ladakh trip guide

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Spectacularly jagged, arid mountains enfold this magical Buddhist ex-kingdom. Picture-perfect gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) dramatically crown rocky outcrops next to fluttering prayer flags and whitewashed stupas, while prayer wheels spun clockwise release merit-making mantras. Gompa interiors are a riot of golden Buddhas and intricately colourful murals and home to red-robed monks. It's a little corner of Tibet marooned in the furthest reaches of India.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Bearing a passing similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured edifice is Leh's dominant structure and architectural…

Thiksey Gompa

Glorious Thiksey Gompa is one of Ladakh’s biggest and most recognisable monasteries, photogenically cascading down a raised rocky promontory. At its heart…

Choskhor Temple Complex

The original murals and statues within these four outwardly modest 11th-century temples are considered the crowning glory of Ladakh’s Indo-Tibetan art…

Wanla Gompa

Above Wanla village, tiny medieval Wanla Gompa is dramatically perched on a towering knife-edge ridge flanked by two shattered tower remnants of a now…

Leh Old Town

Behind Leh’s central Jamia Masjid, winding alleys and stairways burrow between and beneath a series of old mud-brick Ladakhi houses and eroded chortens…

Yungdrung Gompa

Lamayuru's gompa is one of the most photogenic Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Behind glass within the gompa’s main prayer hall is a tiny cave-niche in…

Spituk Gompa

Founded in the late 14th century as See-Thub (Exemplary) Monastery, impressive Spituk Gompa surveys the Sengye Tsangpo (Indus) Valley, with surreal views…

Shanti Stupa

Dominating Leh from a high, rocky ridge, this gigantic white spired pudding of a stupa was built between 1983 and 1991 by Japanese monks to promote world…

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Ladakh and beyond

The ultimate travel guide to Ladakh

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on August 25, 2023

Ladakh is a remote place belonging to a northern Indian state, which for some reason doesn’t receive as many tourists as the rest of the country.

I was wondering: Why is that i wonder? This region is a bit remote and of difficult access. Normally, people don’t know about it or haven’t even heard of it. Why? Maybe it’s because Hindu culture can’t be enjoyed here, which is one of the mains reasons for going to India.

So what can you do and find in there? Ladakh is basically a Himalayan region where authentic Tibetan people live in. It’s often called the little Tibet, and for the Indians themselves, this is the best spot where to spend their vacations in India. Why? In India chaos rules, it’s overpopulated and there’s traffic everywhere.

Ladakh is a different place which differs from all these stereotypes. Here you find peace and silence, which combined with the stunning Himalayan landscape and the  Tibetan culture visible in every corner, sometimes you may even forget that you are actually in India.

That being said,  the following Travel guide to Ladakh aims to provide you with detailed travel tips such as prices, accommodation, and transportation, as well as an overview of the main things to do and see, so you know what to expect upon your arrival in Ladakh.

If you are seeking more in-depth and detailed information, I recommend you to find inspiration on any of the following posts:

Markha Valley Trek, the ultimate budget guide Tibetan culture in Ladakh: Buddhism and gompas A guide to Tibetan food in Ladakh Khardung La: Driving over the highest road the world on a scooter

Ladakh is a region that belongs to the Indian state Jammu and Kashmir, which extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himlayas .

The whole area of Ladakh is located at a very high altitude. Its capital, Leh, is at 3,500 meters above sea level, and has a large number of peaks reaching over 6,000 meters

Here you find:

Top things to do in Ladakh The people Travel Insurance for Ladakh Language Religion Food Alcohol How much does it cost Trekking Transportation Altitude sickness Safety Visa When to go Get in Money Internet

Top things to do in Ladakh

Ladakh might be a small region within India, but it’s actually double the size of Switzerland. Nevertheless, the unpopulated mountains occupy most part of it. In my opinion, the  top things to do and see in Ladakh are:

If you arrive by plane, the capital is going to be your first destination. Leh is a fantastic place to explore. Leh palace, the most iconic building of the city, is definitely worth a visit. You can also watch the sunset from Shanti stupa, visit Tibetan refugee markets or simply wander around its narrow alleys and streets.

In Leh, you will get a first glimpse of what Tibetan culture   is like.

Nubra Valley

A vast sea of sand dunes in the Himalaya itself. Can you believe it? Nubra Valley is a desert similar to those of Arabia but located at 4,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Himalayan range. Here you also find two-humped hairy camels.

Tibetans claim that the origin of this desert comes from Tethys , a sea from the depths from which the Himalayas are supposed to have risen.

Khardung La

This is nothing less than the highest motorable road in the world . It connects Leh with Nubra Valley and its highest point passes over 5,600 meters.

Pangong Tso Lake

A lake located at 4,350m above sea level which extends across India and China. People go to this lake to see the stunning landscape and for hiking.

Chemrey gompa

In my opinion, the most beautiful gompa out there in Ladakh, having been built and perfectly shaped on the top of a steep hill. Looking at it is merely impressive.

Tso Moriri Lake

The highest lake in Ladakh (4,522m) and one of the most beautiful ones owing to its surroundings, green pastures and white peaks

Thiksey gompa

Though the most touristic gompa , this fortification is almost like a small town. It has shops, restaurants, a hotel and a huge monk community living there.

Learning Tibetan culture

Ladakh is the place in the world where Tibetan culture is more accessible. Whereas foreigners have always had restrictions when going to Tibet, in Ladakh you can talk freely, walk around and go wherever you want. If you want to know more about it, I suggest you read this post about Tibetan culture in Ladakh .

Hemis gompa

If you travel to Ladakh during July, Hemis monastery is a must to visit since it’s where the Hemis Festival takes place, a popular festival famous for its masked parade. It’s one of the most sacred rituals in Ladakh.

Hiking around the unique Himalayan range of Ladakh is one of the biggest highlights of the trip. There are an endless number of treks adapted for any kind of traveler. For more information, check on the Trekking section of this guide .

Keep reading: Kashmir Travel Guide

Getting off the beaten track

Ladakh region is already off the path, but during high season (July & August), some spots may get busy. Places like Leh, popular gompas , Khardung La pass and Nubra Valley are probably among the most crowded ones.

If you want to avoid the crowds, Pangong Tso Lake and  Tso Moriri Lake are the perfect options. Trekking is also a good way to get off the beaten track, even in popular treks like Markha Valley .

Last, if you are renting a vehicle,  driving the empty roads of Ladakh is an awesome experience and there are endless unexplored villages where you can randomly stop and look around. I suggest you drive to Chemrey and explore the surrounding area.

By the way, if you decide to visit popular gompas like Thiksey or Hemis, it’s better to go in the afternoon or early evening to avoid the crowds.

The people: the Ladakhis

Ladakhis are both ethnically and linguistically close to Tibetans. During the 8th century, a royal Tibetan annexed the region to himself and as a consequence, a huge number of Tibetans came and established roots there.

In addition, in the past decades, after the invasion of China, thousands of Tibetans have been seeking refuge in Ladakh. Ladakhis are kind people always willing to help or establish a conversation.

Ladakhis neither look like Indians nor feel like Indians. I turned out that i was in Ladakh during Indian Independence Day. In India, this day is quite a big deal, but in Ladakh, it was just a normal day like any other one. Yes, there were a few flags hanged from a few balconies, but that’s it. They told me they don’t feel Indian. Nevertheless, don’t get confused and think that they don’t get along with the rest of the country. In fact, they are really happy with the Indian government because it gives them a significant level of autonomy and freedom.

Travel Insurance for Ladakh

Like any trekking destination, traveling with proper travel insurance is a must.

In the mountains, you can get injured very easily and, if you got seriously injured, you may have to be rescued.

Therefore, I always recommend World Nomads , as it is the only company that provides with unlimited medical coverage plus it covers a big bunch of adventure activities. For example, the basic plan already covers for trekking up to 6,000 meters.

Get your free quote here

Ladakhi is the most common language used across the region and it’s merely a Tibetan dialect . Additionally, Hindi and Urdu are widely used among educated people.

Some useful Tibetan words are:

Hello:  Jullay How are you?:  Khamzang ina-le? Thank you: Jullay – Same as ”Hello”. Literal translation would be ”Greetings” You’re welcome:  O’-Jullay I am sorry:   Gongspa salazad Excuse me:  Gongspa salazad – Getting attention

English in Ladakh

I think Ladakh is one of the places in Asia where English is more widely spoken. In cities and larger towns, almost everybody speaks a fairly comprehensible English. But the surprising thing came on the day when, while driving with my scooter, I randomly stopped to take a picture of an old peasant lady who was collecting wheat. I approached her and kindly asked her if I could take a picture. Then she told me in  English: ”Can I see it?”. I was shocked. We started to talk and she even gave me her address so I could send her the picture.

OK, her English was not great, but if you guys have ever traveled around Asia you will understand what am I talking about. It was the first time ever I could establish a conversation with a random peasant in Asia.

Since most of the population is Tibetan, Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion in Ladakh and it plays a key role Ladakhi everyday life. According to a monk I met, families turn at least one of their sons in to Buddhism. Strong Buddhist faith can be felt across all Ladakh, in every village and in every monastery, and that is definitely one of the highlights when traveling to Ladakh.

Nevertheless, a large  Muslim population also lives in this region, especially in the area bordering Kashmir Valley.

Tibetan Food

Food in Ladakh is sort of unique and that’s why I thought it should deserve an extensive separate post. Click here to read about what Tibetan cuisine is like in Ladakh .

Alcohol in Ladakh

Sadly, alcohol in Ladakh is sort of a sensitive topic and it’s not widely available. Apparently, there’s been some issues with alcohol and nowadays it’s quite regulated. You can find it, but only in a few places.

Bars and restaurants have to pay huge fees and mostly can’t afford them. Nevertheless, please don’t start crying yet. There are loads of restaurants who serve it illegally (or unofficially, like they like to call it). They bring it inside paper bags and instead of a glass you get a coffee cup.

Typically they just serve beer and two brands are available: King Fisher , a 5.5% beer brewed in Bangalore which I personally don’t like it because it doesn’t have much gas and God Father , which is the Kashmir state local beer. The label claims to have 8% alcohol but it’s not true. It’s a very light beer but then I realized that the label actually says: maximum 8%. Strange, right?

Note: Remember that Ladakh is a high altitude region and therefore you get drunk way quicker. It can be fun, I know. But if you are having a headache or you are not sure about your acclimatization, you had better stay away from it.

How much will cost you traveling to Ladakh?

While Ladakh is a cheap destination, according to Indians it’s the most expensive place within India. Let me tell you what’s the cost of the most typical things:

Accommodation

I have never in my life seen as many guesthouses as in Leh. There’s a guest house on absolutely every street and corner. That’s the way locals make a living. Please note that these prices refer to high season (summer).

Budget option: You can find very basic rooms for as cheap as 500-800 rupees per night. Normally, these guest houses won’t have internet, and other than a thin mattress and a toilet you won’t get anything else. Nevertheless, most of them have a beautiful garden where you can read, relax or have breakfast. A lot of budget guest houses may be found in Karza road, just 5 minutes away from the city center. I don’t think so you need to book in advance. I found one very quickly during the busiest season in August.

More comfortable option: If you are looking for a slightly better option with a comfortable mattress and wifi, you can find rooms for 1,600 rupees. I stayed one night in Shaolin guest house . Mattresses were superb and they had quite a nice common area with pillows. The staff is a lovely and kind Tibetan family. They speak perfect English. They have a garden as well. It’s a bit far from the busy city center, which means that there’s complete silence.

In restaurants where locals eat, meals typically cost between 60 and 100 rupees. In more touristy (and hygienic) restaurants, meals start at 180 rupees, depending on what you order. Water costs 30 rupees per liter and coffee 50 rupees.

For a half liter beer, you will pay an average price of 170 rupees.

Transportation

Private taxis within Leh: Short taxi rides cost around 200 rupees.

Private taxis to other places in Ladakh: Prices vary depending on where you go. Round trip to Nubra Valley costs 6,800 rupees. Khardung La costs 2,600 rupees and Pnagon Lake, 9,500 rupees. Prices are standard and set by the Ladakh government. They shouldn’t charge you more. Please note that all agencies have shared taxi service and they help you out finding other people to share the car with.

Shared local taxis: Using the local transportation is the cheapest way to move around. For example, going from Leh to Thiksey (20km) costs as cheap as 100 rupees.  For more information, check on the How to move around  section of this guide .

Scooter rental:  Price per day for renting a scooter is 800 rupees. By the way, gas costs 70 rupees per liter.

Motorbike rental: Big bikes cost 1,300 rupees per day. If you are planning to rent it for a long term, I met a guy who managed to pay only 800 a day for a full month rental.

Entrance fees

Entrance fees to gompas cost either 0 or 50 rupees. The only expensive fee I ever paid was when I went to Leh Palace (300 rupees).

Do you need to tip?

You are not forced to tip, but people involved in tourism might expect a tip from you. According to locals, both guide and porters may expect a $1-$2 tip per day. But again, tipping is not mandatory.

Minimum average price per day

Accommodation: Budget single room: 700 rupees

Food: Local breakfast + Lunch in a local restaurant + Dinner in a touristy restaurant: 60 + 80 + 220 = 360 rupees

Beer: 2 beers: 340 rupees

Transportation: Scooter rental + 2 liters of gas: 800 + 140 = 940 rupees

Miscellaneous:  Water + snacks + personal care products =  300 rupees

Total price = 700 + 360 + 340 + 940 + 300 = 2,640 rupees = 40$ a day

Trekking in Ladakh

Hiking the deserted and remote mountains of Ladakh is one of the best trekking experiences you will ever have, and this is not only my opinion but experienced trekkers who said that the Himalayan range of Ladakh is the wildest, most stunning and dramatic you can ever encounter.

Which trek should I choose?

This is a very good question. First, you need to ask yourself: How many days do I want to be trekking? Do I want to sleep in homestays or in a tent? Do I want to go independently or with a guide? Do I want to see people and experience Tibetan culture or just landscape?

There are a lot of different treks which can be adapted to any kind of need. Once you are in Leh, you should go to each and every agency and ask for all options and details. Nevertheless, here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular hikes in Ladakh:

Markha Valley (4 to 9 days): This is the most flexible and adaptable one. It has both culture and amazing landscape. Some sections are pretty challenging. The highest point is 5,200 meters. You can complete the trek in just 4-5 days depending on from where you start. Markha Valley may be one of the most popular treks in Ladakh but still, it is way more authentic than most of the treks offered in Nepal.

Nubra Valley trek (2 to 6 days):  One of the least frequented treks. There are no home-stays and you need to bring your own camping equipment.

Rumtse to Tsomoriri Trek (8 Days Trek) : Local guides claim that this is their favorite trek. It’s characterized by arid plain mountains, nomads and amazing high altitude lakes, the most famous being  Tsokar & Tso Moriri.

Spituk to Matho (3-4 days) : One of the shortest treks and just perfect for those seeking something moderate. This trek goes through Hemis National Park, a place where snow leopards have been spotted.

Lamayuru to Darcha Trek (18 days) : This is one of the longest treks, yet one of the richest in terms of culture. It passes by a big number of Tibetan villages and monasteries, the most famous being Phuktal, a gompa located literally in a waterfall.

Do you need a guide or agency?

First of all, I just want to tell you that there’s no need for booking a trekking tour in advance from your home country . Booking a tour in Leh is significantly cheaper and there are literally dozens of trekking agencies looking desperately for trekking groups. Don’t worry, you won’t miss your trek.

Second of all, you might be wondering… Do I actually need a guide? Or can I do it on my own? That mainly depends on your level of expertise. Me for example, I am not a beginner but I am also not an expert. If I had to go on a 10 days trek on my own, having to bring my own camping equipment and cooking my own food, I would probably starve to death. I don’t know about coordinates or how to use a compass. On the other hand, if a trek has plenty of homestays and a clear route to follow (like Markha Valley for example), then I would feel comfortable to do it on my own.

My suggestion? Trekking agencies are very helpful and they don’t hesitate in providing you with all the information you need. You can ask them whether it’s feasible or not to do it on your own. They will give you the itinerary and all details and then you just make your own judgment.

How to choose the right agency in 4 easy steps

Step 1: Go to 10 trekking agencies and ask for all trekking options and details

Step 2: Once you have decided which trekking are you going to do, ask for prices and choose the 3 cheapest agencies

Step 3: Ask these 3 agencies if the guide who will you trek with is actually a local from Ladakh. When summer comes, some Indians from other regions come to Ladakh to work as guides. Dismiss agencies without a Ladakhi guide. An actual local guide will be a richer experience.

Step 4: Say that you would like to meet the guide in person. Choose the agency with the guide you get best along with.

If you want to know more in depth about prices, accommodation, itinerary, etc., I have written a very detailed guide containing all you need to know to complete the Markha Valley trek .

How to move around: Transportation

Public transportation as such doesn’t exist in Ladakh. Main ways to move around are:

Private taxi

Within Leh , taxi is the only way to move around. Please note that Leh is built on a hill and distances are not short. If you got into Leh by plane, first you need to acclimatize to the high altitude before starting to ascend Leh streets. If your guest house is close to the city center then that’s fine. But if not, on the first day, I strongly recommend you take a cab every time you go back to your guest house. Trust me, I know it by experience. On my first day, I started walking up and down and got a strong headache by the end of the day. For more information, check out High altitude sickness section

For traveling  outside of Leh , any guest house or trekking agency can arrange a taxi for you. Prices are standard, therefore there’s no place for negotiation. Moreover, all trekking agencies offer shared taxi service with other tourists. They just find them for you. The downside of it is that finding someone else might take a while. I suggest you ask as many agencies as possible until you find a full taxi.

Local shared taxi

Local transportation in Ladakh consists of small vans where people go all squeezed up inside. It’s the cheapest way to move around and can be found pretty much everywhere. In Leh, there’s one station right at the city entrance. They are quite effective if you are planning to go to other villages or gompas . The bad side of it, is that they usually don’t go to remote touristic places like Nubra Valley or Khardung La.

Renting a vehicle

All sorts of vehicles are available for rental at many agencies in Leh. I traveled around the region by scooter, but if you really want to enjoy the roads of Ladakh and want to drive further, you should definitely get one of the big bikes that can be found everywhere.

High altitude sickness

Getting sick due to high altitude is such a common issue among most travelers that come to Ladakh, especially those who come by plane. Leh is already located at 3,500m above sea level. If you come by plane, the altitude change is too drastic and your body doesn’t have time to acclimatize. Almost everybody I met, suffered a headache at least during the first couple of days. The first day you arrive in Leh, just rest and don’t make any efforts or you’ll get sick.

While trekking, high altitude sickness may be an important issue. Here’s a detailed article on medical advice .

Is it safe to travel to Ladakh?

Yes, Ladakh is a safe place to travel to. Kashmir state has been a turbulent region since India acquired its independence in 1947. Why? Because it has been heavily disputed with Pakistan and there have been multiple insurgencies and protests that involved numerous deaths.

However, Ladakh has always stayed away from all this. There has never been any signs of terrorism or violent protests. Tension has fundamentally taken place in the Kashmir Valley, located in the western part of the state, bordering Pakistan.

How do you get a visa?

A regular Indian visa is required to travel to Ladakh. You can get a 30 days tourist visa by filling the application form in this link .

For most nationalities, visa fee is $45. After payment, it takes less than a day to receive the visa.

When to go: the weather

Summer (June to mid-September):  Summer is high season in Ladakh. During the day the sun is very harsh and it gets pretty hot. At night, temperatures drop and the weather is pleasant. Snow has completely melted except on the highest peaks. This is the best season for trekking.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (mid-September to November):  Snow starts melting and days become pleasant. Nights are still cold, though. Restaurants start opening (or start closing in autumn) and some mountains are already feasible to hike. The best of it is that you won’t see many tourists around.

Winter (November to March:  Ladakh is completely covered by snow and temperatures are always below 0. Roads to Ladakh are closed, which means the only way to get in is by plane. Restaurants and guest houses are practically all closed. There are a few trekkings which go over a frozen lake, but other than that, hiking during this season is not advisable, as weather is highly unpredictable.

How to get in

The are daily flights from both Delhi or Mumbai to Leh. Landing in Leh is one of the most memorable landings I’ve ever experienced, as you basically fly over the Himalayan range, and then you approach through the Indo Valley.

Getting into Ladakh by land is only possible between June and mid-October . During the rest of the year, roads remain closed. There are two main places  to come from:

Srinagar: Located 434km from Leh, this journey is a trip in itself because it goes through three high mountains passes: Zozi La (3528m), Namki La (3815m) and Fotu La (4108m). Everybody says that this is an unforgettable experience, as you get to see some of the most dreamy views ever. However, the trip may take up to 24 hours, but normally the bus stops halfway between both destinations so to spend the night.

Manali: This is the second route, and instead of coming from the west, you come in from the south. Manali is located 479km from Leh. This road goes through Tang La pass, which is above 5,300 meters.

Ladakh belongs to India and therefore Indian rupees  are the official currency used.

1 US Dollar = 66 Indian Rupees

Cash, credit cards and ATM

In case you are wondering, in Leh at least I counted 5 different ATMs but I wouldn’t rely on them too much. Bring extra cash just in case. You can pay with credit card only in expensive hotels. By the way, outside of Leh doesn’t even dream to find a connection.

Currency exchanging

In Leh, there are plenty of exchange offices and are open until 10pm at least. Exchange rates are good, around 62-63. Outside of Leh it is unlikely to be able to exchange.

Internet signal is really bad in Ladakh. Even in expensive cafes or hotels in Leh, signal is unstable. You won’t be able to connect every day.

10 comments

Hey Joan, Really useful information.The details about People, Language, Religion, Food, Trekking, and Transportation of Ladakh.Thanks for sharing valuable information with us.

Thanks, enjoy Ladakh!

Very Nice information. We got just 7 days. Best option would be flying into Leh than moving around by scooter?

Hi Tiago, yes, that is what I did!

Many thanks Joan, great article. I have a question for you: I’m torn between the Ripchar Valley trek and the Markha Valley trek – I love the idea of remoteness, so a bit worried about how popular Markha is and how busy. On the other hand, I’m not sure how beautiful Ripchar Valley is vs Markha. Any insights? Cheers

Hi Edu, I have never been to Ripchar Valley, so I can’t tell

I’m so amazed by the detail of your page here. It really is an ultimate guide to Ladakh! I just did my first research and more to come! Thank you!

Hey Joan, Thanks for sharing all of that information! Although, I do need to mention that your description of the wifi in Leh is very inaccurate. The telecom provider Airtel now offers fiber optic wifi in Leh. I just ran a speed test while using the network at my guest house and got a download speed of 159 mbps, an upload speed of 95 mbps, a latency value of 13 and a jitter value of 3. Those are great network performance metrics even by first world standards.

Hi Joan, I’m sure it always changes, however as a current update, I came from Srinigar to Leh by local bus mid July. We left Srinagar at 7am and arrived Leh at 9pm. No overnight stop in Kargil, just two 30mins meal breaks along the way. Same driver the whole way who seemed to remain perky. Thanks for your detailed guides as always. It’s nice to have honest info for the lesser traveled paths. So many of us get lost in clickbait travel sites these days. Cheers.

Hi Joan, We are planning to go there July 2024. Do you see any political tensions or protests going on there for its statehood? Just want to check the safety before planning anything. THanks a lot

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Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh in North India

Ladakh is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Located in the far northern corner of the Indian Himalayas, the rugged and remote region is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. While hilltops are dotted with crumbling ancient monasteries and valley floors are decorated by irrigated green crops and tiny villages.

