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Places to visit in Ladakh

The union territory of Ladakh is located in the northern region of India and was formerly a part of the Jammu and Kashmir state. Lying amidst the gorgeous Great Himalayas, it is a place of unspoiled natural beauty and phenomenal scenic views. The region is filled with mesmerising snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, vast meadows, gushing rivers, etc. Ladakh, popularly known as the Land of High Passes, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful motorable mountain passes, like Khardung La, Chang La, Marsimik La, etc. It is one of the best places in the world where tourists can experience the joy of sightseeing and adventures all in one trip.

Though mainly known for its unmatched natural landscapes and picturesque views, Ladakh offers various other major tourist attractions, ranging from historical sites and religious landmarks to local festivals and cultural events. Some renowned tourist attractions in Ladakh include Soma Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Tsemo Fort, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, etc.

Ladakh is also a dream destination for thrill seekers, as it offers a massive range of adventures. Trekking, motorbiking, water rafting, mountaineering, etc., are just a few examples of popular things one can expect from Ladakh. Shopping is also one of the most fun things to do in the region due to the availability of various unique products, like Pashmina shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, Fruit jams, etc.

Food in Ladakh is one of its main highlights, offering dishes from delightful Tibetan-influenced cuisines to a quick bowl of instant noodles. And with its shivering cold atmosphere and scarcely populated roads, options for nightlife in Ladakh are limited but not nonexistent.

Attractions in Ladakh

Thousands of tourists flock to Ladakh to witness its fascinating landscapes, delve into the local festivities, or learn about its unique history. Here are some of the most popular events, festivals and tourist places in Ladakh that you can check out during your visit:

The Leh Palace:

The Leh Palace is a 17th-century palace that used to serve the royal dynasty in the region. It was constructed under the orders of King Sengge Namgyal and is nine stories tall. The palace is mostly in ruins now and houses a museum featuring 450 years old exhibits like paintings, Buddhist relics, royal dresses, jewellery, etc. It is a massive tourist attraction and one of the most-visited Ladakh tourist places. Many visit Leh Palace to observe its unique architecture and get panoramic views of Leh City from a height.

The Hemis Monastery:

The Hemis Monastery is a widely famous Buddhist monastery located in Hemis town. It belongs to the Drukpa lineage and is believed to have existed prior to the 11th century. Even though it is mainly known for hosting the iconic Hemis festival, tourists also visit the monastery to check out the gallery consisting of the paintings of Mahasiddhas. It is one of the best Ladakh tourist places you can visit while on your trip.

Old Town Leh:

It refers to the vintage-style settlement lying directly below the Leh Palace, with numerous mud and brick-built houses, labyrinth-like alleyways, ancient ruins of monasteries, and so on. The town used to be within a wall of a fortification, most of which is in ruins now. Old Town Leh attracts thousands of tourists who explore the region and relive a part of history. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ladakh tourist places, ideal for photography.

The Chamba Temple:

It is a beautiful temple with remarkable architecture and historical significance. The Chamba temple was built in the 15th century by the then-king of Leh, Tragspa Bumde, and is dedicated to the Maitreya (the future Buddha). The main attractions of this temple include the 3-storey tall Buddha statue and mural fragments from the mediaeval period on the outer and inner walls.

The Hall of Fame:

It is a museum built by the Indian Army to commemorate the brave Indian soldiers who lost their lives protecting their motherland in the Indo-Pak wars. The Hall of Fame is on Leh-Kargil Road, roughly 4 kilometres from Leh city. From weapons used in the Kargil war and the life of the Indian Army in the Siachen region to biographies of brave soldiers and artefacts related to Ladakhi culture, individuals can learn a lot at this museum. It is one of the most popular Ladakh tourist places you don’t want to miss out on.

Stok Palace Ladakh:

The Stok Palace was constructed in 1820 to serve as the summer home of the royals of the Namgyal Dynasty. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel, with its major attractions being the Stok Palace Temple and the Stok Palace Museum. The museum houses royal antiques, including crowns, jewellery, ceremonial dresses, photographs, etc. It is among the most popular Ladakh tourist places you can visit.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib:

Located 23 kilometres from Leh city, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to the Ladakh region. The gurudwara houses a massive stone boulder inside, which has an interesting story behind it and is believed to have the imprint of Guru Nanak in his meditative state. It is one of the most popular Ladakh places to visit.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa:

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery near the famous Tsemo castle. It was constructed under the orders of Ladakh’s King, Tashi Namgyal, somewhere in the 15th century. Tourists flock to this monastery to catch a glimpse of the beautiful 3-storey tall gold Maitreya statue. It also houses other attractions related to Buddhism, including frescoes and ancient manuscripts.

Shanti Stupa:

Nestled on a hilltop in Chanspa, the Shanti Stupa is a beautiful white-domed Buddhist monument. It was constructed by Japanese Buddhists in 1991 and featured relics of Buddha at the base of the monument. Apart from its spiritual significance, the Shanti Stupa is one of the most popular Ladakh places to visit for its scenic views.

