Most of us are currently working from home. We don’t go out much (except for groceries). So, we spend most of our time daydreaming of the things we will be doing after the lockdown.

For sure many of us are planning to travel to an exotic location. If you are one of those people who are planning to travel up a peaceful place, full of serenity and picturesque view, visiting Ladakh is a suggestion for you.

Check out these 40 beautiful places in Ladakh that you should definitely visit post-Lockdown.

1)Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso, which means “high grassland lake” in Tibetian language, is one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh. Remember the lake from 3 Idiots, yep! this is the one. It is approximately 5 KM long (actually is 134 Km long extends from Ladakh to Tibet to autonomous region). It is popular for changing shades from blue to red to green. It is located on Changtang Plateau.

Do not miss:

The lake is a very popular camping site.

Tips:

1) If you are planning to camp, it takes almost 2 days for a person to acclimatize to the weather of Ladakh. If not acclimatized, it may lead to altitude sickness.

2) It is a disputed territory so expect Army generals around the area.

2) Zanskar Valley

Zanskar or Zahar Valley is a part of the Himalayan range. The view of the most beautiful and bewitching snow-capped mountains are some of the main tourist attractions. It is a semi-arid region and one of the coldest and inhabitable regions. It is mostly famous for trekking and camping amongst the travel enthusiasts.

Don’t Miss:

River rafting in the tributaries of Zanskar River

Tips:

1) It has got one of the most difficult and unforgivable pass

2) The roads leading to the region are closed for 7 months a year. If planning a trip one should plan between May and October.

3) Tso-Moriri

The twin to Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri Lake or Mountain Lake is also located in  Changthang plateau. It is a wetland conservation reserve. It is located in the Rupshu Valley giving it scenic beauty of snow-clad arid mountains ranges of Mentok Chamser and Lungser Kangri. It is the highest altitude lake at the height of 4595 m from sea level.

Do not miss:

Because the place is less crowded than Pangong Tso Lake, a lot of rare wildlife can be seen around Tso- Moriri

Tips:

The conservation of the lake is done by ” Tso Morari Conservation Trust”, which was formed in 2003 to work towards the conservation of the lake, with the help of the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF). Local people are involved in the working of the trust.

4)Kargil

Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh. It is the capital of Ladakh. It houses some of the very popular monasteries. It was once known as Purig. The town of Kargil is remembered for the Kargil War when the Indian military captured the Tiger Hill from invaders and emerged victoriously.

Do not miss:

Suru River Basin, especially in summers

Tips:

Kargil is a very famous spot for trekking and mountaineering. A lot of sports enthusiasts can be seen in Kargil.

5)Khardung-la Pass

Khardung-la or “Khardongzla pass” is a gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley. It is the highest motorable pass of the world at an elevation of 5602 m. It is very popular among motorbike enthusiasts. It has got a national significance as it is used to carry supplies to Siachin.

Do not miss:

Picturesque views of the Karakoram ranges

Tips:

 1) An Inner Line Permit is required by the tourists to enter the pass and travel through it.

2) Due to heavy rains and snowfall, the Khardung La pass remains closed from October to May.

6) Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is different from other Himalayan mountain valleys. It doesn’t have Snow clad mountains but instead, Sand dunes are a natural phenomenon. The occurrence of white sand and arid mountains that reflect the water of Nubra and Shyok river is impossible to find anywhere in Ladakh.

Do not miss:

Panamik village which is famous for hot sulphur springs and Bactrian Camel rides.

Tips:

It is a very secluded place so lack in lot of basic facilities. Make sure you pack your essentials in advance.

7) Magnetic Hill

The Magnet Hill or the Gravity Hill is on the national highway of Leh-Kargil-Srinagar, about 30 km from Leh. The vehicles defy gravity and start moving up-hill. As much as we would like to believe this, Magnetic hill is an optical illusion caused by the descending and rising terrain. The alignment of the road and the absence of a visible horizon create an illusion of upslope.

Do not miss:

Well…….putting your vehicle in neutral gear in the mentioned yellow box.

8) Spituk Mostastery

Spituk Monastery or Pethup Gompa was founded in the 14th Century and is located at about 5 km from the Leh. On top of the Gompa is a three-tiered shrine. The statues inside the Monastery are those of Buddha and Tsongkhapa. The site of Spituk Monastery is blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung.

Do not miss:

The giant statue of Kali (unveiled during the annual Spitok festival).

Tips:

1) It has a Fee Rs 30 per person

2) The visiting time is 6 am-1 pm & 1.30-6 pm • Duration of visit is 2 to 3 hours.

9) Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park or Hemis High altitude National Park is the largest national park in India as well in South Asian Region. It has a combined area of 4400 sqkm. It located at the northern side of the Himalayas. It is the country’s only notified area inside the Palearctic ecological zone.