It’s a region that promises a great adventure, sitting at a lofty 3,500m+. From high altitude lakes, to trekking between remote villages, there’s so many memorable and otherworldly experiences and places to explore in this corner of the world.

I’ve now visited Ladakh twice; spending nearly six weeks each time based in Leh. Based on my own experience, I’ve decided to put together this comprehensive travel guide to Ladakh, with absolutely everything you need to know about travelling to Leh and beyond.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

Overview of Ladakh

Ladakh covers the far northern extent of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. Technically, the broader Ladakh region is also partly in Pakistan, which is known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Together, Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan are culturally, ethnically and historically very similar.

Ladakh was part of the former Tibetan Kingdom and is still home to a predominantly Buddhist population today. This means that the culture, language, food, atmosphere and architecture of the region are completely different to what you might find elsewhere in India.

Ladakh was also considered part of Jammu and Kashmir state in India, but since 2019, Ladakh is now a Union Territory.

Leh is the capital and transport hub of the Ladakh region. This is where you’ll want to base yourself when exploring Ladakh. While some people confuse Leh and Ladakh as being the same thing, Leh is the town while Ladakh is the name of the broader region.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Ladakh

High season runs from  June to August  in Ladakh. This is when the region sees its best weather with warm days and relatively mild nights. The roads are also almost guaranteed to be clear of snow during these summer months, making places easier to access.

If you want to join any tours or treks from Leh, then this is the perfect season to meet other travellers and join groups. Outside of these months it can be hard to find regular departures for tours. 

The roads connecting Leh with Manali and Srinagar are usually open from April or May until September or October, depending on conditions. The Leh-Manali Road tends to open later and close earlier due to its higher elevation.

If you’re interested in trekking in the region, try to visit from August up to mid-September. This is when the weather is warm and the trails are cleared of excess snow and ice. High passes and peaks are usually much safer to cross during these months.

How to Get to Leh, Ladakh

Now, this is where the adventure really begins. You can reach Leh, Ladakh by road or by air. Flying is the only option available all year round, while travel by road is possible usually from May until October. There are shared and public transport options by road from either Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh.

If you’re short on time or aren’t up for many days spent doing long drives on some pretty rough roads, then flying is the better option. There are frequent flights throughout the year from Delhi to Leh. In winter, this is the only way into the region.

Flights are run by Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and IndiGo. Flights are around 1.5 hours and cost anywhere from 3000INR (AU$60) to 9000INR (AU$180) one way.

Undoubtedly, the road trip to get to Leh is one of the best in the world. It’s not for the faint-hearted though as the roads are rough, with steep drops down one side. However, improvements are made each year with large parts of the drive now sealed.

To reach Leh by road, you can come from two directions: Srinagar in Kashmir to the west or Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the south-east. There are public buses, government tourism buses and shared taxis plying these routes during the summer months.

For most travellers, coming from Manali is most convenient and the more popular option, although the road is far more arduous. The Srinagar-Leh road is less travelled but is a great option if you plan to explore Kashmir or think you might have problems with sudden changes in altitude.

The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route is Fotu La at 4,100m, having a more gradual altitude change up to Leh at 3,500m. Whereas the Manali-Leh road runs at an average height of 4,000m, including three passes over 5,000m, the highest being Tanglang La at 5,320m.

For a detailed look at all these transport options running between Srinagar and Leh and Manali and Leh, read this: How to Get to Leh, Ladakh by Public Transport

Is it Safe to Visit Ladakh?

The politics of the region can be confusing and can flare up at any time. However, Leh town has remained peaceful for many years now. The border regions close to Pakistan and close to Tibet occasionally have tensions flare up, so keep your eye on local news if you plan on heading up to Ladakh, but in general this occurs far from Leh.

However, I would say Ladakh feels very safe when travelling there. There’s a huge military presence everywhere you look, so border clashes rarely spillover anywhere close to Leh.

Ladakh also has one of the lowest crime rates in India. The people are extremely lovely and welcoming; it’s definitely one of the most relaxing places to experience in India.

Read next: Ultimate North India Itinerary: Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh

Where to Stay in Leh

There are so many accommodation options in Leh, from backpacker hostels to 5 star high end hotels. The best option in my opinion is one of the many local guesthouses. These are usually family owned and a great way to get to know the Ladakhi culture. I’ve stayed at many different places in Leh, so I can recommend a few at different price points.

Budget: Raybo Hostel

Budget: Peace Guest House

Midrange: Chandan Guest House

Midrange: Rock Castle Residency

High-end: Grand Dragon

Read more: Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh For All Budgets

Where to Eat in Leh

The food is one of the highlights of Leh for me. The town is packed full of great cafes and restaurants, serving local Tibetan and Ladakhi food , as well as a range of cuisines from Thai to Italian. Some of my favourites include:

• Bodhi Terrace
• Tibetan Kitchen
• Wanderers Terrace
• Asian Corner

Read more: 10 Best Cafes in Leh, Ladakh

How to Get Around Ladakh

Once you find yourself in Leh town, getting around Ladakh is relatively easy with a variety of options. Whether you hire your own transport or opt to go with public transport, travelling by road in Ladakh is one of the best experiences in the region.

I opted for a combination of public transport and organised group tours to get around to most places. I found this the perfect balance as a budget traveller. Although taxis come in handy too, especially to more obscure places.

Here are your options:

Public Transport

Once in Leh, public transport is a little limited. You’ll need a lot of time and patience if you plan on using local buses to get to all the best places.

Heading east of Leh, if you want to explore Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery , you can start by taking one of the local buses leaving from Leh main gate to Choglamsar. From there, you can take another local bus which runs along the main road past Shey and Thiksey. Tickets cost as less than 50 INR and these buses run regularly throughout the day when full. Getting back to Leh can be difficult, as you’ll have to wait on the highway and flag down a passing bus. Hitchhiking is an option.

It is also possible to get to other popular destination further afield by bus. There are usually weekly buses to Diskit in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri . But you’ll have to check at the main bus station in Leh for the latest timetable.

For other places out west, there are daily buses to Lamayuru . Usually a few buses per week to Likir (for the Sham Valley trek) and Chilling (for the Markha Valley Trek). But again, check at the station for the latest timetable. Photos above are the current schedule as of 2023.

Note: The local bus timetable tends to change each year and throughout the season depending on demand. Heading down to the station to ask in person is usually the only way you’ll find out the latest information. Unfortunately, the buses aren’t overly reliable in Ladakh.

Shared Taxis and Group Tours

By far the most convenient way of getting to the main attractions is by joining a group tour. While I don’t usually do this while travelling, in Ladakh it makes a lot of sense for budget travellers.

Agencies in Leh organise group tours to Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and Turtuk . These are generally four days, three nights, or three days, two nights if you omit Turtuk.

Prices start from 24,000 INR (AU$450) for a whole vehicle and driver for three days to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. More if you add Turtuk. You can then divide this amongst 6-7 people to share the cost.

Accommodation is then up to you to organise and pay for yourself. You can either wait until you arrive and find something that the driver’s recommend, or you’ll find many options for Pangong Lake and Diskit or Hunder (Nubra Valley) online.

Prices will be much the same across all agencies as the drivers work as part of a union with set pricing structures. You can simply walk around Leh and just find an agency that has a group leaving on the your preferred date. They often have signs on their doors displaying the next departures.

Private Taxis

For closer day trips around Leh, getting a taxi can be a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to go. As mentioned above, the taxis are part of a union, so they all carry a booklet and price list inside their cab. You can simply ask to check the price, with no room for bargaining.

Popular day trips include combining Shey, Thiksey and Hemis together, which can cost around 3700 INR (AU$70) for the day.

Otherwise, taxis are also convenient if you want to get dropped at the trailhead of a trek for example, like to Likir (2000 INR or AU$40) or Chilling (3600 INR or AU$70).

Hiring a Motorbike

Hiring a motorbike is a popular choice for Indians who love to explore the Ladakh roads on two wheels. There’s plenty of places in Leh to hire a Royal Enfield , with prices starting relatively low per day.

However, the roads are not for inexperienced riders and I would suggest making sure that you’re competent and have a motorbike license before thinking about hiring a bike in Ladakh.

I noticed a lot more scooter rentals around Leh on my last visit. This would be a good alternative to get around if you’re not confident on a motorbike.

How Long to Spend in Ladakh

You’re asking the wrong person! I’ve spent 12 weeks in total over two trips to the Ladakh region, so I will likely encourage you to spend as long as possible. But if I’m being practical, I would say 10 days minimum if you want to do some sightseeing outside of Leh. Two weeks if you want to also add on a short trek like Sham Valley or Markha Valley.

You can spend much longer than that as well, if you want to add on lesser visited places like Zanskar Valley or Tso Moriri.

Read next: A Detailed 10 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

Sightseeing Permits for Indians and Foreigners

While you generally only need your passport to travel to Leh, you will also need a permit to reach some places considered sensitive. Both Indians and Foreign Nationals require permits to visit some places. For Indians, this is called an Inner Line Permit and for foreigners, it’s called a Protected Area Permit .

The following places require this permit:

Pangong Lake

Nubra valley.

• Tso Moriri Lake
• Dha-Hanu Valley

You can either do all the work yourself at the Permit Office (Deputy Commissioner Office) in Leh or if you book a tour with an agency like to Pangong Lake etc., they will do the permits for you. It takes just a few hours to get a permit usually, although it depends how busy the office is.

The cost of the permit is 400 INR environment fee, 100 INR Red Cross donation, and 20 INR per day for wildlife protection fee. So, for a three day trip to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, expect the permit to cost 560 INR (AU$11).

For other places like Thiskey, Hemis, and Lamayuru, you just need to cary your passport on you for ID. A permit is not required for these places.

Best Things to Do and See in Ladakh

There are plenty of things to do and see in Ladakh such as remote valleys, rural villages, hilltop monasteries and high altitude lakes. Here are the essential places to visit during your time in Ladakh:

The main hub and tourist centre of Leh is the market. The main thoroughfare is Leh Bazaar Road, which is a wide pedestrian market and shopping street. Filled with souvenir shops, book shops, general stores, trekking gear stores, tour agencies, cafes and banks, you can get whatever you need around the market area.

At the northern end of the Main Bazaar Road is Jama Masjid (main mosque), and you’ll also find the main Leh Buddhist Temple on the western arm of the bazaar road. Decorated with prayer flags and with the towering Leh Palace above the old town, it’s undoubtedly the most vibrant place to be in Leh.

Shanti Stupa

Offering one of the best views in all of Leh town, Shanti Stupa is the white peace pagoda you can see north-west of the bazaar on a small hilltop. It was built in 1991 with funds from the Japanese, similar to the one in Pokhara, Nepal.

The platform around the stupa offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding valley. It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Leh at sunset time, when the last light of the setting sun streams through the valley creating some beautiful shadows on the ridgelines of the mountains.

You can take a taxi up to the stupa and temple complex or walk up the 500 stairs from the end of Changsha Road. A taxi from Leh market up to the stupa and back, including waiting time costs about 400 INR (AU$8) per car.

Entry fee is 50INR (AU$1).

The most imposing landmark of Leh town, the old palace has undergone plenty of renovations over the last few years and has been opened to the public as a museum and incredible vantage point.

It was originally built in the 17th century by the royal family, Namgyal, as they ruled over the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh, in Western Tibet. It was then abandoned in the mid-19th century when the Dogra forces invaded Ladakh and the royal family was forced to flee to Stok.

Today, you can explore the nine levels of the palace, although it’s mostly empty with not much remaining from its time as a palace. There has been a lot of effort to turn some rooms into a museum, which makes it a really interesting place to visit. Plus, the view from the ninth floor is outstanding, looking right across the town below.

You can drive up to the palace, but it’s much quicker to walk up from the bazaar and old town area with stairs leading up from the bottom.

Entry fee is 100 INR (AU$2)

Tsemo Maitreya Temple

The beautiful monastery that sits perched above Leh Palace is my favourite place to be at sunset time. This incredible ruined fort complex and Buddhist temple is one of the highest points in town to enjoy the view of the valley as the sun sets.

You can drive up to the temple, or hike up to it from two different directions. The walk up from Chubi is done on a paved trail with stairs. It starts beside the Chubi HP Petrol Station on Sankar Road. But, most people hike up from Leh Palace, with a dirt trail cut into the mountain. It’s a bit of a workout if you’re not yet acclimatised to the altitude.

Entry fee is 30 INR (AU$0.60)

Khardung La Road Pass

Ladakh is known as the Land of High Passes for a reason. There are several high passes you can drive or hike over in the region, but none are as famous as Khardung La. Once the highest motorable road in the world (now overtaken by another road in India), Khardung La sits at 5,360m.

It connects Leh with Nubra Valley and is the most used pass for tourists heading over to Hunder, Diskit and Pangong Lake. However, some also just drive up to the pass as a day trip and drive back to Leh, but the real adventure is continuing onto Nubra Valley.

The road is generally in decent condition and mostly sealed, but it can close suddenly due to landslides or snow fall, so check ahead of time. It’s generally only open from June until September for tourists.

The most popular excursion from Leh is to Nubra Valley. This fabled valley carved out by the Shyok River and bordered by the Karakoram Mountains was once part of the old Silk Road trading route across Asia. Connecting Pakistan with Tibet, it is one of the most remote parts of India that has only been open to tourism for a couple of decades.

To reach the valley, you must cross the Khardung La pass from Leh and then head to Diskit, the main town in Nubra. Diskit is home to an old monastery built into the side of the rocky cliffs. There is also a large 100 ft Maitreya Buddha statue with incredible views down both sides of the valley.

Heading west of Diskit is Hunder, where you’ll find sand dunes backed by snow-capped mountains. If the landscape was enough to blow you away, there are also double humped camels or Bactrian camels roaming the dunes as well.

Entry fee for Diskit Monastery is 40 INR (AU$0.80)

As one of the world’s highest saltwater lakes, Pangong Tso is also one of Ladakh’s most famous attractions. Located at 4,250m, it’s a long drive to reach the lake from Leh over at least one high pass. Most people include a trip to Pangong with Nubra Valley, but you can also simply head to Pangong Lake from Leh, crossing the Changla Pass at 5,360m.

It’s a sacred site for Buddhists, with almost 2/3 of the lake actually lying across the border in Tibet. It’s bright blue colour against the arid, desert-like mountains makes it an otherworldy sight that draws thousands each year.

Due to the long drive, most people spend a night at the lake. The most popular place is Spangmik , a cluster of glamping style tents and small hotels. However, the overcommercialisation of this village has led many people to continue further to Man or even further to Merak . Here, you’ll find more laidback tents and homestays.

If you can allow an extra couple of days, I highly recommend heading to Turtuk from Nubra Valley. This is the northernmost accessible village in India and is home to ethnic Balti people, who now mostly reside in Baltistan across the border in Pakistan.

The remote village is a beautiful spot to explore, with friendly people who are very welcoming and happy to show you their traditional lifestyle. Because of the long drive, you must stay the night in the village, which only adds to the experience.

You’ll find plenty of homestays who provide beds and meals to travellers fro about 1000INR (AU$20) per night.

Thiksey Monastery

A short drive from Leh along the Keylong-Leh Road, you’ll find several outstanding monasteries to visit. However, arguably the most beautiful is Thiksey Monastery. It’s known to have a distinct resemblance to Lhasa’s Potala, the former seat of the Dalai Lamas in Tibet.

Built cascading over a small hill with the grandest temples sitting at the top, you can either walk up to the top through the alleyways passing monk residences on the way. Or you can drive closer to the top, and simply walk to the temples.

Entry fee is 50 INR (AU$1)

Hemis Monastery

Arguably the most important monastery to visit during your time in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is the largest in the region. While it was officially established in the 17th century, many believed that it’s meditation caves go as far back as the 11th century.

The monastery is hidden, tucked into a gorge in Hemis National Park about an hour’s drive from Leh. There is a large courtyard in the middle of the complex, from where you can visit the main temples and the museum.

The museum is fascinating, holding some of the most important Buddhist monuments, artwork, relics and artefacts. It also provides an interesting insight into the local culture and history of Buddhism in Ladakh.

Hidden away off the main highway connecting Srinagar to Leh, Alchi Monastery has remained untouched throughout centuries of invasions and attacks. This is not a typical monastery that you see in Ladakh, but a complex filled with sacred shrines and important Buddhist art.

Some of the nearly 1,000 year old murals are considered to be some of the best preserved in the world. Even if you think you’ve seen enough monasteries in Ladakh, this is an important one you’ll want to make time for.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru is the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Back in the 11th century, it is said that Mahassidha Naropa came to meditate in a cave there. A temple was built around the cave (which can still be visited today) and then the remainder of the complex was built in the 16th century by King Namgyal. 

Built over several levels across the rocky landscape, the Srinagar-Leh Highway passes right through the village and monastery. It’s easily one of the most impressive sights, with the towering peaks surrounding it and the incredible geological area known as moonland running through the valley.

It’s a long but beautiful drive along a sealed highway from Leh to Lamayuru, it takes around 3 hours one way. There are restaurants and homestays around Lamayuru village if you want to stay the night.

Enty fee is 50 INR (AU$1)

Want more? Read next: 25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Trekking in Ladakh

Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is completely different to trekking in Nepal. The ranges around Leh are rugged, wild and far less trafficked. Plus, it’s one of the best ways to get to know Ladakhi culture and spend time in rural villages.

Homestay Treks

If you’re interested in trekking in Ladakh, there are two main trekking routes that are popular for independent hikers (without a guide) which utilise homestays as nightly accommodation:

Sham Valley Trek: Known as the “Baby Trek”, although that’s a bit deceiving. This three day trek is a great introduction to the region. With relatively short distances to cover each day and beautiful villages to stop and spend the night in homestays, it’s easy to organise with minimal planning. The maximum elevation is just under 4000m, so it doesn’t ascend too much higher than Leh itself, making it a nice one to do for those short on time and not yet acclimatised to the region. Read my guide to the Sham Valley Trek .

Markha Valley Trek: The more popular option and one I highly recommend to keen hikers. The Markha Valley Trek is a 4-5 day one way trek through the Markha Valley just south of Leh. It also utilises a homestay system across all the villages along the valley floor, making it a convenient trek with minimal planning involved as well. It’s highest point is Kongmaru Pass on the final day at 5,250m, which means you’ll want to at least have spent a few days in Leh acclimatising before attempting this trek. Read my guide to the Markha Valley Trek .

Camping Treks

If you prefer to get off the beaten track and explore the landscapes beyond the villages, then you’ll have to opt for a camping trek. This means you’ll have a guide and a team of mules to help carry all the necessary gear and food. These require a bit more organising, but any of the agencies in Leh will be able to help.

Kibber to Tso Moriri (Parang La Trek): Certainly one of the most spectacular and challenging of the longer treks in Ladakh, the hike from Spiti Valley to Tso Moriri follows an old trading route between Ladakh and Spiti. Almost all of the 10 day trek is above 4000m, with the highest point being Parang La at 5,580m, meaning it’s quite a difficult one and is for experienced and keen hikers only.

Rumtse to Tso Moriri: Another stunning trek across rugged and remote country, this 8 day trek links Rumtse near Hemis National Park to the high altitude lake Tso Moriri, passing Tsokar lake and Changpa nomads along the way. Most of this trek is well over 4000m, with the highest point being at 5,400m, making this a very difficult trek as well.

Zanskar Valley (Padum) to Darcha: This used to be a popular long trek in the Zanskar region, but with road construction between Padum and Darcha, there is no real need to trek the route anymore. However, the 10 day trek will still be a regular offering at least for another couple of years until traffic really builds on the new road. It takes you from the remote Zanskar Valley down to Lahaul Valley, mostly sitting between 3,500 and 4,000, with one pass over 5,000m, Shingo La.

Trekking Agencies

For those longer camping treks, you’ll need the help of a local trekking agency. While there are plenty of them in Leh, you can simply go around and talk to multiple agencies about cost, inclusions, and the general quality of gear.

However, it’s important to go with a decent company for these kinds of expeditions. Quality of gear, guide experience and reliability are extremely vital on high altitude treks. If you’re wondering what trekking agency to trust, I have two recommendations:

• Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company: the first and only female owned and operated trekking agency in Ladakh, they only employ local women as guides and support local communities. Check their website .
• Lungta Tours and Travel (based at Rock Castle Residency): for bigger expeditions and longer treks, I highly recommend Gonbo. He can organise a range of treks with over 20 years of experience in adventure tourism. Email: [email protected]

More Important Info for Exploring Ladakh

• Water: The local water is not safe to drink straight from the tap, but take a LifeStraw bottle or other filtered water bottle and you won’t have to purchase single use plastic water bottles that end up in landfill.
• SIM: A regular Indian SIM card will not work in Ladakh and Kashmir. You’ll have to purchase a new local SIM in Leh. The Airtel shop is tucked down a side alley at the southern end of the Leh Market. It’s listed as Airtel Store on Google Maps.
• Money: There are a couple of SBI ATMs in the main Leh Market street. There is almost always a queue and they occasionally run out of cash, but generally fixed pretty quickly.
• Alcohol: Drinking is not part of the culture in Ladakh and you won’t find it offered much at restaurants or cafes. However, there are a couple of wine and beer shops with limited hours.
• Language: The local language is Ladakhi, but you’ll also hear other languages like Tibetan, Hindi and Kashmiri. English is pretty widely spoken, although some of the taxi drivers only speak basic English.
• Festivals: There are many festivals and events on throughout the year in Ladakh and timing your visit with one is ideal. Each of the monasteries have their own festival, including a masked dance of the monks. Your guesthouse owner will be able to tell you if there is one going on during your stay. The Dalai Lama also visits Ladakh most years during the summer and conducts live teachings. Check his schedule online to see if you can time your visit for that as well.
• Clockwise: Remember to walk clockwise around any stupa or prayer wheel you pass in Ladakh. For Buddhists, this purifies negative karma and is a sign of respect.

Altitude Sickness and How to Avoid

No guide to Ladakh would be complete without mentioning the altitude. Leh sits at an elevation of 3,500m making it one of the highest places in India. Almost everyone who arrives in Leh will feel the sudden change in altitude within a few hours and it will likely continue for a couple of days until you acclimatise.

Flying in from Delhi obviously leaves you more susceptible to altitude sickness because your body will have no time to adjust. Those who come from Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh will have had more time to slowly acclimatise on the way.

The common symptoms are headache, nausea, shortness of breath and tiredness. These are completely normal and will likely go away after a couple of days. More serious symptoms include, vomiting, difficulty walking and dizziness, persistent coughing, chest tightness, confusion or coordination problems.

Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Ladakh

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water starting from before you arrive in Leh. This is the best way to help your body acclimatise.
• Rest. Prioritise rest in the first 2-3 days of arriving in Leh. This means minimal walking and activities for at least 48 hours. Try to eat in at your guesthouse and only go for a short walk of less than a kilometre at a time.
• Eat small, regular meals. Nausea is a common initial symptom, so eat small, simple meals for the first couple of days regularly. Energy is important.
• Diamox or other altitude medication. Some people like to take diamox or other medication to help prevent altitude sickness. However, they can have serious side effects, so talk to your doctor first.
• Don’t ascend any higher for a few days. Plan your trip so you’re spending the first few days of your visit around Leh without going any higher. Try to allow at least 3-4 days in Leh before heading off on any trek or over Khardungla to Nubra Valley.

How Much Does a Ladakh Trip Cost?