Phyang Monastery:

The Phyang Gompa is another significant Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, about 15 kilometres from Leh City. It was built in 1515 and is known as one of the earliest gompas in the Drikung Kagyu sect. The monastery is home to several Buddhist scriptures, thangkas, weapons, idols, and shrines. The major festivals celebrated at Phyang Monastery are Gang-Sngon Tsedup and Sacred Dances.

Magnetic Hill:

The Magnetic Hill is one of the most famous places to visit in Ladakh. Located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, it is known for its scenic landscapes and unusual phenomenon. Tourists visit Magnetic Hill in their cars to experience the gravity-defying event that causes vehicles to go uphill when parked in neutral. The popular belief is that it is just an optical illusion, whereas others believe it is an act of a magnetic field.

Spituk Gompa:

The Spituk Gompa is a famous Buddhist monastery in Spituk, just 8 kilometres from Leh City. This beautiful site is home to 100 monks and a massive Goddess Kali statue, which is only revealed during the annual festival. Other tourist attractions of the Spituk Gompa include its collection of weapons, thangka, ancient masks, and other Buddhist antiques. It is one of the best places in Ladakh famous for sightseeing.

Tsemo Fort:

Resting on top of a hill, the sight of this beautiful fort can be seen from all corners of Leh city. Tsemo Fort was built under the reign of Tashi Namgyal and is a prominent part of history in the region. One can find numerous prayer flags covering this small structure from a distance. The Tsemo Fort is about a 15-minute climb from the opposite of Chenrezi Lakhang and is one the most historically significant Ladakh places to visit during a trip.

The Thiksey Monastery:

It is a Buddhist monastery located on a hilltop in Thiksey. It is known as the largest gompa in Central Ladakh, featuring a beautiful Tibetan style of architecture. The Thiksey Gompa has a 12-storey complex that houses Buddhist statues, wall paintings, stupas, arms, and other exhibits. It also has a beautiful temple with a 49 feet-tall Maitreya statue.

Soma Gompa:

It is a small monastery in Leh, close to the main market. It is open to tourists and displays an interesting range of Buddhist artefacts. Soma Gompa is a perfect place to visit for a quick walk around for curious minds and learn more about the religion and culture in the region.

The Performance of Cham Dance by the Lamas:

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the region is witnessing the performance of Cham dance by the Lamas. The 2-day Dosmoche Festival, the last festival of Tibetan New Year, is a great time when tourists can observe this traditional ritual. It is performed by monks from various monasteries, dressed in colourful costumes and intimidating masks, who dance to the drumbeats.

Hemis Festival:

It is an annual festival held at the famous Hemis Gompa to commemorate Padmasambhava. The Hemis Festival usually takes place in early June and is attended by locals and tourists. The highlights of this festival include its grand rituals, traditional clothing, Cham dance, prayers, etc.

Losar Festival:

The Losar Festival is a New Year celebration according to Tibetan Buddhism. Losar is a 15-day celebration marked by folk dance performances, traditional music, festive cuisine, ancient rituals, etc. It is one of the grandest festivals celebrated in Ladakh and a popular tourist attraction in the region.

Activities in Ladakh

If you want to make life-long memories in Ladakh, there are a number of adventures and unique activities that you can try. Here are some of the best things to do in Ladakh:

Night Camping:

Camping in Ladakh is an experience that remains unmatched by any other location in the world. The barren landscape, clear blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains in the distance create a phenomenal setting for camping activities, especially under the night sky. The best Ladakh famous places to visit for night camping in Ladakh are Zanskar Valley, the Manali-Leh highway stretch, Thiksey, etc.

Spot a Snow Leopard:

One of the most thrilling things to do in Ladakh is to go on a snow leopard trek. It is a specialised trek with the objective to spot a snow leopard in the wild. Many tourists go on these treks to catch a glimpse of these majestic beasts during winter. The Hemis National Park is one of the best places in Ladakh where you can spot snow leopards and other wild animals.

Ride along the Challenging Ladakh Terrains:

There are two types of tourists who visit Ladakh, the ones who want to witness the beauty of the place and the others who also want to witness the beauty of the place but on a motorcycle. Riding along the challenging Ladakh terrains is a bucket list item for many people. There are multiple motorable passes in Ladakh, with Khardung La being the most preferred one.

Whitewater Rafting:

Whitewater rafting is another popular activity tourists try during their Ladakh trip. It is an exciting water adventure to do in a group and make memories of a lifetime. Some of the best places to visit in Ladakh for whitewater rafting are the Indus River stretch (between Spitnuk and Nimu) and the Zanskar River stretch (between Padum and Nimu).

Attend an early morning prayer at the Monasteries:

It is one of the most delightful things you can try in Ladakh. The peace and tranquillity of the region, mixed with soothing early-morning religious hymns will offer you an experience of a lifetime. One of the best things to do in Ladakh is to attend an early morning prayer at the Monasteries.

