Leh-Ladakh is one of the most beautiful Union Territory of India. The valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, lakes and mountains. UT-Ladakh has a population of about 150,000 people living in 49 villages spread across 18 valleys.
So, if you are planning your trip to Ladakh, here is a travel guide for you. I have made an itinerary for Leh within a radius of 100 km which you can use as a base to build your own.
The best time to visit leh-Ladakh is between June and September because during this time, you get good weather conditions and fewer tourists as compared to other months. If you are planning to visit Leh, here’s a list of the top places that you should not miss.
1. Karzu Zing: Ice hockey ring leh
Located at a distance of just 3km from the city centre. Its the first ice hockey rink of Leh. Here you can witness our Indian national ice hockey team practice and may get a chance to meet and greet with them during winter season.
2. GUPHUKS VIEW POINT:
Located at a distance of 13 km from Leh city centre, this spot has become quite popular for the public view and one of the most frequently visited view point as it is located on the side of Leh-Kargil highway road, where one can witness beautiful panoramic view of Indus River, Spituk Monastery, Stok village and Pharka village.
3. Sindhu ghat Viewpoint:
Sindhu river is one of the seven most sacred rivers in India. Sindhu ghat is one of the most peaceful river banks, situated 10 kms upstream the Indus River from Leh near the Shey Monastery, which is originated from the Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash in Tibet.It is situated at 12.2 Km from Leh Airport. The best time to visit and enjoy the beauty of this location is during the Sindhu Darshan Festival in June.
4. Hemis Monastery:
Located at a distance of 40 km from Leh city centre. The Hemis Monastery is the most popular attraction in Ladakh. It was built in the year 1848 and is a great example of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. The walls of this monastery are painted with colorful murals which depict stories from Buddha’s life and teachings.
5. Leh Palace:
Located at a distance of 2 km from Leh city centre. The palace of the king of Ladakh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leh. It was built by the King Sengge Namgyal in the 16th century and was later converted into a museum by the government of India. The palace has an interesting mix of Tibetan and Ladakhi architecture. It also houses a museum that displays items like masks, costumes and weapons used by the kings. The palace is situated in the center of Leh town, right next to the main market.
6. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa:
This monastery is located at a distance of about 3 kilometers from Leh city and was founded by King Sengge Namgyal in 1580 AD. The palace is built in the Tibetan architectural style and has a number of interesting features such as stone pillars carved with dragons, lions and elephants. The museum also contains exhibits related to Ladakh’s history, culture and lifestyle.
7. Thiksey Monastery:
This monastery is located 55 kilometers from Leh city on the road from Choglamsar village. It was built in 1470 by Lama Gyalsay Rinchen Phuntsok who was a disciple of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The monastery is built in the Tibetan architectural style and has a number of interesting features such as stone pillars carved with dragons, lions and elephants. The museum also contains exhibits related to Ladakh’s history, culture and lifestyle.
8. Hemis Gompa:
This monastery is located at a distance of about 3 kilometers from Leh city and was founded by King Sengge Namgyal in 1580 AD. The palace is built in the Tibetan architectural style and has a number of interesting features such as stone pillars carved with dragons, lions and elephants. The monastery is famous for its beautiful paintings and murals. The main attraction is the five-story tower which has a gilded copper roof and was built in 1764 by Lama Phuntsog Tashi. A number of other monasteries are also located here including the one housing the remains of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery consists of a number of temples, including an assembly hall and a number of shrines. The walls are decorated with murals depicting the life story of Guru Rinpoche as well as other deities. There is also an interesting museum that has some old manuscripts and artefacts related to Ladakh’s history and culture.
9. Stok Monastery:
This is a small monastery located in the Leh city. It was founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in the 14th Century. The monastery has a small museum and a library which houses some of the rarest books in the region. The complex also has an interesting collection of paintings, stone statues and other items that date back to as early as 11th century AD. The monastery is also famous for its annual Tsechu festival, which is held in the month of September or October. There are several other temples and monasteries located around Leh city including Hemis, Likir and Shey. The main attractions here are the shrines and statues of Guru Rinpoche and Padmasambhava.
10. Stok Kangri:
The peak is located in Hemis National Park, 12 km southwest of the trailhead in the village of Stok and around 15 km southwest of the city of Leh. This mountain peak is located at an altitude of about 5,100 meters above sea level and is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Ladakh. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated on this mountain for quite some time before moving on to other places. In December 2019, the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association announced that Stok Kangri is closed for trekking and climbing from 2020 to 2023, due to over-tourism