If you’re on a budget, then here’s what you can expect to pay for things in Ladakh (if you want to spend more, you definitely can):

• Accommodation: 450INR (AU$9) for dorm bed or 800INR (AU$16) for private room at a guesthouse
• Meals: 150INR (AU$3) at a local restaurant or 350INR (AU$6) at a more tourist-oriented place
• Entrance fees: Most monasteries charge around 50INR (AU$1) for entry
• SIM card: They charge around 500INR (AU$10) for registration, setup and a 28 day package at AIRTEL in Leh
• Three day tour to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley: 4,000INR (AU$80) for a seat in a shared group tour
• Permit: 560INR (AU$11) for three days to Pangong lake and Nubra Valley

Looking for More North India Travel Guides?

• How to Explore Zanskar Valley in North India
• A Travel Guide to Spiti Valley
• A Travel Guide to Aru Valley in Kashmir
• 10 Best Things to Do in Srinagar
• Ultimate North India Itinerary for 1 Month

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This comprehensive travel guide to Ladakh in North India offers invaluable insights into exploring this breathtaking region known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and adventurous opportunities. From navigating the rugged terrain of the Himalayas to immersing oneself in the vibrant local traditions, this guide serves as an indispensable companion for travelers seeking an unforgettable journey through Ladakh.

Amazing blog, your definitive travel blog dedicated to uncovering the stunning beauty and rich culture of Ladakh, the mystical land of high passes. Nestled in the northernmost reaches of India, Ladakh is a captivating destination that promises breathtaking landscapes, vibrant traditions, and unforgettable adventures.

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Leh Ladakh Travel Guide (2024) – Explore the Land of High Passes!

Julley from Leh! That means Hello in Ladakh and you’ll find that everyone here is itching to say it to you.

Leh is the super friendly mountain city that is waiting for you to visit them.

When you arrive here, either by bus or plane, you’ll be greeted by the most spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, ancient palaces, and Buddhist stupas.

It’s also a welcome paradise from the busy, dirty cities like Delhi and Rajasthan.

Here’s the ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide including how to reach Leh, top things to do, where to stay, and what to eat!

Table of Contents

The ultimate Leh Ladakh travel guide

Where is leh ladakh in india.

Leh Ladakh has an interesting mix of cultures and food as it’s on the border of China and its history is closely related to Tibet!

You’ll probably question what country you’re in a lot while you’re here and that’s the beauty of Leh.

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

The best time to visit is actually in the monsoon season between June – September as Ladakh is a dry spot in a country of constant rain!

They also shut the road after mid-September so it’s best to visit before then or fly!

It’s beautifully sunny every single day at this time and everything almost looks saturated as you’re closer to the sun and higher up at 3,500 metres!

It’s also perfect weather for trekking and is what most travellers flock here for.

How to reach Leh Ladakh: flying vs. the road

There are usually two choices for approaching Leh Ladakh.

You can directly fly to Leh Ladakh from Delhi which is what most travellers prefer as you can skip the long bus journeys up through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

But, this means that you cannot acclimatise very easily and you may suffer from altitude sickness and need a few days to adjust.

If you are prone to altitude sickness, you can get tablets to help with it. The other is to take the long bus journey from Manali to Leh.

This is the cheapest option and actually is not as dangerous as people make out.

Yes, the roads are crazy but the views are absolutely jaw-dropping and are worth the time spent alone.

You’ll pass through valleys, mountain passes, and waterfalls. There’s absolutely no sign of life around in many parts and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Related Post: Manali to Leh by road: all you need to know!

Taking the bus from Manali to Leh

I took the 18-hour bus from Manali to Leh, which was actually 20 and we arrived in the middle of the night.

Our bus driver did a great thing by dropping us off in the backpacker district of Changspa where there are tonnes of guest houses. But, little were we to know that none would be open for business after midnight!

For a little while, we hung out with some other travellers from the bus in a bakery which turned into a bar late at night and just played the same Ed Sheeran song over and over again.

We had chai while deciding the next plan of action, which was basically to try every guesthouse in the area!

After a little while, we couldn’t find anywhere and a bar called KC garden offered for us to stay at their place for the night. It was an, which was used for group get-togethers and parties!

It had no windows, was freezing cold, and let in all the noise of dogs barking. However, it was a place to crash for the night and we had loads of blankets to keep warm.

It was really generous of him as he didn’t have to offer anything at all. He also didn’t charge which was really kind.

We were stranded in Leh Ladakh

The guy who owned the place said we could sleep in until noon, but when the workers came in the next morning at 7 am – they played really loud music so we would get up!

At first, it was just Buddhist chanting music which was actually really nice.

By 9.30 am, they upped the ante with techno music and that’s when everyone groggily got out of their sleeping places.

The next day, we had a chai together, thanked the guys at KC garden, and then went to try and find a room.

Where to stay in Leh Ladakh: Changspa 

We ended up staying at Hotel Asia which turned out to be the cheapest.

It was 500 a night with a shared bathroom, I hardly slept each night due to the light and noise but it did have hot water every single day! With a view like this of the mountains, you can’t complain about £5 a night!

For bookings, click here.

The top things to do in Leh Ladakh

Most people use Leh as a base in Ladakh as it’s the main city with good connections to Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Srinagar in Kashmir.

But, there are lots of things to do in Leh Ladakh itself.

It is really gorgeous to explore too with an epic mountain range, historical palaces, and the iconic Shanti Stupa.

You can’t really get bored, even just if you gaze at the scenery around you.

This would probably be a good first point of call to start off your adventure in Leh. The ancient palace looks down on the rest of the city.

This was the home of Ladakh royalty and was modelled on the Tibetan Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Even though it was built in the 17th century and steeped in history, not many of the ancient artefacts of the royal family remain in the palace.

It’s nine floors of empty rooms save the antique pictures which hang on the walls.

The best part of wandering around this palace is actually the viewpoints from the rooftops!

You can get great panoramic views from all over the city. There aren’t really any restrictions on where you can go here so explore away!

Castle Tsemo

Castle Tsemo stands high on the hill above the Leh Palace.

To reach it in Leh Ladakh, you can get a taxi for around 250 rupees or take the steep winding trek uphill!

There are two parts to Castle Tsemo, a Buddhist temple, and the castle and the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.

When you’ve caught your breath from the walk, take a peek inside at the beautiful golden Buddha which is perfectly preserved inside.

Next is a climb up the monastery, you’ll pay 20 rupees to head on inside.

At first, I thought this was awesome as it was so cheap, but then I realised that you had to head on up the rooftops of the monastery on these ladders from hell!

These weak, feeble ladders were not attached to the wall in any way and so it was a dodgy climb to the top!

Although these ones were low, the others were pretty much vertical!

Although the views were totally worth it, there was one problem – how was I going to get back down?!

I was petrified and my boyfriend literally had to place my feet on each step of the ladder.

When I got to the bottom, I literally couldn’t breathe haha!

I can laugh now, but I genuinely thought I was a goner. It’s totally ridiculous so if you’re afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Shanti Stupa in Leh Ladakh

The Buddhist Shanti Stupa was one of my favourite attractions in Leh Ladakh. It was donated by the Japanese, built in 1991, and blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

Although it is a 500-step walk to the top, the views and the stupa are so worth it! We arrived at around 10 am in the morning and there was literally no one around.

The best time to visit the Leh Ladakh Shanti Stupa is at sunset when the temperatures aren’t so hot and the sun creates a beautiful red glow on the mountains surrounding it.

There is also some really beautiful Buddhist chanting music which is broadcast live from the temple nearby.

When the lights go down on Leh Ladakh, the Stupa lights up and you can see the many stars which appear here due to the limited light pollution. It was magic.

When we visited in the evening time a government official was there, so naturally, some of the Kashmiri soldiers were here on guard.

One of them let me hold this! Stranger things have happened…

Before I got to Leh, I had this awful feeling there wouldn’t be anything around.

Most places in Himachal had a mall road, but I wasn’t sure about Leh.. luckily, I was proved very wrong!

There is a massive main market here which has everything you could wish for.

Restaurants, shops, supermarkets, chemists, the lot. So, don’t worry about getting access to the basics.

There were also these great little fruit and veg markets from the local farms here. The mini peaches, locally called aadu , were to die for!

Trekking Leh Ladakh and Day trips from Leh Ladakh

There are endless options for treks from Leh Ladakh that you can get involved with.

Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley were popular trips also which was a 2-day and 1-night stay.

There were 3, 4, 5 days and even 20-day treks out of Leh. So, it will be down to personal preference if you want a guided trek.

There are a lot of treks that you can do self-guided also. Nubra Valley is around a 3-day trek each way which is supposed to be easy.

But bear in mind that there isn’t any phone signal here so you won’t have Google Maps to help you!

Best to download a walking trail map beforehand or buy one from the local shops here.

Related Post: the best day trips from Leh Ladakh !

Multi-day sightseeing tours in Ladakh

There are many interesting multi-day tours  that can be organized from Leh.

The famous excursion is the 2-day Indus River tour where you get the chance to visit some of the most impressive monasteries in Ladakh (Alchi, Likir, and Lamayuru among others).

The 3-day Nubra Valley tour will allow you to visit the famous Khardung La pass. This is the world’s highest motorable road.

The tour also takes you to the stunning high-altitude lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri.

You will not find many buses in Ladakh that go to these places. One of the options is to hire a car with a driver, but the cost of transport is not cheap in Ladakh…

If you are a solo traveller or travelling in a small group, using a shared taxi is a great way to reduce the cost of the trip as well as its carbon footprint! 

Where to eat in Leh Ladakh: Wonderland Restaurant

The Wonderland Café was where I usually went for breakfast most mornings.

Loads of their breakfast combos come with coffee and apple juice!

It has a really nice relaxed vibe and an amazing bakery downstairs which offers some great doughnuts and pastries.

Also, If you’re a fan of falafel, these guys do the best I have tasted so far in India. It was light, crispy, and delicious!

World Garden Café

Serving up a huge range of international cuisines, the World Garden Café is an excellent place to eat at any time of day.

The guys here speak excellent English, are really friendly and the food is cheap and tasty.

This was one of my favourite places to eat in Leh, so don’t miss out!

Dust pollution in Leh Ladakh and harsh temperatures

As the terrain and surroundings are in quite harsh conditions (sometimes it looked like how I imagined Mars to be like) you’ll find it to be dry and dusty.

The pollution in Leh Ladakh is quite high around the main town so if you have anything like asthma, you’re best to come prepared.

Most days I found myself using my scarf to protect my mouth, nose, and eyes from the dust.

As we’re closer to the sun here, you should always make sure you wear sun cream.

When I visited in August, it was boiling hot every day and it was definitely summer clothes weather.

A lot of people had tiny dresses and shorts on which is a nice change from covering up but just make sure you don’t get sunburned!

Staying connected and WiFi in Leh Ladakh

As soon as I set off from Manali on the Rohtang pass my UK and Indian SIM phone numbers lost service and data.

But, I thought when I got to Leh, it would come back – how silly I was!

There was absolutely no phone service in the whole town. I’m sure you could get a SIM from Leh if you have an unlocked phone, as most phone packages are regional in India.

This would mean you would lock into their own phone service here. But, for a few days, I just didn’t think it was worth it.

The wifi is also pretty bad and almost non-existent. Most cafés and restaurants offer wifi services but this wouldn’t work half of the time. In fact, on the first day we got here – there was no wifi in the whole town!

If I did get wifi, only certain apps would work like WhatsApp, which was perfect to tell my mum I was alive (mum’s always worry).

There are internet cafés which you can use which are 90 rupees an hour. I actually quite liked not having wifi and being contactable. I’m a 90s kid, so I remember a time before the internet!

It just means that you have a few days to truly enjoy where you are. You’re not constantly looking at your phone, but actually appreciating the scenery and meeting people!

Sometimes, we get so caught up in social media that it’s refreshing to sign off. Get a map, read a book, and talk to people. There was a world before wifi, you know!

That’s my complete travel guide to Leh Ladakh, save it for later!

Leh Ladakh would be a place I would highly recommend travelling to if you visit India.

In fact, I would say it’s on my list of ‘must-sees’. It’s a beautiful mix of culture, colour, history, and scenery which will transport you into another world! Make sure you put it on your list.

If you’d like to read more about the beautiful surrounding areas of Ladakh, read my article ‘the absolute best off the beaten track Ladakh’!

Recommended Travel Resources

Hotels: Booking.com

Transport: RentalCars.com

Trips & Tours: GetYourGuide

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

eSIM: Holafly

Download it on your phone

You can get this itinerary on your phone with GPSmyCity.

Want to read more on the far North of India?

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My complete Rishikesh travel guide

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Discover India

Save this Leh Ladakh travel guide for later!

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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34 comments.

After reading your article, I checked out your website, and i really like your post. It looks massive and pretty cool. It offers a lot of awesome things to do.

Thanks so much Priya, glad you enjoyed it. Sophie x

Interesting article with beautiful photos. Thanks for writing about Ladakh!

I really enjoyed reading your post.This is a very nice article for traveling and It was amazing blog I really like it, all pics are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this article.

Hi Bharat, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Sophie x

Impressive blog and pics！Thanks for the post. Keep doing the good work.

Hi Ben, thanks for reading and that’s super kind. Sophie x

I have been trying to contact you for many months. (Padma from Ladakh)

Hi Padma, I’ll be in touch :) Sophie x

Hello Dear,This Article Is Very Good Thanks For Sharing This Information.

Thank you Ammar, really appreciate the feedback on my blog post! I loved Leh Ladakh! Thanks, Sophie x

Nice blog post Sophie. I enjoyed it a lot. And you are right about the dust pollution. But summer is of very short period in ladakh. July and August is the only two months of summer we have got. The temperature is not very high (below 30°), but the sunrays are stronger (excessive uv rays and low oxygen). Anyway, it’s good to hear that you enjoyed your time here. thanks ladakh.club

Hi Aamir, thank you for your kind words and sorry for the super late reply! I wish I could return to LAdakh, it would be a dream. I’ll probably fly next time though to avoid the roads haha :) ! Yes the sun is so much stronger up there. I went to the stupa on top of the hill and I was instantly burned on my back. Anyway, I hope you’re well there. stay safe. Sophie x

I’ve read a lot of articles about Leh Ladakh, but yours is a distinct one. Beauty of ladakh is the motivation for me , actually I am the owner of travel agency , we travel delhi to leh ladakh / bike road trips . best way to really feel the Air of ladakh .

I’ve read a lot of articles about Leh Ladakh, but yours is a distinct one. Beauty of ladakh is the motivation for me , actually I am the owner of travel agency , we travel delhi to leh ladakh / bike road trips. best way to really feel the Air of Ladakh . you can visit us by searching bobadventures

Very informative for our journey. What you provided is very vibrant if somebody wants to take a digital tour at the destination. The pictures are mesmerizing and could easily grasp anybody’s interest towards the destination. You had covered all popular places in Ladakh but I’m a little bit eager to know about the off-beat destinations in Ladakh which would be very fascinating for me. Your content is much initiating towards any traveler who is planning for Ladakh trip. I’m convinced that this 10 days Ladakh itinerary can brought up anyone’s interest. Keep travelling.Ladakh Tour

Hi Sandip, Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Ladakh was honestly one of the most mind-blowing destinations I’ve visited yet! Sophie x

Wow, very nice blog.

Hello Dear, This Article Is Very Good Thanks For Sharing This Information.

Hi Kamlesh, thanks for reading! Sophie x

For having the best bike ride in Leh Ladakh my suggestion for the riders with all the facilities is what all a rider is in need off is Golden Eagle Expeditions. They have the best packages with affordable pricing and good riding captains who will guide us to all the beautiful places around Leh Ladakh and they have more experience in the field of riding and tracking. Best services and must-have look at their wonderful packages.

Soo, I will drop down a link below for your convenience. https://goldeneagleexpedition.com/

Nice Blog. Very Informative.

Thank you so much Gaurav! I’m glad you liked the post. Sophie x

“Hello Admin, Intresting Article, you are doing a great job . Keep it up”

Hi Esha, thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the post :) Sophie x

Ladakh is not a place where you can go without planning. You will have to consider all the do’s and don’ts while deciding on the trip. From the right clothes, the right vehicle, comfortable stay, and places to visit, everything should be pre-planned so that one doesn’t miss out on the site’s vibe.

Hi Kamalesh, completely agree with you! Sophie x

Fantastic article. I am very pleased to say that your article is fascinating to read.I always find myself wanting to comment on it.You’re doing an excellent job.Keep your writing up

Thanks Neha for your kind words. Sophie x

Wow, this destination looks absolutely breathtaking! Adding it to my bucket list for sure.

Hi Suman, totally agree! Leh Ladakh is an epic destination :) Sophie x

Many Indian’s primary wish to travel Ladakh by a road trip on their own bike. Definitely my dream also. Hope I will also achieve it.

Yess, it’s an epic road trip to Ladakh by road. I have to admit I wouldn’t do it again though and would fly haha! Sophie x

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How to plan for a trip to Ladakh: Ultimate Guide

Ladakh, located in the Himalayas, is one of the most beautiful places in India. Ladakh has very diverse landscapes with snowy mountains and vast deserts to explore. The trekking trails of Ladakh range from short walks to multi-day treks which include camping along the way! You can even trek across the frozen Zanskar River ! Ladakh makes an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to spend some time away from the noise and pollution of the cities. Trekking in Ladakh will also give you an insight into the lives of locals, who live in remote areas away from all basic amenities. This guide on how to plan for a trip to Ladakh will walk you through everything you need to know about this popular trek, from choosing your company and guides to packing and more. By following our advice in this guide, you’ll be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Preparation

The Himalayas are beautiful and majestic, but they’re also unforgiving. When planning your trip , be sure you have enough money saved up in case anything goes wrong; basic travel health insurance is highly recommended. The most dangerous part of your journey will likely be flying into Leh Airport, which sits at 13,500 feet above sea level. You need special permits to take flights into or out of Leh Airport. Those wanting to fly in or out need approval from local police and aviation authorities, who require detailed information about members of your party as well as emergency contact information—basically, it needs to be clear that you won’t go rogue on your way back home.

Train yourself for walking

Start by walking every day, maybe right after you wake up or before you go to bed. If possible, walk outside. Try not to take your phone with you—leave it at home and give yourself time for reflection. This will help you make sense of what is happening around you, which in turn will make it easier for you when it comes time for your trek. You can start small; instead of trying to cover 10 miles in one day, aim for 5 and work your way up from there as necessary. Start out slow if you have done little or no physical activity—it’s important that you feel good about walking before doing something more challenging like hiking up mountains.

Packing List

The checklist is critical—you do not want to end up on your trip only to realize you have forgotten something important. For clothing, pack more than you think you need. It’s helpful to keep in mind that if you get anything soiled, you can send it home and buy more when you arrive at your destination. Be aware of regional cultural standards as well. In some places, there may be different dress requirements for men and women or other norms that differ from what travelers are used to backing home; checking with someone who has already been there will help avoid any unfortunate surprises along these lines. Please check our trekking gear checklist for the Himalayas for more information.

Hiring a Guide

Perhaps you have attempted some smaller treks, but now it’s time to take on a larger challenge. As one of India’s most popular destinations, there are countless companies offering tours in and around Leh. If you have your heart set on exploring its hills and valleys but don’t want to go it alone, hiring a guide is certainly recommended. It will ensure that your trip goes smoothly and you see as much as possible while away from home. Guides can help with everything from local etiquette and language skills to identifying animal tracks along trails; they even make sure that you’re keeping up with group hiking times.

Trekking Through Leh

With mountains surrounding it, Leh has many beautiful treks and hikes. The higher altitudes mean that oxygen is more sparse, making these trips quite challenging. Despite that, Ladakh has an extremely strong trekking community which makes sure that even novice hikers have an incredible experience in a safe environment. For people who don’t live in Leh and are only planning on visiting for two or three days, however, it can be difficult to find good trekking guides and set up reliable transportation.

The best time to visit Ladakh

The best treks in Ladakh can be planned at any time of year, and are particularly popular during May-June and September-October. Some treks are best done in winter when there is less snow and freezing cold temperatures; winters have on average 35 days of bright sunshine and fresh icy landscapes. If you prefer to avoid traveling with large crowds, June maybe your ideal month. Fall months tend to be rainy so if you want clearer skies, avoid September through November. During these months, travel might be difficult due to heavy rains in some regions but it does make for gorgeous scenery as well as more solitude at certain monasteries along your route.

The Last Leg of the Journey

Make sure you do your homework and research where you’re going. Of course, we have no way of knowing what sort of treks will be available in the future, but here are some general considerations: During winter months (November-March), expect snow and frigid temperatures—something to keep in mind if you’re planning on hiking higher altitudes. While there is the accommodation on site, many hotels operate as teahouses with limited amenities—think bunk beds and thin blankets. If you can swing it, consider staying at one of Ladakh’s resorts or guesthouses from late March through early November; they offer much more comfortable accommodations at slightly higher prices than teahouses.

Suggested Itinerary

The trip of a lifetime will take you up and over some 20,000-foot peaks. That means there are no shortcuts; you’ll have to acclimatize slowly and carefully. Make sure that your itinerary includes rest days—and plenty of them. You can never spend too much time in Manali, Leh, or Srinagar, so be sure not to race through these towns. If your budget allows, make reservations at one of these gorgeous hotels in India’s highest city! From rest days, it’s on to Kargil: While popular with Indian tourists, foreigners often skip Kargil on their way from Delhi to Leh—but don’t!

Daily Schedules

Planning and preparing in advance is vital when it comes to any significant trip. It doesn’t have to be hard, though: A basic daily schedule goes a long way toward ensuring that you don’t forget something critical. When making your schedule, think about what time of day you are at your best level physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If possible, give yourself an hour or two between each daily activity so that you can feel refreshed and energized before moving on to something else. With adequate rest—and some luck—you will find that you are more capable of handling unexpected situations like blisters or lost keys than if you were exhausted after every physical task is completed. Try not to underestimate how much energy it takes just being in a different environment with different people!

Should I Trek Alone?

Consider that solo travel can be both thrilling and terrifying, liberating and frustrating. Some may argue that it’s more dangerous because you’re less likely to be noticed in an emergency—and that you won’t have anyone around who can help you. In reality, there are pros and cons regardless of your choice.

What matters is whether or not you feel comfortable traveling alone. This is not only about the solo trek, if you are a female hiker, HikePackers will not recommend trek alone in India due to sexual assault and rape rates in India being quite high. Here is the report from Statista .

Safety Precautions While Trekking in Ladakh

If you are planning on going on a hike, then take precautions like carrying sufficient first aid kits, torchlight, and extra clothes. Make sure that your trekking guide knows all about first aid and can handle any emergency situations if you fall sick or get injured during your trip. The altitude sickness can be life-threatening; it is important that you carry oxygen cylinders if you have medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases. Avoid traveling alone, especially in off-season periods; bring along people who are known to each other at least 4 days prior to the start of your trip. Choose smaller hiking trails rather than longer routes so that accidents don’t occur during a long journey back home.

Ladakh is one of India’s most beautiful tourist destinations, with high altitude valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains and terraced fields that spread out beneath. This makes it a fantastic place for hiking or trekking, and there are many companies that offer trips around some of its key sights. However, before embarking on your trip make sure you have taken all precautions.

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Ladakh Travel Guide : Places to Visit and Things to Do

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Ladakhi, Tibetan, Urdu, Balti, Hindi, English

Summers - June to September

Winters - Oct to March

Summer 8°C - 25°C

Winter -5°C to -20°C

How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Places to Visit in Ladakh

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How to Prepare for Ladakh Trip

How to Acclimatize for Leh Ladakh Trip

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Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

Ladakh by Road

Traveling with Parents/Senior Citizens

Family Trip to Ladakh

Travel to Pangong Lake

Facilities in Ladakh

Mobile Phone Services in Ladakh

Carrying Spare Fuel for Road Trip

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Best time to visit leh ladakh.