Chat with the monks:

From the point you land in Ladakh, you will come across several Buddhist monasteries and monks at every step of the way. These monks have dedicated their life to Buddhism and are a hub of knowledge. You can chat with the monks during your monastery visit and converse about divine topics. It will enable you to learn more about their religion and way of living.

Watch a game of Ice Hockey:

During winter, Ice Hockey becomes a prominent activity across various campsites in Ladakh. It follows the same concept as regular ice hockey, except played in open-air fields. It makes up for thrilling games packed with full-on entertainment. The Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink is the best place in Ladakh to watch a game of Ice Hockey.

Archery:

It is a traditional game in Ladakh and a favourite pastime activity. During summer, Leh and various villages in Ladakh host fun events involving archery competitions. These archery events are filled with excitement and enthusiasm, which you can witness during your trip.

Chadar Trek:

The Chadar trek in Ladakh is one of the most popular treks around the globe, attracting thousands of domestic and international thrillseekers. This adventure involves walking on thin ice sheets created by the frozen Zanskar River during the winter and enjoying the surreal scenic beauty of the region. It covers a path of 105 kilometres and takes about 6-7 days to complete.

Shopping in Ladakh

The popular products sold across various markets and shops in Ladakh hold a piece of the local culture and traditions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Ladakh for gift and souvenir shopping:

Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop:

It is a shop that offers a platform for rural arts and crafts. It is one of the best places for gift and souvenir shopping in Ladakh, featuring high-quality products. Some items sold at the shop include woodcrafts, carpets, textiles, etc. The prayer wheels are a signature item tourists can buy at the Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop.

Wamda Wood Carving Shop:

It is a famous shop based in Leh, offering remarkable wood-crafted products. It is a compact location with a massive collection of beautiful handcrafted items. The quality of goods compliments its pricing and is ideal as gifts for close family and friends. Some of their popular products in the Wamda wood carving shop are wooden choktse tables (with engravings of mythical creatures), wall hangings, key rings, etc.

Gol Market:

It is a famous shopping spot for all kinds of goods and remains filled with locals and tourists. Lying close to Ladakh’s central market, there are various stores at this location. You can find items ranging from woollen clothes to traditional handicrafts. Gol market is one of the best places in Ladakh to shop for trekking gear and small souvenirs.

Food in Ladakh

Both restaurants and streetside food vendors offer the best solution for hunger during a Ladakh trip. Here are some of the best choices for restaurants and dishes to go for in Ladakh:

Restaurants in Ladakh

Tibetan Kitchen:

Located on Fort Road, the Tibetan Kitchen is a famous restaurant in Leh City. It serves delicious Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese dishes at affordable prices. It has a humble setting with a cosy seating arrangement, attracting tourists and locals alike. Some of their must-try items are Cheesy Chicken Momos, Mutton Momos, and Thukpas.

Chopsticks Noodle Bar:

If you are craving noodles in Leh, consider visiting the famous Chopsticks Noodle Bar. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner alongside a multi-cuisine menu, which includes Indian, Tibetan, Asian, and Chinese. It features outdoor and indoor seating and uses fresh vegetables from local farms to prepare delicious dishes. Some of their must-try items are Wonton Soup, Pad Thai Noodles, and Spring Rolls.

Gesmo Restaurant:

It is another popular restaurant in Leh city, known for serving Fast Food, along with Indian, Italian, and some other cuisines. From delicious Pizzas to mouthwatering Thukpas, the restaurant aims to offer quality and variety at the best price. Some of their must-try items are Yak Cheese Pizza and Apricot Jam and Pies.

Dishes in Ladakh

Yak Cheese Momos and Yak Cheese:

In Ladakh, Yaks are a prominent source of milk, butter, and meat for the locals. These are used to make local delights like Yak Cheese Momos and Yak Cheese (Chhurpi), which have a phenomenal taste. Leh City is one of the best places in Ladakh where you can try these delicacies.

Warm Butter Tea:

Chai lovers will not want to miss out on this popular beverage during their Ladakh trip. Warm Butter tea, also called “gur-gur chai”, is a warm beverage made with tea leaves, milk, butter, salt, and water. It is not only delicious but also helps to fend off the sheer cold. Even though it is available across the region, Hemis Gompa is a great place to try it out.

Relish Guzzling Maggi:

During your Ladakh trip, you will see an abundance of food stalls and restaurants offering a variety of Maggi in Ladakh. It is a particularly famous noodle in the region due to its remarkable taste and easy-to-make aspects. A very popular Maggi point in Ladakh is the Rinchen Cafeteria, otherwise known as the highest cafeteria in the world.

