Places Around Leh-Land Of High Passes and Cold Desert Of India

By Ajit Brar

Which are Must Visit Places Around Leh ?-What you see in pictures which attracts us to visit Ladakh is its mesmerizing and astonishing landscapes, snow covered mountains, Crystal clear sky and Buddhist monasteries. But in reality it is more than what we see in pictures. Believe me every inch of ladakh is spellbinding. The journey to reach Ladakh in itself is very beautiful whether you take the road or plane. It gives you goosebumps. 

Geographically Ladakh is a huge region and there are many beautiful places which you can explore from its high altitude lakes to the world’s highest passes to ancient monasteries. Ladakh offers everything to the people who visit here from India and abroad. 

If you are a Rider like me then it gives you a lot of Adventure experience, which you will never forget for your lifetime. For trekking enthusiasts there are lots of treks like Chadar trek or Markha valley trek, for history lovers , for religion lovers ladakh has everything for everyone. 

To visit Ladakh you need time. You can explore the whole region in 3 or 4 days . at least you need 9 to 10 days to visit the places which are mentioned here. To explore fully I think your lifetime is not enough. 

Here I’m listing the places which you visit on your journey. I suggest one must visit these places not in peak season like June to September. Plan your journey in October, the weather is a bit harsh but there are less number of tourists

After spending two days in Leh and exploring the must visit places around the City, get your self acclimatized by the weather. now is the time to explore ladakh and witness the beauty of the Land of the high Passes.

The famous Khardung-la or Khardung pass is 38 km from the Leh city. Once the pass was highest motor able Pass in the world at an altitude of 17,582 ft. But now Umlinla is the highest pass located in eastern Ladakh. Inner line permit is mandatory to visit the pass which is checked at north pullu. 

Khardungla pass is also the gateway between the Nubra Valley and Siachen Glacier. It takes 90 minutes drive to reach the pass and There is an army camp on the top. It is advisable not to spend more than 20 mins on the top because you may be hit by the AMS.

After crossing the Khardungla Pass we entered the Nubra valley. The Nubra valley is at the altitude of 10,000 ft, that means this valley is warmer than other valleys of Ladakh. The soil is much fertile and the vegetation is much thicker than other parts of Ladakh. Where there is any source of water shrubs, bushes and trees grow in abundance. You can see a lot of greenery along the riverside. There is a confluence of Shyok river and Siachen river.The Nubra is a broad valley which is surrounded by the lofty mountains.

Diskit is the sub division of headquarters of Nubra valley. It is located on the bank of Shyok river. The Diskit is famous for being the oldest and the largest gompa and also for the Buddhist statue. It is situated on the steep rocky mountain right above the Diskit village. The statue is so big that it can be seen from Hunder village which is 7 km away. The statue is facing towards river and Pakistan. According to the local lamas it was done intentionally to send the message of peace. 

Hunder is the second largest village of Nubra valley. It is famous for the sand dunes which are spread between the Diskit and Hunder villages. You can see the double humped camels here and the tourists come here to experience the camel safari. Hunder is the best camping site in the whole Nubra valley. You can see the best star gazing from here. 

The last village on the India Pakistan border. Turtuk is one of the five villages which are taken back from the pakistan. This is the only village in India which has balit culture. A large number of tourists visit this village out of curiosity due to its connection with Pakistan. Other than that it is the most beautiful village. Due to the higher number of tourists the younger generation has more opportunities for businesses. It is the gateway to Siachen Glacier. In 2023 the Indian army opened The siachen glacier for the tourists but you need permission from the army headquarters.

The person who comes to Ladakh must visit the Pangong lake. It became popular after it was shown in the movie 3 idiots and it tops the list of must visit places around Leh. It is also famous for its blue water which changes color three to four times a day due weather, mountains and sun rays. Read More About Why Pangong is So Popular.

The Stoke is the same as other villages of Ladakh but this is famous for Stok Monastery which is believed to be 14 century old. And the statue of Buddha is 71 feet high. The Other reason is Stok Palace which is home of the Royal Family Of Ladakh. There is a museum in the palace which contains the crown, the ceremonial dresses and the jewel of the Ladkah’s king. There is also a Library which contains 108 volumes of Buddhists teaching books. One part of the Palace is also converted into a heritage hotel. 

The famous Trek To Stok Kangri which is the highest trekking peak in Ladakh also starts from the Stok village.

One of the Biggest Central Monasteries Thiksey Monastery is a must see place in Ladakh. It is located at 19 km east of Leh city. Monastery is Famous for its resemblance with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. One of the main attractions In the Monastery is the Maitreya Temple which has a 15 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha which is the largest statue in Ladakh covering the two storeys building. The Monastery belongs to the yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Famous Gustor festival is held in the month of October and November in which the trade fair is held at the base of the monastery. 

This Lake is the largest high altitude lake in India. Surrounded by the mountains this bluish crystal clear water, this lake mesmerizes the visitors. I am thankful to God that he has given me a chance to see the beauty He created. The lake is a Wetland Conservation Reserve. No matter the lake gives us a romantic and breathtaking feel but In reality it is harsh to live at such high Altitude. So prepare yourself and fully Acclimatized.

Historically known as the Dha Haanu Valley, aryan valley is one of the most beautiful destination. There are five villages – Dah, Haanu, Beema, Darchik and Garkon Which are the home to the Dard Brokpa community, also known as the last Aryans of Ladakh. The people in these villages are known for their attire and colorful headgear’s. Most of the population of Ladakh is Buddhist and Muslim. But in the Aryan valley , they are followers of the Bon religion. That means they are nature worshipers and have utmost regards to the resources around them. They have proudly preserved their heritage and culture. They still follow their old custom of worshiping rivers, trees, mountains and stones .

Moon Land or Lamayuru is the oldest and largest gompas in Ladakh. It is the center point between Leh and Kargil And Two hours away from leh. If you want to experience the true ladakh’s culture then layamuru is the one of the perfect destination. It is a 100% quieter and peaceful buddhist town with strong ladakh culture .

A 1000 years old monastery. It is famous for the masked dance festivals which happen on the 2nd and 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and also the moonland landscape which you can see on your way to Lamayuru. There are cafes from where you can see the views of landscapes and spend your whole time admiring it. this is one must visit places around Leh.

■ To visit Few remote area’s in Ladakh region, It is required to attain Inner Line Permits (for Indian Nationals) or Ladakh Protected Area Permits (for Foreign Nationals). One can get the permits online or at TIC Office, Main Market, Leh on all working days between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 

■ Be prepared, pack well, and always dress in layers. The region is known for its fickle-minded weather and given the extremely isolated places you’ll be visiting. it is advised to eye on the side of caution as help is usually far away. 

■ Be clean when you travel, don’t litter. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and remain decently hydrated. Wear comfortable shoes. 

■ Be mindful and respectful of the customs and local people’s beliefs. Usually, villagers are very friendly and open to conversation – however, it is advisable to ask before you click someone’s picture.