The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from June to September. During this period, the Ladakh weather is relatively stable, creating favorable conditions for exploration. However, the best season to visit Leh Ladakh depends on the type of activities and experiences you prefer.

Climate in Ladakh

Summer season.

Summer in Ladakh is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. This season is perfect for exploring Ladakh’s famous places and engaging in various outdoor activities. The clear skies and moderate temperatures make it an ideal time for trekking, rafting, and visiting high-altitude lakes such as Pangong and Tso Moriri.

Monsoon Season

July to September are monsoon months in Ladakh, which brings a unique charm to this high-altitude desert. The Ladakh temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, creating a perfect time for sightseeing, and receives very little rainfall due to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.

Winter Season

October to February marks the winter season in Ladakh, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to 5°C. This is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh for snowfall, making it apt for enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. Winter is also an excellent time to spot the wildlife of Ladakh and indulge in local festivals.

Best Months for Ladakh Tour

Ladakh bike rental.

If you looking for bike rental facilities in Ladakh? Take a look at our complete travel guide to get all the information on how to rent a bike.

• Renting a Bike in Manali
• Renting a Bike in Srinagar
• Renting a Bike in Ladakh
• Renting a Bike in Leh

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How to Reach Ladakh ?

Ladakh is well-connected to major cities and can be reached by trains, buses, and flights from various parts of India. However, when you plan your Ladakh trip with the Indian Holiday, you don’t need to worry about reaching there as our experts will arrange everything according to your tastes.

Leh is well-linked by air to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Leh Airport, tourists can board a cab to reach their destination.

Ladakh doesn't have its own railway station. The nearest railway station to Ladakh is in Jammu, associated with cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From the Jammu railway station, tourists can board for their onward destination.

Ladakh is accessible via road through cab/ jeep/ JKSRTC buses that operate regularly between Kargil, Leh, and Srinagar. Tourists can also take a motorbike trip to Ladakh.

• From Delhi to Ladakh
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• From Manali to Leh
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• From Leh to Khardung La
• From Leh to TSO Moriri
• From Leh to Nubra Valley
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Leh in Ladakh Travel Guide: Attractions, Festivals, Hotels

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Leh is the erstwhile capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the most common entry point into the area. It's also one of the highest permanently inhabited towns in the world. Bounded by two of the world's largest mountain ranges and surrounded by alpine desert, Leh's dry barren landscape is dotted with historic Buddhist monasteries making it an incredible sight to behold. This Leh travel guide will help you plan your trip.

Leh primarily functioned as an important trading hub on routes along the Indus Valley, between Tibet to the east and Kashmir  to the west. It became the capital of Ladakh in the early 17th century, during the region's golden period when trade flourished. King Senge Namgyal completed building a royal palace in Leh and relocated the capital there from Shey. Unfortunately, the royal family were forced to abandon the palace and relocate to Stok in the mid 19th century, after the Dogra invasion.

Leh is located in Ladakh, near the Indus Valley, in the furthest far flung corner of northern India. Its altitude is 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level.

How to Get There

Regular direct flights to Leh operate regularly from Delhi. There are also flights to Leh from many other cities in India. Some of them are non-stop.

Alternatively, the roads to Leh are open for a few months of the year, when the snow has melted. The Manali-Leh Highway is open from around June to October each year, and the Srinagar-Leh Highway is open from June to November. Bus, jeep, and taxi services are all available. The trip takes about two days because of the difficult nature of the terrain. If you have the time and are in good health, do travel by road as the scenery is amazing. Plus, the gradual ascent will help you acclimatize.

The best time to visit Leh is between May and September, when the weather is the warmest. Ladakh doesn't experience rain like elsewhere in India, so the monsoon season is the perfect time to travel to Leh. 

The two-day Hemis Festival takes place in June or July at the Hemis Gompa to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. There's traditional music, colorful masked dances, and a fair full of beautiful handicrafts.

The Ladakh Festival is held during September. It opens in Leh with a spectacular procession through the streets. Villagers dressed in traditional costumes dance and sing folk songs, backed by an orchestra. The festival also features musical concerts, dances performed by masked lamas from selected monasteries, and mock traditional marriage ceremonies.

• Read more about the best time to visit Ladakh.

What to Do There

Most tourists spend some time exploring Leh's main market area and the ancient old part of town, while acclimatizing and making onward travel plans. Visit the Central Asian Museum on Main Bazaar Road (open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) to learn about Leh's role in Silk Road trade. Drop into atmospheric Lala's Art Cafe for something to eat while wandering. It's inside an immaculately restored Ladakhi house that was once lived in by a monk. Go on this guided heritage walk so you don't miss anything.

Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa are renowned for their dramatic views over Leh.

The Hall of Fame is an interesting museum dedicated to the soldiers who helped defend India during wars with Pakistan. The museum also provides information about Ladakhi history and culture. It's operated by the Indian Army and has a collection of weapons, exhibits and souvenirs.

Those who love animals will find a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary worthwhile. It's a home for abandoned and injured donkeys.

What to Do Nearby

The Buddhist monuments around Leh are the biggest draw. Spituk is the closest monastery to Leh, and the 800 year-old Kali temple with a fascinating collection of masks is another attraction there. You can stop at a huge prayer wheel on the way. The other monasteries can also be visited on day trips from Leh. These include Hemis (the wealthiest, oldest, and most important monastery in Ladakh) and Thiksey.

• Find out more about must-see Buddhist monasteries in India.

It's possible to have a regal stay at Stok Palace , about 30 minutes south of Leh. The royal family still lives there and part of it has been turned into a private museum of the Ladakhi royal family.

The picturesque confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers can be seen from a viewpoint on the Srinagar-Leh Highway not far from Nimmu.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find appealing hiking opportunities in the area. There are also many longer trekking trails to choose from, such as the popular four-day Sham Trek from Likir to Temisgam (for beginners), and Markha Valley from Spituk.

•   Take a look at these 6 best treks to take in Ladakh.

Mountain climbing trips can be booked to peaks such as Stok (20,177 feet), Goleb (19,356 feet), Kangyatse (20,997 feet) and Matho West (19,520) in the Zanskar mountains.

White water rafting is one of the top adventure activities in Ladakh. It takes place in July and August along the Indus and Zanskar rivers, with various grade rapids for all levels. Spash Ladakh is one of the best rafting operators that offers day rafting excursions from Leh.

Dreamland Trek and Tours is an eco-friendly adventure company that organizes a wide range of trips in Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang. Other reputable companies include Overland Escape , Rimo Expeditions (costly but high quality), and Yama Adventures. It's recommended that you compare many companies to see what's on offer.

TripSavvy / Alicia Erikson

Side Trips from Leh

Most people who visit Leh also visit Pangong Lake, which featured in the Bollywood move The 3 Idiots . It's one of the world's highest saltwater lakes and looks really surreal.

• Use this complete guide to Pangong Lake to plan your trip.

The Nubra Valley is another must-visit destination. Khardung La connects Leh to the Nubra Valley and is one of the world’s highest motorable roads. Camel safaris, on hairy double-humped Bactrian camels, are an iconic thing to do in the Nubra Valley. The Balti village of Turtuk, near the Pakistan border, is fascinating as well.

• Use this complete guide to the Nubra Valley plan your trip.

Permits are not required for local sightseeing around Leh, Zanskar, or the Suru Valley.

Read more about the top things to do in Ladakh.

Where to Stay

If you're looking for inexpensive homestay or guesthouse accommodations, you'll find many a short distance from town in the agricultural and backpacker hamlet of Changspa. Clean and comfortable rooms are available from around 1,000 rupees per night. Popular places include Lhachik Guest House, Raku Guesthouse and Gangba Homestay, and Shaolin Ladakh. In the same area, family run Oriental Hotel is charismatic with both a hotel and cheaper guesthouse on the same premises surrounded by garden. Rooms on the upper floors have stunning views. You’ll also love the home-cooked, organic, freshly prepared food.

Several hostels have recently opened up around Leh to cater to backpackers who like to socialize and meet people. Zostel is the top one, with a wide range of dorms (mixed and female-only) and private rooms. HosteLaVie and GoSTOPS are other great options. In town, Hearth hostel is a restored community space suited to arty travelers.

Padma Guesthouse and Hotel , on Fort Road, has rooms for all budgets and a fabulous rooftop restaurant. Sia-La Guest House is popular on the same road too. The modern rooms at the Spic n Span Hotel on Old Leh Road, close to the market, are priced from 6,7000 rupees per night.  The Hotel City Palace is recommended as well. Rates also start from 5,000 rupees per night for a double.

If your budget extends further, try these luxury camps and hotels in and around Leh.

Homestays with Trekking and Expeditions in Ladakh

An appealing alternative to camping out while trekking around Ladakh is to stay in local homes in remote villages, which you reach along the way. This will give you a fascinating insight into the life of Ladakhi farmers. You'll even be fed traditional home cooked meals, prepared by the farmer families. Local Ladakhi trekking expert Thinlas Chorol organizes such trips, as well as many other custom trekking itineraries to places off the beaten path. She's the founder of the notable Ladakhi Women's Travel Company -- the first female owned and operated travel company in Ladakh, which uses only female guides.

Also, consider the expeditions to remote villages offered by Mountain Homestays . You'll get to stay in people's homes and take part in initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of the villagers. This includes documenting the traditional handcrafting and organic farming techniques of Ladakh.

Travel Tips

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to acclimatize after arriving in Leh (ideally three days if you've flown in) because of altitude sickness. Medication called Diamox (acetazolamide) can help speed up acclimatization process. A doctor's prescription is required. Anyone who has a pre-existing condition such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes should also consult a doctor before traveling.

Laptops also don’t appreciate the high altitude and hard drives are known to crash.

Nights still get chilly during the summer so do bring warm clothes to layer.

Leaving Leh by flight can be a lot more challenging than arriving. Demand for flights is high in peak season, so book well in advance. In addition, flights are sometimes canceled because of weather conditions, so it’s advisable not to book the last flight of the day. Hand luggage used to pose a problem but one bag per passenger is now allowed.

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Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days: Ultimate Itinerary (+ Guide)

Discover the stunning beauty of Ladakh in this short Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days.

Undoubtedly, Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located in the northern-most portion of India, Leh Ladakh is a place ripe with unique experiences, must-do activities, incredible sights & astonishing scenery.

Ladakh is a hot summer destination in India . The place gets maximum attention during April and June, with families, teenagers, and road-trippers all making their way to experience one of the best trips in India. Its dramatic landscape is its single biggest draw, with snow-clad mountains and glistening lakes boasting their charm. Likewise, Ladakh’s diverse topography makes your entire trip worthwhile. No matter where you go or which place you visit, you ought to come across valleys, rustic villages, and peaceful Gompas.

Along with Leh Ladakh’s landscape, its tourist destinations such as Tso Moriri , Nubra Valley , Leh City , Siachen Glacier , and Pangong Lake cultivate a lively sense of tourism. The culture, the traditions, and the local customs create a beautiful blend of harmony to enrich your overall Ladakh tour experience .

With so much to see and do around, we thought of creating the best itinerary for Leh Ladakh that can help you nail your first-ever trip. In this guide, we created a schedule that includes terrific places, top experiences, and must-do tours/activities .

So, without further ado, let’s get started with our Leh Ladakh tour itinerary.

Overview of Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

The itinerary designed for this Ladakh trip is curated for 5 days. The tour will start and end in Leh .

While not many people visit Leh Ladakh on such a short break, there’s a significant portion of travellers who prefer 5-6 days duration. To cater to these tourists, we created a perfect Ladakh itinerary consisting of all the niche experiences & activities .

Although a 5 Day Leh Ladakh itinerary sounds short, it is still packed with good sightseeing spots , road trip journeys, and must-do activities. Even if you’re a first-time traveller, this 5 day itinerary for Ladakh will come in handy to plan your first ever trip!

The trip can be customized entirely according to your style and preference. Thus, you can include or exclude any destination from the journey as you’d like.

Schedule of Leh Ladakh Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Leh – Sightseeing Tours Day 2 : Leh – Nubra Valley (Khardung La Pass – Diskit – Hunder) Day 3 : Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake (Sumur – Shayok – Tangtse) Day 4 : Pangong Lake – Leh (Chang La – Chemrey – Hemis) Day 3 : Depart from Leh

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Ladakh

These are some vital planning tips one should consider before planning their 5 days trip to Ladakh.

Take a Flight

Since our Leh Ladakh trip is only for 5 days, it makes sense to travel via flight. We won’t recommend a road trip journey to & fro Ladakh , as this is not a feasible option for a shorter travel plan. A minimum of 7-9 days is required to plan a full-fledged road journey to Leh Ladakh. Also, ensure that you arrive in Leh a day before your actual trip. This way, you can also take care of getting acclimated to the altitude of Ladakh.

Pre-Plan your Ladakh Tour

We recommend planning your Leh Ladakh trip at least six months before your actual departure . Considering the summer season in India (April to June), most travellers often book their Ladakh tour to avoid hiked hotel prices & airfare tickets.

Secondly, you’ll need to get your Inner Line Permit arranged. This is only applicable to foreigners (non-Indian residents). An Inner Line Permit is basically a ticket that grants you access to enter the protected areas of Ladakh. These places include visiting Nubra Valley , Pangong Lake , Turtuk , Khardung La , and Tso Moriri . One can get their permits sorted by directly  visiting this website .

The charges for these permits are as follows  –

Environmental Fee : INR 300 Inner Line Permit : INR 20 per day per person Red Cross Fund : INR 100

Note : The above prices can change. Please  visit the website  to stay updated on the latest pricing.

Travel Q – Do you need an Inner Line Permit in Ladakh? No. Inner Line Permit is no longer required for Indian citizens. Earlier, you had to compulsory book the pass to visit the protected zones of Ladakh. However, now the government has scrapped the idea of improving logistical tourist routes.

Book Your Transport

The second most important thing for your Leh Ladakh itinerary is to book internal transpor t . For this 5 day tour, we recommend booking a private vehicle for your entire Ladakh trip. Riding a motorcycle can be difficult, especially when you’re just getting acclimatized.

You can directly book a taxi from the airport to the hotel journey from the airport itself. To explore Leh Ladakh’s sightseeing, you’ll need to arrange transport in advance. We recommend Expedia for the rental car service, as they tend to provide affordable rates for their private vehicles.

Altitude Sickness  in Ladakh

Many people ignore the altitude sickness problem in Ladakh and then often waste their sightseeing schedule. The best precaution against AMS (acute mountain sickness) is ample rest. At the same time, it may sound like a ridiculous thing to do, especially when you’re travelling to a beautiful region – getting rest is crucial before you start your sightseeing in Leh Ladakh.

Not doing so will only cause you more problems throughout the trip. If you have any medical conditions, please consult a doctor before this trip. It’s best to clarify your fitness levels before you travel to Leh Ladakh.

Moreover, to help you avoid AMS in Ladakh,  read this guide  as an additional resource. It details some steps to handle altitude sickness in Ladakh.

Cost of Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary

Ladakh is an expensive region to travel to. Significantly, after COVID-19, many hotels and tour operators have hiked their rates to match their daily expenses. On average, a 5-day trip to Ladakh can cost anywhere between INR 12000 – INR 15000 , which excludes to & fro flights and sightseeing entrance fees. Considering flights, expect the price to increase to INR 28000 – INR 32000.

Note – The above prices are an indicative number based on the history of previous tours/packages. You can explore the below packages to find your perfect Leh Ladakh tour –

5D/4N Leh Ladakh – Explore this tour to book a similar version of this itinerary. 7D/6N Ladakh Sightseeing – Book an all inclusive tour for Ladakh via Delhi.

Detailed Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: arrive in leh.

Leh, the city of adventures, is a bustling cold desert town filled with glorious tourist attractions. It isn’t a developed city boasting great amenities and accessibility; it still marks a vital destination to promote adventure tourism.

The rugged roads, dramatic landscapes, snowcapped peaks, bells of the monasteries, and the deserted cold wind makes you feel alive when you’re in the city of Leh. It isn’t only the attractions that drive most tourism, but its unique blend of Indian and Tibetian culture tends to bring out energetic vibes.

Once you reach Leh, the first thing you need to do – is get acclimatized.

Due to Leh Ladakh’s altitude, oxygen levels are minimum – causing you breathing and exertion problems. To avoid any health-related issues, it’s best to recommend giving yourself the time to get acclimatized to Leh’s atmosphere.

Note : You can spend more than a day in Leh to cover most of the city’s major sightseeing. If you take a day off to get acclimatized to the surroundings, it’s recommended to add an extra day to your Leh Ladakh itinerary to visit its important landmarks.

On this day, you can opt to visit Leh Ladakh’s top most attractions including – Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Hall of Fame. To add more sightseeing excursions to your Ladakh trip, you can book a full-day guided tour of the Leh City. This way you can maximize your travel for inner region travel.

Apart from the attractions listed above, there’s plenty to see and do in Leh Ladakh. You can add these places to your Leh Ladakh itinerary – Shey Palace ,  Shey Monastery ,  Gurudwara Patthar Sahib ,  Stok Palace ,  Likir Monastery , and  Thikse Monastery .

Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley (Drive)

Approx Distance from Leh to Nubra Valley  – 4hr 40mins (160km)

If there’s anything that a traveller might dream of on their Leh Ladakh road trip, it is this journey –  Leh to Nubra Valley . It’s one of the bucket-list activities many adventurers plan for a good reason!

The scenic drive from Leh to Nubra is packed with astonishing scenery, barren landscapes, mighty Himalayas, and the beautiful Zanskar and Karakoram range . These natural settings make the road trip quite memorable!

Visiting Nubra Valley is a must on a Leh Ladakh tour . Every biker dreams of seeing the place and traversing the region to explore its stunning beauty. The valley houses many attractions such as Diskit , Turtuk , Panamik , and many other unspoiled areas. The locals who live here showcase their lively traditions to fascinate tourists from all over the world.

To reach Nubra Valley, you’ll need to start early in the morning. You’ll travel via the Khardung La, which is approximately 38kms from Leh and will take you around an hour to reach. There’s a canteen around the place to stop by and get some refreshments.

Continue your journey from Khardung La to reach Diskit for some sightseeing tours. The town is famous for its landmark – the  Diskit monastery , which is considered the largest gompa ( Tibetian temple) in  Nubra Valley. Nearby the hill lies another milestone of Diskit –  the statue of Maitreya Buddha . Bactrian camel rides and Hunder dunes also remain popular sightseeing tours of Nubra Valley.

You can spend the night at Hunder Village, located 10kms from Diskit. For more hotel recommendations around Nubra Valley, explore this page .

Day 3: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Drive)

Approx Distance from Nubra Valley   to   Pangong Lake  – 6hr 20mins (140km)

Like the other road trips in Leh, the journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong is one of the scenic drives in the country. Every year, many tourists flock to the region of Ladakh to experience the road trip vibes of the Nubra and Pangong. Especially if this is your first-time exploring Leh Ladakh, you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to these places.

Pangong Lake is one of the gorgeous, most beautiful lakes in India. The expansive views of the contrasting blue lake make the waters look adorning to the backdrop of the rugged mountains. During the winters, the temperatures in the area fall below -20°C causing the lake to get frozen completely. Moreover, the lake’s elevation makes the surrounding scenes truly captivating, making you fall in love with Pangong Lake’s beauty.

Travel Q :  Is camping at Pangong Lake allowed? Considering the imbalance in the ecological fragility of the lake, the Government of India has decided to stop overnight camping around Pangong Lake. The sustainability issues made the authorities declare a ban, thus preserving the beauty of the lake. For alternatives around Pangong, check this page.

There are multiple ways to reach Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley. One is via Shyok , where the roads are comprehensive and extensive, and the other via Wari La , which is more of an off-beat experience. Nowadays, most travellers opt to take the Wari La route to explore the mountainous region, and it isn’t the easiest path to drive on and will require profound driving experience to complete the stretch.

Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok route : 140kms (6hr 20mins) Distance from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Wari La route : 375kms (9hrs)

Looking for accommodation near Pangong Lake? Find out the resources below –

Hotels near Pangong Lake : Explore this page to find best hotel stays & deals near Pangong Lake. Campsites near Pangong Lake : The Nature’s Nest Camp near Pangong is the closest you can get to Pangong Lake.

Day 4: Pangong Lake to Leh (Drive)

Approx Distance from Pangong Lake to Leh  – 5hr 30mins (222.9km)

Before returning to Leh, stroll around Pangong Lake to admire the scenic sunrise. You’ll even spot many bird species around the lake, as Pangong is a popular breeding site for migratory birds.

On your way back, you’ll be taking the  Chang La pass . You can visit several attractions here, such as  Chemrey monastery  and  Hemis monastery . The Hemis Gompa is Leh Ladakh’s largest monastery, boasting beautiful shrines and an 8-meter Padmasambhava statue. Before reaching Leh, you’ll also find the famous monastery of  Thiksey . It’s known for its impressive architecture and decorated interior work.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Leh’s surroundings. Furthermore, if you had spent day one getting acclimatized to Leh’s climate – this is the perfect day to enjoy the serene beauty of Ladakh’s amazing sightseeing spots.

Day 5: Departure

This marks the end of your Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 5 days. You can extend this itinerary to 7 or 9 days, depending on your schedule, and visit places like  Zanskar Valley ,  Kargil ,  Hemis National Park ,  Moonland , and  Tso Moriri Lake .

Accommodation for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

When planning your Leh Ladakh tour, accommodation becomes a crucial factor. Firstly, it’s essential to understand that Leh Ladakh isn’t a developed region compared to other metropolitan cities. It boasts many luxury hotel stays, guesthouses, and hostels – but you shouldn’t expect great amenities in places like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.

Most of the inner sub-regions feature rustic accommodation with basic amenities & facilities – which is still considered a favorable option amongst travellers who enjoy rustic stays.

For our Leh Ladakh itinerary trip itinerary, we categorized hotels into several price ranges. This will help you select the right hotel for the right price during your stay in Ladakh.

Please find the below resources for the hotel stays in Leh Ladakh  –

Budget Hotels in Ladakh  – Explore this page to find budgeted stays & rental apartments in Leh Ladakh. Mid-range Hotels in Ladakh  – Looking for good amenities? Check this page to find mid-range hotels across Leh. Luxury Hotels in Ladakh  – Fancy a luxurious stay in Ladakh? Check this page to find more.

Recommended : Read this guide to find out the top 5 luxury stays in Ladakh .

FAQs for Leh Ladakh Itinerary 5 Days

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh? You’ll at least need 10-12 days to cover major sightseeing spots of Leh Ladakh. Considering the distance between Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Leh, you should give yourself the time to soak in Ladakh’s serene beauty.

Are 5 Days enough for the Leh Ladakh tour? Factually, a 5 day trip to Ladakh isn’t a sufficient period to admire Leh Ladakh’s scenery. With so many attractions & experiences, a tour of a minimum of 7-9 days is required. However, if you’re short on time and need a quick breakthrough to fizz past Ladakh’s sightseeing, a 5-day tour is worthwhile.

How much does a Leh Ladakh trip cost? Many tour operators across India will charge different prices for their services & sightseeing add-ons. It ultimately comes to the duration you choose, places you visit, and some off-beat experiences. However, an average 5D/4N Leh Ladakh package costs INR 13,000 (excluding flights). You can check these tours here.

What is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh? Indian summers are the best period to enjoy Leh Ladakh’s mild temperatures. The region   attracts most of the crowd between April and July and is the busiest period to travel within Leh. You can expect temperatures ranging between 15°C – 30°C during this season.

Are Ladakh roads safe? The roads in Leh Ladakh are pretty rugged, featuring  steep cliffs , unpaved lanes, traffic jams, and rocky terrains. The highways in Ladakh aren’t the most drivable paths but certainly, boast incredible scenery and amazing landscape.

