Ladakh, nestled in the northernmost reaches of the Indian Himalayas, is a breathtaking and remote region, embraced by the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar, Ladakh, and Karakoram mountain ranges.
It is a region that promises a great adventure, sitting at a lofty 3,500m+. From high altitude lakes, to trekking between remote villages, there are so many memorable experiences and places to explore in this corner of the world.
Travel Guide to Ladakh Overview
Ladakh is located in the far north of India. It borders Pakistan to the west and China and Tibet to the north and east. Part of the broader Ladakh region is also in Pakistan, known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan share many cultural, ethnic, and historical similarities.
Ladakh was part of the old Tibetan Kingdom and still has mostly Buddhist people living there. This makes the culture, language, food, atmosphere, and architecture in Ladakh different from those in other parts of India.
Ladakh used to be part of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. Since 2019, it has been a Union Territory.
Leh is the capital of the Ladakh region. It is the best place to stay when you want to explore Ladakh. Some people confuse Leh and Ladakh, but they are not the same. Leh is a town, and Ladakh is the larger region.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
The peak season in Ladakh is from June to August. This is when the weather is best, with warm days and mild nights.
The roads from Leh to Manali and Srinagar are usually open from April or May until September or October, depending on the weather. The Leh-Manali Road often opens later and closes earlier because it is at a higher elevation.
If you’re thinking about trekking in the region, you’ll want to plan your trip between August and mid-September! This is when the weather is nice and warm, and the trails are mostly clear of snow and ice. Plus, the high passes and peaks are much safer to explore during this time.
For more information please feel free to check our Trekking options.
How to reach Leh, Ladakh
You can start your adventure to Leh, Ladakh, by road or air. Flying is available all year long, but road travel is usually only possible from May to October. You can find shared and public transport options from both Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
By Air
If you have limited time or want to avoid long drives on difficult roads, flying is the best choice. There are regular flights from Delhi to Leh all year round. In winter, flying is the only way to get to the region.
Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo operate flights. These flights take approximately 1 hour and cost between INR 3000 to INR 12000 one way.
View from Delhi to Leh flight.
By Road
A road trip to Leh is truly an incredible experience! It’s not for the fainthearted since the roads can be a bit rough, with some steep drops along the way. But don’t worry—each year, improvements are made, and more sections of the drive are now paved, making the journey even more enjoyable.
You can reach Leh by road from two main directions. The first option is to travel from Srinagar in Kashmir to the west. The second option is to come from Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the southeast. During the summer months, there are public buses, government tourism buses, and shared taxis available on these routes.
The highest point on the Srinagar-Leh route is Fotu La at 4,100 meters. This route gradually leads to Leh, which is at 3,500 meters. In comparison, the Manali-Leh road has an average height of 4,000 meters and crosses three passes over 5,000 meters. The highest of these passes is Tanglang La at 5,320 meters.
Baralacha pass, Leh Manali highway.
Is Ladakh Safe to Visit?
The politics in the region can be complicated and may change quickly. However, Leh town has been peaceful for many years. Sometimes, there are tensions in the border areas near Pakistan and Tibet. If you plan to visit Ladakh, it is a good idea to follow local news, but these issues usually happen far from Leh.
Ladakh is very safe for travelers. You can see a strong military presence everywhere, which helps keep the area secure. Border clashes do not affect Leh, so you can visit without worry.
Ladakh is such a charming place with one of the lowest crime rates in India! The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes it a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’re sure to have a lovely experience there!
Leh Palace.
Where to Stay in Leh
Leh offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From affordable hostels and guesthouses to homestays and luxury hotels, you can find something that fits your needs. Staying in local guesthouses is often a great choice, as they are typically family-owned and provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture. Following are several options available across different price ranges that can enhance your stay.
Budget Stay: Downtown Hostel | Rooms & Cafe
Budget Stay: Gutur House by Robinhood CoLiving
Mid-range: Hotel Tsokar Retreat
High-end: Hotel Grand Dragon
Where to eat while in Leh
The food will be one of the highlights of your time in Leh. Leh town is filled with excellent cafes and restaurants offering local Tibetan and Ladakhi cuisine, as well as a variety of options ranging from Indian, Thai, Korean, to Italian. Some of these places include:
- Dogra Dhaba, Indian Restaurant
- Chopsticks
- Amigo Korean Restaurant
- Tibetan Kitchen
- Aakama
- Sky Wok Restaurant
How to Navigate Around Ladakh
When you arrive in Leh town, it’s easy to get around Ladakh. You can rent a car or take public transport. Driving in Ladakh is a fun way to see the area!
Following are the options to opt for!
J&K SRTC Timetable, Leh Bus stand and Local Bus Timetable, Leh Bus Stand.