Nightlife in Ladakh

When visiting Ladakh, it is often advised to avoid drinking alcohol which can otherwise cause water retention. However, there are still a lot of ways to enjoy the nightlife in Ladakh, like:

Restaurant hopping:

If you are in Leh, there are tons of prominent restaurants that you can check out. They have a nice ambience and delicious food and are mostly crowded with tourists. You can hang out with friends or meet new people in the city at these locations. Even though most restaurants close early in the evening, there’s still enough room to have a fun time.

Campfire:

The sheer cold in Ladakh has made campfires a routine requirement across the region. Seen at various corners of the cities, villages, and campsites, these campfires are a spot for friendly gatherings of locals and tourists. Visitors circle around these sites not just for warmth but also to chat with people, sing fun songs, do a bit of dancing, grab a cup of hot coffee, and so on. It is not just a good way to spend evenings in Ladakh but also to make happy memories.

Stargazing:

The unmatched beauty of Ladakh at night is as breathtaking as it is under the bright sunlight. The cities light up as the sun sets for the day, offering a unique charm to the snow-covered region. The clear night sky also makes the activity of stargazing a fun thing to do in Ladakh. The sight created by the starry sky and the snow-covered barren mountain peaks is truly extraordinary. Hanle is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for stargazing.

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Lamayuru

Lamayuru is a name you have probably heard of when planning your Ladakh trip. It is a small village and a well-known tourist attraction in the region. It is considered to be an off-beat getaway, perfect for curious and adventurous minds to explore during their vacations. For ages, Lamayuru has been a major centre of religion and culture in Ladakh. It is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Union Territory. Besides its cultural significance, thousands of tourists add this quaint village to their Ladakh trip plan due to its unique and breathtaking natural beauty.

Lamayuru is tucked away from the high-rush metro life and rests amidst nature’s elegance and serenity. Individuals visiting the village will have a lot of things to witness and explore. For example, going for spiritual tours at the Lamayuru monastery is a must when visiting this village. Tourists can learn a lot about Tibetan Buddhism while doing so. The events and festivals that take place in Lamayuru also offer great insight into the culture, traditions and daily life of the individuals residing in the region. The fact that it is easily accessible also adds to its popularity as a well-known tourist attraction. The alluring geological formations in Lamayuru are also crucial factors that make it special and stand out among the rest of the tourist destinations in the Union Territory. Even though there are not a lot of activities to do in the village except for a few, it still works out to be a great destination for a short getaway within Ladakh.

Location

Lamayuru, also known as Lamayouru, is in the Leh District of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. This small village falls within the Kalsi tehsil division and has around 117 households, according to the 2011 census of India. As the village is located approximately in the midway of the highway that connects Leh to Kargil, individuals love to drop by for a few days to explore everything it has to offer. The Leh to Lamayuru distance is about 117 kilometres by road. As for other nearby locations, the Lamayuru village is 140 km from Kargil, 171 km from Hemis Monastery and 207 km from Khardung. Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar is about 340 kilometres from Ladakh’s Lamayuru village via NH1.

Language spoken in Lamayuru

According to the census report, Lamayuru has a very small population, with a literacy rate of 71.93%, excluding children aged six and below. It falls within the Leh district, so the language that is predominantly spoken in the region is Ladakhi. Also, due to its close proximity to the Kargil district, tourists may also come across people speaking Purkhi, which is a dialect of Balti. Besides these, other languages that work in the region include English, Hindi and Urdu. However, due to the range of dialects, it is advised to get a local tour guide to have a better experience conversing with the locals and understanding their culture.

Known for

Lamayuru village in Ladakh is a well-known tourist destination. Here are some of the reasons behind its popularity:

Lamayuru Monastery: It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and the main attraction of Lamayuru. It belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect and is located on the Leh-Srinagar highway, about a few kilometres from the village centre. The fascinating beauty and spiritual charm of the monastery attract devotees as well as casual tourists throughout the year. It is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, with its historical roots dating back to the 11th century.
Lunar landscape: Another major factor behind the popularity of Lamayuru as a tourist attraction is its lunar landscape. Due to its spectacular and unique geological formations, the place is promoted as the “Moonscape” or “Moonland”, which is quite appealing to tourists.
Unique culture and traditions: The local culture and traditions of Lamayuru are like no other. Individuals visiting Ladakh with the interest of exploring all its aspects often add this destination to their travel plans. It is a great way to get an extensive cultural picture of the region.
Regional fairs and festivals: Among the regional events, the two most popular annual festivals are Yuru KabGyat and Hemis Tse Chu. These events are marked by massive celebrations, traditional dances, sacred rituals, and so on. Attending these festivals is a bucket list item for many tourists visiting Ladakh for their holidays.

Type of place

Lamayuru in Ladakh is a quaint village mainly known for its monastery, unique landscapes and regional events. In terms of Ladakh tourism, it is promoted as the “Moonland Lamayuru”, where individuals can witness the spectacular natural beauty of the region and spend time amidst the serene atmosphere. Other than that, Lamayuru is also a cultural getaway for tourists who like to learn more about the local traditions and the Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tons of individuals visit the place to have religious conversations with the resident monks and have some spiritual enlightenment.