Further Readings & Resources

Coorg, India – 15 Absolutely Best Things to Do in Coorg, India Ooty, India – 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Ooty in 2 Days Iceland – 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October

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Experiential Europe  –  10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland Magical Europe  –  London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe Discovery Europe  –  London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

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A 6 days Ladakh Travel Guide

Last Updated on: Jul 6, 2017  

There are two types of travellers – one who have visited Ladakh and the other who haven’t! Ladakh is a magical place. All those who have visited Ladakh cannot get enough it. And there are others who are still in two minds about visiting this enchanting land. And I don’t blame them. And this Ladakh Travel Guide is for all those planning their trips to Ladakh.

Nestled between the Himalayan, Zanskar and the Karakoram ranges, Ladakh seems to be quite isolated and cut-off from the rest of India. Infact, Leh is accessible by roads only during a certain time of the year (between June to October) when the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh Highways are not blocked due to snow. Ladakh stands at an altitude between 10000 to 15000 ft ASL and experiences extremes of temperature between 25 degrees to -30 degrees!

But visiting this wonderland is not that difficult. Ladakh offers a variety of options to the tourists. From its magnificent monasteries to the azure blue lakes and the cold deserts, the eternal beauty that lies hidden between those layers of mountains, Ladakh will steal your heart. Here is a 6 days Ladakh Travel Guide that will answer almost all your questions and will allay your fears. 

We had visited Ladakh after our trip from Amarnath Yatra . We could not actually decide between travelling to Ladakh or exploring the Kashmir region. Kashmir is equally beautiful and we had been looking into Kashmir Tour Packages as well. Somehow, Ladakh won and Kashmir was kept for sometime later!

Day 1 – Rest and Acclimatisation:

As you arrive at Leh, don’t just rush with your tour. The first day should be kept for acclimatisation. You are arriving at a much lower height to a height of 11000 ft. your body needs time to adjust. Use this day to roam around Leh. Visit the Shanti Stupa in the afternoon and stay till the evening. You can also visit the colourful local markets of Leh. Take a look at the junk jewellery and the colourful funky dresses. Experience the colour and flavour of Leh to the full.

Day 2 – Pangong Blues:

Visit the famous Pangong Lake today. Start early in the morning. Pangong Tso (Tso means lake) is 160 km from Leh and you have to cross the world’s 3rd highest motorable Pass, the Chang La (17586 ft). After you pass Chang La, the barren landscape will change into beautiful meadows with streams flowing by. You can see yaks and the cute marmots on the road. You will reach Pangong by noon. Stay overnight by the lakeside at tents. See the changing colours of the lake at a different time of the day.

Start from Pangong towards Leh. On the way back, visit the Hemis Monastery , Thicksey Monastery, Shey Palace, Rancho’s School (Rancho from the movie 3 Idiots) and the Sindhu Ghat. Hemis Monastery is one of the largest and oldest monasteries of Leh. You can realise the grandeur of the monasteries only after you visit them.

Day 4 – Monastery Hopping:

Keep this day for Monastery hopping . Start early to visit the famous Lamayuru Monastery. Lamayuru is 120 km from Leh town.   Lamayuru is also called the moon land. The view of the monastery from the road is simply breathtaking. While returning from Lamayuru, visit the Alchi, Likir and Spituk Monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Also, visit the Magnetic Hills. On this particular stretch of Srinagar-Leh Highway , you can see the road going uphill. Yet if you turned off the engine of the car and let it stand neutral, it will slowly start moving!

Day 5 – Nubra Valley:

Head towards the mystical Nubra Valley today. While going, you have to cross world’s highest motorable pass, the Khardung La (17580 ft). you can stop at the Pass and to take proud photographs and also have tea at the Army Canteen.

As you will reach Hunder, you will see stretches of sands. Just imagine your car running through pitch-black road with soft yellow sands on both sides. Will it not look like straight out of a picture? At Hunder, ride on the double-humped back camel. Visit the Distik Monastery beside the Shyok River. Stay at Hunder this night and star gaze at the clear night skies.

Return from Nubra Valley to Leh. Spend this day at Leh exploring the town and local market. You will also need the much deserved rest after so much travel.

Return from Leh the next day.

Your Ladakh trip of 6 days is completed. If you manage to add a couple of days, then you can also visit the Tso Moriri and Hanu Dha. This is the most basic tour of Ladakh. It has other adventure options also. There are many trek routes here. The famous Chadar Frozen River Trek is done in the months of January and February. Bike trip to Ladakh is also a good option for all the adventure seekers.

Some important tips for the Ladakh Travel Guide:

• Altitude: Leh is at a height of 11480 ft
• Best Time to visit: June to September
• The best way to visit Leh by road is to enter by the Srinagar-Leh Highway and return by the Leh – Manali highway. This also helps in proper acclimatisation. Or else, you can book a flight.
• During June to September, the weather remains pleasant. In the day, you will need light clothes while at night, you might need a light sweater.
• Since Ladakh is at a greater height and if you have breathing problems, it is better to consult your doctor before visiting. Usually, there is nothing to fear. Most people manage very well even at such heights.
• We did the trip by hiring a private car. You can also check out various Leh Ladakh Tour Packages and choose according to the number of days you have.
• Please keep Ladakh clean and do not litter. Travel well and responsibly.

Reproduction of the content, including the photographs without prior consent/permission of the writer and photographer, is not encouraged at all and a violation of the same will attract legal action. If you need anything, Contact Us .

Hey! we’re Agni & Amrita.

We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

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About the blog: Saspol Caves are one of the finest examples of Buddhist art found in Sham Valley of Ladakh region. Located in Saspol village about 60 km from Leh, the Saspol Cave temples contain beautiful and vibrant wall paintings. We had visited Saspol Cave in our...

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About this blog: Mangyu Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Located in Sham Valley, the Gompa belongs to the early period monasteries built between 1000 – 1300 AD. We visited Mangyu Gompa on our last trip to Ladakh. This travel blog shares our...

This place looks AWESOME! Would definitely love to visit! <3 You're guide is definitely note-worthy. Will bookmark this! 😀

Since long want to visit ladakh and your picture and articles made me more inclined to visit it soon.

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thetarzanway

Experiences, travel guides.

• Aug 6, 2022

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ladakh in 2022

Updated: Sep 19, 2022

Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’, tucked away in the confines of the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas, Ladakh is a natural wonder.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in India, Ladakh is clothed in glory with barren cold desert, snow-draped mountains, quaint gompas, striking blue water bodies, multi-colored flags fluttering in the air, and sightings of Bactrian camels traversing the deserts. It is spectacularly an embodiment of all things beautiful and serene.

The remoteness of the region coupled with rocky terrains of mountains and cold air breezing through is what makes Ladakh a perfect place for anyone seeking to experience some time away from the ordinary and revel in the extraordinary.

A haven for adventure enthusiasts, the entire length of Ladakh is brimming with things to do, and places to visit and explore.

Here is a list of guides you might want to consider before you plan your trip to Ladakh:

Best Time to Visit Ladakh: When to go?

The most ideal time to visit Ladakh would be in the summer months from June to September . The roads of the Srinagar Leh highway and Leh-Manali highway open up by May to mid-July and hence serves as the perfect time to plan a road trip along this famous and magnificent road.

The roads are also open during the monsoon months from end-July to August but the sludge on the highway proves to be very challenging.

By October, the roads are closed off from the world due to heavy snowfall. The only way to reach the place is by flight. But winter in Ladakh is very mesmerizing and an experience to cherish for a lifetime.

How to reach Ladakh?

By Air: The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the best option to reach Ladakh. It is well connected to other major cities of India. Flight bookings are available throughout the year.

By Train: Ladakh does not have a functioning railway station. However, the closest train station is Jammu Tawi in the city of Jammu. You can hire a taxi or bus to reach Ladakh from here on.

By Road: The road network in Ladakh is well connected to other major cities of India. However, the roads are only open for six months of the year, and from November to April, the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall. However, the Delhi-Manali-Leh highway and Delhi-Srinagar-Ladakh routes are famous for their captivating views which makes for a memorable road trip.

Places to Visit in Ladakh: Where to go?

God has blessed Ladakh with some of the most beautiful and magnificent places on earth. Whether it is a long trek or a short trip, there are many places where you can visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Ladakh.

These places are the perfect getaway to rejuvenate your soul. For the uninitiated, these places are some of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

1. Nubra Valley

One of the most beautiful destinations in Leh, Ladakh, Nubra valley is a gem waiting to be explored. From aged old monasteries to bountiful orchards, this region of Leh, Ladakh is sandwiched between Kashmir and Tibet.

The breathtaking view of the valley where sights of dunes coupled with herds of Bactrian camels can be witnessed is what makes Nubra Valley even more appealing.

2. Zanskar Valley

An enchanting semi-desert region in Kargil, Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is truly a work of art. The sparkling clean rivers, snow-capped mountains, enthralling landscapes, and pleasant weather serve as a perfect destination to escape the hectic reality and relish in the best of nature.

The mountain range of Zanskar is part of the Tethys Himalayas hence it offers a spellbinding view into the panoramic trans Himalayan region.

3. Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Ladakh. Located at a height of almost 4,350 meters above sea level, it is said to be one of the highest altitude lakes in Ladakh.

A beautiful water body so blue and serene that captivates anyone that visits the place, Pangong Lake also serves as a photographer’s paradise.

The tall mountains surrounding the lake, ducks wandering on the banks, colored flags swaying in the wind, and the clear blue sky all add to the charm of the lake.

4. Tso Moriri

An emerald lake known for its spellbinding beauty, Tso Moriri is a must-visit place in Ladakh. The sheer beauty of this lake combined with the vast expanse of the blue sky and the tall barren mountains as the backdrop with marshlands and wetlands around the lake makes the entire length of Tso Moriri majestic.

Though lesser known than Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri rightfully stands as a tourist favorite for offering nothing but the best to its visitors.

Things to do in Ladakh: What to do?

If you are planning a vacation to India, you should know that the main attraction is Ladakh. There is a lot of beauty and adventure to be found in this region. This section enlists all the things you can do on your Ladakh trip.

1. Chadar Trek

A thrilling and possibly one of the most exhilarating trekking experiences over the frozen ice carpet of the Zanskar river. Loved by adventure enthusiasts for its taxing yet exciting route, the trek is very strenuous and daunting even for experienced trekkers.

The temperature drops below sub-sub-zeroes. Regardless of the difficulty, the nights spent in caves, sightings of exotic wildlife, traversing across frozen rivers with sparkling blue water flowing in gaps, and walking along the barren yet majestic mountains are what make this trek an experience to treasure for a lifetime.

2. Bactrian Camel Safari

A famous fun and adventurous activity that can be experienced in the cold deserts of Ladakh is the Camel Safari. The Bactrian Camel is popular for having a double hump and it is listed as a critically endangered species which makes it even more special.

The thrill of riding the camels, especially during the sunset hours witnessing the cold and barren Himalayan ranges is a must-try activity that will definitely blow your mind away.

3. Biking at Khardrung La Pass

The Khardrung La Pass is one of the highest motorable roads passes in the world. A bike ride, be it a motorcycle or bicycle, is not only thrilling but even more memorable.

The ride along the pass makes one feels like they are flying high above the ground. As you drive with views of the high and mighty snow-capped mountains with multi-hued flags fluttering in the wind, you might as well catch a glimpse of paradise.

4. Visiting the Monasteries

The Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh are often called the heritage of Ladakh and are one of the striking sources of attraction to tourists.

The monasteries in Ladakh are popularly known for their annual festivals, vibrant paintings, and pieces of Buddhist art that mesmerize the viewer. These Buddhist gompas are architectural marvels providing a soothing ambiance and alluring visuals.

Food & Cuisine: What to eat in Ladakh?

Momos – One of the most renowned foods of the region, Momos are a Ladakhi staple that you cannot miss while in Ladakh. It is stuffed with minced meat or vegetables and covered in dough.

Nun Chai - A type of beverage associated with Ladakh is the buttered brew that is served at every sacred function, wedding, and festival. Butter and salt are added to brewed milk and infused with tea leaves.

Skyu – A traditional soup-based dish, Skyu is a Ladakh delicacy. It is made from wheat dough which is kneaded into pasta-sized bites and cooked in a broth with vegetables like carrots and turnips.

Tingmo – A popular street in the regions of Ladakh, Tingmo is a fluffy bun made with whole wheat. A staple breakfast and dinner food, it is eaten with dal and vegetables.

Festivals to attend in Ladakh

Hemis Festival – Hemis Festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the lunar month on the Tibetan Calendar. It is hosted by the Hemis Gompa to commemorate the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, founder of tantric Buddhism. The locals dresses up in traditional clothes and the famous masked dance called Chaam is performed by the Lamas

Losar Festival – A month-long festival, Losar Festival is a time when the Gods, deities, ancestors, and even animals are fed the delicacies of the region. People make sacrificial offerings, rituals of the past are re-enacted by the locals, and the tradition of making snowmen are also practiced.

Saka Dawa Festival – Saka Dawa festival is the most important festival in Ladakh. This vibrant festival is celebrated during the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar. It was celebrated in the birth month of Buddha and also the month when he attended spiritual awakening. Monks from all monasteries change their flagpoles to mark the festival.

Sindhu Darshan Festival – A three-day festival in the month of June, Sindhu Darshan is a festival that is celebrated to commemorate the Indus River as a symbol of communal harmony and unity in India. Everyone regardless of their religion or region takes part in this festival.

Things to Keep in Mind while Traveling to Ladakh

The winter months in Ladakh are very harsh and the temperature usually drops below sub-zero degrees. So, it is always advisable to carry warm woolen clothes and jackets during the winter months. Summers are relatively pleasant but due to the high altitudes, the intensity of the sun’s heat is felt strongly due to thin air.

Given the elevated altitude of Ladakh, anyone visiting the region for the first time may experience AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. So, it is always advisable to rest a day or two before embarking on any strenuous activity.

Always carry a basic medicine kit like painkillers, oxygen tables, and tablets for headaches, stomaches, and fever.

Indian domestic tourists do not require any travel permit but if you are a foreign traveler, make sure to obtain the required permits through your travel agency and keep them handy.

Always carry adequate cash as there are not enough ATMs all around the region. Most of the hotels, homestays, restaurants and other service providers only accept cash.

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Ladakh Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

By: Author Tashi Lundup

Posted on Last updated: June 11, 2020

In this Ladakh travel guide, you'll learn the best time to visit Leh and Ladakh, how to get around, and what to see and do once you get there.

Ladakh, comprising Leh and Kargil districts, is situated amidst the Himalaya and the Karakoram mountain ranges.

Famous as a Buddhist ex-kingdom, Ladakh is well-known for its monasteries or gompas .

Ladakh is referred to as “Little Tibet” due to the strong influence of Tibetan culture on the region and “Land of High Passes” as it has natural beauty in abundance.

Ladakh is sandwiched between Tibet in the east, Kashmir in the west, the Xinjiang province of China in the north, Pakistan in the north-west, and Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti valleys in the south.

Leh, the capital of Ladakh and one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the region, is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters.

The town of Leh was an important trade center for Central Asia on the Silk Route and also served as a transit point for traders on the Leh-Yarkand (presently in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China) route.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Ladakh

When to visit, how to get around , things to do , eco-responsible tourism in ladakh.

Ladakh is accessible either through the air or by road.

There are direct flights from New Delhi to Leh on all days, whereas direct flights are also available to Leh from Mumbai in summer.

Two roads connect Ladakh with the rest of the country.

One could reach Leh by road from Manali or Srinagar. The 490 km-long Leh-Manali highway is open from May or June until mid-October.

One has to cross three passes – Rohtang La (3,980 m), Baralacha La (5,030 m), and Taglang La (5,328 m) to enter Ladakh region from Manali.

On the Leh-Srinagar road, one has to cross two passes – Fotu La (4,108 m) and Zoji La (3,528 m) to reach Leh.

Summer is the best time to visit Ladakh. One could visit Ladakh from May to September when the weather is pleasant.

Ladakh is not accessible by road throughout the year as both the Leh-Manali and Leh-Srinagar roads are closed for more than six months due to heavy snowfall.

However, the roads within Ladakh are still open in winter.

When the roads are closed in winter, the airlines become the lifeline of the people.

It is altogether a different experience in winter with sub-zero temperatures and plenty of snowfall.

The Chadar Trek and Snow Leopard sighting trek are the major activities that are organized for tourists in Ladakh in winter.

See also: 5 Surprising Things About Backpacking Pakistan

The bus services in Leh are limited. While the remote and far-flung areas are connected through a bus run by the road transport corporation (RTC), the bus services in Leh town and peripheral regions are privately-owned.

As a result, the schedule of the bus service is often erratic.

Taxis are available for traveling in and around Leh.

One can choose different types of taxi, ranging from Toyota Innova to Maruti Van, depending on the budget.

People traveling alone or in a small group are encouraged to book shared taxi tours while visiting Ladakh .

Shared taxis are available for tours to all the major tourist attractions (Nubra valley, Pangong lake, Indus valley, etc.).

Using shared taxis will not only save money but also reduce the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.

It's not only weather that one should keep in mind while planning a trip to Ladakh. One has to keep acclimatization to the altitude in mind too.

At a minimum, allow for a full day of rest on the day you arrive in Leh. It is vital to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated at high altitudes.

Inner line permits (ILP) are required for both domestic and foreign tourists visiting any of the sensitive zones such as Nubra, Pangong, Tsomoriri, and the Aryan valley due to security reasons.

ILPs are available online for both domestic travelers and foreigners and are valid for 15 days.

1. Monasteries of the Indus valley: Leh, Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis

As Ladakh is a Buddhist-dominated area, the region is peppered with monasteries of different sects and size.

Perched high on the hill behind the nine-story high Leh Palace is the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.

Constructed in the 15th century, the monastery is famed for its three-story high gold idol of Maitreya or the Future Buddha.

Shey, once the summer capital of Ladakh, is the house to Shey monastery renowned for a giant copper statue of Buddha gilded with gold.

On the way to Pangong Lake is the majestic Thiksey monastery that is famed for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

The monastery is famous for its 15-meter high statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

Perhaps the most famous and well-known monastery in Ladakh is the Hemis Monastery, located at a distance of 45 km from Leh.

One of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is famous for the Naropa Festival, which is held every 12 years according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.

See also: Song Kol Lake: Horse Trekking in Kyrgyzstan

2. Nubra Valley

One of the major attractions in Ladakh is the Nubra Valley or “the valley of flowers.”

Compared to Leh (3,524 m), Nubra is at a lower altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level.

Nubra is also the gateway to the famous Siachen Glacier , which lies to the north of the valley, whereas the Karakoram Pass is in the northwest of the valley.

Hundar and Turtuk are the two most visited villages in Nubra valley.

Hundar is renowned for its dunes and the double-humped Bactrian camel.

The village of Turtuk, famous for the Balti tribe, was opened for tourists in 2010. The Balti tribe still follows its age-old customs.

Diskit monastery is the largest gompa in the valley, located just 7 km from Hundar.

3. Pangong and Tsomoriri Lakes

The other major attractions for tourists are Pangong and Tsomoriri lakes.

Pangong Lake, situated at the height of 4,350 m, is a five-hour drive from Leh.

Pangong Lake is 134 km long, and almost 60% of the length of the lake is in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Pangong Lake is an important breeding ground for a variety of birds, including many migratory birds.

Meanwhile, to the southeast of Leh in eastern Ladakh at a distance of 240 km far from Leh is the Tsomoriri Lake situated at an altitude of 4,522 m.

The lake is the breeding ground for the highly threatened black-necked crane.

One of the outstanding features of the area around Tsomoriri Lake is the nomads known for moving from one place to the other.

Tsomoriri, one of the highest brackish water lakes in the world, is 19 km in length.

Ladakh's ecosystem is fragile. Since Ladakh is a cold desert, water is a precious resource in the region.

However, due to rapid urbanization and an increase in the number of hotels and guesthouses, mainly in Leh town, people have abandoned centuries-old practices.

Instead of traditional dry compost toilets, flush toilets are being used in hotels and households. 

These are putting a lot of strain on the already depleted sources of water, such as natural springs and it's also contaminating the groundwater.

It is, therefore, advisable to save as much water as possible by taking a bath using buckets instead of showers.

Also, because Ladakh has limited waste management infrastructure, make efforts to reduce garbage by consuming less packaged food and plastic bottles.

It is estimated that more than 3.5 million plastic bottles for mineral water and carbonated drinks are generated in Leh each tourist season.

Instead of buying plastic bottles, refill water bottles from the hotel or water vending outlets in Leh, such as Dzomsa.

I hope this Ladakh travel guide has provided insight into what it would be like to visit this wondrous region of northern India.

Tashi Lundup has been working as a guide with Ju-Leh Adventure for almost 10 years; he has accompanied hundreds of tourist groups during treks and cultural tours in Ladakh. Tashi is also a writer for local magazines such as Stawa .

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

Friday 3rd of April 2020

Thanks for this very useful guide. I'm supposed to travel to Ladakh this summer, I hope it will be possible!

Hi Thom, I'm envious. I considered going to Ladakh overland while in McLeod Ganj (northern India) but ran out of energy after having been in India for seven weeks.

Whether you're able to go this summer or further in the future, I hope you have a wonderful time!

Supriya Kumar Mitra

Thursday 19th of March 2020

This year I will visited this place, Have you faced any breathing problem?

I did not travel to Ladakh personally, so I can't speak from personal experience. The high-altitudes do require you take time to acclimatize upon arrival, drink lots of water, try to get rest in the first few days and eat well.

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Plan Your trip

Ladakh Tourism

Unmatched Beauty and Unlimited Adventure at the Land of High Passes.

Home to numerous treks, Ladakh is one of the best place for trekking in the Himalayas.

The rugged trails and the winding roads are perfect for mountain biking adventure.

Ladakh is home to many mountain peaks, and is perfect for peak climbing.

Motorbiking

The meandering roads of Ladakh makes it the top motor biking destination in India.

Ladakh, considered as one of the best places for Buddhism in India.

Ladakh is home to a number of exotic animals and bird species that roam around the land.

• Best Time to Visit
• How to Reach
• Places to Visit
• Things to Do

March - Oct

Not Required

About Leh Ladakh Tourism

The Land of High Passes, Ladakh, the newly created Union Territory in India (previously a part of Jammu & Kashmir), boasts a landscape that can leave you with your jaws dropped. It is a place where the landscape changes dramatically; it is truly astonishing to see the mountains, snow, cold desert, alpine meadows and lakes at a short distance from each other. Tourism in Ladakh is an absolute delight for nature lovers as well as adventurers.

Adorned with the lofty barren mountains, Ladakh is home to some of the highest motorable passes like Khardung La (5359 m), Marsimik La (5582 m), and Chang La (5360 m), and alpine lakes like Pangong Tso (4350 m) and Tso Moriri (4522 m). Ladakh is further divided into three regions - Leh, Nubra, and Zanskar, and each region has several places to see.

Ladakh is majorly popular amongst the adventurers who feel welcomed by the number of adrenaline rushing activities offered here. The union territory is amongst the top trekking destinations in India with amazing and unmatched treks like the popular Frozen River Trek/Chadar Trek. Ladakh also has opportunities for mountaineering, motor biking, mountain biking, white water rafting and more.

Adding to its exceptional beauty are the ancient Buddhist monasteries that are mostly nestled in the mountains and are thousands of years old. These monasteries make for the Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in Ladakh and also act as important cultural centres where major religious festivals take place.