Public Transport
Public transport is not very frequent. If you want to use them to get to the best places, you’ll need to be patient and plan for some extra time. To visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery, you can take a local bus from the Leh main gate to Choglamsar. From there, catch another bus that travels past Shey and Thiksey. Tickets cost under 60 INR, and buses run regularly. Returning to Leh can be difficult, as you’ll need to wait on the highway and flag down a bus. Hitchhiking is also an option.
You can also reach other popular destinations by bus. Weekly buses run to Diskit in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri, but check the main bus station in Leh for the latest schedule.
For the western part of Ladakh, there are daily buses to Lamayuru and a few buses per week to Likir (for the Sham Valley trek) and Chilling (for the Markha Valley trek). But be sure to check the station for latest schedules.
Note: The local bus timetable in Ladakh can be tricky. It often changes every year, and even during the year, depending on how many people are using the bus. The best way to get the most up-to-date schedule is to go to the bus station and ask.
Shared Taxi
Khardong La Road
If you are on a budget travel, the way to see the main attractions is by joining a group tour.
In Leh, tour agencies offer group trips to places like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Turtuk. These tours usually last four days and three nights, or three days and two nights if you skip Turtuk.
Prices start at INR 25,000 (about US $285 ) for the whole vehicle and driver for three days to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. It costs more if you include Turtuk. You can share this cost among 6 people.
You will need to arrange and pay for your accommodation. You can either wait until you get there to find a place recommended by the driver or look online for options near Pangong Lake and Diskit or Hunder (Nubra Valley).
Prices are similar across all agencies because drivers work together with set prices. You can walk around Leh to find an agency that has a group tour leaving on your chosen date. They often have signs showing their next departures.
Bike and Jeep on road near Pangong Lake, Ladakh, India.
Private Taxis
For day trips around Leh, hiring a taxi can be a convenient and relatively inexpensive option. Taxis are part of a union, so each cab carries a booklet with a fixed price list. You can easily request to see the price, which means there is no room for bargaining.
Popular day trip combinations include visits to Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis, which typically cost around 3,700 INR (approximately USD$45) for the entire day. Taxis are also a great choice if you want to be dropped off at the trailhead for a trek, such as Likir (2,000 INR or about USD$23) or Chilling (3,600 INR or about USD$41).
Renting a Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a popular option for people in India who want to explore the roads of Ladakh. In Leh, there are many places to rent a Royal Enfield, with prices starting relatively low each day. However, the roads can be challenging, so you should be an experienced rider and have a valid motorbike license before renting a bike in Ladakh. Scooters can be a good alternative if you are not confident riding a motorbike.
If you want to go on a motorcycle tour in Ladakh, visit Snowbird Himalaya Adventures. They are a well-known motorcycle tour company in the area.
Sightseeing Permits for Indians and Foreigners
To travel to Leh, you mainly need your passport, but to visit some sensitive areas, you will need a permit. Both Indian citizens and foreign nationals need permits for specific places. Indians need an Inner Line Permit, and foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
The following places require a permit:
– Pangong Lake
– Nubra Valley
– Turtuk
– Tso Moriri Lake
– Hanle
– Dha-Hanu Valley
For Indians, you can get the permit yourself at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh, for foreigners, the agency will handle the permits for you. It usually takes just a few hours to get a permit, depending on how busy the office is.
The cost of the permit includes an environment fee of 400 INR, a Red Cross donation of 100 INR, and a wildlife protection fee of 20 INR per day. For a three-day trip to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, expect the total permit cost to be 700 INR (USD$8).
For other places like Thiskey, Hemis, and Lamayuru, you only need to carry your passport for identification. You do not need a permit for these areas.
Best Things to Do and See in Ladakh
Ladakh offers many attractions, including remote valleys, rural villages, hilltop monasteries, and high-altitude lakes.
Here are the key places to visit during your stay in Ladakh:
Leh Market
The main center for tourists in Leh is the market. Leh Bazaar Road is a wide pedestrian street filled with shops. You can find souvenir shops, bookstores, general stores, trekking gear shops, tour agencies, cafes, and banks. Whatever you need, you can get it in the market area.
At the northern end of Main Bazaar Road, you will find Jama Masjid, the main mosque. The main Leh Buddhist Temple is on the western side of the bazaar road. This area is decorated with prayer flags and has the towering Leh Palace above the old town. It is the most lively place to be in Leh.
Aerial view of the Shanti Stupa Buddhist white domed stupa overlooks the city of Leh, located in Leh city, Ladakh, India.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a white peace pagoda located on a small hilltop northwest of the bazaar in Leh town. It was built in 1991 with funding from Japan, similar to a stupa in Pokhara, Nepal.