How to get to Lamayuru?

If you are planning on visiting Lamayuru in Ladakh, here are some viable transport options that you can consider:

By air

Air connectivity is quite limited in the region, hence travelling by flight is not the first choice of transport for many tourists. Lamayuru doesn’t have its own airport, and the closest one is based in Leh City, called Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. It features decent air connectivity, linking the region with major cities in India, such as Srinagar, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. There are options for direct and connecting flights from reputed airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, etc. As the major point of air transit in a tourist-specific region, the frequency of flights to and from this airport has increased in recent years. After landing at the Leh airport, individuals can hire a cab to cover the remaining 112 kilometres to reach Lamayuru.

By rail

Individuals planning on travelling to Lamayuru directly via train should know that it is a bit complicated and the least favoured choice of route. The nearest major railway stations to Lamayuru are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Jammu Tawi. They have options for daily long-distance trains, connecting to important cities in India. However, the remaining distance from these stations to Lamayuru is quite long and can be covered via a bus or cab.

By road

Travelling by road to reach Lamayuru is the most comfortable and preferred way of transport. As it falls on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, individuals can easily drive to the village in their private/rental cars while en route to these cities. The driving distance from Kargil to Lamayuru is also quite short, about 140 kilometres, which makes for a memorable road trip. There are also buses available from Kargil and Leh that you can opt for. As Lamayuru to Leh distance is shorter, individuals often prefer visiting the village from there.

Interesting facts about Lamayuru

As it is important to learn about the tourist destination you are planning on visiting, here are some interesting facts about Lamayuru that you can refer to:

Lamayuru village has a lot of popular nicknames, including “Moonscape of Ladakh” and “Lamayuru Moonland”.
According to the recorded statistics of the 2011 census, the village had 117 households and a literacy rate of 71.93% (excluding children aged six and under).
The Lamayuru Monastery is affiliated with the Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was the first Bon monastery in Ladakh, according to popular tradition.
In the past, the gompa in Lamayuru had around 400 resident monks, though now the population has been reduced to 150.
The monastery in Lamayuru is one of the largest and oldest existing gompas in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 11th century when an Indian scholar by the name of Naropa laid its foundation stone. According to legends, it is said that he caused a massive lake to dry up through prayers, which caused moonlike craters to form.
Originally, the Lamayuru Gompa had five buildings, but only the central one survived the wrath of time. The remnants of the other four buildings in the corner still exist to this date.
The Hemis Tse Chu and Yuru KabGyat festivals, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, are some of the biggest tourist attractions of the region. It features sacred rituals, religious hymns and masked dances performed by monks.
The moon-like craters in Lamayuru are quite unique to the region and offer great opportunities for photography to tourists.

Why is Lamayuru recommended?

There are a lot of reasons why Lamayuru is a must-visit tourist destination in Ladakh. To start with, it is a highly recommended tourist destination for individuals looking for spiritual tours. It is home to the renowned Lamayuru Monastery, which is one of the most important gompas in Ladakh. It is an 11th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery built on a steep hilltop overlooking the village. During a visit, tourists can not only have conversations with the monks on divine topics but also witness the antique portraits, frescoes, masks, glassed meditation caves, etc. In addition, tourists are also recommended to visit Lamayuru during the time of the major regional festivals to witness and experience the local culture and traditions firsthand.

Besides its monasteries and cultural side, the geographical landscape of the region is another vital reason why tourists should visit Lamayuru. The moon-like craters are one of nature’s finest works, and going on small treks to explore those sites is a must for all curious minds. In addition, the Lamayuru to Leh distance is quite short and falls on the route to Kargil, which is another reason why tourists should schedule a stop at this beautiful, quaint village in Ladakh.

Operating hours

The village of Lamayuru stays open to tourists around the year as long as the area remains accessible. Individuals interested in visiting the village are advised to get all the details prior to scheduling the trip. The attractions in Lamayuru, however, may have their own specific operating hours, so make sure to take note of that during the planning phase.

Chart for Lamayuru

Name	Operating hours	Ticket Price
Lamayuru Monastery	8 AM to 5 PM	INR 50/- per person
MoonLand	24 hours	None

The Hemis Monastery

The popular Hemis festival takes place in this beautiful and awe-inspiring monastery that exhibits the radiance of Buddhist traditions and rituals with great splendor. You must visit this place to experience the spiritual celebration of Buddhism, which is often accompanied, by music and dance.

Location: Located at Hemis gompa in Tikse

Known for: Spiritual festival celebration and great splendor filled with radiant colors.

