Things to do & places to visit in Ladakh, India

The landscape of Ladhak, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offering unique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting. While rafting options are available on both Indus and Zanskar rivers, the Zanskar course is more difficult and exciting. The trekking options range from short, day-long walks to visit monuments or monastic settlements to long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. Ladhak celebrates a numbers of monastic festivals - annual events of the major monasteries primarily in winters. The month of September, hosts the Ladhak Festival, that gives a peek into the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage. One can witness the best samples of the region's performing arts, Archery contests and the Ladhak Polo Cup.

Ladakh #19 destination in India 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 21.4k traveler reviews, of 64 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Kolkata, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 8:09.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Pangong Tso (3.561 reviews)
- Heaven on earth is Pangong Tso
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

The lake very huge with different colors at different times of the day, plan to visit in early hours as it gets chilly winds after 17:00 and one cannot stay near Pangong lake. Those who are panning to stay near this place should book accommodation in wooden cottage as normal tents won't protect you from spine chilling cold during night time. There will be no power after 22:00 so charge your electronic devices before hand or carry power banks. Moreover there will be no mobile network (Jio, Airtel or BSNL) available in this area so plan accordingly. See more..
5.0 Dras War Memorial (467 reviews)
- Kargil War Memorial
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

I visited this while on my bike ride to Pangong lake. Its on Srinagar-Ladakh road. Here, everyday is like 15 Aug and 26 Jan, filled with patriotism, love and emotions. For me, it was like a pilgrimage site. Some parts were closed for maintenance work. Some of the peaks where Kargil war was fought, is clearly visible from here. A documentary is shown at regular intervals for the visitors. A must visit place for everyone. Artillery n fighter aircraft used in during Kargil war is also displayed here. See more..
5.0 Tso Moriri (345 reviews)
- Travelled with parents
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

We travelled to tso moriri directly from pangong.. Though its a long lonely route but was worth it. I suggest you take this route only if you have either a local driver or you are travelling in a big group.. The lake itself was too beautiful.. Iam myself not a big fan of view points but the one at tso moriri changed my view becaise the lake looked beautifil from that view point. Tha lake looks totally different from all sides and at all times of the day.. The place was really really cold.. So plan to stay in tents only if you are going in summer months.. We got to see so many beautiful places on the way from pangong to tso moriri.. Must go place while you are in leh ladakh See more..
5.0 Hunderman village (22 reviews)
- Indo Pak Border..
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place is about 10-15 kms from Kargil Town. You can get a taxi for between 800-1000 bucks to take you to and fro and wait for an hour.. One can see Pakistani border establishments through a binoculars and the border village, which was deserted by the Pakistan people.. Very eerie and quaint.. See more..
5.0 Phuktal Monastery (14 reviews)
- Majestic Monastery - Detour from Darcha Lamayuru Trek
Religious Sites

Was trekking from Darcha to Lamayuru when got to know about this monastery, not on the way, but a bit of detour from Purne. We took the detour and are still thankful for that ! Nestled in a big cave of huge mountain, only way to reach is to hike in a beautiful valley along with Tsarap Chu river, gigantic gorges on both sides. Hike up the monastery is a bit strenuously uphill but totally worth it, views are magnificent and so is the monastery from inside. One can make out how ancient the monastery is from the rustic routes, gompas and the main prayer room which is truly majestic. Stay is either in a small guest house (Rs.700/night) maintained by Lhamas or pitch a tent for Rs. 150/night Shorter route from Leh is to drive till Padum (via kargil) and another taxi ride till Enmu from Padum, from Enmu it is few hours hike to Phukgal Gompa. Longer and more beautiful route is 10 day trek from Darcha (near Manali ) See more..
5.0 Shargole Monastery (7 reviews)
- Perched in the heart of a granite cliff
Architectural Buildings

Shargole Monastery is situated in Shargole village which lies 10 km ahead of Mulbekh in the Ladakh ben route Kargil. The cantilever monastery can be seen from the verandah of this monastery. See more..
5.0 Karsha Gompa (5 reviews)
- Karsha Monastery in Padum - Zanskar Valley
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited Karsha Gompa on advise of owner of the guest house, where we met a Chomo (Buddhist nun). It is a comfortable drive, close to the entrance of monstery and then one has to climb up stairs to move on higher floors. Monastery is very beautiful from inside and has huge number of old scriptures/ books. It is better to take guidance from Lamas inside the monastery who are willing to help you. The scenic beauty outside this monastery is equally stunning, which is a boon for photographers. See more..
5.0 Apati buddha statue (4 reviews)
- Untouched & Rerely Unexplored Statue
Historic Sites

The Buddha statue is less promoted by J & K Tourism. Few local boys can guide you to reach the untouched place near Shankoo village. The statue similar to Mubbek statue "The Future Buddha" See more..
5.0 Cave Monastery (4 reviews)
- A visual treat
Architectural Buildings

