Ladakh is located in the Indian Himalayas, at the border with Pakistan and Tibet. It is an ancient Buddhist Kingdom of great historical significance.
Acting as the central hub for travelers, the capital city of Leh, nestled at an altitude of 3500m, boasts captivating beauty and a rich cultural heritage.
It offers an excellent opportunity to savor local cuisine and indulge in shopping, including locally crafted pashmina scarves, as well as exquisite Buddhist statues and paintings.
Ladakh presents a plethora of attractions, ranging from visits to monasteries and exploration of charming remote villages to the mesmerizing high altitude lakes and exhilarating rafting experiences on the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
Adventurous people will find many trekking options such as the renowned Markha valley trek in the Hemis National Park.
To explore the region and witness its marvels, the most convenient choice is hire a Ladakhi driver who will take you to the key attractions and adapt the itinerary according to your preferences. Here is our list of the top 3 places in Ladakh that are not to be missed.
HUNDER SAND DUNES (NUBRA VALLEY)
Situated along the renowned Silk Route, Nubra Valley was once a bustling trade route connecting Central Asia. Nestled like an enchanting oasis within the cold desert, the Hunder Sand Dunes exhibit a breathtaking beauty that defies imagination.
This high altitude desert is the exclusive habitat of the unique and captivating double-humped Bactrian camels, a rare species found only in this particular region of Ladakh. Embarking on a camel ride atop these sturdy creatures promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Additionally, Hunder is also renowned for its lush forests of ocean buckthorn, a medicinal plant teeming with bio-particles, vitamins, and nourishing properties. Popularly known as ‘Leh Berry,’ this plant adds to the allure of the area, offering a fascinating botanical encounter.
ALCHI MONASTERY
Adorned with vibrant hues of green, gold, ochre, and azure, the monastery proudly displays exquisite Indo-Tibetan paintings dating back to the 11th century.
Among its notable treasures, the painted statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya stands out as a major highlight. To truly immerse yourself in Ladakhi village life, it is highly recommended to spend a night in Alchi.
Moreover, an exhilarating experience awaits at the Alchi Nyemo, where you can partake in river rafting. If you come at the right time, you may be able to attend one of the festivals in Ladakh, in Alchi or another nearby monastery.
The monastery encompasses several significant structures, including the Assembly Hall (Dukhang), Main Temple (Tsug-lag-khang), Manjushri Temple (Jam-dpal lha-khang), and chortens.
Furthermore, two other important shrines, namely Lotsabha Lakhang and Lakhang Soma, grace the temple’s grounds. All of these architectural marvels are adorned with meticulously carved paintings, believed to be the oldest surviving examples in Ladakh.
PANGONG LAKE
Among the numerous high altitude lakes in Ladakh, none can rival the majestic splendor of Pangong Tso. Perched at an elevation of 4250m on the Changtang plateau in the eastern region of Ladakh, this lake has gained immense popularity after being featured in the Hindi movie “3 Idiots”. It has now become the most sought-after destination in Ladakh.
To access Pangong Tso, a special permit known as the Inner Line Permit for Ladakh is required. Obtaining the permit is a straightforward process that can be completed within a day in Leh. You only need to bring your passport with a valid Indian visa to apply for the permit.
