Ladakh is the epitome of heaven on earth & one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. Surrounded by ice capped mountains of the Himalayan ranges and Karakoram, with endless stretches of natural beauty at its most pristine stage, it is the perfect getaway if you want to experience a new culture and environment while being away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In this article, I will tell you famous tourist spot/places of Ladakh below.
1. Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park is a famous wildlife destination in Ladakh which is famous for its high population of snow leopards and a wide variety of birds. It is the second largest continuous protected area in India, after Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The park, spread across an area of 3,350 square kilometers, is a must visit not just for wildlife enthusiasts, but also for photographers and trekkers, and there are opportunities for both.
2. Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself.
4. Khardung-la Pass
Rent a Himalayan and go nuts on the road to Khardung-la pass. The pass is a gateway to the Nubra as well as Shyok valley and is one of the most elevated motorable terrains worldwide. Interestingly, the roads were opened in 1988 for vehicles to pass through. Cruisers and Himalayans considered to be the best means to travel here, to experience the rugged beauty of the journey.
5. Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in north India. Perched on the mountain top, this religious place also offers a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings, and thus is a must-see.
This attraction in Leh was built at a part of the Peace Pagoda Mission by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu. Underneath the stupa is the relic of the Buddha. Sunrise and sunset are considered to be the best time of the day to visit the Shanti Stupa when views from this place to visit in Leh are spectacular.
6. Royal Leh Palace
The Leh Palace, also known as ‘Lhachen Palkhar,’ is a 17th-century former royal palace and one of the central attractions in Leh. Built under the patronage of by King Sengge Namgyal, it used to house his family. The nine-storey dun-coloured palace now houses a museum and a prayer room, while the highlight is the sweeping view of Leh and the surrounding Zanskar mountain from the rooftop.
7. Zanskar Valley
Lying in the remote corner of Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is a pristine hill retreat with wonderful Tibetan-style monasteries, surrounded by snow-covered mountainous peaks. The valley also has 2 small placid alpine lakes. Plan a visit to Panikhar Fort, a prime attraction here on the border of the Suru Valley. The valley is also quite popular amid adventure enthusiasts, especially Chadar Trek or Zanskar River Trek, during winters.
8. Magnetic Hill
Located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, around 30 km from Leh, Magnetic Hill is basically a gravity hill, which is renowned for possessing magnetic properties. This magnetism is so strong that it can even pull a neutral car uphill. The powers of this hill can be seen from the fact that the passing aircraft increase their altitude for escaping the magnetic interference. The hill lies at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level. However, it is said that this is an optical illusion but surely worth experiencing.
Things to do
- Marvel at the magic of Magnetic Hill.
- Visit the nearby Gurudwara, maintained by the Indian Army.
9. Kargil – Haven For Adventure Seekers
A trip to Leh Ladakh is incomplete without a visit to Kargil that is one of the prime tourist places in Ladakh. This is the second largest town in Ladakh, situated on the banks of Indus River. It is a transit hub with roads leading to Leh, Padum (Zanskar) and Srinagar.
Also, it is a haven for adventure enthusiasts as they can enjoy sports such as trekking and mountaineering. Make sure you pack sufficiently to enjoy these activities at one of the most famous places in Leh Ladakh!
Best Time to visit: The summer season between May to July is the best time to visit Kargil as the temperature is cool with frigid nights.
10. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Situated behind the Palace of Leh, this is a spectacular monastery that offers a splendid view of the whole place. Highly renowned endowing a three-storied solid and pragmatic gold efficacy of the Maitreya or the great Buddha, the place is a must visit for travellers.
Location: The place is located in the district of Leh at Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
Known for: The serenity and the picturesque architecture of the location. Also for the gold efficacy of Buddha.
How to reach: On foot; through an uphill climb on the Tsemo/Namgyal hill
Summary
Words can not describe the beauty and serenity of Ladakh that eyes can do. Right from quenching the thirst of motorcycle enthusiasts to offering spirituality to the one seeking peace, Ladakh is one place for all. The best time to visit their is summer.
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