head to the bus station in Leh to check the latest schedule and whether buses are running at all (it highly depends on demand sometimes).
• Shared tours: A convenient way for all travellers is to join one of the organised tours leaving Leh regularly during high season. Virtually every travel agency in Leh have departures a few times per week, usually covering the same route: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and, sometimes Turtuk over 3-4 days. This is a great way for budget travellers to share the cost of a driver and vehicle.
• Private taxi: Taxis operate as part of a union in Ladakh, which means prices are set for each destination. You can easily get a taxi in Leh for day trips and dropping at trekking route trailheads for a fair price.

I opted for a combination of public transport and organised tours to get around to most places. I found this the perfect balance as a budget traveller. But, taxis can also be very convenient for obscure trips like to the trailhead of trekking routes.

Read more: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh

Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Ladakh is a large area, covering numerous valleys, villages, monasteries, lakes and peaks. There are plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy for weeks. Even after two trips there, I still have places on my list that I want to visit next time.

Below I’m outlining the 25 best things to do in Ladakh, based on my experience in the region. This covers the essential things to see and do if you want to get the most out of your trip to North India. But it also includes a few off the beaten track places as well, such as Zanskar Valley, for those that have extra time.

1. Leh Market

The main bazaar and tourist area in the middle of Leh town is the hub of all the action. It has everything you might need, such as souvenir shops, trekking gear shops, travel agencies, cafes, supermarkets, banks and a government-run tourist information office.

It’s the best place to people watch and enjoy the best that the town has to offer. The main thoroughfare is Old Fort Road and Main Bazaar Road, with part of the Bazaar Road being pedestrian only. This is where you’ll find some of the best cafes and restaurants in town as well.

You can also access Leh Palace on foot from the northern end of the bazaar, which is worth a visit (detailed below).

2. Central Asian Museum

I highly recommend a visit to the Central Asian Museum, which is tucked behind the Main Bazaar Road. It’s the best place to learn about the history of the Ladakh region and is housed inside an old mosque.

It features some incredible photographs from the ancient Silk Road days, plus artefacts showcasing the local culture and history. The top level also offers a nice view of Leh Palace and the Sikh temple.

Entry fee: 50 INR (AU$1)

3. Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is one of the most popular things to do in Leh. The white washed stupa sits atop a hill to the northwest of Leh town. It’s nowhere near as old as many of the monasteries around Ladakh and was built just in 1991.

However, the appeal for non-Buddhists is the incredible vantage point of the stupa, which offers one of the best views over Leh. You can either drive up to the stupa or walk. If you want to walk, you can find a steep staircase at the end of Changspa Road which consists of around 500 steps to reach the top. Otherwise a taxi will set you back about 400INR (AU$8) return from Leh town.

It’s best to head up there at sunset, when the last light offers an incredible glow across the valley and mountains.

Entry fee: 50 INR (AU$1)

4. Leh Palace

Leh Palace is the remaining evidence of Leh’s status as the royal capital of Ladakh from the 17th century onwards. It was the residence of the royal family who ruled over most of Western Tibet at the time. The incredible structure still stands tall above Leh town and is one of the best things to do in Ladakh.

You can explore the nine levels of the palace, which has recently seen a lot of effort put into turning some rooms into a museum. Plus, the view from the ninth floor is outstanding, right across the town below.

You can drive around to the palace by road. Or, you can climb up from Leh Bazaar on foot and just admire the incredible view over the valley. You’ll find stairs leading up to the palace from Old Leh town, which can be accessed by taking the small street running off the main market near the Jama Masjid (main mosque).

Entry fee: 100 INR (AU$2)

5. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

Sitting high above Leh Palace is Tsemo Monastery and the old fortress ruins. As one of the highest points in Leh town, it easily offers one of the best views.

The beautiful monastery was founded in the 15th century and is one of my favourite spots to watch the sunset. You can drive up to the temple, or hike up to it from two different directions.

The walk up from Chubi is on a paved trail with stairs. It starts beside the Chubi HP Petrol Station on Sankar Road. But, most people hike up from Leh Palace, where you’ll see a dirt trail cut into the mountain. It’s a bit of a workout if you’re not yet acclimatised to the altitude!

Entry fee: 30 INR (AU$0.60)

6. Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world sitting at 4250m. It’s also one of Ladakh’s biggest drawcards. The fluorescent blue colour of the water amongst the arid slopes of the mountains is a truly spectacular sight.

It’s considered sacred for Buddhists and almost 2/3 of the lake actually lies across the border in Tibet. Pangong is over 150km east of Leh town and requires a long drive to reach, including crossing a high mountain pass, Chang La, at over 5000m.

