Best Things to Do in Ladakh
Ladakh, the “Land of High Passes,” is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure, peace, and breathtaking beauty. From snow-capped peaks to crystal-clear lakes, there are endless top things to do in Ladakh that promise unforgettable memories. Whether you’re cycling through rugged mountain roads, exploring ancient monasteries, or camping beside the enchanting Pangong Lake, every moment feels magical.
Top things to do in Ladakh include visiting the sand dunes of Nubra Valley, experiencing the unique culture of Leh, and trekking along scenic mountain trails. Adventure lovers can enjoy river rafting on the Zanskar River or witness colorful local festivals that showcase the heritage of Ladakh. To truly experience this Himalayan gem, visit monasteries, meet friendly locals, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The best things to do in Ladakh offer something for every traveler - spiritual seekers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Discover the best things to do in Ladakh and make your journey truly unforgettable.
1. Leh Bazaar
The main market and tourist area located in the middle of Leh town is the hub of all the activities. It has everything you need, such as souvenir shops, trekking gear shops, travel agencies, cafes, supermarkets, banks and a government-run tourist information office.
This is the best place to see and enjoy the best things to do in the city. The main roads are Old Fort Road and Main Bazaar Road, with parts of Bazaar Road being pedestrian-only. This is where you will find some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city.
2. Central Asian Museum
I recommend you visit the Central Asian Museum, which is located behind Main Bazaar Road. It is the best place to learn about the history of the Ladakh region and is housed inside an old mosque.
It has some incredible pictures of the ancient Silk Road, and artifacts showcasing local culture and history. The upper level also offers a beautiful view of the Leh Palace and the Sikh Temple.
Entry fee: 50 rupees (AU$1)
3. Shanti Stupa
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Leh is Shanti Stupa. The whitewashed stupa is located on a hilltop northwest of Leh town. It is not as old as many monasteries around Ladakh and was built in 1991.
However, the attraction for non-Buddhists is the stupa’s incredible vantage point, which offers one of the best views in Leh. You can either drive to the stupa or walk. If you prefer to walk, you will find a steep staircase at the end of Changspa Road with around 500 steps to reach the top. Otherwise, a taxi back from Leh town will cost you around 400 rupees (AU$8).
It is best to go there at sunset, when the last light casts an incredible light across the valley and mountains.
Entry fee: 50 rupees (AU$1)
4. Leh Palace
The remaining testament to Leh’s status as the royal capital of Ladakh since the 17th century is the Leh Palace. It was the residence of the royal family that ruled most of western Tibet at the time. The incredible structure still stands high above Leh town and is one of the best things to see in Ladakh.
You can tour the nine levels of the palace, which have recently undergone significant efforts to convert some rooms into museums. Plus, the view across the city below from the ninth floor is spectacular.
You can reach the palace by road. Or, you can walk up from Leh Bazaar and enjoy incredible views of the valley. You’ll find the stairs leading to the palace from the old Leh town, which can be accessed by taking a small road from the main bazaar near the Jama Masjid (main mosque).
Entry fee: 100 rupees (AU$2)
5. Namgyal Semo Monastery
The ruins of the Semo Monastery and the old fort are located above Leh Palace. Being one of the highest points in Leh, it easily offers one of the best views.
The beautiful monastery was founded in the 15th century and is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset. You can drive to the temple, or hike up from two different directions.
The path up from Chubi is a paved path with steps. It starts next to the Chubi HP petrol station on Shankar Road. However, most people hike up from Leh Palace, where you will find a dirt path cut into the mountain. It is a bit of a workout if you are not used to the altitude yet!
Entry fee: 30 rupees (AU$0.60)
6. Pang Tso Lake
Pang Tso is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 4,250 meters. It is one of the biggest attractions in Ladakh. The fluorescent blue color of the water amidst the dry slopes of the mountains is truly a sight to behold.
It is considered sacred to Buddhists and about two-thirds of the lake actually lies across the border from Tibet. Pangong is located over 150 kilometers east of Leh city and requires a long drive to reach, which includes crossing the 5,000-meter-high mountain pass, Chang La.
Many people visit Pangong Lake to spend the night or as part of a multi-day trip from Leh to the Nubra Valley. You will find many glamping-style accommodations and guesthouses to choose from along the lakeshore.
Most people stay at a place called Spangmik, which is a group of hotels on the lakeshore. However, we asked our driver to go to the last village called Man, which had just a few places and a more relaxed atmosphere. Or you can go further, one of the last villages before the Tibetan border.
Prices can vary widely and many charge at least INR 2,000 (AU$40) per person for a glamping-style tent.
