Ladakh is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. From quiet monasteries on the hills to vast blue lakes and villages that seem untouched by time. I had a wonderful opportunity to visit this beautiful place and explore its rich culture, history, and landscapes.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for slower travel, here’s a well-rounded guide to the best places to visit in Ladakh.
Leh Town
Call it the logistical and cultural centre of Ladakh. It’s the palace where most travellers spend their first few days acclimatizing. The town is lively, walkable, and full of places where you can drop by for a bite to eat. There’s a shop for nearly everything, whether it’s clothing, money exchange, tattoos, or salons – it has it all.
Just a few minutes walk from the town square, you’ll reach the old Leh town. The old Leh is quiet and away from the bustle of the central town. It’s defined by its narrow lanes, mud brick houses, and locals going on about their day, unhurried as ever.
Leh Market during early afternoon
Leh Palace
Leh Palace offers a glimpse into Ladakh’s royal past and some of the best views over the town. The entry fee for a foreign national is 300 INR (Indian Rupees), 50 for SAARC nations countries and 20 for Indian nationals. The palace has been converted into a museum that dives into the history of Ladakh. You can see the sweeping view of Leh town and its surroundings from its courtyard and rooftop, which are easily accessible.
The Palace that overlooks Leh Town
And above the Leh palace sits the Old Leh Castle. It’s a less accessible ruin that houses the story of the town’s ancient past. It sits at the top of the hill, offering panoramic views over Leh and its surrounding mountains. I had to scale the rough hillside after visiting the palace, but found out there was a staircase that led up to the old castle. There’s easy road access, though, so you can drive up to it.
View from the old Leh Castle overlooking the old town and the marketplace. You can see the palace at the bottom right side.
The views from the top are magnificent as you can see the entire town from a 360-degree angle. It also has a few shrines along the way and was going through renovations. Either way, exploring the old fort gives a sense of how important this palace was strategically. Today, the ruins are nothing more than a viewing tower carrying immense history with it.
Shanti Stupa
There are two ways of getting to the top of the Shanti Stupa. You could choose to climb up the 500-ish stairs to the top Shanti Stupa, which takes quite the breath out of you, or drive up the way. There’s an entry fee if you drive up, though. The stairs lead you straight to a cafe where you can get a drink. The view from the top is calm and rewarding, offering a panoramic view of the mountains and the town. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Picture of the Shanti Stupa
You’ll need a day to go through these places. Spend time wandering through the refugee market, the old town, and the main market. There’s also the Hall of Fame Museum located near the airfield that was built in memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives in the Indo-Pak wars.
Stok Village: A Quieter Side of Ladakh You’ll Appreciate
Mesmerising Stock Palace
Just across the Indus River from Leh, Stok Village feels like a different world. It takes around half an hour from Leh. You can easily find a taxi to drop you off there. Stok Village is much quieter, greener, and far less crowded.
The village is home to the Stok Palace, offering insight into Ladakh’s royal heritage. You’ll be charged INR 100 to enter the palace. The tour is short, but it does a good job of presenting the region’s history.
But personally, I felt the real charm of the place was its beautiful and serene view. Just a short walk up to the Monastery rewards you with a beautiful panoramic view of Leh. There’s a large Buddha statue that’s currently being built there. Walking around the Stok village is simple, peaceful, and authentic.
Behind me is Stok village. Further up, you can see Leh across the Indus River.
Where to Stay: Highland Heritage Resort, Stok
I stayed a good few days at Stok. Highland Heritage Resort is an excellent choice for a more peaceful base away from Leh. The place is surrounded by mountains and open landscapes, with easy access to Leh for day trips.
You don’t really expect to find such a beautiful resort right in the heart of the village. Rooms are well furnished, spacious, and hot water is available 24/7. They had helpful staff and great cooks.
I also had the opportunity to talk with the owner. Mr Angdu was warm, wise, and calm. His son, Mr. Rinchen, was equally friendly and cheerful. Either way, my stay at Stok was meaningful and very worthwhile.
