What do you remember when you hear the name of Ladakh? For animal lovers, they will remember Yak (animal). For nature lovers, it is the snow-capped mountains and monasteries. And when it comes to Leh, you remember the same aspects. But there are more places to visit in Leh. In this article, we discuss in detail the beauty of Leh Ladakh.

1. Pangong Lake (Another name – Tso)

If you are from Bangalore, then you will be surprised to see this Pangong Lake in its full natural splendor. Located above 4350 meters, it is twelve kilometers long and connects India and Tibet. The most important feature of this river is its changing of colors right from blue to azure to light blue to green. Sometimes, it changes to grey color also.

2. Magnetic Hill

Have you ever gone on a bike ride over steep roads? If you have, you will relive the same experience in Magnetic Hill of Leh. You have to move upwards. You can reach this hill situated at a distance of 30 km from Leh Town. Hold your breath, the hill stands at a staggering height of 14000 feet from sea level. The hill is well-known among tourists for its illusory nature.

3. Leh Palace (Another name – Lhachen Palkhar)

It is one of the ancient historical monuments. The builder of this magnificent Palace was King Sengge Namgyal. A 17th-century monument, you can find in Leh Town. Having nine stories as part of the architecture, you can view both Zanskar as well as Stok Kangri mountains from this palace.

The best time to visit this Palace is during the Galdan Namchot festival when the entire palace is made even more bright by lights in the night.

4. Chadar Trek

Do you know the meaning of the word “Chadar” in Hindi? It refers to a blanket. The reason for the name – Zanskar river gets transformed from a rapid flow river to an entire blanket of ice during the winter season.

One of the toughest adventure places, it is a dream journey for the trekker.

5. Tso Moriri (another name – Mountain Lake)

This lake, labeled as wetland reserve is found in Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary. It has been described as a twin of Pangong lake, although it is not very famous. The total length of this lake comes to 28 km. You can find rare birds along the stretch of the river such as bareheaded goose and the Brahmin Duck.

6. Zanskar Valley

What do you first visualize when you first hear the name Valley? The snow-capped mountains, nature view, peace, calmness and many more. You can find many of the same aspects in this valley. Located at a height of 13154 feet above sea level, and having an area of 5000 km, this place is famous among adventure lovers for its treks and river rafting experiences.

7. Phugtal Monastery

Does an ancient place be without monasteries or temples? Very rare. This Phugtal Monastery, other name being Phuktal Monastery, you can find the SE part of Ladakh. This site has been the place for scholars, preachers, and people who preferred learning, teaching, and meditation. Guess the age of this monastery – 2250 years. Imagine the relics you can find in the monastery. The river in the monastery is known for its medicinal properties.

8. Shanti Stupa

As the name suggests, this dome structure in white color is linked to Buddhism. You can find this Stupa above a hilltop present above sea level. The height – more than 11500 feet. If you have gone to the place on a full moon day, the structure gets illuminated automatically by moonlight.

But the structure is not very old. The year was 1991 and it was constructed by both Japanese and Ladakhi Government to mark 2500 years of the Buddhism religion. And the main role for building this artifact goes to the Japanese Buddist by name Bhikshu Gyomyo.

9. Khardung La Pass

It is known as a major tourist attraction. You can reach Nubra as well as Shyok Valleys by this Pass. It stands at a height of more than 5600 feet. Want to enjoy pollution free air with scenic beauty? Then take a call and visit the Khardung La Pass.

10. Nubra Valley

You can find this valley situated amidst the Karakoram range, but please note this place is below Leh. How will you feel if you see pink and yellow roses all along the valley? Beautiful, want to have the experience? Then visit the place during the summer. And yes, you also have Alfalfa and Sea Buckthorns.

11. Tso Kar

We have already mentioned two lakes in this article near to Leh. One is the Pangong Tso lake and the other is Tso Moriri Lake. The Tso Kar is the third lake and it is known in the local language as the white lake. This lake does also have the smallest distance among the lakes. Want to have the best experience? Then go for night camps. For nature lovers, you have birds and marshlands.

12. Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary

Can you have a wild sanctuary 3300 m above sea level? Surprised? Then look at the title again. The Hemis sanctuary is also known as the highest in the entire globe and also the habitat of Snow Leopards. The other species are bharal, Ibex and more. And yes, you can see many birds having a permanent address in this sanctuary.

13. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Adjacent to the Pangong Lake, this sanctuary is situated in an area with a height of 4000 till the very length of 9000 feet. This wildlife resort draws tourists by the hundreds as the place is a spot for species such as Tibetan Wild Ass and Black-necked Crane.

The other important feature, the river Indus runs via the sanctuary and divides the entire place into two parts.

14. Kargil Tourism

Hear the name and are you reminded of the Indian Pakistan war in 1999 on this sector? Okay, let us not fall into the details. It is a town that is located just 11 kilometers from the LOC. When in town, do not forget to visit the War Memorial, Tololing Hills, Lamayuru Monastery and Cave Monastery.

Want to explore a little further? Then go for a walk along the Suru river bed. And yes, a visit to the apricots, mulberry and apple orchard will enrich the experience.

15. Umling La Pass

Known as the motorbike located at a height of 19300 feet in Jammu & Kashmir, it is famous for its adventure locations. The entire distance is 86 km, and there are no civilization hamlets in this region.

When the information has been given about rivers, sanctuaries, mountains, and towns in/near Leh, can festivals be left behind? This festival is organized by the State Department of J and K and is well known for its musical performance, folk dances along with art and craft exhibitions. The duration of the festival is for one week.