7. Khardung La
There are many high passes you can cross while exploring Ladakh, but the most famous is Khardung La. This road pass was once considered the highest road pass in the world and is 5360 meters high. It connects Leh to Diskit in the Nubra Valley and is usually included as part of a tour of the valley and Pangong Lake.
The drive from Leh to Khardung La is only 40 kilometers, but takes more than an hour due to the constant bends and some rough conditions. The road is only open from May to October, and depending on when you drive the road, it can be covered in snow and landslides. However, there is constant construction and improvement going on, which means it is mostly kept in good condition.
Be prepared for heavy crowds and traffic, along with a somewhat chaotic atmosphere, as everyone tries to get out and take pictures. There are a few tea shops and a military outpost at the top, so you can rest and soak up the feeling of driving over 5,000 meters.
8. Nubra Valley
One of the most popular trips from Leh is to travel to the Nubra Valley in the north. It is the most recently opened area of the Ladakh region and was once an important valley through which traders on the Silk Road traveled. The Nubra Valley stretches from the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan to the border with Tibet.
To reach the Nubra Valley, you have to cross the incredible Khardung La Pass from Leh. It is cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers and backed by the Karakoram Mountains, creating a three-armed valley. Its Tibetan name, Dumra, means “valley of flowers,” as it is easily one of the most beautiful parts of the region.
Apart from the obvious beauty, most people visit Nubra to see the Diskit Monastery, the Hunder Sand Dunes, and the Bactrian camels. From Nubra Valley, you can also visit Turtuk and Siachen Glacier.
9. Diskit Monastery and Buddha Statue
The main town of Nubra Valley is Diskit, which has a beautiful monastery and plenty of hotels and restaurants that cater to bikers and travelers. The Diskit Monastery dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest and largest in the Nubra Valley.
It occupies a spectacular location, high on the rocky slopes of the valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s most notable attraction is the 100-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue that offers a panoramic view of the valley floor.
Entry fee: INR 40 (AU$0.80)
10. Hunder Sand Dunes
On the western outskirts of Diskit, you’ll find a vast expanse of sand dunes, which provide a striking contrast to the snow-capped mountains surrounding them.
Two-humped camels, known as Bactrian camels, roam the dunes, and there are plenty of people offering camel rides and tours. This is by far the most popular thing to do in Nubra Valley, but we decided to spend our time patting the camels!
You can also stay in Hunder, which is smaller than Diskit and closer to the dunes. It’s part military base and part local village, with a few simple shops and restaurants.
11. Turtuk
For those with more time, driving further west from Nubra Valley will take you to the village of Turtuk. It’s the northernmost accessible village in India. Technically part of Baltistan, which is mostly in Pakistan now, the village is home to the ethnic Balti community.
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 upper slope, you’ll get amazing views of the snow-capped mountains across the valley.
This town is not always included in the itinerary but it is definitely one of the most beautiful and unique places in Ladakh and is worth the long drive. If you want to spend the night, there are several homestays in Turtuk and I definitely recommend you do so.
Where to stay? Rooms are available at Khan Homestay for 1000 rupees (AUD$20) or at Sukun Homestay for around 1600 rupees (AUD$30).
12. She Palace
She Palace is located just 12 kilometers south of Leh city and is an old palace and monastery complex dating back to the 17th century. It was used as a summer retreat by the royal family until they fled to nearby Stoke during the 19th century Dogra invasion.
Although 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 huge copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the second largest of its kind in Ladakh.
From the complex's vantage point on the edge of the valley, you can see the entire area, including the Thiksey Monastery, Stok, and Stakna further down.
Entry fee: INR 30 (AU$0.60)
13. Thiksey Monastery
Further down the Keylong-Leh Road from She Palace, you will come across the impressive Thiksey Monastery. It is one of the largest monasteries in the Ladakh region and I definitely recommend you visit it. It consists of 10 temples, a monastery and an assembly hall, all built on a hilltop, similar to many other monasteries in the region.
Thiksey is known for its distinct resemblance to the Potala in Lhasa, which was the former seat of the Dalai Lamas. It is incredibly impressive to see the structures hanging down the mountain as you reach the car park below.
You can walk up through the complex, following narrow paths to reach the more important temples located above. Towards the back of the complex, the monastery also operates a restaurant that is open to visitors all day. Although it was an unexpected attraction, we thought it had some of the best North Indian food we’ve had in Ladakh and at a very reasonable price.
Entry fee: INR 50 (AUD 1)
14. Spituk Monastery
If you’re short on time and looking for a monastery near Leh, Spituk Monastery is located just 7 km from the city, on the other side of the airport and past the Hall of Fame Museum. Although it seems much smaller than other monasteries like Thiksey, it is much less visited and offers a peaceful experience.