Many people travel to Pangong Lake to spend the night there or as part of a multi-day tour to Nubra Valley from Leh. You’ll find many glamping style accommodation and guesthouses strung along the shores of the lake to choose from.

Most people stay at a place called Spangmik, a cluster of hotels on the lake shore. However, we asked our driver to continue to the last village called Man, which only had a couple of places and a more laidback vibe. Or you can continue even further to Merak, one of the last villages before the Tibet border.

Prices can vary wildly and many charge at least 2000 INR (AU$40) per person for a glamping style tent.

Where to stay? Nirvana Resort in Spangmik or Pangong Travel Camp in Man

7. Khardung La

While there are numerous high passes you can cross while exploring Ladakh, the most famous is Khardung La. This road pass was once considered to be the highest road pass in the world and sits at 5360m. It connects Leh with Diskit in Nubra Valley and is usually included as part of a tour to the valley and Pangong Lake.

The drive from Leh to Khardung La is just 40km, but takes over an hour due to the constant hairpin bends and some patches of rough conditions. The road is only open from May until October and, depending on when you drive the road, it can have snow and be riddled with landslides. However, there’s constant construction and improvements going on, meaning it’s mostly kept in good condition.

Be prepared for a lot of crowds and traffic, with a bit of a chaotic atmosphere as everyone tries to get out and take a photo. There are a couple of teahouses up there and a military outpost, so you can have a break and soak in the feeling of driving up over 5000m.

8. Nubra Valley

One of the most popular excursions from Leh is to travel north to Nubra Valley. This is the most recently opened area of the Ladakh region and was once an important valley through which traders on the Silk Road passed through. Nubra Valley stretches from the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan to the border of Tibet. 

To reach Nubra Valley, you’ll have to cross the incredible Khardung La pass from Leh. It forms a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok Rivers and backed by the Karakoram Mountains. Its Tibetan name Dumra means “valley of flowers”, as it’s easily one of the most beautiful parts of the region.

Other than the obvous beauty, most people head to Nubra to also visit Diskit Monastery, the Hunder sand dunes and Bactrian camels. You can also access Turtuk and Siachen Glacier from Nubra Valley.

9. Diskit Monastery and Buddha Statue

The main town in Nubra Valley is Diskit, which has a beautiful monastery and plenty of hotels and restaurants servicing all the bikers and tours en route. Diskit Monastery dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest and largest in Nubra Valley.

It occupies a spectacular location, high up on the rocky slopes of the valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s most prominent attraction is the 100ft Maitreya Buddha statue which offers a panoramic view of the valley floor.

Entry fee: 40INR (AU$0.80)

Where to stay? Ama Guesthouse or Himalayan Regal House

10. Hunder Sand Dunes

On the western outskirts of Diskit, you’ll find a stretch of sand dunes, which offer a bizarre contrast to the snow-capped mountains surrounding them.

Double humped camels known as Bactrian camels roam around the dunes, and there are plenty of people offering camel trips and tours. This is by far the most popular thing to do in Nubra Valley, but we decided to just spend time patting the camels instead!

You can also stay in Hunder, a smaller village than Diskit and closer to the sand dunes. It’s part military base and part local village, with some basic shops and restaurants.

Where to stay? Hunder Stay and Camp or Hunder Haven

11. Turtuk

For those with more time, a drive further west from Nubra Valley will bring you to the village of Turtuk. This is the northernmost accessible village in India. Technically a part of Baltistan, which is mostly now in Pakistan, the village is home to ethnic Balti people.

It’s a picturesque village on the banks of the Shyok River and if you climb up to the small temple on the side of the slope high above, you’ll get spectacular views of snow capped mountains through the valley.

The town is not always included on a tour but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful and unique places to see in Ladakh and is worth the long drive. There are various homestays available in Turtuk if you want to spend the night, and I highly recommend that you do.

Where to stay? Khan Homestay offers rooms for 1000 rupees (AUD$20) or Sukoon Homestay charges around 1600 rupees (AU$30).

12. Shey Palace

Shey Palace is just 12km south of Leh town and an old royal palace and monastery complex dating back to the 17th century. It was used as a summer retreat by the royal family until they fled during the Dogra invasion of the 19th century to nearby Stok.

While the palace is now in ruins, the monastery is worth visiting and requires a bit of a steep climb to reach. The main temple houses a large copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is the second largest of its kind in Ladakh.

From the vantage point offered by the complex on the edge of the valley, you can see right across the area, including further down to Thiksey Monastery, Stok and Stakna.

Entry fee: 30 INR (AU$0.60)

13. Thiksey Monastery

Further down the Keylong-Leh Road from Shey Palace, you’ll come across the impressive Thiksey Monastery. This is one of the grandest monasteries in the Ladakh region and I highly recommend a visit. It consists of 10 temples, a nunnery and an assembly hall, all of which are built up over the top of a hill, similar to many other monasteries in the region.

