Leh and Ladakh are among the most stunning and adventurous travel destinations in India, offering dramatic landscapes, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and unforgettable experiences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit:

Overview

Location: Union Territory of Ladakh, northern India

Altitude: Leh sits at around 11,500 ft (3,500 m) above sea level

Best Time to Visit: May to September (when the roads are open and weather is pleasant)

Top Places to Visit

Leh Town

Leh Palace: 17th-century palace resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa

Shanti Stupa: White-domed stupa with panoramic views of the town

Main Bazaar: Great for Tibetan handicrafts, pashmina, and jewelry

Around Leh

Magnetic Hill: Optical illusion of a gravity-defying road

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: Sikh temple maintained by the Indian Army

Sangam Point: Confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers

High-Altitude Lakes

Pangong Tso: Stunning blue lake shared with Tibet (China)

Tso Moriri: Lesser-known but equally beautiful freshwater lake

Tso Kar: Salt lake, part of the Changthang plateau

Mountain Passes

Khardung La: One of the highest motorable roads in the world (~18,380 ft)

Chang La: On the route to Pangong Lake

Nubra Valley

Diskit Monastery: Houses a large Maitreya Buddha statue

Hunder Sand Dunes: Bactrian camel rides in the cold desert

Buddhist Monasteries

Hemis Monastery: The biggest and wealthiest in Ladakh

Thiksey Monastery: Looks like a mini Potala Palace

Alchi Monastery: Known for its Indo-Tibetan murals

How to Reach

By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport)

By Road:

Manali-Leh Highway: Opens ~May/June

Srinagar-Leh Highway: Opens ~May