How to reach: By road- via car, jeep or a motorbike

Approximate Cost: Free

Operating hours: 6am-8pm

Type: Buddhist Monastery</p

Chadar Trek

Otherwise referred to as the ‘Frozen River Trek,’ the surreal Chadar Trek gives you an experience like no other. There are several frozen sheets of ice over which you can walk to reach the mountains that are hugged by snow from all the sides. As you keep walking, the snow from the mountains would be melting on one side and forming a stream, which is a surreal sight to withhold. Like this view is not fascinating enough, if you keep walking and look around you there is an excellent view of the surreal Himalayan beauty until as far as your eyes can witness. The beauty of the Himalayas and the mountains would seem to be never-ending, and you would never feel like returning home after watching this incredible beauty!

Location

This trek generally happens on the frozen river of Zanskar, and hence it is named as the Chadar Trek.

Address: Zanskar River, Ladakh

Hours: The trek happens mostly during the daytime when there is sunlight.

Timings

The Chadar Trek would take around nine days to complete, including your return from the place to Leh. This trek usually happens during the first week of January to mid-February when the Zanskar Lake is frozen, to be able to walk over it.

Highlights

The highlights of Chadar Trek are the snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, frozen lake over which you can walk, and miles and miles of mountains until your eyes can see. It is a different kind of surreal beauty that you can never get enough of. Chadar Trek brings out a different side of your personality that you didn’t know existed. The Chadar Trek is not just an experience, but it is about facing the toughest of challenges that you never came across. It holds the beautiful secrets of the Himalayas, allowing a person to enjoy the blissful beauty of those snow-clad mountains. It is a must-do thing for all the people who love snow and taking up adventurous challenges.

Inclusions

The cost of the trek would include the following:
Accommodation
Camping services of the trek
Meals during the trek
Other trek requirements like a mattress, kitchen tent, toilet tent, sleeping bag, and some utensils
Permits and entry fees
First aid kits, medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers
One leader to guide you, a cook, and some supporting staff
Transport from Leh to the trek starting point and return.

Price

It would cost you INR 17,000-55,000 approximately per person, depending on the time at which you make your bookings or your accommodation preferences. If it is the last minute booking, it might cost you more than INR 55,000.

Recommended for

This trek is strictly recommended for fit people, without any health complications, as you need to walk through extreme temperatures. If you are not fit enough and you still want to go on the trek, you might contact your trusted physician and take tips before you take any further steps.

How to get to Chadar Trek

There is only one possible way to reach Leh and Ladakh, which is by air. You can comfortably take a flight to reach the base camp of the Chadar Trek and then from there; you can meet your trek authorities. The trek authorities will handle the rest of your trip later on, which is a plus point, as you don’t have to take care of every little thing regarding this travel. There is no way that any of these roads would be accessible by any kind of vehicles, so it is suggested that you go by walking.

By Air: You can reach New Delhi to take a flight to Leh. Delhi has some direct flights to Leh on a regular basis so that you can plan a trip and immediately book tickets to reach the beautiful Leh. Once you are over the place, you can see hundreds of snow-capped mountains, which will give you clarity as to why you cannot reach Leh by road during the winter season. Nevertheless, you are sure to enjoy the flight ride, as you can get a fantastic look at all the untouched areas and some of the mountain ranges, the aerial views of which are beyond fascinating.

About Chadar Trek

The trek starts from the gorgeous Leh where you can reach by a flight. Flights are the most comfortable and pleasant way to reach Leh, as it is surrounded by snow on all the sides, giving a completely white look. As the flight descends towards Leh, you can get an amazing view of the mountains from a distance of 11400 feet above the sea level. The Zanskar River is at its best state during the month of February, which makes it easy to cross the water body. This Frozen River Trek begins in a small village called Chilling, from where the scintillating Zanskar River starts to freeze.

The first step towards your trek begins at Leh, moving towards TsomoPaldar. On your way, you would be crossing Chilling and Tilad where you can witness the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the magnificent Magnetic Hill. After that, you move towards Tibb Caves passing through a waterfall that never freezes. From Tibb Cave, you move towards Nerak which is the first village of the Zanskar region. From Nerak, you come back to the Tibb Cave and move towards Gyalpo. From Gyalpo you return to Tilad do, and then you return back to Leh.

Interesting facts about Chadar Trek

The temperatures during the nighttime can go as low as -25 to -35 degrees when the weather becomes quite harsh.
The entire trek distance is 105 km approximately, most of which is covered by walking.
During the daytime, you need to walk over the chilly ice sheets of the frozen Zanskar river, whereas in the night time you have to sleep in caves which are situated near the frozen river.
You can comfortably take the Himalayan water to quench your thirst, as this water is considered to be completely safe and pure to be taken directly.

Losar Festival

Losar Festival is also known as the Tibetan New Year is a festival that is happily celebrated for around two weeks every year at the times between December and January. This is an ancient or retrospective ritual that depicts battles between the evil and the good splendidly staged by the natives with dance and music performance. This is a festival that changes it particular date or location each year on the basis of the Lunar calendar.

Celebration Time: The time in between December and January.

