Places to visit in Ladakh

Ladakh is not only about being there, it is also about reaching there. At Himalayan Ecotourism we strongly recommend you to reach Ladakh by road. There are three reasons behind this advice.

1. Best for your acclimatization to the high altitude of Ladakh. Don’t forget that in Ladakh you will be continuously above 3500 m above sea level. And if you visit places like Tso Moriri or other, you will be above 4500 m. Reaching Leh by air doesn’t allow you to acclimatize whereas going by road does the work
2. Enjoying smoothly the change of landscape, culture and climate.
3. The Manali to Leh road is one of the most beautiful road on earth. It goes through four high passes : Rohtang pass (3975m), Baralacha pass (4890m), Lachungla (5080m) and Tanglangla (5328m).

Manali is still in the “green” part of the Himalayas. There is a sudden change of climate and ecology after crossing the Rohtang pass or the Atal tunnel leading to the Lahaul valley. Once there you can still see some pasture lands, but the forests have almost disappeared from the landscape. Then, after crossing Baralacha, you are a very arid environment. Enjoy the extraordinary rock formations of Zanskar and Ladakh.

Do you want to go to Leh by road in the best and safest way ? Enquire now !

If you visit Ladakh you will inevitably pass through Leh, the main town and capital of Ladakh. It is the gateway to most of the places in Ladakh e.g. Nubra valley, Zanskar, and the high altitude lakes of Pangong Tso and Tso Kar.

Leh is connected to the rest of the world via the road ‘Manali to Leh’ and the road ‘Srinagar to Leh’. But these roads are only open during the good season e.g. from May to October. During the rest of the year you must reach Ladakh by air via the Leh airport.

Most people drive into Leh via the southern approach from Manali (in Himachal Pradesh) and less via western approach via Srinagar (in Jammu and Kashmir). Either of these journeys take minimum 2 days though we use to do it in 3 days to give you time to acclimatize to the high altitude of Leh (3500+m / 11,500+ ft).
Please ask us advice before going to Ladakh via Srinagar due to the geopolitical situation in Kashmir. There are no such problems reaching Leh from Manali.

Leh itself is a very nice place to stay and to visit. Some of the places to see in Leh are the Shanti Stupa and the Leh Palace.

Some of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh can be visited in a day trip from Leh. Thiksey monastery for instance is just 18 km away.

During winters Leh is the only place in Ladakh where you will find accommodation facilities. If you plan to travel in winter, please contact us so that we can plan your tour and arrange homestays at the places you want to visit.

Ladakh is known for its rich Buddhist Culture, that draws hundreds of travelers from all around the world. Its fascinating architecture, bright and colorful paintings, meditating monks and the spiritual aura of the place will leave you in awe.
When travelling to Ladakh, one must remember that Ladakh’s monasteries are the heart and the people are its heartbeat.

Some of the famous Ladakhi monasteries include Hemis, Thiksey, Alchi, Likir, Diskit, Spituk, Phyang, Stakna and Takthok monasteries.
All of these monasteries, though preach the same culture and religion, are yet different in their own ways and will leave your eyes wide open every time you visit one.

Some monasteries may have a decent entry free while some may be free of cost. Travelers must be careful about where they click photographs as some monasteries may have prohibited photography rights. The sentiments of the locals and the monks shall be taken under consideration every time one visits these monasteries.

The lakes of Ladakh are among these wonders that you shouldn’t miss to see.

The main lakes that you can visit are Tso Moriri, Tso Kiagar, Tso Kar and Pangong Tso. A trek to Tso Marpo will definitely quench your adrenaline thirst. As you guessed, Tso means lake in Tibetan and Ladakhi languages.

All of them are accessible from Leh. Even if it is possible to visit one lake in a day, we recommend you to spend a night near the lake. Reaching any of these lakes involves a several hours journey. And so you will not only spend most of your day in a vehicle, but you may also miss the best time of the day to see the lakes i.e. either in the morning or in the evening.

You can also plan your trip to visit Tso Moriri and Tso Kar while travelling from Manali to Leh by diverting out of the main way on the Moore plains.

Changthang is a high-altitude plateau in Ladakh, known for its vast landscapes, nomadic culture, and remote beauty.

The region is home to unique wildlife, including the Tibetan wild ass and black-necked cranes. Visiting Changthang offers an immersive experience in the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Changpa people, who herd Pashmina goats.

The area’s pristine lakes like Tso Moriri and the expansive, rugged terrain make it a remarkable destination for those seeking solitude, cultural insights, and stunning natural scenery.

The Zanskar Range in Ladakh is one of the most remote and untouched regions in the Indian Himalayas, offering an unparalleled offbeat experience for adventurous travelers.

With its dramatic landscapes, deep river gorges, and ancient Buddhist monasteries, Zanskar is a haven for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and culture far from the tourist crowds.

The region is accessible only during the summer months, making it a hidden gem for trekking, camping, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re traversing the high mountain passes or visiting the isolated villages, Zanskar promises an unforgettable journey into one of the last remaining strongholds of traditional Himalayan life.

Explore the Zanskar Range with Himalayan Ecotourism to experience its breathtaking beauty and help support sustainable tourism that benefits the local communities.

The Nubra Valley offers an authentic and offbeat experience for travelers seeking to explore Ladakh beyond the usual tourist spots.

At Himalayan Ecotourism, we encourage you to avoid the crowded areas like Hunder and instead immerse yourself in the valley’s quieter, more serene parts. Trek your way into Nubra to truly connect with the landscape, or opt for homestays where you can engage with local families, contributing to responsible tourism.

The valley is rich in wildlife, and hiking on the sand dunes provides a unique opportunity to observe the natural beauty and biodiversity of this remote region. By choosing less-traveled paths and embracing sustainable travel practices, you’ll experience Nubra in a way that leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the local community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)