TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN LADAKH

Ladakh, a union territory, is the northernmost region of India for which it also known as the Land of High Passes. Nestled between the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, it offers a unique geographical location, A rugged landscape, snow-capped mountains, peaceful monasteries, and stunning places. This little Tibet is a paradise for adventure seekers, bike lovers, history buffs and cultural explorers. Places like Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Umingla Pass, Diskit Monastery and all other things of Ladakh compel one to visit this high-altitude place once in their lifetime. With so many places to wander, here in this blog, you will get to know the top 10 places to visit in Ladakh, so that you don’t miss the most beautiful and important attractions of Ladakh.

1) PANGONG LAKE

The first place that everyone must visit while making a trip to Ladakh is Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong TSO. A serene lake surrounded by tall mountains extends from India to Tibet, with one-third of the lake lying in India and the other two-thirds in China.One of the highest brackish water lakes is not like a usual lake; its unique feature of changing colour makes it a must-visit destination. It changes colours from azure to light blue to green and grey, too.

The temperature of the lake varies from -5°C to 10°C; thus, before taking a dip in the lake, be mindful of the chilling water. Boating is not allowed due to security purposes, but there are several camps where you can stay and admire the beauty of Pangong Lake. Get to this amazing lake and click pictures just like 3 idiots, Dil Se, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan have been shot. With May to September is the best time to visit here.

2) UMINGLA PASS AND KHARDUNGLA PASS

For the bike lovers, Ladakh offers two best places to visit: Umingla and Khardungla pass.Umingla Pass is the world’s highest motorable road, with an elevation of 5,799 metres above sea level. The other best thing about this pass is that it is devoid of any civilisation, so you can ride your bike or be in this palace, with full privacy. The two most stunning villages, Demchok and Chisum, are connected to it.

Whereas Khardungla is the second-highest motorable pass in the world, which provides the gateway to the breathtaking Shyok and Nubra valleys. Situated at an elevation of  5,359 meters, this pass has several small villages with little or no population.The best time to go to this marvellous Umingla and Khardungla pass is from May to October. An Inner Line Permit is required to visit both passes.

3) DISKIT MONASTERY 

Another prominent place to visit in Ladakh is the Diskit monastery, also known as Deskit Gompa, the largest and oldest monastery in the Nubra valley. It has the incredible 106 feet Maitreya Buddha statue, which is located just below the monastery. It is not only the exterior but the interior is also gorgeous, adorned with frescoes and beautiful wall paintings.

Don’t miss visiting the Diskit school, where approximately 100 monks offer computer facilities and teach science subjects in English to Tibetan children. It would be a cherry on the cake if you are visiting this place at Dosmoche, or Desmochhey festival, which means “Festival of the Scapegoat, where Lamas of the monasteries perform the mask dance known as Chham dance.

4) MAGNETIC HILL

One of the most mysterious places to visit in Ladakh is the Magnetic Hill, situated at 14,000 feet above sea level. If space is your dream destination, then Magnetic Hill can make it a reality. In this cyclo hill, gravity doesn't work, and every car in the neutral gear seems to pull in the upward direction toward the hill. 

However, scientists tried to explain this phenomenon in two different theories. Some gave the theory of Optical illusion, others agree on the magnetic hill theory. Whatsoever the reason behind this mystery, just try to experience this phenomenon by parking the car in the marked area. 

5) NUBRA VALLEY

The most beautiful place to visit in Ladakh is the Nubra valley, located approximately 140 km from Leh, also referred to as the orchard of Ladakh or the valley of the flowers valley as the name sounds so does the place, as it has beautiful landscapes accessible via Khardungla pass, world's highest motorable pass.

The best attraction of this valley is its unique Bactrian camel in the Hunder Sand dunes, where one can experience the desert life of Ladakh. Nubra valley also offers the best adventurous activities like ATV rides, trekking, camping and ziplining. Shyok River here provides the best place to rejuvenate by walking on the shorelines of the river or simply listening to the stream of the river.With so much to uncover in the Nubra valley, the best months are the summer months from May to September.