The beautiful and cozy resort at Stok
Pangong Lake: Ladakh’s Most Iconic Landscape
One of my favourite parts of the Ladakhi trip was the Pangong Lake. It is one of those places that feels unreal in person. This huge lake stretches across the India-China border and feels endless. It has deep blue pristine water, and up close, you really want to go for a swim. However, that might not be a good idea since the water is cold. I stayed 2 nights at Merak, exploring the lake, taking long walks around the shore, and soaking in the beauty of the place. The lake water is also surprisingly salty, unlike the clear mineral water I was expecting.
View of the Merak village at Pangong Tso
You’ll find a bus that goes to Pangong Lake every weekend. It goes on Fridays and leaves for Leh early morning. Although I do recommend you hire a taxi to spend an extra day enjoying the lake.
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is a stunning region in northern Ladakh, famous for its vast landscapes, dunes, and unique culture. The valley is filled with quaint little villages and ancient monasteries that give a glimpse of traditional Ladakhi life.
To get to the valley, you can hire a taxi, shared or solo, and go through the Khardung La Pass. The pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world at 5359 meters and offers beautiful snowcapped views of the valley. You’ll need around 5-6 hours to get to the valley, depending on the road conditions.
Turtuk village in the valley is a hidden gem known for its unique culture, forts, and apricot orchards. It’s a peaceful and charming village with traditional houses and warm locals. The village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and its serenity is unmatched.
View of the beautiful Nubra Valley settlement
Diskit Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley, which lies on a hill overlooking the open valley below. It reflects the traditional Ladakhi architecture with its prayer flags, stupas, monasteries, and buildings. The highlight is the giant Maitreya Buddha statue nearby, which watches over the valley and offers incredible panoramic views. They are must-see places in the valley.
On a side note, you can also find ice cream here.
Magnetic Hill & Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
The landscape of the surroundings makes the downhill road appear to be an uphill climb (img source-wikipedia)
Magnetic Hill is more of a quick stop along the road from Leh, whether you’re heading toward Lamayuru, Likir, or further ahead. Vehicles seem to roll uphill on their own due to an optical illusion formed by the surrounding landscapes. There isn’t much to see, but it’s a fun mix of science and curiosity. It’s still worth a short pause.
However, just before you reach the hill, you’ll come across Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. It’s a peaceful Sikh shrine that carries deep spiritual significance. Everyone is welcome here, and if you arrive at the right time, you can join the lunchtime meal. You’ll be served simple food, rice, lentils, and curry, which is comforting and satisfying. Just remember to follow their rules and respect it. It’s a calm stop that lets you fill up and relax before continuing your journey.
Zanskar–Indus Sangam Point
The point where the two rivers Zanskar and the Indus, converge
As you continue along the same route, you’ll come across Zanskar-Indus Sangam (Confluence) Point. It’s a short, easy stop where you see the two rivers, Zanskar and Indus, merge. You can easily see the contrast between the two waters flowing together. Near the shore, there are activities like ziplining and rafting. It’s a simple place to pause, take in the landscape, and appreciate the rugged mountains and clear blue skies. As the river goes down further, you’ll see the water color change from dirt gray to sky blue.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery overlooking the village
Lamayuru lies around 125 km west of Leh on the Leh-Kargil highway. The drive itself is very scenic, as you drive along the Indus River, through rocky landscapes, forest patches, villages, and monasteries.
As you cross the river and start ascending towards Lamayuru, you’ll come across the moonland. The landscape here looks unreal, with its ridges and hills resembling that of the moon’s surface, hence the name. A little further and you’ll reach the Lamayuru village. This road connects to Kargil and is quite popular for road trips. At the top of the village lies the Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is calm and peaceful with sweeping views over the valley below. The entry fee for tourists is 50 INR. It has three temples: the main temple, Singay Lhakhang Temple, and the Avalokitesvara Temple. We had a local monk take us around the monastery, who guided us through the temples.
Whether you pause briefly or spend more time exploring, Lamayuru is a memorable break on the Leh–Kargil route.
We visited Lamayuru at the end of our SHAM Valley Trek (Baby Trek). It was a worthwhile stop.
We also got very lucky as we got a lift from Lamayuru to Khalsi and a 500 INR Taxi back to Leh. (Very unusual, we were lucky since the driver had to be in Leh).
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery.
