With some of the highest roads on the planet, Ladakh offers clear night skies, deep blue days and striking scenery. The quiet and the cobalt skies draw travellers straight in. It also has plenty of rough, narrow and tricky roads, so it pays to plan. Read on for more.
Reaching Ladakh: the two main highways
The 434 km Srinagar–Leh highway connects Leh with the rest of India through the Kashmir Valley. Also known as National Highway 1 (formerly NH-1D), it is the more reliable route. The other is the Manali–Leh highway, which starts at Manali. It is seasonal, open through summer but closed for at least seven months in winter when the passes shut. These passes — Zojila on the Srinagar route, and Rohtang and Baralacha La on the Manali route, along with Changla on the way to Pangong — close mainly because of snow and avalanches. If you plan to ride these roads, keep the season firmly in mind.
Places to visit in Ladakh
1. Lamayuru
- Lamayuru, sometimes called the “moonland” of Ladakh, is one of the oldest monastic communities in the region.
- Known as a land of monasteries and monks, it has many legends attached to it, one of which tells of a great lake that once filled the valley.
- The lama Naropa is said to have drained the lake to make way for the settlement.
Getting there
- Travelling from Srinagar to Leh, you reach Lamayuru after Kargil, at the foot of the Fotu La pass, on the Leh–Kargil–Srinagar highway.
- You can get around by private vehicle (car, motorbike or bicycle) or hire a taxi.
- One option is to head to Srinagar first, then take a trip to Kargil, and on to Lamayuru the next day.
When to visit
- The best time is the same as for Leh Ladakh generally, roughly May to September or October, when the roads from Srinagar and Manali are open.
- It is also worth visiting during the local festivals, such as Kab Gyat and Hemis Tse Chu, held in the 2nd and 5th months of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Things to do
- Lamayuru is about 120 km from Leh, most of it along the Leh–Kargil highway.
- Along the way you can stop at Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, the Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill, and the Likir and Alchi monasteries.
- The two-day Kab Gyat festival, with rituals and dances by the monks, is a highlight.
- You can also hike among the moon-like ridges around the monastery.
2. Shanti Stupa
- The Shanti Stupa in Leh is a white-domed Buddhist stupa on a hilltop at Chanspa.
- It holds relics of the Buddha at its base and was consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama.
Getting there
- The stupa stands at about 3,609 metres (11,841 feet), some 5 km from Leh, on a steep hill facing the Leh Palace.
- Srinagar airport is about 447 km away.
- You can reach the stupa by car, or by climbing about 500 steps to the top.
- The nearest landmark is the Leh Palace.
When to visit
- The stupa is open to visitors from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Mornings and evenings give the best views.
- The best months are March to October.
Things to do
- Visit the Leh Palace, which is close by.
- Browse the nearby market for local handicrafts.
3. Pangong Lake
- Pangong Tso means “high grassland lake” in Tibetan.
- It stretches about 134 km, reaching from India into China.
Getting there
- The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, about 700 km away.
- The lake is about 200 km from Leh, a four- to five-hour drive.
- You need a permit, obtained in Leh, to visit.
When to visit
- The best months are May to September; in winter the lake freezes over.
Things to do
- Look out for the friendly marmots.
- It is a good spot for birdwatching and photography.
4. Nubra Valley
- Nubra is a sub-region on the north-east side of Ladakh, with the village of Diskit as its main hub.
- Diskit is about 120 km from Leh and is the largest settlement in the valley.
Getting there
- The Shyok River, a tributary of the Indus, meets the Nubra to form a broad valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges.
- The drive from Leh to Hunder or Diskit is one of the most popular routes beyond Leh, about 130 km and 4 to 5 hours.
- On the way you cross the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, at about 17,600 feet.
When to visit
- April to June and September to October are the two best windows.
- From April to June the days are warm, with a strong breeze off the peaks.
- From September to October it turns cooler, which adds to the appeal.
Things to do
- Take a camel ride, which costs around 200 rupees a person.
- Visit the natural sulphur hot springs, especially welcome in the cold.
5. Tso Moriri Lake
- Ringed by snow-capped mountains, Tso Moriri lies off the Manali–Leh road.
- A sandy track through the Rupshu Valley leads to it, and you can also reach it from Pangong Tso across the Changthang plateau.
Getting there
- Tso Moriri is about 240 km to the south-east of Leh.
- You can also drive straight from Pangong Lake through the remote Changthang region.
When to visit
- The best months are May to September; the lake freezes in winter.
Things to do
- It is a fine place for watching wildlife.
- The Korzok Monastery on its shore draws many visitors each year.