The view from the top of the monastery complex is quite picturesque, with a view of Leh city, Leh Palace and the valley towards Stok Kangri. It’s best to visit at sunrise or sunset if you want the perfect light.
There’s a small museum and a few temples around the top of the monastery, where friendly monks will be on hand to guide you.
Entry fee: INR 20 (AUD 0.40)
15. Hemis Monastery
The most important monastery to visit during your time in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is the largest in the region. Although it was officially founded in the 17th century, many believe that it was used as a temple in the 11th century.
It is built in the middle of a gorge in Hemis National Park, with a large courtyard in the center. The buildings are intricately carved in traditional Tibetan techniques and have paintings around the windows and doors. There is also a wonderful museum inside that houses an important collection of Buddhist artifacts and relics.
One of the best times to visit the monastery is during the festival dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, which takes place in June or July every year. It is an incredibly popular event in the Ladakhi calendar and attracts hundreds of people every year.
Hemis is located about an hour’s drive south of Leh on the Leh-Manali highway.
Entry fee: Rs 100 (AU$2)
16. Stoke Monastery
Just outside Leh and across the valley at the foot of Stoke Kangri, Stoke village was home to the royal family of Ladakh, the Namgyals, who fled during the Dogras' invasion. This small settlement is dominated by the old Stoke Monastery, founded by Lama Lawang Lotus in the 14th century.
In front of the monastery is an impressive 71-foot-tall statue of Gautama Buddha, built just 10 years ago, which commands a magnificent view of the village and back towards Leh. A taxi from Leh to Stoke and back will cost around Rs 1,200 (AU$24), which includes waiting time at the monastery and lunch at the homestay.
17. Stay at Gab-Thago Heritage Homestay in Stoke
While the monastery is the main attraction, Stoke village is home to several homestays and local restaurants. I recommend arranging a visit to Gab-Thago Heritage Homestay. This lovely family hosts a daily lunch with a demonstration of local Ladakhi cuisine (with prior arrangements).
From homemade Chang beer to butter tea, veg momos and sky noodle soup, you can sample delicious home-cooked local food. They also have a 200-year-old house behind them where they will take you on a tour to see how previous generations lived.
18. Markha Valley Trek
There are numerous treks in Ladakh, but the most popular one for independent travellers is the Markha Valley Trek. It is easily accessible from Leh and you can do it yourself as there is a good network of homestays along the way. You can also arrange for local taxis to drop and pick you up from the trailheads of Chilling and Shang Samdo.
The trek takes around 4-5 days to complete, which includes crossing the Kangmaru La at an altitude of 5250 meters. This obviously means that you need to be well acclimatized to the weather in Leh before doing this trek.
This is one of the best ways to explore the natural scenery of Ladakh at a slow pace and enjoy the hospitality of the old Tibetan villages. If you are planning to do it yourself, then definitely check out my guide, otherwise you can hire a guide or join a tour from Leh.
19. Sham Valley Trek
If you’re looking for a shorter or easier trek in the region, the Sham Valley Trek is also a popular option. Another homestay adventure starting from Leaky, this trek doesn’t necessarily require a guide and can be done independently like the Markha Valley.
Covering around 30 kilometres in three days and crossing numerous passes at an altitude of around 4,000 metres, it’s still not a walk in the park, and you should have at least a few days before heading to Leh to acclimatise to the weather.
20. Zanskar Valley
The Zanskar Valley is rarely visited by tourists visiting Ladakh. It’s very remote, has basic infrastructure and is a challenging place to reach. However, it is one of the most rewarding places to trek in the entire country.
At high altitude, the Zanskar Valley is located south of Leh in the lower Ladakh region, nestled in a charming rugged mountain range surrounded by ancient Buddhist monasteries. Although it doesn’t seem too far from Leh city, reaching the Zanskar Valley requires a remarkable road trip by bus or shared taxi.
Upon arriving in Padum, located in the heart of Zanskar, you’ll be one of only a handful of tourists to visit the area each year. There are some fascinating old monasteries and palaces to explore, as well as a rewarding trek to the Phuttal Monastery, one of the last such sites in India.
21. Alchi Monastery
Hidden away from the main highway connecting Srinagar to Leh, Alchi Monastery is often forgotten during a trip to Ladakh. However, its strategic location has kept it untouched even during numerous attacks by enemies over the centuries.
Rather than being built on a hilltop like other Ladakh monasteries, the complex is spread out with multiple temples, shrines, assembly halls and a monastery school. The old Buddhist buildings are uniquely carved with wooden details adorning the doors and windows.