Hemis Festival

This is considered to be one of the biggest festivals in Ladakh that is highly appreciated by the travellers of the place. This is a festival that honours the great Guru Padmasambhava. Folk dance and music forms the highlight that assists the natives to celebrate this ritual with great pride.

Celebration Time: Summertime.

Soma Gompa

It is a really small Gompa that is structured in the main market. It is completely open throughout the daytime for the travellers that houses various statues or effigies of crowned Buddha.

Location: The place is located in the Soma Gompa at the Old Fort Road in Ladakh

Known for: The Monasteries

How to reach: Located centrally in Leh, it can be easily reached via foot, car or bike

Approximate Cost: Free

Operating hours:8am-6pm

Type: Buddhist Monastery

The Leh Palace

Leh Palace has one of the highest buildings in the globe. Originally constructed in the year 1553 by the Buddhist kings, the Leh Palace houses the splendid architectural splendor in the form of a statue of Lord Gautam Buddha. The palace also offers an astounding and breath-taking view of the city from a height. Originally built on the top of the Namgyal Hill, the place is a hub that caters to the Buddhist religion and culture.

Location:Located near the Namgyal Hill at Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Known for: Encapsulating overview and architectural splendor of Buddha.

How to reach: On foot, moving through the old town.

Approximate Cost:Indian citizens-Rs. 15, Foreigners Rs. 100

Operating hours: 7am-4pm

Type: Palace

Old Town Leh

The whole town of Leh is characterized by its distinct old world charm and appeal. Small alleyways, stairs, mud-brick houses and the ruins of ancient Gompas make the region an ideal place to revisit and relive the spectacular past history - of the globe’s coldest and chilliest desert. An unusual feature of the small houses situated here is that they do not consist of many windows.

Location: This is an ideal town located in Ladakh characterized by old worldly attractions.

Known for: The mud and brick constructed houses along with small alleyways and spectacular surrounding.

How to reach: On foot or by a motorbike

Approximate Cost: NA

Operating hours: NA

Type: Landmark

The Chamba Temple

Specially dedicated to the Maitreya or the future Buddha, the temple is said to be a reincarnation of Lord Buddha. Situated on the lane that goes up to the Leh Palace, The Chamba Temple is constructed by the King called TrangspaBumde in the fifteenth century.

Location: this is an old temple that is situated on the lane that straight goes up to the Palace of Leh.

Known for: Beautiful temple of Buddha with a gripping past history denoting the reincarnation of Lord Buddha.

How to reach: On foot- A 5 minutes walk from central Leh, towards Leh Palace

Approximate Cost: NA

Operating hours: NA

Type: Temple

The Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame is considered to be an essential place that delineates the tale of great and spectacular valour of the armies and soldiers who participated in the battle of Kargil at the time of 1999. The place provides all the major information on the operations that are taken up by the army in Ladakh. Also, you envision here an exhibition of a great display of the Siachen Battlefield, this is the globe’s one of the most onerous battlefields. Also, a museum, the Specular Hall of Fame exhibits a museum displaying various culture, art, flora, and fauna of the most gripping place Kashmir.

Location: The Spectacular Hall of Fame is located in Ladakh that exhibits museums displaying various culture and fauna and flora.

Known for: The great and spectacular tale of valor delineating the courage of the warriors of the Kargil war that ultimately led to the formation of the Spectacular Hall of Fame in Ladakh.

How to reach: By a car, jeep or bike. It is located on the Spituk-Kargil road, at a distance of 1km from the airport.

Approximate Cost: Rs. 10 for Indian Citizens &Rs. 50 for Foreigners

Operating hours: 9am-1pm & 3pm-7pm

Type: Museum

Stok Palace Ladakh

Constructed at a height exhibiting four-story overview, Stok Palace exhibits both retrospective and new aged styles. The lower floor of the Stok Palace is transformed into a beautiful museum displaying royal designer ceremonial clothes, ornaments, jewelry, crown and many other antiques. One of the most popular and awe-inspiring collection is that of a knotted sword which is displayed here in this Stok Palace.

Location: Stok Palace is located in Ladakh that exhibits a wide range of old and new designed styles of antiques, jewellery et cetera.

Known for: The place exhibits both new aged and old aged styles delineating the beauty of the place in totality.

How to reach: Jeep or shared taxis

Approximate Cost: Rs. 50 per person

Operating hours: 8am-5pm

Type: Palace/ Museum

Gurudwara Patthar Sahib

Built in the ardent memory of Nanak, the GurudwaraPatthar Sahib is situated on the major outskirts of Ladakh on the road of Kargil. Highly revered by both the religions Hindus and Buddhists alike, the GurudwaraPatthar Sahib is named after the saga of the stone spectacular stone boulders that are discovered with the silhouette and foot impression of Guru Nanakji peacefully mediating which is beautifully engraved on it.

Location: The place is located in NH1D at Phey in Jammu and Kashmir.

Known for: Behold spectacular stone boulders and foot impressions of Guru Nanak.