Thiksey is known to have a distinct resemblance to Lhasa’s Potala, the former seat of the Dalai Lamas. It’s incredibly impressive as soon as you arrive in the car park at the bottom and gaze up at the structures cascading down the hill.

You can walk your way up through the complex, following narrow passageways to reach the more important temples at the top. Towards the back of the complex, the monastery also operates a restaurant open all day for visitors. While an unlikely highlight, we thought it had some of the best North Indian food we’d eaten in Ladakh and at very reasonable prices.

Entry fee: 50INR (AU$1)

14. Spituk Monastery

If you’re short on time and looking for a monastery closer to Leh, Spituk Monastery is just 7km outside of town on the other side of the airport and past the Hall of Fame Museum. While it appears much smaller than other monasteries like Thiksey, it’s far less visited and offers a quieter experience.

The view from the top of the monastery complex is quite stunning, with a vista across Leh town, Leh Palace and the valley towards Stok Kangri. It’s best visited at sunrise or sunset if you want the perfect lighting.

There’s a small museum and a few temples to visit around the top of the monastery, with friendly monks to show you the way.

Entry fee: 20 INR (AU$0.40)

15. Hemis Monastery

Arguably the most important monastery to visit during your time in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is the largest in the region. While it was officially established in the 17th century, many believed that it was used as a temple as far back as the 11th century.

It’s built in between a gorge in the Hemis National Park with a large courtyard at its centre. The buildings are intricately carved in a traditional Tibetan technique with paintings around the windows and doors. There is also a fantastic museum inside with an important collection of Buddhist artefacts and relics.

One of the best times to visit the monastery is during the festival dedicated to Guru Rinpoche which is held in June or July each year. It’s an incredibly popular event on the Ladakh calendar and one that attracts hundreds of people every year.

Hemis is an hour’s drive south from Leh off the Leh-Manali Highway.

Entry fee: 100 INR (AU$2)

16. Stok Monastery

Just outside of Leh and across the valley at the base of Stok Kangri, Stok village was home to the royal family of Ladakh, the Namgyals, after they fled during the invasion of the Dogras. The small settlement is dominated by the old Stok Monastery, founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in the 14th Century.

In front of the monastery is an impressive 71-foot Gautama Buddha statue, built just 10 years ago, which offers a great view over the village and back towards Leh. A taxi from Leh to Stok and back will cost around 1200 INR (AU$24), including waiting time at the monastery and lunch at a home stay.

17. Gyab-thago Heritage Home Stay in Stok

While the monastery is the dominating highlight, Stok village is also home to a number of homestays and local restaurants. I recommend arranging a visit to Gyab-thago Heritage Homestay. This lovely family offer a daily lunch (with prior arrangement) showcasing local Ladakhi dishes.

From home brewed Chhang beer to butter tea, veg momos and skyu noodle soup, you’ll get to taste the delicious home-cooked local food. Plus, they also have a 200-year-old house out the back that they will take you on a tour of to see how the older generations used to live.

Where to stay? Many homestays offer beds or try the 5 star Stok Palace Heritage Hotel, inside the converted old palace for something really unique.

18. Markha Valley Trek

There are numerous treks in Ladakh, however, the most popular one for independent hikers is Markha Valley trek. It’s easily accessible from Leh and can be organised completely on your own because there’s a good network of homestays along the way. You can also arrange local taxis to drop and pick you up from the trailheads at Chilling and Shang Sumdo.

The trek takes around 4-5 days to complete, including the crossing of Kongmaru La at 5250m. This obviously means you’ll want to be well acclimatised in Leh before attempting this trek.

It offers one of the best ways to explore the landscapes of Ladakh at a slower pace and enjoy the hospitality of the old Tibetan villages. Make sure you check out my guide if you plan on doing it yourself, otherwise you can also hire a guide or join a tour from Leh.

Read more: A Guide to Hiking the Markha Valley Trek

19. Sham Valley Trek

If you’re looking for a shorter or easier trek in the region, the Sham Valley trek is a popular option as well. Another homestay adventure starting in Likir, you don’t necessarily need a guide for this trek and it can be done independently just like Markha Valley.

Covering approximately 30km over three days and ascending over numerous passes at around 4,000m, it’s still no walk in the park, and you’ll want to have at least a few days in Leh to acclimatise before setting out.

20. Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley is seldom visited by tourists who travel to Ladakh. It’s very remote, has basic infrastructure and is a challenging place to reach. However, it’s also one of the most rewarding places to visit in the entire country.