Alchi monastery is a popular day trip located 70 kilometers West of Leh. Unlike most monasteries in Ladakh, this monastery lies in the village, giving it a more grounded feel.
You can easily catch a bus from Leh to Alchi that leaves Leh at around 8:30 AM. There are multiple trips to Leh-Alchi and back, so you shouldn’t have any problems with travel (There could be an exception on Sundays). The ticket price should be around 110 INR, and the ride will take you around 3 hours.
The monastery is best known for its ancient wall paintings and sculptures, which date back over a thousand years. It is complex, quiet, peaceful, and beautifully preserved. There’s a small fee of INR 100 to enter the monastery. It’s a rewarding stop for anyone interested in art and the history of Ladakh.
Shey Palace & Thiksey Monastery
The beautiful architecture of the Thiksey Palace
Another day trip that hits two birds in a day. Shey Monastery is located 15 kilometers South of Leh. This monastery/palace was the summer capital of Ladakh in the past, having a huge Shakyamuni Buddha statue, the second largest in Ladakh. The entry fee is 20 INR to the small temple, and you can see the ruined forts as you go around it. Inside the shrine, you’ll see a two-storied statue of the Buddha.
Today, much of the palace stands in quiet ruins, which only adds to its charm.
Just a few kilometers south of Shey lies the grand Thiksey Palace. You could choose to drive to the top of it, but we dropped off before the turn and walked the steps to the monastery. Thiksey is an active monastery that has living quarters for monks. The monastery was unassuming as I climbed up the stairs, but its real beauty can be seen from the main entrance. The entry fee is around 50 INR. It is built in tiers on a hill and resembles a small fortress. The beautiful depth and architecture of the entire monastery, its shrines, and the views from the hill are worth the trip.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is one of the largest and most renowned monasteries in Ladakh. It’s around 45 km from Leh and can be reached on a local bus. The bus generally leaves at around 8:30 AM and returns at 4:30 PM. But you can choose to hire a taxi or bike there. Entry into the monastery is INR 50 and INR 200 for foreigners.
The monastery houses golden statues, stupas decorated with precious stones, and thankas. One of the thangkas is regarded as the largest in existence and is displayed once every 12 years. It’s divided into two main sections, Dukhang (assembly hall) and Tshokhang(temple). Photography is strictly prohibited inside, so almost all pictures of the monastery are from the outside. The hall also has an idol of the fierce protector Gyalpo, one of a peaceful golden Buddha, and a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).
It also has a small museum inside housing relics, religious artifacts, and items dating back centuries. Hemis offers a glimpse into the spiritual depth, history, and artistry that make it one of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries.
Hemis Monastery from the front
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery, also known as Pethup Gompa, is an 11th-century monastery founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub. The monastery is located just 8km from Leh and is home to around 100 monks.
The monastery is open from 6 AM to 1 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM with an entry fee of NPR 30 per visitor. It’s also home to the Spituk museum, which has a massive Kali statue, artifacts, and relics offering insight into the Ladakhi art and culture.
Spituk is popular among both devotees and nature lovers, and most travelers spend 2–3 hours exploring the monastery, its museum, and the surrounding area. The Spituk Gustor Festival, held on the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month in the Tibetan calendar, is a spectacular event featuring masked dances, rituals, and lively celebrations, making it one of the best times to visit.
The monastery is easily accessible by bike, cab, or taxi from Leh, though adventurous travelers can trek the 8 km uphill.
Practical Travel Tips for Ladakh
- Spend at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Leh
- It’s recommended to carry cash everywhere
- Also note that most monasteries may be closed from 1 PM onwards for an hour or half
- Respect monastery rules and local customs
- Best time to visit: May to September
- The sun is not your friend! Always carry sunscreen
Final Thoughts
Ladakh is best experienced slowly. The following list of the best places to visit in Ladakh is in no way THE definitive guide for exploring Ladakh, but rather a collection of places you shouldn’t miss. The region is filled with culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, friendly people.
I believe staying in quieter places like the Stok village allows you to enjoy Ladakh beyond the hustle and bustle of the tourist rush. It’s a few kilometers off the main town of Leh, with easy transportation access. Ladakh rewards travelers who take the time to explore it.