In our Ladakh Travel Guide, we add all the information you need to know before planning a trip. Our authentic Ladakh travel guide includes information on the top places to visit, must visit tourist attractions, best things to do and top places to stay in Ladakh.

Tour My India offers the best Leh Ladakh tour packages ensuring an amazing holiday experience at this top Himalayan destination in India.

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• Best Time to Visit Ladakh

Summer Season in Ladakh

The summer season is between April and June in Ladakh, when the temperature ranges between 5°C and 25°C. The month of May marks the beginning of tourist season in Ladakh

Monsoon Season in Ladakh

Since Ladakh falls in a high-altitude region, it receives no to very little rain between July and September. This is the best time to visit Ladakh

Winter Season in Ladakh

Winter season is from October to February in Ladakh. The entire region receives heavy snowfall which sometimes leads to the blocking of roads. Nonetheless, Ladakh is accessible during winter via flights.

Best Places to Visit in Ladakh

The capital city, Leh, has numerous attractions including Shanti Stupa and a beautiful market.

Nubra Valley

Home to an alpine cold desert, the 33-meter statue of Jampa, and Bactrian Camels, Nubra Valley is a must-see in Ladakh.

An offbeat and lesser-visited side of Ladakh, Zanskar is primarily known for its Frozen River Trek.

The second largest town in Ladakh, Kargil is primarily known for its Kargil War and the War Memorial.

Called the Gateway to Ladakh, Drass is also known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world.

Top Things to Do in Ladakh

Home to numerous treks, Ladakh is one of the best destinations in

The rugged trails and the winding roads are perfect for adventurers who enjoy mountain biking.

Ladakh offers the opportunity to enjoy river rafting on its two important rivers, Zanskar and Indus

The adventure of jeep safari in Ladakh is both thrilling and comfortable at the same time.

Photography

Ladakh is unarguably, a photographer’s delight as it has multiple beautiful aspects to be covered by nature photographers, culture photographers.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Ladakh

Hemis Monastery

One of the oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis is known for its annual religious festival

Shanti Stupa

Built to promote world peace and prosperity as well as to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism, Shanti Stupa is the major attraction in Leh.

Khardung La Pass

The highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La is a major attraction in Ladakh.

Pangong Tso Lake

Situated at an altitude of 4350 m, Pangong Lake is amongst the top tourist attractions in Ladakh

Tsomoriri Lake

Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh is the kind of place, which, when you visit it, feel that Nature had kept it zealously guarded lest some mortal soul.

Hemis National Park

India’s largest national park by area, Hemis National Park is home to a rich variety of flora & fauna.

• How to Reach Ladakh

Ladakh has its own airport which connects it to the major cities of India.

The nearest railway station to Ladakh is in Jammu that operates regular trains to many destinations in India.

Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH 1) and Leh-Manali Highway are the two routes to reach Ladakh by road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. where is ladakh.

Ladakh is located in the Western Himalayas of Northern India. It is bordered by Tibet to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south, Jammu & Kashmir and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west. It extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Range to the north to the main Great Himalayas to the south. The eastern end of it consists of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains. The elevation of Ladakh ranges from 2550m to 7742m. The longitude and latitude of Ladakh are 34°10′12″N 77°34′48″E.

Q. Do I need a separate Visa/Permit to travel to Ladakh?

Domestic tourists as well as international tourists require an inner line permit (ILP) and are required to pay for it in the form of Environment Fee of INR 400. The ILP is valid for 1 week for foreigners as well as Indians.

Q. What is the best time to travel to Ladakh?

June to September is considered the best time to visit Ladakh. During these months, Ladakh has pleasant weather and temperature ranging between 20℃ and 35℃. Trekkers, who like to do the Frozen River Trek and Snow Leopard Trek like to visit in the winter season in Ladakh.

Q. How can we go to Ladakh?

There are two ways to reach Ladakh: airways and roadways. Ladakh has a domestic airport in Leh. Ladakh is connected extremely well by roads with two neighbouring states of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. NH1 from Kashmir and Leh-Manali Highway from Himachal connect Ladakh with these two states by road.

Q. Is it safe to visit Ladakh?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit Ladakh, however, if you are physically unwell, you should consult your doctor before planning a trip. It is also recommended to give full one day for acclimatisation when you reach Ladakh.

Q. Can people from all countries visit Ladakh?

Yes, people from all the countries can visit Ladakh. However, citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Hongkong need permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Q. Does TMI offer adventure tours in Ladakh?

Yes, TMI offers all kinds of adventure tours in Ladakh including trekking, mountain biking, motor biking, peak climbing, and river rafting.

Q. Where is the airport in Ladakh?

The airport in Ladakh is situated in its capital city, Leh.

Q. Is payment through cards easily accepted in Ladakh?

Card payments are accepted at selected places in Ladakh; therefore, it is better to carry cash to avoid inconvenience.

Why Choose TMI?

Experienced

An experienced Ladakh tour operator, with a team of an experienced travel enthusiast ensure to give our clients well-designed Leh Ladakh tour packages.

We are certified by major tour and travel associations in India and world like IATA, IATO, TAAI, IMF & MOT (Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India).

Happy Customers

TMI has received numerous accolades from its happy customers for its excellent services and best Ladakh holidays.

Local Offices

We have local office in Ladakh for our customers to find assistance anytime and anywhere.

Ladakh Travel Guide by Category

• Where to Stay
• Things To Do

Where to Stay in Ladakh

Popular amongst tourists, Ladakh has become a comfortable home for many and an adventure hotspot for others. Thus, it has developed itself as a destination with a variety of places to stay. Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, contributes with the largest number of hotels & resorts to stay. One can even find heritage hotels, homestays and even small hostels as an accommodation option in Leh.

In Nubra Valley, one can find fewer hotels but numerous camping options in every budget. In Zanskar Region, the accommodation is mostly available in budget category and in the form of homestays and camps. In Pangong, one of the major tourism spots in Ladakh, a large number of tented accommodation and homestays can be found.

Tour My India is associated with the top hotels and resorts in Ladakh and offers the best deals & discounts on hotels booking in Ladakh.

Best Things to Do in Ladakh

Ladakh is an adventurer’s paradise. It is home to some incredible trails that are perfect for trekking and hiking; lofty mountains for mountaineering; furious rivers for river rafting; and amazing roads and dirt paths for that adrenaline rushing mountain and motor biking adventure.

This Himalayan destination is also rich in the number of Buddhist monasteries that are also the cultural centres which make them the perfect places for performing pilgrimage and enjoying cultural tours.

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How to plan a perfect tour of Leh Ladakh? | A Leh Ladakh Travel Guide

The Land of mountain passes – Ladakh is a mesmerizing destination with its varied and stunning landforms. An ultimate destination for backpackers, bikers and road trippers, this has now become a popular family and honeymoon destination too. However, a tour of Leh Ladakh with its unusual terrain requires a fair bit of preparation before you visit it. This is where I see a lot of you have reached out to me with questions on the best Ladakh tourist places, what to pack, where to book, how to go around visiting places in Leh Ladakh etc. Best I bundle it all together as this Mega Leh Ladakh Travel Guide for you.

Located near Kashmir, the Ladakh region is encircled by different mountain ranges. It used to be a part of the Silk route  and therein lay its historical and strategic importance. With its rugged terrain and proximity to various country borders like Pakistan and China, there are several restrictions that you will need to be aware of when you plan a trip to Ladakh. Also, given that it is one of the highest plateau and mountain regions, there are certain health precautions that everyone must take. The lack of roads adds to the challenges of a road trip to Ladakh and then, of course, the kind of accommodation that you can expect here. I have tried to include them all in this Ladakh Travel Guide based on my travel experience.

Besides answering all the commonly asked questions, this Ladakh trip guide also includes a sample itinerary. You can choose to either follow the same or build one based on all the information provided here. Time we get started.

Planning a holiday in Leh Ladakh?

In case you are looking for some quick links to tours, places to stay and travel accessories for your Leh Ladakh trip, you can consider using these online options.

• Booking.com has quite a few of the Leh Ladakh hotels and stays listed on their website. Do consider booking them online using the given link .
• Viator.com  offers several tours to Ladakh. You will even find a  7 day tour of Ladakh from Leh, complete with conveyance and a guide on the site. Use the link to discover more  
• For any of your travel needs or general shopping, consider using  Amazon  through  this link.
• 1 What is the difference between Leh and Ladakh?
• 2.1 Leh By Flight:
• 2.2.1 Manali to Leh Route
• 2.2.2 Srinagar to Leh Route
• 3 What is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh?
• 4 Ladakh tourist places | Places to visit in Ladakh
• 5 Cognizance of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness)
• 6 Leh Ladakh Travel Guide to Inner Line Permits (ILP)
• 7 What is the best way of visiting places in Ladakh? | Getting around Leh Ladakh
• 8 A packing checklist for Leh Ladakh trip
• 9 Where to stay in Ladakh?
• 10 What to eat in Ladakh? Leh Ladakh Travel Guide to Food
• 11 Mobile and Internet connectivity in Ladakh
• 12 What to buy in Ladakh? | Leh Ladakh shopping tips
• 13 How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?
• 14 A suggested Leh Ladakh itinerary for 7 days
• 15 Common FAQs for Leh Ladakh
• 16 Is Ladakh worth visiting?
• 17 How much does a Ladakh trip cost?
• 18 Can we go Ladakh by train?
• 19 Is Ladakh safe to visit?

What is the difference between Leh and Ladakh?

It is most likely that you have heard people say “I want to go on a tour of Leh Ladakh” . Though popularly used in conjunction, there is a technical difference between the two – Leh and Ladakh.

Ladakh refers to a larger region or province that is located to the north and northeast of Kashmir. It is literally the border region of India with Pakistan, China and Tibet as its neighbor. It is classified as a Union territory of India and is widely acknowledged as the highest region of the country. It is bound on one side by the Himalayas and Karakoram range on the other. Leh on the other hand is the capital aka. main headquarters of Ladakh. For administrative purposes, it refers to a district area of 45,000 sq km, surrounding Leh city. The city by itself is the largest one in the Ladakh region.

So, as you see the two terms do refer to different parts of India but from a travelers’ perspective, the conjoint usage – Leh Ladakh refers to visiting all places in Ladakh.

How to go to Ladakh?

The biggest city in Ladakh is Leh and this I suggest, should be your center point for this travel. The first thing you need to do is decide how you are going to get here. There are basically only two options – Either Fly or take the Road. There is no railway connectivity to Leh.

Leh By Flight:

There are a limited number of flights to Leh and most of them originate from Delhi or Srinagar. Naturally, they are quite dear when it comes to cost, and booking them early is the only way to beat the prices.

The other option of a partial flight and road trip from Srinagar. You can fly to Srinagar and then take a road trip via Kargil to reach Leh. The thing to keep in mind is that you must keep aside at least a day to reach Leh for you will need to halt either at Sonamarg or Kargil for the night and then reach Leh. The total distance from Srinagar to Leh is 421 km along mountainous ranges and high passes. It is not just the terrain but the military restrictions and timings that will force this halt for you need to clear certain passes like the Zozila Pass by a certain time or wait until the next day.  Remember, the Srinagar area is politically sensitive too. The good part about this option – you get to experience the gorgeous green Kashmir Valley.

Leh By Road – one of the best road trips in India

Leh by road is one of my best ever road trips in India . The stunning landscapes and the myriad colors of the mountains are so surreal. Everyone talks of Europen road trips and their gorgeous scenic routes- and having experienced those as well as the Leh Ladakh trip, I can tell you that this one to Leh is no less beautiful. The ever-changing landscapes, the thrill of high mountain passes and the vibrant monasteries that dot the route are just some of the things that make this Ladakh trip by road very exciting. You can check out my entire route through this post .

Assuming a start from either Chandigarh or Delhi, you can follow either of these two routes to Leh. You can choose to take the route from Manali to Leh or the one from Srinagar. I have shared the pros and cons of both below –

Manali to Leh Route

This takes you via the gorgeous Rohtang Pass and gives you a flavor of the lovely Spiti Valley at Keylong before you turn to the mountain deserts of Sarchu and then Leh. The drawback of this route is that you might experience delays owing to landslides and rains and also, that this is a steep climb to Leh, which could cause AMS or acclimatization problems. More on AMS coming up below .

With the new Atal tunnel, this route has become slightly easier. The tunnel is built below the Rohtang pass and is the longest highway single-tube tunnel in the world. The 9 km long tunnel allows you to use this Manali -Leh route throughout the year. It reduces the distance between Manali and Keylong by 70 km, cutting off almost 3.5 hours from the earlier journey through the pass. You can definitely consider using it if you are short of time. However, you will still have to be vigilant about AMS.

Srinagar to Leh Route

Another scenic stretch that takes you through the best of Kashmir Valley and the stunning views of the Amarnath camps before you hit the coldest point Drass and then Kargil. From Kargil, you will be able to stop at the various ancient monasteries like the Lamayuru Monastery , which makes the whole journey interesting. The good thing is that it is a gradual ascent and your body gets acclimatized quickly. The drawback is the possibility of landslides and the volatile Srinagar political situation.

What is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh?

The best time to visit Ladakh is from May to September when the temperatures range from 5 degrees celsius to 30 degrees celsius. You can also, experience various cultural festivals of Ladakh like the Hemis festival during this period. The region is not really affected by the monsoons and this is the only time when the temperatures don’t go sub-zero.

Winters are fairly harsh here and the entire region gets covered in snow. However, Ladakh in winters has its own charm. With icicled waterfalls, frozen rivers, and lake surfaces and snowy valleys, the place transforms into a winter wonderland. There are some amazing treks that to attempt during this season like the Chadar Trek. However, be aware that a lot of hotels and stays are closed during winters. Even some of the roads are shut down, making flights the only viable option to get to Ladakh.

Ladakh tourist places | Places to visit in Ladakh

How many days should your Leh Ladakh itinerary be for is best answered by what you want to do in Ladakh. From treks to mountain climbing, biking, and camping, there are just tons to do here. In this section, I am just listing down all the possible Ladakh tourist places that you can plan a visit to. You can click on the linked text to know more about these Ladakh attractions. And while you make your list from this travel guide to Ladakh, remember to keep at least a day in Leh where you acclimatize yourselves to avoid AMS (More in the next section)

• Leh Palace – 9 floored wooden palace modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. Located in Leh city itself, this one is a complete delight for history buffs as well as nature lovers. Plan to keep this visit on the day that you are in Leh for acclimatization.
• Shanti Stupa – Located in Leh city, this stupa was donated by Japan and holds a few of the Buddha relics. The White Pagoda is best visited at Sunset when you get to the vibrant designs on it in natural light and then its lit-up avatar as it becomes dark.
• Hall of Fame Museum, Leh – A museum in Leh city that is dedicated to the brave Indian soldiers. The museum showcases the way the army endures the harsh conditions of the land to keep its borders safe. There is also, a section that details the various tribes and cultural traditions of Ladakh.
• Hemis Monastery – one of the richest monasteries of Ladakh, located en route to Pangong Lake. The monastery is the site for the famous Hemis festival that takes place in June and the Naropa festival which takes place in August-September.
• Spituk Monastery – This is where the annual Gustor festival is held in January. The monastery was established in the 11th century and is known for its giant Kali statue.
• Stok Monastery – Built in the 14th century, the monastery is known for its impressive library and the annual masked dance. The three-storey monastery has a museum that showcases royal relics like the King’s crown, his jewelry etc.
• Confluence of Indus & Zanskar – located right outside Leh city, this confluence is like no other. You can clearly see the two rivers – Indus and Zanskar – each with a distinct color merge and flow as one.
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – a little ahead of the confluence, is this unique gurudwara with a stone that has the imprint of Guru Nanak Dev ‘s body and a footprint of a demon that he had subdued. The delightful place serves free food to all its visitors and is maintained by the Indian army.
• Thiksey Monastery – A picturesque monastery that I highly recommend for your Leh Ladakh itinerary. It has one of the most beautiful Maitreya Buddha statues and unique Thangka paintings. The 12-storey monastery is often compared to the Potala palace
• Shey Palace and Monastery – The erstwhile Ladakhi capital is worth a stop-over en route to Thiksey Monastery. Though the palace is in ruins, the attached monastery has an impressive Buddha statue that is 3 floors tall and stunning valley views.
• Lamayuru Monastery – The oldest monastery of Ladakh with its surrounding moonland landscape is an unmissable destination, especially when you are on your way to Leh from Kargil.
• Basgo – one of the top 25 endangered UNESCO sites. These ruins are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding mountains. The barely surviving structure has three unique monasteries for you to visit.
• Alchi Monastery – A very different type of monastery – almost as old as the Lamayuru one. The monastery is known for its surviving woodwork that goes back to the 12th century.
• Nubra Valley – A cold desert that suddenly bursts into shades of blue and green. Home to the double-humped Bactrian camels, Nubra valley promises a very surreal experience. Check out my detailed guide on the same.
• Diskit Monastery – Located in Nubra Valley, this monastery has a giant statue of Buddha built as a symbol of peace between Pakistan and India.
• Pangong Tso – The lake that shot into fame after the famous movie – 3 idiots is another unmissable attraction of Ladakh. The stunning blue waters enclosed by mountains is a delight for not just nature lovers but even for birders. Learn more through my detailed blog of the same.
• Tso Moriri – Not only is this high altitude lake gorgeous by itself but it is the journey through the Changthang valley that makes it even more worthwhile.
• Tso Kar – If you are on the Leh-Manali route, you will most likely get to see this lake. A saltwater one, it is a worthwhile stop-over for its perfect reflections and vibrant colors.
• Hanle – This village is best known for its clear night skies and the famous Hanle observatory. This is where you can see the Milky way – almost every night.
• Dah & Hanu – the last Aryan villages that is said to have connections to the famous Alexander the Great. The four villages here have a unique culture called Brokpa, different from the rest of Ladakh. Read more about this in the linked post.
• Drass Memorial or the Kargil Memorial Hall – a very melancholic stop near Kargil. This is a showcase of the Kargil war built against the very backdrop of the war. It is hard to keep yourself from crying when you listen to the stories of the brave warriors involved in this battle.

I can keep going on but for starters, these should give you a fair idea of what key destinations you would want to include in your Leh Ladakh itinerary. Remember that these are just the main stops. Along the way, you will find plenty of photo-worthy and epic stops like the passes – Khardung La, Chang La, Fotu La Pass, Magnetic Hill etc. Remember to watch out and stop them when you are visiting places in Leh Ladakh.

Cognizance of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness)

I am dedicating a major part of this Ladakh Holiday Guide to this section. The average altitude of Ladakh is around 3000 m and hence, the air is very thin out here. Given the thin Oxygen levels, a sudden ascent to Ladakh can cause what is called AMS or the Altitude Mountain Sickness . This if ignored, can get quite severe and life-threatening. However, when you are cognizant of it, it can be easily handled and you will find Ladakh a breeze – just as I did!

The key symptoms of mild AMS include

• Sleeplessness
• Shortness of breath

In severe cases, you will find that the person is unable to breathe properly, has turned blue, is unable to walk in a straight line or is coughing up blood. Given this, it is best to rush him to the nearest medical facility.

The mild form of AMS is best handled when you acclimatize yourselves. This is where you need to ensure that you take it easy when you arrive in Leh and rest at least one day before starting your excursions. That one day of acclimatization is essential for your body to get used to the O2 levels of Ladakh, irrespective of your fitness levels. Here are the other precautions that you must take –

• Avoid a speedy ascent to Leh on a road trip. As mentioned earlier, the Srinagar Leh route is a gradual climb Vs. the Manali route. However, if you choose the Manali route, take adequate breaks and do not drive fast.
• Drink plenty of water. I, as a rule, had set a timer to ensure that I had my share of water. This does wonder in helping you acclimatize.
• Keep high energy food with you like Chocolate
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
• Do not overeat
• Avoid exertion till you get used to the climate. Do not run or attempt those high adrenaline activities for at least 24 hours after arriving here
• Carry your emergency medicine with you. Diamox is the most commonly recommended medication for AMS but it is best if you visit your doctor for the prescription and advice.
• Take it slow and be aware. Most people in Ladakh know of this and are quite ready to help. An Army camp is the best place to approach for qualified help.

Leh Ladakh Travel Guide to Inner Line Permits (ILP)

If Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley or any other place that is close to the international borders are on your travel list, then whether you are an Indian or a foreign tourist, you will need to get an ILP. This can be got online through this website . Alternatively, you can approach any of the local travel agents to arrange for it. You need to have a Govt. photo ID as a document when procuring these permits. Note that the online permit is only an application that you can fill out and get ready for your visit. This will need to be printed and stamped at the Leh TIC office between 9 am to 3 pm. You will also, need to pay INR 400 as an environmental fee and INR 20 per day per person as the fee. The detailed list of places that you need this permit for can be accessed here .

There are no vehicle permits required except for one at Rohtang Pass if you happen to come via Manali. This can be procured at Manali by providing the Vehicle documents, Insurance papers, and Drivers License.

What is the best way of visiting places in Ladakh? | Getting around Leh Ladakh

The only way to travel within Ladakh is by road. Whether you hire a bike or a car or a car with a driver, is your choice. You can make this choice and hire your vehicles from Leh itself. The pricing there is pretty standard. There are packages that include the car for you. You can even get taxis on a shared basis – there are plenty of operators who offer that. If you get to the Taxi station in Leh town, you will find various options for shared taxis. However, here are some things that you need to keep in mind.

• There are quite a few places that have absolutely no roads. The pathway goes through gushing streams and beds of rocks. Consider getting a 4 wheel drive or a hardy bike for this reason
• Ensure that you have a seasoned driver to handle these offroad conditions. If you are driving yourself, be well prepared for the same.
• Stock up fuel at Leh for your trip to Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. There are no fuel stations along the way.
• Ensure that your spares and toolkits are well in place. There are only a few remote army camps if you get stuck like the way we did at Chushul with a Flat Tyre. You can read about our experience on this road trip to Ladakh post.
• Road Side toilets are almost non-existent. You will have to use a small shed that just has a hole and no flush.

I highly recommend reading my article on 10 Tips for a Road Trip as a part of this Ladakh Guide to prep you for the best. This ain’t an ordinary trip and this extra reading will definitely help your checklist.

There are buses too, from Leh that take you to the popular Ladakh tourist places. These can be found at the Leh market area.

A packing checklist for Leh Ladakh trip

Throw away those sleeveless dresses and shorts. Get ready to pack long sleeves and thermals with coats and caps. An unusual terrain and climate do require you to make your packing list in advance and actually go shopping for it. Here is my suggested packing checklist for Ladakh.

• Thermals – tops and bottoms for the evenings and nights.
• Cotton or Woolen Tops and trousers to layer up during the day
• A Nice warm snow jacket for places like Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso
• A pair of Trekking shoes or boots. Highly recommended even if you are not doing trekking
• A woolen cap
• Goggles – the sun is so harsh that you might have light sensitivity
• Sunscreen with at least 75 SPF – Absolutely essential as owing to the thin air, you will have quite a strong exposure to the sun. Most of us had some skin peeling off our noses and foreheads, despite the precautions.
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizers

Pack everything into rolls for a backpack . Avoid trolley bags as it is difficult to trudge them around on uneven and high terrain.

Where to stay in Ladakh?

Leh town and Kargil has a good range of hotels – from the expensive 5-star ones to the budget hotels. Most of them can be booked online, using the booking resources section. However, when it comes to accommodation in places like Hunder, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, you do not have a lot of choice in terms of the type of stay. Most of these places have tented accommodations that you will need to book through a local agent. The washrooms and the mess facilities in most of them are quite basic but clean.

Keep in mind that most of these hotels or Ladakh stays are available during summer but many of them close down during winters.