How to reach: Via car, jeep or bike

Approximate Cost: NA

Operating hours: 6am-7pm

Any Precautions: Pets are not allowed

Type: Temple

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Situated behind the Palace of Leh, this is a spectacular monastery that offers a splendid view of the whole place. Highly renowned endowing a three-storied solid and pragmatic gold efficacy of the Maitreya or the great Buddha, the place is a must visit for travellers.

Location: The place is located in the district of Leh at Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Known for: The serenity and the picturesque architecture of the location. Also for the gold efficacy of Buddha.

How to reach: On foot; through an uphill climb on the Tsemo/Namgyal hill

Cost: Rs. 20

Operating hours: 7am-9am & 5pm-8pm

Type: Buddhist Monastery

Shanti Stupa

This magnificent stupa was built by the Japanese in 1991 to promote World peace and harmony as part of their Peace Pagoda Mission. This grand stupa is located on top of a hill in Chanspa. At the base of the Stupa, some relics of Buddha is buried and the 14th Dalai Lama enshrined the Stupa. The stupa has become a huge attraction for tourists not just for religious reasons but the fantastic view it commands.

Victory Tower is located on top of the Leh Palace and it was built to honor the Ladhaki troop’s victory over Balti Kashmiris.

Phyang Monastery

Situated at a distance of fifteen kilometres from Ladakh, Phyang Monastery exhibits retrospective thangkas, murals of the Mahakala and wall paintings. There also exists a museum that is situated inside the Phyang Monastery. This is a monastery that is about nine hundred years old endowing several collections like weapons, scriptures and idols or effigies.

Location: The place is located at Phyang in Jammu and Kashmir

Known for: The place exhibits spectacular and retrospective murals, thangkas and wall paintings attracting the tourist to visit this place and cherish the classy architectural artifacts.

How to reach: Drive in the direction of Hall of Fame, on the NH1D to reach Phyang village located 16 km away from Leh airport.

Approximate Cost: Rs. 20

Operating hours: 8am-12pm & 1pm-6pm

Type: Buddhist Monastery

Magnetic Hill

You can ride through the Magnetic Hills check out the astounding views from the tip. This is a place also has a really unusual magnetic field, which drives vehicles and other magnetic objects up the hill by itself. Experiencing the same is something that you will not forget for a long time!

Location: Magnetic Hill is considered to be the gravity hill that is situated at Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Known for: Unique magnetic field of the location and the scenic views

How to reach: Located 30 km away from Leh, it is a stretch of road that can be reached via car or jeep.

Approximate Cost: NA

Operating hours: 8am-5pm

Type: Landmark

Spituk Gompa

Spituk Gompa was founded in the 14th Century and is located at about 5 km from the Leh. On the top of the Gompa is a three-tiered shrine. The statues inside the Gompa are of Buddha and Tsongkhapa.

Gelukpa Shankar Gompa features Kushok Bakula Rinpoche who was the former Lama of Ladhak. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is located above the palace and is open to the public for two hours from 7 am to 9 am.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is situated on the Leh Kargil road. This Gurdwara was built in 1517 when the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak visited this region. Tibetan Buddhists consider Guru Nanak to be a Saint. The name Pathar is a large boulder where Guru Nanak had apparently rested during his visit. The Gurdwara is currently looked after by the Indian army.

Tsemo Fort

This is a fort that is actually visible from anywhere from the place Ladakh. Located at the pinnacle of the ridge of the palace, it is a tiny and omnipresent kind of fort having many prayer flags all over.

Location: This is a place that is located in Ladakh at the peak of the ridge of the palace.

Known for: Tiny Fort displaying various prayer flags.

How to reach: Via a climb of 15 minutes opposite ChenreziLakhang

Approximate Cost: Rs. 20

Operating hours: 10am-6pm

Type: Landmark

The Thiksey Monastery

Embellished to resemble the Palace of Potala located in the Lhasa in Tibet. Thiksey Monastery is about twelve storied complex housing distinct essential artifacts of Buddha-like the tapestries, thangkas, effigies or statues and swords.

Location: The place is located in Thiksey Villa at the Leh Manali Highway near Thiksey, Leh in Jammu and Kashmir

Known for: This is a twelve-storey Monastery displaying splendid artifacts, thangkas, and effigies.

How to reach: It is situated 18 k from Leh in the Indus valley. You can drive to reach the place.

Approximate Cost: Rs. 20

Operating hours: 7am-7pm

Type: Buddhist Monastery

The performance of the Champs by the Llamas

One of the more relaxing things to do in Ladakh is viewing the performance by the Llamas. Envisioning the magnetizing and gripping performance brings you to the globe of happening and radiant spirit. You are sure to relish the energizing dance drama and exhibition of radiant clothes and daunting masks. If you have visited Ladakh, then you must surely visit the Hemis Festival also known as the Ladakh Festival as this showcases splendid outcast of tradition, culture, and colors.

Celebration Time: Winter Time.