Leh ladakh is one of the classic destinations in India. The place is home to welcoming people who mainly practice Buddhism. The location has a lot to offer to its visitors including beautiful lakes, wildlife, religious structures, geographic features and diverse cultures. Some of the best places to visit while in Leh are:
1. Spituk Monastry: Spituk monastery is among the oldest in Leh. The monastery is about 8 kilometers from Ladakh. One can choose to visit the place any time of the year. However, during Spituk festivals everything becomes vibrant and colorful. The festival takes place at least once in a year. The area also offers scenic geographic views for visitors.
2. Magnetic hill: The manifests illusion of moving vehicles up the hill when parked at a certain pot. This makes the hill bear the name magnetic hill as the hill seems to be pulling vehicles towards it. The place is enjoyable to visit for those who may wish to fully see this phenomenon one on one.
3. Nubra valley: If you are in search of beautiful valleys to visit then this one must be in your list. The valley has recorded large number of visitors who visit to watch rivers, birds and hippophae shrubs. Nubra valley is known to grow apples mainly for river beds. The valley also supports growth of nuts, fruit, barley and wheat. People who live around the place are Nubra speakers and are very welcoming to visitors. There are also ancient structures at the valley. One can actually choose to camp at the place during times of favorable weather conditions.
4. Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary has over the recent years brought to life various endangered species. These species are protected in the sanctuary to avoid their extinction. Chang sanctuary is characterized by cold weather conditions in most times of the year. However, this does not stop lovely and wonderful animals like blue sheep and birds to cohabit in the area as they struggle for existence which gives an opportunity for anyone to explore the place. It`s among the largest sanctuaries in the world and is thus very important to visit while in Leh.
5. Tiger hill: Tiger hill is not very far and it’s just two or one and half hours’ drive from Leh. The site has turned into a magnificent tourist attraction. Many visitors flock the area just to glance at the beautiful landscapes of the hill. The hill holds an historical background as it traces back to the indo-park .
6. Indus River: Indus River flows through Indus valley majestically. The terrains are sometimes dry which is good for camping as you enjoy the sun during the day, as well as a cloudless sky during the night. A memorable experience is also unleashed to those who may choose to walk besides its side banks while exploring the lovely scenic views of the river flowing.
7. Lake of Pang Tso: The Lake is situated about an approximate of 160 kilometers from Leh. Pang Tso is famous for its blue water surfaces that are as a result of reflection of the skies color. It is also home to birds and serves well for winter ice skating festivities which are common for those who live near. A visit to the lake would be an event that no one would wish to miss a camera. One can take photos while at the shoes and have the photos complemented by the blue sceneries of the lake. Visiting Lake Pang Tso would thus not be regretful to any visitor.
8. Tso Moriri Lake: Moriri Lake boasts of being within the vicinity of Ice Mountains in Leh. The lake is usually full of water. During favorable weather conditions camping is usually very excited to visitors. Visitors can enjoy a cloudless sky while exploring the mountain surroundings. The lake is however inaccessible due to rough terrains. One must therefore plan well for the visit to be successful and worth it.
9. Stok palace: This palace is between the Indus valleys and is a true definition of some of the oldest places in India. It also boasts of an opulent and diverse culture of the people around. Its structures are designed with traditional architectures which make the place even more connected to history than just culture. Some archaic artifacts of the royal family are housed at the place. There are also stunning gardens at the area which complements its esthetic beauty. It`s thus among top places to visit for anyone to visit.
10. Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa rests on the famous Chandspa in Leh. It’s more of Buddhist oriented chorten located on some of India`s most spectacular hilltops that have been a source of attraction to tourists. It’s thus a holy place for those who practice Buddhism and may fair well with anyone who needs to explore a foreign religion. However, its most appealing characteristic is its white colored exterior. Its walls rhymes well with the bright mid-day sun and especially during cloudless days of the year and brings the exciting feeling expected during the night. A visit to Shanti Stupa does not delivery an exploration of Buddhism but also delivers a rich scenic view of the surroundings.