The shargole monastery looks suspended from the cliff. 35 Kms from Kargil town, Its a must visit place on way to leh See more..
4.5 Hall of Fame (1.787 reviews)
- Proud patriotic well-labelled museum honouring our defence personnel.
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Gives one Goosebumps to witness the Defence gallantry! Ticket window closes for like much till 2:30PM , charges per head are 250 ₹. Earlier the same tickets could be used for Zorawar Fort within a week. Not any more . Also remember that too ekting charges are payable only by Card . Yes, an ex-service MA’M can be hired as a guide by a group of five for an extra 500. Another tip is to take the roun from the opposite direction , because every one rushes to the right side room & it becomes too congested there. For mobiles & cameras extra charge are levied. The washroom is clean in the far corner nd of the car parking . Also the Aroma Cafe is a good place to spend your waiting time . See more..
4.5 Thiksey Monastery (1.756 reviews)
- Must Visit
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

It is located on top of a hill in Thiksey approximately 19 kilometres (12 mi) east of Leh in Ladakh, India. It is a twelve-storey complex and houses many items of Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and swords. One of the main attractions of Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Temple See more..
4.5 Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers (1.584 reviews)
- Surreal and peaceful
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a must visit spot on your Ladakh sojourn - but only if it’s not buzzing with tourists. We were thankful to be by the river banks when it was near empty. If you wish to get the view you see in images, make sure to stop on your way down to the point. The view from the top is better, and feels more surreal. But being at the confluence point has a magic associated with getting to dip toes in the waters. The pictures do not lie about the striking contrast in colours between the two rivers - they really look magnificent together. See more..
4.5 Gurdwara Pathar Sahib (1.289 reviews)
- Experience spiritual bliss
Friday: 4:30 AM - 7:00 PM Religious Sites

Do visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. Experience Guru Nanak Dev-ji as his body shape is imprinted in the stone. Pay your respects and gain some blessings from the great Guru Nanak-ji. Experience the food in the langar and consider yourself blessed. See more..
4.5 Diskit Gompa (878 reviews)
- Amazing View
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

Diskit Monastery also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. The Diskit monastery is situated on the hill, just above the flood plains of the Shyok River, on its right bank in the Diskit village (3,144 metres (10,315 ft)) in Nubra Valley. Nubra River is a tributary of the Shyok River, which flows parallel to the Indus River on the northern side of the Ladakh Range. This impressive 32 metre (106 foot) statue on top of a hill below the monastery, faces down the Shyok River towards Pakistan. The statue's construction was started in April 2006 and it was consecrated by the Dalai Lama on 25 July 2010 See more..
4.5 Nubra Valley (806 reviews)
- Beautiful cold desert with lot of cold waves
Valleys

Nubra valley is village which has cold desert and sand dunes are a must visit in Nubra Valley. We can do some adventure sports at nubra valley like zipline, ATV vehicle ride, Bactrian camel ride. Camel ride take you on the dunes it is charged 300 per person and one has to take a token from counter located near parking area. See more..
4.5 Alchi Monastery (771 reviews)
- A 10th Century Monastery. Well Maintained and Peaceful.
Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Religious Sites

Alchi Monastery was built in the 10th century . A very clean and well maintained place . Entry ticket Rs 100 per person . Camera and mobile phones are not allowed inside the premises ,have to be kept in a locker at the entrance . It features ancient paintings and has several shrines with huge statues /figurines each dedicated to an avatar of Lord Buddha ...eg the Lord of compassion ,the lord of wisdom . Due to the seepage on walls many paintings have been damaged . Still its worth visiting to know about the glorious history of Buddhism . See more..
4.5 Shanti Stupa (723 reviews)
- Abode of peace
Religious Sites

Though I have visited here a few years ago, this time I hiked up by way of preparation for an upcoming trek through Ladakh. So I followed the back alleys and dirt road behind my homestay to soak up the singular experience of an early summer morning walk. There are now pretty wooden benches outside near the parking area for one to enjoy the views of the mountains while listening to the chanting going on inside. The ticket costs a mere Rs30 for anyone wishing to visit inside and the opening hours are from 7am to 8pm. Certainly not to be missed! See more..
4.5 Sand Dunes Leisure Park (716 reviews)
- Cold Desert
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Amidst the sand-dunes of an eco village and the natural sea buckthorn jungle and on the banks of a great river. See more..
4.5 Khardung La (679 reviews)
- Worlds Second Highest Motorable hill.
Scenic Drives

I was there on 21,st of Aug. Border roads made this pass reachable by vehicle. All motorists adventures ends here there programme by taking photos. Very chilly weather.Oxygen is very less. I booked my tour from Chennai through "TRIVOYA TRAVEL SOLUTIONS" The altitude is around 18000 feet MSL. There is a khardungla cafe which is at 18300 feet. Worlds highest cafe. There is a Buddha temple at Khardungla. Tri colour shines at this Highest motorable peak. All the three sides covered with snow bound mountaibs and valleys. One must go and see. Asthmatic and Heart patients please avoid this place. Most Enjoyable place. See more..
4.5 Changla Pass (376 reviews)
- Mighty Changla Pass
Scenic Drives