Do not miss:

Hemis Buddhist Monastery

Tips:

The temperature can drop as low as -20 degree Celsius in winters that’s why it is advised to visit the national park in summers when the temperature rises to 30-degree celsius.

10) Hemis Buddhist Montastery

Hemis Buddhist Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. It was constructed in 1672 AD under the reign of King Singge Namgyal.  It is revered as the largest monastery in Ladakh. This monastery is located on the west bank of the river Indus. It is located 45 km from Leh city. Monastery hosts the Hemis Festival celebrated in June every year which pulls in tourists from all over the world.

Do not miss:

A museum that has a huge collection of Buddhist structure, statues and several ancient items that reflect the rich culture.

Tips:

Best time to visit is in the months of June or July, because at that time the Hemis Monastery is decorated by the lamas and two-day annual Hemis festival takes place.

11) Royal Leh Palace

The Royal Leh Palace also known as Lhachen Palkar is a former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh, Ladakh, in the Indian Himalayas. It was constructed in 1600 by Sengge Namgyal. The royals of Namgyal dynasty resided here until the mid 19th century, before permanently shifting to Stok in 1846. The most striking features of the palace include the slanting wall with banded texture on stone masonry, the horizontal timber lacing (that prevents vertical cracks in the structure)

Do not miss:

The palace has a museum that has a rich collection of jewellery

Tips:

1) Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners

2) Timings: 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM everyday

12) Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru is located 15 Km east of  Fotu La pass on the Leh-Srinagar highway. Lamayaru’s land surface resembles that of the surface of the moon. It is popularly known as Moonland by the locals. Atop this folded stone structure is the Lamayuru monastery. The King of Ladakh Jamyang Namgyal of the Nyamgal Dynasty was cured of leprosy by a Tibetian Monk. Thus, the King bestowed the monastery to this lama. This monastery is renowned as Tharpa Ling or” place of freedom”

Do not miss:

A small cave known as Naropa’s.  The cave has a statue of Naropa as well as statues of Marpa.

Tips:

 It is best to travel to this place during the time of a full moon since it is believed to be a unique experience with the moonlight reflecting on the surface.

13) Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery is a Buddhist monastery, lies about 65 km from Leh on the banks of the Indus River. It is known as a monastic complex of temples in Alchi village. I t was constructed by Rinchen Zangpo, in the 10th century. He was a revered figure as he translated Sanskrit Buddist texts into Tibetian.  The monastery complex comprises of three temples viz. Du-Khang, Sum-Tsek, and the Temple of Manjushri that dated back to the early 12th and 13th century.

Do not miss:

1) The statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya.

2) Alchi Demon Tree, an old tree at a small market at Alchi village

14) Thiksey Gompa

Thiksay Monastery is located 19 kilometers from Leh. It is situated on a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley with a view of the Stok range. The twelve storied complex houses thankas, stupas, wall paintings, and statues in the building. It has a museum that treasures many sacred items. It consists of four main assembly hall to assemble the monks and they read prayers in it. The red building consists of shrines that are covered with a veil (the veils are removed only during the Gustor festival and when something unrest happened in the village). The Gonkhang and Lhamokhang are guardian shrines. Lhamokhang is an interesting guardian shrine

Do not miss:

A large pillar engraved with the Buddha’s teachings

Tips:

1) The Monastery remains open from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

2) It is closed during the festival and the month of October and November.

3) Female visitors are not allowed to visit Lhamokhang.

15) Diskit Monestary

Diskit Monastery or Deskit Gompa is the oldest monastery in the Nubra Valley. It was built in the 17th Century. But it is supposed to have been founded in the 14th century by founded by Changzen Tserab Zangpo. It is a yellow hat sect monastery. The huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop the monastery was inaugurated by Dalai Lama. From the base of the statue, one can get a panoramic view of the Nubra valley. The monastery has a statue of Goddess Kali (Hindu Deity) holding the head of a Mongol soldier.

Do not miss:

Vast collection of murals and display of frescoes

Tips:

1) The Gompa is open on all days of the week from 07:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 07:00 pm

2)INR 30 per person

16) Stakna Monestery

Stakna Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Drugpa in Stakna. It lies 21 or 25 kilometers from Leh on the left bank of the Indus River. Stakna Monastery displays the richness of the heritage of Buddhism. The monastery is home to almost 30 monks belonging to the Dugpa order. The structure of the monastery is not equal to the other monasteries in Ladakh but the scenery around would make up with the simple structure of the monastery.