11. Leh Palace: This is also another palace that has gained trust of visitors in India and particularly in Leh. The palace is just some 5 kilometers from the airport in Leh. A visit to the palace will offer you a raised view of the area. Its architectural design is also ancient as it traces its roots back to the seventeenth century. Its interior is also extremely spacious for exploration by visitors. You should thus consider this palace if in your travel destination list while in Leh to explore the magical and historical utilities at Leh palace.
12. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa: If you are indeed in search of a monastery location that will over the best Buddhist experience then this should be one of the places. The Gompa is located on rocky and raised grounds that offer a beautiful view especially during sunrise and sunset. Namgyal has earned itself pride as being one of the oldest Buddhist structures in India as it was brought into existence at around the 15th century. Photos at the place during a visit will thus offer the best experience of Buddhism while in Leh.
13. Hall of Fame museum: This memorial museum is under the mandate of The Indian army. It was specifically setup to commemorate the death of courageous solders who surrender their lives during the Indo-Park war. In its interior there are actually varying types of weapons that were used during the wars as well as religious artifacts. The museum is approximately 5 kilometers from Leh and about 2 kilometers from Rimpochee Airport which makes it very easy and efficient for those located at Leh`s city center to visit.
14. Khardung Pass: The path is prominent as it makes its way through the icy mountains. It was well established and known to link the central Asia to Leh. In the olden days, goods and commodities would flow through this path which ensured survival of the people of Leh. The path is today used for modern activities like mountain photography and cycling. This place is among the best to visit especially during cloudless summers as it provides beautiful settings of rocky and icy grounds.
15. Lake Tso kar: Tso kar is a salty lake located 160 kilometers on the southern side of Leh. What is more spectacular about the lake is its source of various species of birds and wildlife as well as varieties of flora like pondweeds, buttercups and pea bushes. Most birds like geese and cranes are common at the lake. Those who choose to visit the lake can spend their precious time camping near the lake to explore more of its natural beauty.
16. Lamayuru: Lamayuru is host to the archaic Yuru Monasteries which are a great tourist attraction. Just like other locations in Leh, Lemayuru is usually full of vigor during festivities. The place is located between Leh and Kargil which enables those making their way to Kargil have a double visit of both the place and Kargil. The place is also famously known for the clear and nice views it gives for those who are fond of observing the moon.
17. Kargil: Kargil was very famous around the 1970`s due to the indo- Pakistan war. Kargil is situated near the banks of Indus River which is about 200 kilometers from Srinagar and is among the largest towns in Leh Ladakh. Those interested to visit the place will experience various sporting activities like rafting, jeep tours and walking which are very common.
18. Hemis Monastry: Hemis monastery is well known for vigorous Buddhist festivals and ceremonies held at the place during mid-year periods. Mask dances, rituals and religious music related to Buddhism usually fill the airs of the monastery during festivities. The monastery is one of the oldest and is usually situated at about an approximate of 43 kilometers from Leh in the midst of rocky mountains.
19. Hemis National park: If you are one of those with cravings to see a snow leopard while in Leh, the park will satisfy your desires. The national park holds many species of animals that are almost existent and is thus very important to Leh and India at large. Some of other fauna that exists at the place include wolves, red foxes, ibex, eagles and griffon vultures; just to list a view. A visit to Hemis National Park will thus be worth an adventurous time with wildlife and plants while at Leh.
20. Zanskar valley: A trip by camel through Zanskar valley trek is one of the most memorable things for one to experience while at Leh. The path through the valley is at most times usually frozen and icy especially during winter. River Zanskar flows through the valley and is not also spared from icy conditions during cold seasons. However, high rocky places at Zanskar still retain some snow during warm times and this has recently attracted visitors. The valley is a bit far from Leh but those who visit the place experience complete and unsurpassed experience.