What to eat in Ladakh? Leh Ladakh Travel Guide to Food

Leh and Kargil have quite a few places to eat out but when you visit the other villages and towns like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, you will be at the mercy of the mess. The food is quite basic and wholesome here. Maggi and Instant Noodles are available in small tents along the roads at various small settlements. However, considering how remote these are, it is best to stock up some packaged food with you for the road trip.

Among the specialty food, don’t forget to try out the momos and the hot piping Thukpa. Yak cheese is another local delicacy that I recommend.

Mobile and Internet connectivity in Ladakh

BSNL and Airtel postpaid are the only connections that work in Leh. Once you get away from Leh, you can expect even these to die out. The Internet is almost non-existent here. You are going to be out of touch and it is best to keep your family & friends of the same. Just so that they don’t worry.

This has a bearing on your cashless transactions as there is no connectivity. Carry cash everywhere as cards just do not work.

What to buy in Ladakh? | Leh Ladakh shopping tips

Buddhist curios, lucky prayer wheels, prayer flags – there are plenty of these interesting souvenirs that you can carry back from Ladakh. The elaborate Thangka paintings make lovely wall art for your home. Look out for the hand-embroidered T-shirts with quirky messages. There are some cheesy ones too that you will find here like “ You just got Leh-ed” . Women will love the traditional Ladakhi jewelry with precious and semi-precious gems.

Ladakh is also, known for its Apricots. They are not only delicious but quite cheap. You will find a lot of variety available for you to carry home – different flavors and textures. Along with those, consider shopping for dry fruits – especially almonds that come from Kashmir. I found them to be of the highest quality and quite reasonably priced.

The best place for shopping in Ladakh is the Leh market. You can just wander around the shops and find all that you need right here. The prices are reasonable but do remember to bargain a bit. Look out for the shops that are run by Tibetans refugees.

How many days are enough for Leh Ladakh?

One frequently asked question by all those wanting to see Leh Ladakh. My answer to them is to keep at least a week for Ladakh. That way, you will be able to cover a lot of the Ladakh tourist attractions in one go. If you are looking to add some adventure sports like rafting on Zanskar river or any of the treks, then you might add a few more days to your Ladakh trip.

Since I am recommending at least a week in Leh Ladakh, I shall share a sample itinerary for this duration. This is assuming that you will be flying into Leh directly

A suggested Leh Ladakh itinerary for 7 days

There are a few alterations that you can make to this suggested itinerary and still keep it to 7 days in Leh. One suggestion would be to include Tso Moriri and Hanle instead of Lamayuru. You can do so by going straight to Tso Moriri from Pangong and then visiting Hanle before coming back to Leh and flying out. Depending on your interest, you can also, choose to skip Pangong and cover Lamayuru along with a night in Kargil. In any case, this itinerary will give you a fair idea of how to plan your tour of Leh Ladakh.

Common FAQs for Leh Ladakh

Is ladakh worth visiting.

Absolutely. Dotted with pretty monasteries in an ever-changing landscape, Ladakh offers a travel experience like no other place in India. One can spot varied colors of the mountains and see the cold desert that suddenly burst into a green oasis and have pristine blue rivers or lakes. You can even see horses in the wild, the rare double-humped camels and the friendly marmots on your journey through Ladakh.

How much does a Ladakh trip cost?

You can budget anything between INR 20,000 to 30,000 for a week-long trip to Ladakh. While food is not very expensive here, traveling within Leh Ladakh and the accommodation is a little on the higher side. If you are planning to get to Leh by flight, then the cost of the same is also, on the higher side.

Can we go Ladakh by train?

No, there is no rail connection to Ladakh. The only options are by air or by road.

Is Ladakh safe to visit?

Yes, Ladakh is a very safe destination for families as well as solo travelers. The region does not have any major political tensions. The roads and the landscape are a little rugged but nothing that one cannot navigate with proper precautions.

Well, that I think covers all the major points of this ultimate Leh Ladakh holiday guide . I hope this answers all your queries. And yes, one more thing – be prepared to catch the Ladakh fever as I did. One that gets you so Ladakh sick that you will want to return every time you think of it. And one that you will pass on to others as I am doing to you. 🙂 Smile and Julley (Hello in Ladakhi) to you!

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Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

You might also like these posts –

• Shey Monastery & Palace: The summer capital of the Ladakh
• A Tale of the Last Aryans – Dah Hanu Villages in Ladakh
• Surreal Beauty & Calming Reflections of Nubra Valley Ladakh | Nubra Valley Travel Guide
• Bewitched by the 3 Idiots Lake – A Travel guide to Pangong Lake Ladakh
• An Epic Road Trip to Ladakh from Delhi | Ladakh Road Trip planning, routes & tips

88 thoughts on “How to plan a perfect tour of Leh Ladakh? | A Leh Ladakh Travel Guide”

amazing information about ladakh with beautiful pictures thanks for sharing your travel diary with us ,

Thank you Pushpendra

No wonder this is one of your favorite road trips, just look at those landscapes! I’d probably love it myself. Not only that I enjoy driving, but I also love roads such as that curvy one coming down at the Zozila Pass. Fascinating really! It must have been incredible to take a photo of the road from afar, after you drove through there. 🙂 Also, I didn’t know that Ladakh is so high. Thanks for the altitude sickness tips, good to know!

Thanks Danijela. Ladakh surprises you at every corner but as I said, you need to be well prepared to ensure that all is well . Hope you get to visit it sometime.

Oh my god! he first few photos reminded me of a certain area of Switzerland. I totally would love to do this road trip as I love mountains. Can’t get enough of them. So want to go here right now. 🙂 Love this post. Bookmarked it for the future.

Danik, after having done Switzerland when I visited Kashmir, I felt so proud and a tad bit ashamed that I traveled so far for the same scenery that was in my backyard. Now that I know it, hope to return to it. I hope you visit it too.

Ladakh and Leh look so incredible. Your guide is super comprehensive and really useful. If I ever make it to this corner of the world it will come in so handy!

I hope you plan a visit here. Trust me, it is one of its kind. Thanks for stopping by

Thank you for such a comprehensive guide to Ladakh. I’d never heard of it, but it looks stunning. The drive does seem like the best way to get there – do you drive yourself or would you recommend hiring a driver?

Thanks Fiona. You can drive yourself if you are ok with no roads, off roads and mountain trails or just hire a driver while you enjoy the views.

It’s so interesting to see how Ladakh has really become more visible as a popular destination not only for the more adventurous bikers and trekkers but for honeymooners and regular holiday-makers too. I think the prevalence of more blog post content about it, especially from in-India travellers, has really helped raise the profile. I would certainly love to visit and had not considered it before a year or two back. It’s surprising that there is no rail connection but at least if one can fly, the main big distance journey is covered. Then I’d want to be driving for the exploration of the area itself. I also appreciate your tips on time of year versus temperature, a key consideration for sure.

It would be difficult to get the rail connection given the rugged terrain. You got to travel this to know what I mean. The road, in my opinion, is the best to enjoy the scenery. Hope you can visit soon.

The landscapes are breathtaking! But, I’ve never heard of this place before. I am not a hiker or what, but it has been a goal to travel and take photos of stunning landscapes such as yours! India is a very big place, it’s daunting. But soon, when I am more well traveled than I am today, I think I can take on India. I believe that India is not a place you can truly enjoy when you are not an experienced traveler. I’ve only been to 4 countries, this month I’ll be to 3 more, that’s 7. I think maybe 2-3 more countries after my coming trip, I can take on India. I will remember Ladakh

I dont think you should wait that long. India is not so difficult but yes, lots to see. So come with lots of time.

I love how you present the images in its raw colors – really stunning photographs!

That is how this place is. 🙂 Raw and beautiful. Thanks for stopping by

wow so many stunning photos! I just kept scrolling down to see the next one! Gorgeous!

Glad you liked them. Hope you can visit soon.

Kashmir and Ladakh seem so distant and mystical to me. Such wonderful landscapes! To travel there sounds like a gorgeous and interesting adventure!

You got that right. Hope Milijana, that you get to it. Thanks.

This is a very comprehensive guide. It would be interesting to be in a place that doesn’t really have internet access. It looks worth it though, because your photos are so beautiful. I don’t drive so I would hope to find a tour that goes through the area.

Driving here is best left to expert given the rugged terrain. You will find plenty here. Hope you can visit here Stella. You will love it.

Wow, the drive over the Rohtang Pass looks crazy – those winding roads! Great tips about AMS and the permits you’ll need – it’s this kind of information that is invaluable if you haven’t been to the Ladakh region before. That Thukpa looks delicious, and just the kind of warming food you’d need during your visit!

Thank you Hannah. Glad you liked the sound of Ladakh and I assure you that you will love it in person. Hope you can visit it soon.

Great information and travel tips on Leh, Ami, especially on AMS. I have traveled here by riad (Manali – Kaylang – Sarchu – Leh route) more than a decade ago. My husband and I are figuring the best way to do this for a family trip with our 7-year old.

Try the other route this time Shweta. I think you will find it easier. Thanks for stopping by

Its high time I head to Ladakh as well. Thanks for this wonderful guide. I did know of the permit, thanks for giving the link here as well to get it.

Glad to help Bhushavali. Hope you can visit soon.

Such an informative post! Ladakh looks an amazing destination to visit. I love all of the photos, they are all stunning and gorgeous. The valleys and the sunrise of Pasong tso are so perfect.

Thank you Ghia and i hope you can plan your visit soon. It is the right season now. Cheers

Last year, I spent a month and half in Ladakh tracking the activities on Snow Leopard (didn’t see any) but I found some very interesting ways to commute and explore in that region.

lucky you. Envying you for that one month in Ladakh. Cheers

Ladakh has been on my wish list for the longest time now. For someone who takes pride in having visited most places in India, Ladakh is the one shameful omission from my kitty. Your recommendations and the detailed guide will certainly come in handy whenever I do make my way there. The photographs all look amazing.

Thank you Denny. These mountains are something else and anyone who goes there gets charmed by them. Hope you can make it this year.

Thank you for sharing amazing information om Ladakh. The tips you shared are really helpful for the readers.

Thank you. Glad you found the post useful.

Stunning your all pictures and article too really nice thanks for sharing and keep it up thanks a lot !

Glad you liked it. Thanks Lavit.

It’s not easy to compile a travel guide for Ladakh owing to the enormity of various factors while traveling to this region. Yet, this post is quite precise and informative for first time travelers to Leh-Ladakh. I havent yet been there but whenever I go, it is probably going to be a road trip. Sounds much more fun and cost effective than flying there.

Road trip is actually the best for Ladakh. The beauty of the place is best experienced with this. Thanks Tamshuk for stopping by. Cheers

Feeling almost I am in Ladakh now. Thank you very much for the blog. Reading your post is an amazing and thrilling experience . Keep going.

Thank you Partha. That does feel good!

Leh Ladakh would be the first place I would want to visit if I relocate to India permanently. The beauty as I’ve seen is mesmerizing…club it with offbeat attractions it offers, and you can’t get enough of that!

I am glad it is on top of your list. It is just so mesmerizing and I bet one visit will make you want to go again.

I’d never heard of Ladakh before, but I love mountainscapes purely for the aesthetic (although not so much for the hiking and walking!). Some of the houses remind me a little of what I saw on the Atlas Mountains, I just wouldn’t have expected to find scenes like this in India. Thanks for the tip on Altitude Sickness though, it’s not something I would have thought of.

This is a not so touristy but yet now getting popular destination in India. And trust me, it steals your heart. If you ever get here, don’t miss this one out Sam. Thanks for your lovely comment.

it’s a very comprehensive post, thank you for sharing. I like to explore off-the-beaten path regions, I’m adding this to my India pinterest board 🙂

Am sure you will see a very different India here. Hope you get here soon as it is the season for Ladakh now. Cheers

Loved, loved it! Those tiny little houses in the valley look so fragile that for a moment I was worried. Why do they live there? 🙂 Nonetheless, the place is just out of heaven. This is a complete comprehensive guide where you have taken care of everything. AMS is very important factor to pay attention to.

Thanks, your each post is so detailed and helpful. 🙂

Thank you Nisha. That feels so good to hear. Ladakh is special and quite different from the rest of India. It does need some prep as I realized 😀

Great post and beautiful photos. Srinagar road trip looks a little scary but amazing.

The Srinagar route is amazingly green and pretty. You will love it and with an expert driver, feel quite safe too. Thanks for stopping by

Wooow. The road to Ladakh looks a bit steep but the view is breathtaking! I would totally love to visit one day!

I hope you do. It is one amazing and unique destination of India.

I have to say I had never heard of Ladakh. Your photography is mesmerizing. What a stunning part of the world. If I ever decide to go to India, I’ll add a visit to Ladakh to my itinerary. Excellent guide.

Thank you Nancie. Glad you liked the place. It is even better in person. And I do hope you plan a trip here.

This is a complete travel guide for Leh-Ladakh which is very useful!

Thank you. Glad you think so too.

Stunning pictures and useful guide to visit Leh-Ladakh. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Hariom.

What a comprehensive guide Ami. Kudos for bringing out things in such detail. And your fabulous pictures are the perfect icing on the cake. Really amazing. I got such a thrill reading this post I wonder how I would feel on the actual trip. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Vimal. Glad you enjoyed the post

What an extensive guide to such an exotic area. I would love to visit Leh Ladakh some day by plane or those scary but very scenic roads and then explore the region. All the attractions, monasteries and temples and other historic sites in the region sounds extensive and right up my alley. I’ve heard about Ladakh in the from various guides and this really looks amazing and the landscape is spectacular which you have captured well.

Thanks Noel. Ladakh is quite underrated – especially from travelers abroad. However, it sure gives a different perspective of India. I hope you can get here soon

I love how you compared this of a European road trip and describe the landscape to be just as gorgeous. I love that there is an ever-changing landscape and to have the excitement of a high mountain pass too with monasteries dotting the route.

It is a complete mix of adventure, nature and culture and that is what I love about this road trip

What a wonderful, comprehensive guide to Leh Ladakh! You mentioned several tips I might not have considered, from the need to have cash on hand to make purchases without a network connection, and the risks of Altitude Mountain Sickness. Those two tips alone could make or break the trip! While it may be a bit harder to get to, this region is so clearly worth the trip for its stunning scenes and so much more. I love apricots!

It is Ladakh’s unusual environment that necessitate these extra precautions. Am glad you noted those down and hope you can plan a trip soon.

Thanks for this extensive guide on travel to Leh and Ladakh. Several tips like the use of cash rather than a card, dealing with altitude sickness are useful. Your images are simply stunning! Those mountain roads sure look daunting with no barriers on the sides. 🙂

Those roads are definitely not for the faint hearted 😀 .And personally I feel that is the whole thrill of going on a road trip to Ladakh

Wonderful destination! I’m confident that taking the road to Leh is preferable. When traveling, it is essential to take in the beautiful routes, admire the breathtaking scenery, and appreciate the mountain panoramas. I had no idea Ladakh has so many tourist attractions. However, based on descriptions, Hemis Monastery, Pangong Tso, and Hanle are my top three favorites for future travel destinations.

Ladakh is a treasure trove. My list of attractions does not cover them all. So you can imagine how vast and delightful it is

If I visit it will be in July’s perfect weather. Tent living would be good! It’s the border between Pakistan and India…is it safe?

July is perfect and tent living is fine in the designated areas. Most areas have border protection and are quite safe.

Wow! Taking a road trip here would be awesome. The view is magnificent. Happy to know that there are many routes available to get to Leh. It would be nice to be able to visit all the monasteries as well the Leh Palace. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.

Thanks Clarice. I hope you can plan a trip now.

holy crap. you weren’t kidding when you said a MEGA post. there was so much info in there. phew. i had no idea how cool that region was. thanks for the serious dose of inspiration for our India trip (going to India next month, and now going to try to add a week in Ladakh!)

Yay and it is the perfect Ladakh season. I hope you can squeeze it in

Wow I’m so glad I found this article. I am Visiting friends in Kashmir next year and then Assam. These road trips sound amazing I think I’ll need even longer to explore the routes from Leh and visit the monasteries and just explore panong lake aswell some of the heritage spots with such close proximity to the borders I imagine it’s a melting pot of history. Some great tips here to consider with altitude.

If you are in Kashmir, take that trip to Ladakh. You will love it.

Hi, thanks for coming up with this. This is pretty much detailed. Quick Question – Would there be any recommendation in terms of homestay/hostel from a workcation standpoint?

I do not have any specific recommendations but I do know that there are many homestays in Leh, especially close to the Leh market. It would be the best place to stay for a workation given the connectivity. The other places have limited bandwidth.

Thank you so much for the article. I’m considering a solo trip through the North of PK. Did you guys have any concerns safetywise?

I haven’t had an issue on my travels but you should check the conditions and status when you plan your visit. Also, I traveled in India and did not visit PK at all.

Leh Ladakh is such a heavenly destination with jaw dropping landscapes, frozen lakes and snowclad peaks of Himalayas. The confluence of the Indus and the Zanskar rivers is awesome capture.And of course the pongang lake from iconic 3 idiots Fame is a must visit. The tiny hamlet’s dotted with monasteries-the Leh palace, Shanti stupa and the hall of Fame museum dedicated to soldiers is worth a visit.

Sounds like you have made a list of places for your trip. Hope you get to it

I had almost lost reading this beautiful and thrilling article. I must say that this is a picturesque post, gives a high level of satisfaction to the readers like me. Thanks for sharing. lay ladakh looks amazing and breathtaking.

Thank you so much. The place is even better when you see it in person. Hope you are planning a Ladakh trip after this article.

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Ladakh (La-Dags – “land of high mountain passes”) is mainland India ’s most remote and sparsely populated region, a high-altitude desert cradled by the Karakoram and Great Himalaya ranges and crisscrossed by myriad razor-sharp peaks and ridges. Described as “Little Tibet” or “the last Shangri-La”, and culturally and administratively separate from the rest of India, this area is one of the last enclaves of Mahayana. Buddhism, which has been its principal religion for nearly a thousand years, is most evident in Ladakh’s mediaeval monasteries: perched on rocky hilltops and clinging to sheer cliffs, these gompas are both repositories of ancient wisdom.

The best travel tips for visiting Ladakh

Restricted areas in ladakh, what to do in ladakh, best places to stay in ladakh, how to get around, how many days do you need in ladakh, what is the best time to visit ladakh, how to get here, travel ideas for india.

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The highest concentration of monasteries is in the Indus Valley near Leh, the region’s capital.

Set in a sublime landscape and crammed with hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, this atmospheric little town, a staging post on the old Silk Route, is most visitors’ point of arrival, and an ideal base for side-trips.

North of Leh, across Khardung La, one of the highest driveable passes in the world, lies the valley of Nubra, where sand dunes carpet the valley floor.

It is also possible to visit the great wilderness around the lake of Tso Moriri in Rupshu, southeast of Leh, and to glimpse Tibet from the shores of Pangong Tso in the far east of Ladakh. For all these areas you will, however, need a permit.

West of Leh, beyond the windswept Fatu La and Namika La passes, Buddhist prayer flags peter out as you approach the predominantly Muslim district of Kargil.

Ladakh’s second largest town, at the mouth of the breathtakingly beautiful Suru Valley, is the jumping-off point for Zanskar, the vast wilderness in the far south of the state that forms the border with Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.

Leh palace, India - Ladakh © Shutterstock

Parts of Ladakh are still inaccessible to casual tourists, but with the easing of tensions along the border between India and China , much of this incredible land has been opened up.

Three areas in particular are now firm favourites with travellers: the Nubra Valley bordering the Karakoram Range to the north of Leh; the area around Pangong Tso, the lake to the east of Leh; and the region of Rupshu with the lake of Tso Moriri, to the southeast of Leh.

How to obtain Ladakh Protected Area Permit?

Indian and foreign visitors need permits to visit these areas, the cost of which includes an environmental fee, though Indian tourists now only have to carry photo ID. Permits are issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh but the office deals only through Leh’s many tour operators, who charge a fee – usually around ₹550–660 per head. As the areas in question are served by infrequent public transport, you may well choose to use a tour operator anyway.

In theory, permits are only issued to groups of at least two people accompanied by a guide. However, in practice travel agents are generally happy to issue permits to solo individuals travelling independently, though you’ll have an imaginary friend (usually somebody applying at the same time) listed on the permit to fulfil the official requirement. As long as your name and passport number are on the permit, the checkpoints are quite relaxed about how many of you there are.

You will need two photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and visa. Provided you apply in the morning, permits are usually issued on the same day. Once you have your permit, which is valid for a maximum period of seven days and covers all restricted areas, make at least five copies before setting off because officers at checkpoints sometimes like to keep a copy when you report in. If you go on an organized trip, however, the driver takes care of all this and you may never even handle your permit.

Planning a trip to India? Perhaps our local experts in India can help you!

Kashimir carpet shops in the main shopping street in downtown of Leh City © Shutterstock

#1 Browse the bazaar in Leh

After settling into a hotel or guesthouse, most visitors spend their first day in Leh soaking up the atmosphere of the bazaar.

Eighty or so years ago, this bustling area was the busiest market between Yarkand and Kashmir – merchants from Srinagar and the Punjab would gather to barter for pashmina wool brought down by nomadic herdsmen from western Tibet, or for raw silk hauled across the Karakorams on Bactrian camels.

These days, though the pedestrianized streets are awash with kitsch curio shops and handicraft emporiums, it retains a distinctly Central Asian feel.

Even if you’re not shopping for trekking supplies, check out the surviving provision stores, where bright pink, turquoise, and wine-red silk cummerbunds hang in the windows; tourists stick to the pedestrianized roads, but the local action is in side-alleys to the north and east, which also feature a few little markets.

#2 Lore it over the old town at Leh palace

Lording it over the old town from the top of a craggy granite ridge is the derelict palace of the sixteenth-century ruler Sengge Namgyal. A scaled-down version of the Potala in Lhasa, it’s a textbook example of medieval Tibetan architecture, with gigantic sloping buttressed walls and projecting wooden balconies that tower nine storeys above the surrounding houses.

Since the Ladakhi royal family left in the 1940s, damage inflicted by nineteenth-century Kashmiri cannons has caused large chunks of it to collapse. Despite recent restoration work, there’s not much to see in the dark interior; most visitors spider up to the rooftop for lovely views out over Leh.

#3 Hike up to the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Once you are acclimatized to the altitude, the stiff early-morning hike up to Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, the monastery perched precariously on the shale-covered crag above Leh palace, is a great way to start the day.

Two trails lead up to “the Peak of Victory”, whose twin peaks are connected by giant strings of multicoloured prayer flags: the first and most popular path zigzags across its south side from the palace road, while a second scales the more gentle northern slope via the north-Leh suburb of Chubi.

This is the route followed by the lama from Sankar gompa, who tends to the shrine each morning and evening. Alternatively, the place is accessible by road.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa with prayer flags - Leh - Ladakh - Jammu and Kashmir - India © Shutterstock

#4 Geek up at the Central Asian Museum

The Central Asian Museum is housed in a modern re-creation of a Lhasa mansion, with a gently tapering brick tower crowned by a wooden balustrade.

It has a reasonable collection of artefacts, clothing and photographs that focus on the deep connections between Ladakh and the rest of Central Asia, forged through its position on the Silk Route.

#5 See the Peace Pagoda at Shanti Stupa

Easily visible above Leh is the toothpaste-white Shanti Stupa, nearly 3km west of the bazaar by road.

Inaugurated in 1985 by the Dalai Lama, the “Peace Pagoda”, whose sides are decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of the Buddha, is one of several such monuments erected around India by a “Peace Sect” of Japanese Buddhists.