Do not miss:

The statue of Arya Avalokitesvara from Kamrup Assam

Tips:

1) It will be open on all days from 07:00 am to 06:00 pm

2) INR 30 per person is the entry fee

17) Tso Kar Lake

The Tso Kar or Tsho kar is known for its fluctuating size and depth. It is a salt lake  present in the Rupshu Plateau in the southern part of Ladakh. Tso kar is the smallest of the three high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, it lies about 50 km from Tso Moriri and is situated at a height of 15,280 ft. Tso kar means “white”. The area close to the lake is the habitat of certain northern Nomadic Tribes. The lake used to be (and still is a source of livelihood to nearby residents) a source of salt for the people of Ladakh and Tibet. Despite the high salinity of the water, the lake is a habitat for a large number of animal species.

Do not miss:        

Deposits of Sand Corals

18) Korzok Village

Karzok or Korzok is a village in Ladakh located close to Nyoma, in the Rupshu region, on the shores of the Tso Moriri Lake.  It is the highest village settlement in India. Surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountains, this village is a must-visit for all those who wish to see nature at its best.  Rearing livestock is the major means of living of the people. Pashmina wool comes from this region.

Do not miss:

Korzok Monastery

19) Chumathang Hot Springs

It is situated at a distance of 80 km on Leh Nyoma road. Approaching the Chumathang, one spots the flying mists of hot sulfur water. The temperature of water rises to a maximum of 167-degree celsius. Local Amchis visit here during a specific period and bathe in the hot spring.

Do not miss:

A dip in this hot water spring cures diseases of skin and joint pain.

20) Puga Hot Spring

The Puga Hot spring is located close to chumathang hot springs. The spring comes out from a river bed called Rulang Chu. The redish yellow hard layer of sulphur can be seen around the spring. The local residents also use it for general bathing and washing of clothes.

21) Demchok Hot Spring

The hot water spring of Demchok is located on Tibet Border. Being located comparatively on the coldest place with high-velocity winds, a bath in hot water relieves pain and fatigue of the body.

22) Chulsul Hot Spring

The temperature of the spring rises to 96-degree celsius. It has medicinal properties. The water is odorless and without taste. The local residents often use it for bathing.

23) Batalik Hot spring

The water of this spring has therapeutic value for patients suffering from stomach ailments such as ulcers. The water is consumed to cure such diseases.

24) Panamik Hot Spring

The Panamik Hot spring is situated in Nubra Valley about 70 km from Deskit. The Spring is located at the roadside cliff spotted with flying mist around. The temperature of water rises to 100-200 degrees Celcius. It is also a source of water supply to local residents as well as government departments. This spring is famous for the cure of diseases of the skin, stomach, joint pains, etc.

25) Dah Hanu

Dah and Hanu are two villages of the Brokpa. The village is located about 163 km northwest of Leh at the junction of rivers Shyok and Indus. Famous as ‘the Land of Aryans’, Dha and Hanu villages are settlements of Drokpa or Brokpa community in Ladakh. According to widespread belief, the Brokpas were part of the army of Alexander the Great. They are residing in the region for over two thousand years. The Brokpas live in five villages; however, tourists are allowed only in these two villages.

Do not miss:

Apples and Apricots are grown in the villages

Tips:

1) Dah and Hanu do not have hotels or guest houses. But many tourism companies do offer tented accommodation.

2) Dah and Hanu do not have restaurants in the village. It is advisable to carry your own food.

26) Nyoma

Nyoma is a village located 150 km from Leh on the banks of the Indus River. It  is one of the most exotic and scenic tourist destination situated in Ladakh. Nyoma is the base to Advanced Landing Ground of Indian Airforce. The Advance Landing ground was reactivated when Antonov- AN32 landed in this airfield on 18 September 2009.

27) Lachulung -la Pass

Lachulung La is a mountain pass along the Leh–Manali Highway. It is located on the Leh–Manali Highway, in Ladakh and it lies between the valleys of the Tsarap Chu Chu and the Tozay, where both are on the flow of the Zanskar and the Indus rivers.

Do not miss:

Hanging Buddhist flag on the stone piles near Lachungla pass as it is considered auspicious

Tips:

It is important that you get acclimatized to the height or you might suffer breathlessness or altitude sickness.

28) Tanglang -la Pass

Located in the Zanskar range, at the northernmost tip of India Tanglang -la pass is the second-highest motorable passes in the world. Tanglang La pass is the gateway to Leh. The scenic views on both sides are likely to make this journey wonderful. The pass also provides for an adventurous streak for motorbike enthusiasts.

Do not miss:

To halt at Sarchu and Upshi, which are the two nearby villages of the pass

Tips:

 While passing through Taglang Pass, oxygen is in short supply and people start feeling altitude sickness while nearing the pass.

