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Places to visit in Ladakh
There are few places on Earth as captivating as Ladakh and its capital, Leh. Visitors from all over the world have been drawn to its hilly landscapes, bright blue lakes, and scenic road trips. Which of these incredible locations should you put on your bucket list? See our list of the best places to visit in Ladakh. It has incredible scenic beauty and is located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas at an elevation of 3542 meters above sea level. This beautiful location is home to some incredible attractions, including palaces, lakes, and monasteries. The months of April and May are ideal for visiting Ladakh because many of the tourist attractions are open. June to August are also popular months for tourists looking to avoid crowds and relish the serenity.
Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park, located in the eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is known as the Snow Leopard Capital of India. This national park, established in 1981, is best known for having the world’s highest density of snow leopards. Another highlight of Hemis is that it is the only national park to the north of the Himalayas. According to records, it also has 16 mammal species and 73 bird species. In the Rumbak Valley, you can enjoy birdwatching. Trekking through the park will allow you to see the snow leopards. The Markha Valley Trek, which takes visitors inside Hemis, is also an option.
Pangong Tso Lake
Pangong Lake, located on the Indo-China border at a height of 4350 meters, is one of Ladakh’s most popular tourist destinations. This saltwater lake, also known as Hollow Lake or Pangong Tso, is one of Asia’s largest. It has a radius of approximately 100 kilometers. Two-thirds of this lake is in Tibet (Chinese territory), with the remaining one-third in eastern Ladakh. It’s only 160 kilometers from Leh and has spectacular scenery. During the winter, the lake freezes solid and is transformed into an ice skating rink. To obtain an Inner Line Permit from the deputy commissioner of Leh, a small fee is required.
Planning to do a trek? Book the amazing kedarkantha trek at the best price!
Royal Leh Palace
The former residence of Leh’s royal family, Leh Palace, was built in 1553 AD and is located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill. The palace is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is slightly smaller in size and made of stones, sand, wood, and mud. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is also known as Lhachen Palkhar (every day). This nine-story building is now a history museum with royal relics. The fort has been slightly damaged, but the views from the top are spectacular. The monumental establishment is presently under the maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It was attacked by Dogra forces in the second half of the nineteenth century, forcing the roosters to flee.
Diskit Monastery
The Diskit Monastery should be on any list of Ladakh tourist attractions. The Nubra Valley’s oldest and largest monastery is the gompa, which is dressed in white. The aura is soothing and healing, so you can feel enlightened after just one visit. Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, an ardent disciple of Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelugpa. Consider the blessings of Cho Rinpoche’s iconic statue. Deeply respect the 106-foot-long Jampa Statue of the lord, which sits atop a hill beneath the monastery.
Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri Lake, perched in a remote corner of the greater Himalayan ranges, is known as India’s largest alpine lake. It would seem to be a natural gift, located inside the rugged landscape at an elevation of over 15000 feet above sea level. Owing to its large altitude and difficult journey, it tends to attract fewer tourists. The azure blue waters of the lake reflect the surroundings’ shadows. The surreal landscape of snow-covered barren hills in tranquil surroundings.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Gompa is approximately 40 kilometers south of Leh, is the largest, wealthiest, and most prominent monastery in Ladakh. During the reign of Ladakhi King Singge Namgyal in 1672 AD, this monastery was built. Hemis serves as the administrative headquarters for the Red Hat Drukpa order as well as all Ladakhi gompas. The young lamas are educated and trained here. The region’s royal family backs this temple. Works of art, gold-plated stupas, and Lord Buddha statues adorn the Buddhist temple. The Hemis festival is held here every year. A holy masked dance routine by Lamas, a local resident, is the highlight.