#6 Read the “dos and don’ts” at Sankar Gompa

Nestled amid the shimmering poplar coppices and terraced fields of barley that extend up the valley behind Leh, Sankar Gompa, 2km north of the town centre, is among the most accessible monasteries in central Ladakh.

The monastery is the official residence of the Kushok Bakula, Ladakh’s head of the Gelug-pa sect. Above the Du-khang (main prayer hall) stands the gompa’s principal deity, Tara, in her triumphant, one-thousand-armed form as Dukkar, or “Lady of the White Parasol”, presiding over a light, airy shrine room whose walls are adorned with a Tibetan calendar and tableaux depicting “dos and don’ts” for monks – some of which are very arcane indeed.

#7 See the colossal metal Shakyamuni Buddha at Shey Palace

The palace, a smaller and more dilapidated version of the one in Leh, sits astride the ridge, below an ancient fort. Crowned by a golden chorten spire, its pride and joy is the colossal metal Shakyamuni Buddha housed in its ruined split-level temple.

Installed in 1633, the 12m icon allegedly contains a hoard of precious stones, mandalas and powerful charms. Entering from the second level, you come face to face with the massive Buddha, and a balcony allows you to survey the statue’s torso.

Preserved for centuries by thick soot from votary butter lamps, the gold-tinted murals coating the walls are among the finest in the valley.

The golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at Shey Palace Monastery, Ladakh, India © Shutterstock

#8 Seek out the rock carving of the five Tathagata

Easily missed as you whizz past on the road is Shey’s most ancient monument. The rock carving of the five Tathagata or “Thus gone” Buddhas, distinguished by their respective vehicles (vahanas) and hand positions (mudras), appears on a smooth slab of stone on the edge of the highway; it was probably carved soon after the eighth century, before the “Second Spreading”.

The large central figure with hands held in the gesture of preaching (turning the wheel of dharma), is the Buddha Resplendent, Vairocana, whose image is central in many of the Alchi murals.

#9 Visit Thikse, Ladakh’s most photographed gompa

Ladakh’s most photographed and architecturally impressive gompa is at Thikse. Founded in the fifteenth century, its whitewashed chortens and cubic monks’ quarters rise in ranks up the sides of a craggy bluff, crowned by an imposing ochre- and red-painted temple complex whose gleaming golden finials are visible for kilometres around.

Thikse’s reincarnation as a major tourist attraction has brought it mixed blessings: its constant stream of summer visitors spoils the peace and quiet necessary for meditation, but the income generated has enabled the monks to invest in major refurbishments, among them the Maitreya temple immediately above the main courtyard.

Inaugurated in 1980 by the Dalai Lama, the shrine is built around a gigantic, gold-faced Buddhato-come, seated not on a throne as is normally the case, but in the lotus position. The bright murals on the wall behind, painted by monks from Lingshet gompa in Zanskar, depict scenes from Maitreya’s life.

Thikse © Shutterstock

#10 See the fascinating collection of the Ladakhi royal family’s most precious heirlooms at Stok

Visible from Leh, at the head of a huge moraine, the elegant four-storey Stok Palace overlooks barley terraces studded with whitewashed farmhouses.

Built early in the nineteenth century by the last ruler of independent Ladakh, it has been the official residence of the Ladakhi royal family since they were ousted from Leh and Shey two hundred years ago.

The present queen mother Deskit Wangmo still lives here during the summer, and has converted one wing of her 77-room palace into a small museum.

The fascinating collection comprises some of the royal family’s most precious heirlooms, including exquisite sixteenth-century thangkas illuminated with paint made from crushed rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The pièces de résistance, however, are the gyalmo’s peraks; still worn on important occasions, the ancient headdresses are encrusted with slabs of flawless turquoise, polished coral, lapis lazuli and nuggets of pure gold.

#11 Visit the magnificent gompa of Chemrey

Clinging like a swallow’s nest to the sides of a conical hill, the magnificent gompa of Chemrey sees very few visitors because of its location – tucked up the side-valley that runs from Karu, below Hemis, to the Chang La pass into Pangong.

Founded in 1664 as a memorial to King Sengge Namgyal, the monastery is staffed by a dwindling community of around twenty Drugpa monks and their young novices. Its main Du-khang, off the courtyard on the lower level, boasts a fine silver chorten and a set of ancient Tibetan texts whose title pages are illuminated with gold-and-silver calligraphy.

Upstairs in the revamped Guru-La-khang sits a giant brass statue of Padmasambhava. The museum on the top floor houses statues, thangkas, scrolls and utensils.

#12 Conquer Khardung La, one of the world’s highest stretches of road

First things first – Khardung La is not the world’s highest stretch of road, driveable or otherwise. There are at least two loftier places in Tibet, and another in Bolivia, while the highest of the lot opened in late 2017 in the southeast of Ladakh: Umling La, which tops out at just over 5800m.

Regardless, Khardung La is probably still the most dramatic of the lot, and it makes for an exciting journey. Most of the route north from Leh to Nubra is now good, metalled road, though there’s still around 7km of rough, bus-battering surface on either side of the pass; the ascent from Leh (1h 30min–2hr) is rapid, and on the way you may luck out and see planes landing at the airport, 20km away and a full 2km below – a wonderfully weird feeling.

Prayer flags at Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world, ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India © Shutterstock

#13 Go rafting and kayaking

When water levels are high, between the end of June and late August, Leh’s more entrepreneurial travel agents operate rafting trips on the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

The routes are tame in comparison with Nepal’s, but floating downstream in a twelve-seater rubber inflatable is a hugely enjoyable way to experience the rugged and beautiful landscape.

Two different stretches of the River Indus are most commonly used: from Phey near Spitok to the Indus–Zanskar confluence at Nyemo (3hr), and from Nyemo to below the ancient temple complex at Alchi (2hr 30min).

Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khalsi, which takes in the 1km-long series of rapids at Nurla.

#14 Look for the ancient wall paintings of Alchi

Driving past on the nearby Srinagar–Leh highway, you’d never guess that the spectacular sweep of wine-coloured scree 3km across the Indus from Saspol conceals one of the most significant historical sites in Asia.

Yet the low pagoda-roofed Choskhor, or “religious enclave”, at Alchi, 70km west of Leh, harbours an extraordinary wealth of ancient wall paintings and wood sculpture, miraculously preserved for more than nine centuries inside five tiny mud-walled temples.

The site’s earliest murals are regarded as the finest surviving examples of a style that flourished in Kashmir during the “Second Spreading”. Barely a handful of the monasteries founded during this era escaped the Muslim depredations of the fourteenth century; Alchi is both the least remote and most impressive of them all.

#15 Visit Zanskar, Land of White Copper

Walled in by the Great Himalayan Divide, Zanskar (“Land of White Copper”) has exerted the allure of Shangri-La on visitors to Ladakh for decades.

The region’s staggering remoteness, extreme climate and distance from the major Himalayan trade routes has meant that the successive winds of change that have blown through the Indus Valley to the north have had little impact here.

The annual influx of trekkers and a driveable road have certainly quickened the pace of development, but away from the main settlement of Padum, the Zanskaris’ way of life has altered little since the sage Padmasambhava passed through in the eighth century.

The nucleus of the region is a Y-shaped glacial valley system drained by three main rivers: the Stot (or Doda) and the Tsarap (or Lingit) join and flow north as the Zanskar. The valley sees a lot more snow than central Ladakh. Midwinter temperatures can drop to a bone-numbing -40°C.

Camping with spread tents along The frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh, India © Shutterstock

Ladakh offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From cozy guesthouses and homestays in the villages to bigger resorts in Leh, there are ample choices for visitors to find their ideal place to stay amidst the breathtaking landscapes.

Leh is glutted with accommodation , much of it refreshingly neat and clean. Most places close between October and April; due to the short season prices do not fluctuate much, but you can bargain in the shoulder months.

Most of the town’s cheaper guesthouses are in the leafy areas of Changspa to the west and Karzoo to the north. Rooms in Leh’s few mid-range and increasing number of upmarket hotels all come with piped hot water.

The number of places to stay has grown as Alchi’s fame has spread but prices are generally quite high. Most serve food, so apart from a couple of dhabas in the village centre, there is just one independent restaurant.

You can find basic homestay accommodation in the village beneath the gompa.

Accommodation is in local homestays dotted around the lake area and an overpriced tent colony or in Korzok, 1km back from the lake.

Room tariffs soar in July and August when most travellers pass through; rates lower than those given here are usually available at other times.

Apart from the state-run bungalow listed below, your only option here is to homestay, which is incredibly easy to arrange; even if the first person you talk to has no room, they’ll probably introduce you to someone who does.

Browse the places to stay in Ladakh.

Chemrey Monastery, Ladakh, India © Shutterstock

From private jeep and rented motorbike, here is how to get around Ladakh.

Long-distance buses cover much of the state, but be warned: roads are often winding and slow.

By private jeep

If you’re travelliong In a group then a private jeep is a great way to get around as it's cheap, economical and can leave whenever you are ready.

By motorbike

Lots of travellers are now renting their own wheels and zipping around the mountainous road of Ladakh.

You’ll need at least 5 to 7 days in Ladakh to do the region justice. This duration allows you to visit popular destinations like Leh, the capital city, and nearby attractions such as Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, and Shanti Stupa. You can also embark on day trips to beautiful lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.

If you have more time available, you can explore remote areas like Nubra Valley, which is known for its sand dunes and the famous Diskit Monastery. Additionally, you may consider including the scenic Zanskar Valley and the ancient monasteries of Alchi and Lamayuru in your itinerary.

It's worth noting that Ladakh is situated at high altitude, and it's essential to acclimatize properly to prevent altitude sickness. It is advisable to plan for additional rest days and take it easy during the first few days to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check out our India itineraries .

Shanti Stupa also known as Peace Pagoda on hilltop of Chanspa, Leh city, Ladakh, India © Shutterstock

Kashmir’s harshest climate is in Ladakh, with passes into the region open only between late June and late October, when the sun is at its strongest and the weather, at least during the day, pleasantly warm.

Although it is officially a high-altitude desert, recent years have seen increasing bouts of rain in July and August, sometimes making trekking difficult. From November onwards, temperatures drop fast, often plummeting to minus 40°C between December and February, when the only way in and out of Zanskar is along the frozen surface of the river. Note that nearly all hotels and guesthouses are closed from some time in October until April, while many garden restaurants only open in the peak summer months

Traditionally beyond the reach of the monsoons, Ladakh receives little snow, especially in the valleys, and even less rain (sometimes as little as 100 mm per year). Only the most frugal methods enable its inhabitants to farm the thin sandy soil, frozen solid for eight months of the year and scorched for much of the other four.

In recent years, however, climate change has meant even drier winters and less snow; the consequent loss of snowmelt has put pressure on traditional farming and irrigation, resulting in a real risk of drought, though this has been offset to some extent by increased rainfall during the summer months.

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

Stok Palace on the way to Stok Kangri, 6000+ meters high peak © Shutterstock

To reach Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India, the most common mode of transportation is by air. The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, is well-connected with regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi , Mumbai , and Srinagar. But there are slower, more rewarding routes too.

Two legendary “highways” connect Ladakh with the rest of India: the Srinagar–Leh road, and the route up from Manali, almost 500 km south. These two, plus the rough road from Kargil to Padum in Zanskar, also link the majority of Ladakh’s larger settlements with the capital.

These days, the majority of visitors arrive at Leh airport, though doing so can raise the risk of altitude sickness.

Services along the main Indus Valley highway are quite frequent and reliable, but become less so the further you get from Leh. Some services have been given as “summer-only”; the season generally runs Apr–Oct.

By jeep or taxi

It is much easier to reach off -track side valleys and villages within a single day if you splash out on a jeep or minibus taxi, widely available in Kargil and Leh.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 31.05.2023

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Incredible Planet

Ladakh Travel Guide

Nestled in the northern reaches of India, Ladakh is a land of stark contrasts, where arid landscapes meet verdant valleys, and ancient monasteries stand against the backdrop of towering mountains. Located along the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges, Ladakh, often referred to as “Little Tibet,” is a region rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Its breathtaking scenery, coupled with its unique cultural heritage, makes it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Indian subcontinent.

Geography and Location

Ladakh shares its borders with Tibet to the east, the Indian state of Kashmir to the west, Xinjiang province (China) to the north, Pakistan to the northwest, and the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south. The region’s capital, Leh, sits at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. Once a bustling trade center on the ancient Silk Road, Leh remains the primary gateway for travelers exploring this remote and captivating land.

How to Reach Ladakh

Ladakh can be reached by both air and road. The most convenient way to reach Leh is by flying directly from New Delhi, with daily flights operating year-round. For those seeking adventure, the region can also be accessed by road from Srinagar or Manali. However, these routes are open only during the summer months, typically from May to October, as heavy snowfall in winter renders the mountain passes impassable.

The Leh-Manali Highway, stretching 500 kilometers, is a thrilling journey, taking you across three high-altitude passes: Rohtang La (3,980 meters), Baralacha La (5,030 meters), and Tanglang La (5,328 meters). This route is famous for its challenging curves and breathtaking scenery, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. The road from Srinagar to Leh offers equally stunning vistas, albeit a less demanding journey, making it a more comfortable option for travelers.

Best Time to Visit Ladakh

The best time to visit Ladakh is from April to November. Unlike most parts of India, Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert that remains untouched by the monsoon rains, thanks to the protective barrier formed by the Himalayan mountains. As a result, Ladakh enjoys dry and sunny weather throughout the year, with warm days and cool nights during the summer months.

In winter, temperatures in Ladakh can plunge to between -10°C and -25°C, turning the region into a frozen wonderland. Though the roads to Ladakh are closed during this time, intrepid travelers can still visit by air. Winter offers a unique and serene experience, with fewer tourists and the opportunity to witness the region’s stunning winter landscapes. Treks like the Chadar Trek, which takes you across the frozen Zanskar River, and the Snow Leopard Trek, which offers a chance to spot the elusive big cat, are popular winter activities. For such expeditions, it’s essential to hire the best trekking guide of Ladakh to ensure a safe and memorable experience.

Top Attractions in Ladakh

• Monasteries of the Indus Valley: Leh, Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis

Ladakh’s rich Buddhist heritage is evident in its many monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags that dot the landscape. The Leh Palace, overlooking the town of Leh, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Nearby, the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, dating back to the 15th century, houses a massive statue of Maitreya Buddha and is visible from nearly every corner of Leh.

Shey, the former summer capital of Ladakh, is home to the Shey Palace, renowned for its enormous copper Buddha statue. Thiksey Monastery, with its striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is one of the most picturesque monasteries in Ladakh. It boasts stunning wall paintings and is home to around 120 monks.

Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh, is located 45 kilometers from Leh. It is famous for the annual Hemis Festival, which celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, with vibrant mask dances performed by the monks.

• Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley, often called the “Valley of Flowers,” is one of Ladakh’s most enchanting regions. Situated at a lower altitude than Leh (around 3,000 meters), Nubra Valley is accessed via the Khardung La pass, which at 5,602 meters, is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The pass is also a strategic military point, serving as the gateway to the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world.

The valley is home to picturesque villages like Hunder and Turtuk. Hunder is famous for its sand dunes and the rare double-humped Bactrian camels. Turtuk, a village close to the Pakistan border, offers a glimpse into the culture of the Balti people. Diskit Monastery, the largest in Nubra, stands near Hunder and is renowned for its 32-meter-high Buddha statue.

• Pangong and Tso Moriri Lakes

Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri Lake, both located on the Changthang Plateau, are among the most visited destinations in Ladakh. Pangong Lake, at an altitude of 4,350 meters, is a mesmerizing sight, with its crystal-clear blue waters stretching across the border into China. The lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of migratory birds frequenting its shores.

Tso Moriri Lake, situated at 4,522 meters, is another gem of Ladakh. Known for its serene beauty, the lake is also a breeding ground for the rare black-necked crane. The surrounding region is inhabited by nomadic tribes, who move with their flocks of sheep, goats, and yaks. To explore these remote areas, hiring the best driver of Ladakh is crucial for navigating the challenging terrain.

Ladakh is a land of extraordinary beauty and adventure. Whether you are drawn by its ancient monasteries, its stunning natural landscapes, or the thrill of traversing high mountain passes, Ladakh offers an unforgettable experience.

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Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit:

March to October

Ladakhi, Urdu, Hindi and English

Summer 8°C-25°C Winter -5°C to -20°C

About Ladakh

Explore best of ladakh with ladakh travel guide.

Vacationing amidst hills and serenity is definitely going to soothe your mind, body, and soul. But, what is so special in Ladakh that makes it stand apart from other hill stations and snowy regions?? Trust this amazing Ladakh Travel Guide for planning your next heavenly vacation in Leh Ladakh.

Ladakh is a true amalgamation of rich heritage and nature?s paradise. You will get dew-fresh mountains as jewelled with snow as beauty of a newly wed bride. At the same time, watch ancient Monasteries speaking the historical tale of culture and heritage of Ladakh.

1. The Ladakhi Culture

Refer to the best Ladakh Tour Guide and it would tell you about the Ladakhi culture which boasts of vivid shades of the ancient culture of Buddhists and Tibet. The reason for the same is that a majority of folks migrated from Tibet to Ladakh and Buddhism is the main religion followed here. An Indo Aryan race called Dards forms the majority of the population which are quite akin to Tibetan race.

You could spot a large number of Buddhist Monasteries and Gompas across the geography of Leh Ladakh. It depicts the ancient tale of history and culture of Buddhism very clearly. Apart from the scenic glory of Ladakh in the form of snow-capped mountains, amazingly clear and cascading rivers and a fresh and pure allure of cobalt blue sky, you would love to explore every bit of the culture and lifestyle of Ladakh.

Ladakhi folks have a deep welcoming heart for tourists and travelers. Women folks enjoy special liberty in the region. They take their active participation in social functions and gatherings like childbirth and marriages.

2. Most Impressive Ancient Heritage

Ladakh is the abode of most impressive ancient heritage, especially related to Buddhism. If you scan the places to visit in Ladakh , you would find an endless list of ancient heritage spots. Hemis Gompa, Spituk Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Shey Gompa and Palace, Phyang Monastery and Thikse Monastery are just to name a few of ancient heritages found in Leh Ladakh.

The picturesque and lively charm of the Mural painting of Hemis Monastery is bound to captivate your eyes and soul. If you take out time to visit the old town of Leh, you would be spellbound by the architectural heritage of the town. A walk through the heritage lane of Ladakh is incomplete without witnessing local dances and festivals. Jabro dance and Cham dance are truly a mesmerizing feast to your eyes.

Invest some time during your tour for witnessing and participating in local festivals like Hemis festival, Losar festival, Sindhu darshan, and Dosmoche festival. The celebration of these festivals mirrors the beauty of heritage of Ladakh in true sense.

3. Most Varied and spectacular natural wonders

Talk about Ladakh Tourist Places , and you would get a captivating list of places across the region. When you are in Ladakh, be prepared to get spectacular sites of natural wonders. Pangong lake is one of them which serves its magical charm to the tourists in the most captivating way. The lake changes its color so magically and when viewed under serene blue beauty of sky leaves viewers truly awe-inspired.

Nubra valley is a 150 km long valley full of breathtaking sights of the natural panorama. The valley is dotted with Monasteries, sand dunes, and sparklingly clear flowing rivers.

Tso Moriri is the largest high altitude lake located in the Trans Himalayan region. The best attraction of this lake is 400-year-old Korzok Monastery which is a must-see for tourists visiting the area as they feel a real connection with the ancient heritage of Ladakh by doing so.

Magnetic hills or gravity hill is another feast for the tourists. This hill creates real wonder as you could feel some upward force on your vehicles along the slope of the hill. Science explains that there exists a magnetic field which creates such force and vehicles are pulled upward.

4. Ladakhi Food

Ladakh Tour Package is quite incomplete without diving into the lively yet simple cuisine of Ladakh. As you step into the territory of Ladakh, you will be tempted to taste the sumptuous delicacies over here. Ladakhi kitchen is heavily soaked in the age-old traditions and customs of cooking.

Some of the traditional food of Ladakh are Chutagi(Dumpling Soup), Skew(another dumpling soup, Paba(roasted barley with little oil and sugar), Gur Gur Cha(butter tea), Momo, and Thukpa. Most of the Ladakhi food is loaded with taste as well as nutrition.

Enough of Ladakhi menu, Wait! As it is an international tourist destination, thus it can?t be limited to local cuisine only. Wander through the local markets and you would find a variety of restaurants offering other cuisines like Chinese, Italian, and various Indian cuisines to satiate your taste buds. Indulge into the desi delights of Ladakh or binge on to various international flavors.

5. Adventure in Ladakh( Rafting, Cycling, Motor Biking)

Ladakh is a tourist place which is quite synonymous with adventure and thrill activities. If you too are an adventure-freak, fun-loving and thrill-chasing at heart, Ladakh is a destination truly meant to feed your mind and soul.

Ladakh Bike Trip is a source of immense adventure and fun. You will enjoy your ride while talking silently with the different colors of nature. You could also do River Rafting, cycling and Motor Biking for a completely thrilling experience of your trip to Ladakh. Motor Biking through the snow white sheets of snow and trekking in Ladakh across the mountains would leave you awe-inspired and fun-laden.

At the same time, you could experience the thrill of River Rafting through the transparent flow of water across the rivers. The cool and fresh hustling sound of water acts as a true tranquilizer for your mind and body. When you plan your trip with Ladakh Tour Guide, these fun-filled activities are truly secured with high levels of safety.

6. Monasteries and Festival in Ladakh

Ladakh is a land of monks and monasteries. The festivals celebrated in Ladakh are so vivid and lively that it would enchant the soul and feed the eyes of travelers very richly. Some of the grand festivals of Ladakh are Losar festival, Sindhu Darshan, Hemis Tsechu, Ladakh festival, and Tak Tok festival.

Losar festival is a festival meant for welcoming new year whereas Sindhu Darshan is a sheer celebration of the existence of Indus civilization. Hemis Tsechu is a cultural extravaganza to richly feed and nourish your soul.

Monasteries of Ladakh are an awesome blend of Tibetan and Buddhist culture. You could feel the pious fumes of Buddhism when you visit these Monasteries. Some of them are Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Spituk Monastery, and Matho Monastery.

Hemis is the largest of them and is also considered wealthiest Monasteries in Leh. It has a copper statue of Buddha and is dotted with amazing paintings and descriptions of Buddhism and its culture. Thiksey Monastery is a 12 story building which is home to more than 500 monks. You could spot some of the precious Buddhist books, journals, scripts, swords and stupas which acts as a refreshing window to the culture of Ladakh.

7. Easily Accessible: Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Srinagar

Leh Ladakh becomes one of the favorite destinations of tourists from all parts of India because of its better and easy connectivity with some of the big cities of the country like Mumbai, Delhi, and Srinagar. Although there are several ways by which you can reach Leh Ladakh like through bus route and train route. Some of the adventure loving freaks even go by bikes or taxis.

But, the easiest and fastest way to travel to Ladakh is by air. However, if you want to sniff through the natural panorama of hills and valleys, choose the road route and go for a bike trip to Ladakh. But, those who are time conscious and safety concerned must choose the airway for reaching the miraculous high altitude desert, Ladakh.

If you want a break from the hustle bustle of your city life, plan your trip to Ladakh with Ladakh Travel Guide , the land of monks and monasteries. The exotic panorama of hills and valleys would leave your soul rejuvenated, revitalized and refreshed. Soak your soul in the pious chants of hymns and mantras of monasteries to gain that inner bliss. Pack your bags for the heavenly getaway, Ladakh!

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