The high altitude, Zanskar Valley sits in the lower Ladakh region south of Leh amongst breathtakingly rugged mountains surrounded by crumbling ancient Buddhist monasteries. While it doesn’t appear too far away from the town of Leh, the journey to reach Zanskar Valley requires a pretty epic road trip on either a bus or shared taxi.

Once you reach Padum, at the centre of Zanskar, however, you’ll be one of only a few visitors to explore the area per year. There are some fascinating old monasteries and palaces to explore, as well as a rewarding trek out to Phuktal Monastery, one of the last remaining places like it in India.  

Read more: How to Explore Zanskar Valley in North India

21. Alchi Monastery

Hidden away off the main highway connecting Srinagar to Leh, Alchi Monastery is often forgotten on a trip to Ladakh. However, its strategic location has allowed it to remain untouched even during countless invasions by enemies over the centuries.

Instead of being built cascading down a hilltop like other Ladakh monasteries, the complex is spread out with multiple temples, shrines, assembly halls and a monastic school. The old Buddhist buildings are uniquely carved with decorated wooden details on the doors and windows.

However, one of the complex’s most important feature is the almost 900-year old colourful murals which have remained intact and well-preserved over the years inside the temples. Some depict historical events, while others include thousands of pictures of Buddha. It’s considered one of the most important historical sites in Ladakh.

It’s located an hour and half west of Leh, on the way to Lamayuru and Srinagar.

Entry fee: 100 INR (AU$2)

22. Lamayuru

Along with Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru is one of the most important monasteries in the Ladakh region. The awe-inspiring complex is built amongst the otherworldly landscape and rocky terrain between Srinagar and Leh. The main highway passes right through Lamayuru village and the view of the monastery from the road is certainly worth a quick photo stop before exploring it further.

Lamayuru is the oldest monastery in Ladakh, with the central prayer cave dating back to the 11th century. The remainder of the complex was built in the 16th century by King Namgyal. 

There is an annual festival known as Yuru Kabgyat held at Lamayuru sometime between June or July each year. It’s one of the best experiences in Ladakh, attracting Buddhist pilgrims from near and far, as well as many tourists who wish to witness the famous masked dances.

The village around the monastery has plenty of guesthouses and restaurants open for visitors who wish to spend time at the monastery. Lamayuru is two and a half hours drive from Leh, on the way to Kargil and Srinagar.

Entry fee: 100 INR (AU$2)

23. Tso Moriri

While everyone who travels to Ladakh wants to visit the huge Pangong Lake, there is another just as beautiful lake known as Tso Moriri or the “Mountain Lake”. It’s located on the Changthang Plateau south of Leh at an altitude of 4522m.

The lake and surrounding area are protected under the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, as it attracts a range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and on rare occasions, the Tibetan wolf.

The lake is very remote and requires an epic 6-7 hour drive to reach from Leh. There’s very limited infrastructure around the lake, but you can find some basic homestays and glamping accommodation in Karzok village on the western side of the lake. Any travel agency in Leh will be able to help arrange a jeep and driver to get you to Tso Moriri, but expect it to be pricey.

Where to stay? Tsomoriri Resorts or MilkyWay Guesthouse

24. Stok Kangri

For any keen adventurers, one of the ultimate experiences in Ladakh is climbing Stok Kangri. The peak stands at 6153m just across the valley from Leh town. It’s considered the perfect introduction to mountaineering for beginners, with little technical skills or experienced required. But it’s not for the faint hearted.

The expedition takes between 4-6 days, beginning from Stok village and heading to base camp. The main challenge during a Stok Kangri trek is the summit day. Trekkers have to brave sub-zero temperatures and trek on a glacier for about 6-7 hours in the dark, before walking on the ridgeline for two hours to reach the actual summit.

It’s recommended to spend at least a couple of days around Leh town before you attempt the climb to acclimatisation. There are a few agencies in Leh that are able to arrange a Stok Kangri climb, with most ascents done in the summer time. 

25. Mulbekh Monastery

Sitting 600 ft above the Leh-Srinagar Highway in a village called Mulbekh, Mulbekh Monastery is one of the most unique things to do in Ladakh. Home to a stunning 30-ft tall Buddha statue carved into the rock, it’s unlike anything else in the region.

Believed to have been built about 800 years ago, it’s accessible by a steep footpath up from the road. It’s just 45 km from Kargil or 260 km from Leh on the incredible road trip between Leh and Kashmir. It’s possible to combine Alchi, Lamayuru and Mulbekh on one long day trip from Leh or stay in Lamayuru for a one night trip.

Entry fee: 50 INR (AU$1)

More North India Travel Guides

• Best Cafes in Leh
• How to Explore Zanskar Valley
• A Guide to Hiking the Markha Valley Trek
• A Travel Guide to Spiti Valley

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