6) LEH PALACE

For the history freaks, Leh Palace is the top place to visit in Ladakh, a Tibetan architectural marvel built in the 17th century was once a royal palace. Huge buttressed walls and jutting out wooden balconies are characteristic features of this architectural style.

It was one of the tallest buildings of its time, with nine stories. Now it has a museum and a prayer room with a beautiful view of the Zanskar mountain. The palace looks even more stunning when it is lit up on certain special occasions, such as the Galdam Namchot festival.

7) TURTUK

Another fascinating place to visit in Ladakh is Turtuk, located in the Nubra Valley. A  northernmost village of India, known for its apricot orchard. Once under Pakistan, it was in 1971 that it became part of India.The main attraction of Turtuk is the Turtuk waterfall, which requires a small adventurous trek to reach the waterfall, but once you reach, the serene waterfall, spellbinding views of the whole village, will be worth it, and if the weather is clear, you can even view the K2 peak, the highest mountain peak.

There is a 150-year-old traditional Balti house that is now being converted into a Museum. A traveller can just go to this museum and look at the Balinese way of life for which Turtuk is famous for. It also has the 17th-century Polo ground, where you can also get the chance to play the traditional game. Apart from this, beautiful monasteries, small villages and tiny fields of Turtuk make it a must-visit destination. But before making the trip to Turtuk, keep in mind that Turtuk is a military-dominated and sensitive area.

8) HALL OF FRAME

The Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in the Indo-Pakistan War. With a pyramid-type entrance and two floors that have various sections, it is maintained by the Indian army.

On the first floor, you will find biographies and photographs of Indian soldiers to learn how soldiers live their lives in the Siachen Glacier. On the second floor, there is the OP Vijay Gallery section that has various arms stored that were used during the Kargil war. On the same floor,  there is another section displaying various kinds of apparel and amenities used by the Indian Army in the Siachen region.If you're a history buff, then this place is for you, and don’t miss watching the 30-minute film that comprises of 1999 'Kargil War'.

9) SANGAM POINT

Another breathtaking place in Ladakh is the Sangam, where the two beautiful rivers Indus and Zanskar, meet. The Indus originates in Tibet, is one of the longest rivers in Asia, whereas the Zanskar River originates in the Zanskar Valley region.Located just 35km from Leh in Nimmu, on the Leh-Srinagar highway. The vibrant turquoise-blue water of the Indus River and the greenish-brown muddy water of the Zanskar River, when they merge at the Sangam point, appear unique and eye-catching.

Sangam is also known as a religious point, as Zansker is considered to be the avatar of Naropa, a local deity and the Indus is considered sacred in Buddhism. Thus, it is believed that taking a dip in the Sangam washes away all the sins. Apart from bathing, travellers can also indulge in river rafting.

10) PATHAR SAHIB GURUDWARA

Another must-visit destination in Ladakh is Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, located on the Leh-Kargil highway. It was built in 1517 in memory of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism. The history goes back to the late 15th century, when Guru Nanak Dev was meditating, and an evil demon wanted to harm Guru Ji by rolling the boulder from the hill. But as the rock came near the Nanak Dev Ji, it softened, and from here the name came of the gurudwara. Even the Gurudwara houses the rock that resembles the back of Guru Nanak Dev.

Here, travellers come to seek the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  Besides seeking blessings, you can also spend some time soaking in the surrounding natural beauty or meditating in the spiritual ambience here. Don’t miss the langar at the Gurudwara, and Sunrise is the best time to visit this place.

FINAL THOUGHT

Are you ready to experience heaven on Earth? An umbrella-like place, having everything. If you're a bike lover? Go to the Umingla Pass. Want the serenity? Then it has various Monasteries and temples. Love to sit in a beautiful place? Then here is the Turtuk and Nubra Valley. Wander on the shoreline of the colour-changing river Pangong TSE. If you want to experience what Ladakh has to offers then Travel junky offers the best tour package: Ladakh Discovery: Journey Through the Land of High Passes. So pack your bags and start your short adventure that will last till eternity with you.