However, one of the most important features of this complex is the nearly 900-year-old colorful murals that have remained intact and well-preserved throughout the years inside the temple. Some depict historical events, while others include thousands of images of the Buddha. It is considered one of the most important historical sites in Ladakh.
It is located an hour and a half west of Leh, on the way to Lamayuru and Srinagar.
Entry fee: INR 100 (AU$2)
22. Lamayuru
Along with Hemis Monastery, this stunning complex is one of the most important monasteries in the Ladakh region. This stunning complex is nestled between Srinagar and Leh amidst otherworldly scenery and rocky terrain. The main highway passes through Lamayuru village and the view of the monastery from the road is definitely worth a quick photo before exploring further.
Lamayuru is the oldest monastery in Ladakh, with the central prayer cave dating back to the 11th century. The rest of the complex was built by King Namgyal in the 16th century.
Every year in mid-June or July, Lamayuru hosts an annual festival called Yuru Kabgyat. It is one of the best experiences in Ladakh, attracting Buddhist pilgrims from near and far, as well as many tourists who want to see the famous masked dances.
The villages surrounding the monastery have plenty of guesthouses and restaurants that are open to visitors who want to spend time at the monastery. Lamayuru is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Leh, on the way to Kargil and Srinagar.
Entry fee: INR 100 (AU$2)
23. Tso Moriri
Everyone who travels to Ladakh wants to visit the huge Pangong Lake, but there is another beautiful lake known as Tso Moriri or "mountain lake". It is located at an altitude of 4522 meters on the Changthang Plateau, south of Leh.
The lake and its surrounding area are protected under the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, as it attracts a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and, in rare cases, Tibetan wolves.
The lake is very remote and requires an epic 6-7 hour drive to reach from Leh. There is very limited infrastructure around the lake, but you can find some basic homestay and glamping accommodation in the village of Karjok on the western side of the lake. Any travel agency in Leh will be able to help arrange a jeep and driver to take you to Tso Moriri, but expect it to be expensive.
24. Stok Kangri
For any avid adventurer, one of the best experiences in Ladakh is to climb Stok Kangri. This peak is 6153 meters high, across the valley from Leh town. It is considered the perfect introduction to mountaineering for beginners, requiring very little technical skills or experience. However, it is not for the faint of heart.
The expedition takes between 4-6 days to reach the base camp, starting from Stok village. The main challenge during the Stok Kangri trek is the day of reaching the summit. Trekkers have to endure sub-zero temperatures and walk on glaciers in the dark for about 6-7 hours, then walk along the ridgeline for two hours to reach the actual summit.
It is advisable to spend at least a few days around Leh town before attempting the climb to acclimatize to the climate change. There are a few companies in Leh that can arrange Stok Kangri climbs, most of which are done during the summer.
25. Mulbekh Monastery
Located in the village of Mulbekh, 600 feet above the Leh-Srinagar highway, Mulbekh Monastery is one of the most unique sites in Ladakh. Home to a stunning 30-foot-tall Buddha statue carved into rock, unlike anything else in the region.
Believed to have been built around 800 years ago, it is reached by a steep footpath high above the road. It is just 45 kilometers from Kargil or 260 kilometers from Leh on the incredible road trip between Leh and Kashmir. It is possible to combine Alchi, Lamayuru and Mulbekh in a day-long trip from Leh, or stay in Lamayuru for an overnight trip.
Entry fee: INR 50 (AU$1)
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FAQ: Best Things to Do in Ladakh
Q1. What are the Best Things to Do in Ladakh for first-time visitors?
A1. For first-timers, the Best Things to Do in Ladakh include exploring Leh Palace, visiting Pangong Lake, enjoying a camel ride in Nubra Valley, and witnessing the spiritual Hemis Monastery.
Q2. When is the best time to visit Ladakh?
A2. The best time to visit Ladakh is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and most roads and passes remain open for travel.
Q3. Is Ladakh suitable for adventure activities?
A3. Yes, adventure lovers will find plenty of exciting Best Things to Do in Ladakh, such as trekking, river rafting, mountain biking, and camping beside high-altitude lakes.
Q4. How many days are enough to explore Ladakh?
A4. Ideally, a 7 to 10-day trip is perfect to cover major attractions and enjoy the Best Things to Do in Ladakh without rushing.
Q5. Do I need a permit to visit certain areas in Ladakh?
A5. Yes, visitors require Inner Line Permits for restricted regions like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri Lake.
Note: While planning your trip, keep in mind that Ladakh is a high-altitude destination, so proper climate change is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Always wear warm clothes, even in summer, as the temperature can drop suddenly. Respect the local culture, monasteries, and environment while traveling. To get the most out of your adventure, plan your trip well in advance and include the best things to do in Ladakh for a memorable Himalayan experience.