I visited this on my solo bike ride to Pangong lake. It's on Leh - Pangong road and world's second highest pass. Snow can be seen here throughout the year. Don't stay here for more than half an hour as it may cause High Altitude Sickness. A cafeteria is there that charges everything double. A temple "Changla Baba Sthal" is there, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It feels great being here on this mighty pass. See more..
4.5 Likir Monastery (292 reviews)
- Peaceful, scenic and beautiful
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

Located on the hills and is near the indus river. Very scenic surroundings. From the top one gets very scenic view of the surroundings. Its a very peaceful and serene place See more..
4.5 Hemis Monastery (277 reviews)
- Beautiful and monastery ever seen
Religious Sites

After a drive of an hour and a half over 45 kms of smooth road from Leh and crossing the Indus river, we came to a new experience at the Hemis Monastery, where history challenges the myths associated with the place. Placed on the precipice of a barren and rugged mountain, this huge monastery is a repository of rare documents and artefacts, part of which is housed in a well maintained Museum for the tourist. Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to see the museum. The main block houses the statues of the Lord Buddha in all it’s glory , along with that of a revered Guru Rinpoche ie. Padmasambhava, the reincarnate of Buddha. The large courtyard facing the main block, with the museum to its left, is the place where the Hemis dance faistival are held. You can find short history of the monastery below the tall flagstaff for the tourist to appreciate and learn more about the Tantric Vajjrayana linage and teaching adopted there. It’s a must visit spot with not less then half a day in hand See more..
4.5 Lamayuru Monastery (Yuru Gompa) (248 reviews)
- Landscape, monastery and nearby restaurant - serene
Religious Sites

Visited here because of the landscape and because my guide followed this particular sect. It is as spectacular as photos portray. We arrived around lunch time so had lunch and watched the world go by and listened to the chants from a wedding ceremony happening below. The monastery is another where photos aren't allowed inside but there is enough to capture outside as the exterior is colourful and interesting. Plus - when we were there the monks were practicing their exercises- dance routine martial arts style. Very friendly place, inviting and charming. Lucky to be there for sunset. See more..
4.5 Tanglang La (228 reviews)
- Second Highest Mountain Pass.
Scenic Drives

We travelled from Manali to Leh on NH3 and passed through Rohtang Pass, Nakeela Pass, Lachungla Pass and Tanglang La pass which is the 2nd high mountain pass in the world and lies at an elevation of 5328 meters (17480 feet). At Tanglang La we can see Very beautiful scenic views. It is quite windy over there. See more..
4.5 Namgyal Tsemo Monastery (191 reviews)
- Amazing view from the Top
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

Directly above Leh you can find this wonderful Monastery. If you walk from Leh Palace, it’s just a few minutes up the hill. It would be a good tracking from Leh Palace to this monastery. The monastery has two parts- the large two storey (8m) statue of the Maitreya Buddha with Avalokitesvara (right) and Manjusri (Left) and a smaller temple above. The view was totally worth. We felt very serene calm at the top, away from the hustle and bustle of Leh Town. The scenery is stunning with the fluttering prayer flags. See more..
4.5 Hunder Sand Dunes (159 reviews)
- What a wonderful evening I had
Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Walking Areas

After taking a 5 hour drive to Hunder Nubr Valley through a bad road it was so soothing to see the place. It was worth that drive and time. It seems Hunder is the only place where you get to see double huntch camel. Sun set was amazingly beautiful and pleasant and I am going to visit it again for sure specialy with my kids as this place is excellent for kids too See more..
4.5 Prayer Wheel (155 reviews)
- Prayer wheel - A divine experience
Points of Interest & Landmarks

As per Buddhist, Spinning a wheel one round is equal to counting of 108 rudraksh mala thread. Great divine experience See more..
4.5 Stakna Monastery (114 reviews)
- Stakna Bridge view in Winter
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Stakna Bridge in winter remains solitude. You can enjoy here in sunny times ( mid-day), where you can heard ice-cracklings. Stakna Bridge is one of the fascinating bridge. It is free of hustle bustle as compared to others bridges in Ladakh. Tourists visits the place in summer times but it doesn't get crowdy. Visit & Enjoy! ❤️ See more..
4.5 Lamayuru (113 reviews)
- Perfect for Bike ride.
Religious Sites

Hall of fame, Magnetic hill, Alchi etc you will visit on the way. It was one of the best roads for biking. The surroundings, landscapes, hills all are contributing to its beauty. Simply superb. See more..
4.5 Zanskar the Virgin Valley (109 reviews)
- Vintage Valley !!! Majestic Views !!!
Valleys

I went to this Mesmerising Valley on 25th April 2016 and enjoyed a lot, the whole journey throughout the day was absolutely stunning, the roads are well laid and maintained by BRO (Border Road Organisation), I read a wonderful saying mentioned in a BRO board, "God created Ladakh and we connect it to the rest of the World" - BRO. Hat's off to BRO and my humble salute to all the Army jawans doing duty in the border area and protecting us from the enemies, thanks a lot for everything, loving you so much, peacefully yours. See more..