29) Zorawar Fort

Zorawar Fort was constructed in 1836 on the order of Wazir Zorawar Singh (1786-1841), a general of Maharaja Gulab Singh of the Dogra dynasty. It is an ancient fort that lies above the Leh Palace and the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. Zorawar Fort, also known as Riasi Fort, once held the wealth of the Dogra rulers. To preserve its condition the Army took it and did the renovation of the fort.  The Fort is situated in the proximity of River Chenab. It attracts thousands of visitors interested in archeology, historic culture, and artifacts.

Do not miss:

Oldest Mosque of Ladakh

Tips:

To reach this place, travelers can drive their vehicles up to the entrance of the fort.

30) Uletokpo

Uletkopo is located on Leh –Srinagar highway approximately 70 KM from Leh. Uletopko is a scenic and ultimate destination blessed with breathtaking natural beauty.

Do not miss:

Uleytokpo is a camping site on the banks of the Indus River

31) Basgo

Basgo was once an important cultural and political centre is known for its gompas such as Basgo Gompa. Basgo makes a deep impression on the visitor as they ponder over the vast ruins.

Do not miss :

Three Maitreya Temples

32) Turtuk

Turtuk is the last settlement of India before the Line of Control. Turtuk was a part of Pakistan that gained control over it in 1947. India gained control of the village again after the war of 1971. It is a village that you must visit if you are into stories; more so if you stay over for a day or two, for Turtuk is best enjoyed at leisure.

Do not miss:

Balti Heritage house and museum

33) Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is situated on a hilltop in Ladakh region Chanspa. One of the seven Buddhist Shanti Stupas across the world, Shanti Stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura.

Tips:

The best time to visit the Shanti Stupa is when the sun is rising or about to set.

34) Stok Palace

It is located 15 kilometers south of Leh, found in the 14th by Lama Lhawang Lotus Century. In the present times is the resident of royal descendants of King Sengge Namgyal. The use of sustainable architechture technique makes the palace livable in winters as well as summers. The palace has a notable library including all 108 volumes of the Kangyur. A ritual dance-mask festival is held annually.

Do not miss:

Stok Palace Museum

Tips:

The authorities of the palace allow people to accomodate like a hotel. But the stay can be a bit pricey.

35) Lachung Temple:

The Lachung Temple is located in Diksit Village, Nubra Valley. The statue is a reminder of the great Tibetan Buddhism philosopher, as well as teacher Tsong-kha-pa. The statue exists as a reminder of his vast knowledge about Buddhist Culture.  

Do not miss:

The statue of Maitreya Buddha outside the temple

Tips:

You need to pay a common entrance fees on the for the temple and Dikshit Monastery

36) Hall of fame:

The Hall of Fame museum is located on the Leh-Kargil Road, about 4km from Leh. It is constructed by the Indian Army in the memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pak wars.

Do not miss:

The statue of Buddha in front of the Museum that reads “It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles, then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell”

Tips:

1)  The Hall of Fame museum remains open from 9 A.M to 1 P.M. and from 2 P.M. to 7 P.M.

2) Entry Fee is Rs 25 per person.

3) For photography inside the museum, you need to pay Rs. 50 in addition to the entry fees

37) Central Asian Museum

The Central Asian Museum is supported by the Ministry of culture and tourism Jammu & Kashmir. The museum marks as a reminder of Ladakh being at the crossroads of Central Asian Trade. It is a four-storied Museum that is designed in the shape of a Tibetan-Ladakhi fortress tower. The ground floor level is the Ladakh floor and serves as an introduction. The first floor is the Central Asian floor, here items of Central Asian Muslim states and regions, such as dresses, carpets, and other handicrafts and trade items, as well as general information about Muslim culture. The third-floor level is the floor dedicated to Tibet. The fourth-floor level has an open gallery.

 Do not miss:

Leh’s Oldest Mosque

38) Yarab Tso Lake

Yarab Tso Lake lies in the serene surroundings of Sumur village, situated at 15 km from Diskit. It is one of the high altitude and sacred lakes in Nubra Valley. The holy Yarab Tso lake often referred to as “the hidden lake”, is the best-kept secret of Ladakh. Hidden amidst secluded remoteness of the valley with rocky terrains, the crystal clear waters of the lake reflecting its surroundings, make it perfect for photography.

Tips:

It can be reached by foot from Panamik village or a treck in Nubra Valley

39) Leh Post Office

It is the highest Post Office in the world, situated at the height of 3500m. This is the only post office in the world that functions in such a drastic climate and bad roads. The Pincode to the post office is 194101

40) Tibetian Market

This is the main shopping place. Handicrafts and dry fruits are a must-buy from here. The silver items are mostly genuine and good quality. Many handicrafts are made by Tibetan refugees.

Tips:

The market opens around 11 am and remains open till late into the evening.

Ladakh is the Union Territory of India. Although it has a few disputable areas it surely is one of the places you can’t afford to miss in your life.

So when are you planning a trip to Ladakh? Which are the places you would visit first? Let us know in the comments