The area around the stupa provides a great view of the town and the valley. It is one of the best places to visit in Leh at sunset. As the sun sets, its last light shines through the valley, creating beautiful shadows on the mountain ridgelines.
You can take a taxi to the stupa or walk up the 500 stairs from the end of Changsha Road. A taxi from Leh market to the stupa and back, including waiting time, costs about 500 INR (USD$5) per car.
Entry fee 50 INR
View through the window of Leh Palace
Leh Palace
Leh Palace is the main landmark in Leh town. The palace has been renovated many times in recent years. It is now open to the public as a museum and an amazing viewpoint.
The palace was built in the 17th century by the Namgyal royal family, who ruled the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh in Western Tibet. It was abandoned in the mid-19th century when the Dogra forces invaded Ladakh, forcing the royal family to flee to Stok.
Today, you can explore the nine levels of the palace. Most of it is empty, with little left from its time as a palace. Efforts have been made to turn some rooms into a museum, which makes it an interesting place to visit. The view from the ninth floor is great, overlooking the town below.
You can drive up to the palace, but it is quicker to walk up from the bazaar and old town area using the stairs that lead from the bottom.
Entry fee 100 INR
View of Tsemo Maitreya Temple
Tsemo Maitreya
Tsemo Maitreya, located above Leh Palace, is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. This historic Buddhist temple offers one of the best views of the valley as the sun goes down. You can reach the temple by car or by hiking from two different paths. The trail from Chubi is paved with stairs and starts next to the Chubi HP Petrol Station on Sankar Road.
Most people hike up from Leh Palace, using a dirt trail on the mountain. This walk can be challenging if you’re not used to the altitude.
Entry fee is 30 INR
Khardung La Pass
Ladakh is known as the Land of High Passes for a reason. There are several high passes you can drive or hike over in the region, but none are as famous as Khardung La.
Once the highest motorable road in the world (now overtaken by Umling La pass, 5,893m in Hanle area, Ladakh, India), Khardung La sits at 5,360m.
It connects Leh with Nubra Valley and is the most used pass for tourists heading over to Hunder, Diskit and Pangong Lake.
However, some also just drive up to the pass as a day trip and drive back to Leh, but the real adventure is continuing onto Nubra Valley.
The road is generally in decent condition and mostly sealed, but it can close suddenly due to landslides or snowfall, so check ahead of time. It’s generally only open from June until September for tourists.
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is a popular trip from Leh. This beautiful valley, shaped by the Shyok River and surrounded by the Karakoram Mountains, was part of the old Silk Road trade route. It connects Pakistan and Tibet and is one of the most remote areas in India, open to tourists only for the last few decades.
To get to Nubra Valley, you must cross the Khardung La pass from Leh and go to Diskit, the main town in the valley. Diskit has an old monastery built into the rocky cliffs and a large 100 ft statue of Maitreya Buddha, which offers stunning views of the valley.
West of Diskit is Hunder, where you can see sand-dunes with snow-capped mountains in the background. The landscape is breathtaking, and you can also spot double-humped camels, called Bactrian camels, roaming the dunes.
The entry fee for the Diskit Monastery is 40 INR
Pangong Lake
Pangong Tso is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world and a popular site in Ladakh. It is located at an altitude of 4,250 meters. To reach the lake from Leh, you must drive over at least one high mountain pass. Many visitors combine their trip to Pangong with a visit to Nubra Valley, but you can also go directly from Leh by crossing the Changla Pass, which is 5,360 meters high.
The lake is sacred to Buddhists, and nearly two-thirds of it lies in Tibet. Its bright blue colour stands out against the dry, desert-like mountains, creating a stunning view that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Turtuk
If you have a few extra days, we recommend visiting Turtuk from Nubra Valley. Turtuk is the northernmost village you can reach in India and is home to the Balti people, who mostly live in Baltistan across the border in Pakistan.
Turtuk is a lovely village to explore. The people are friendly and share their traditional way of life with visitors. Since the drive is long, it’s best to stay overnight in the village to make the most of your visit.
You can find many homestays that offer beds and meals for about 1000 INR.
Thiksey Monastery
A short drive from Leh along the Keylong-Leh Road, you’ll find several outstanding monasteries to visit. However, arguably the most beautiful is Thiksey Monastery. It’s known to have a distinct resemblance to Lhasa’s Potala, the former seat of the Dalai Lamas in Tibet.
Built cascading over a small hill with the grandest temples sitting at the top, you can either walk up to the top through the alleyways passing monk residences on the way. Or you can drive closer to the top, and simply walk to the temples.
The entry fee is 50 INR
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh and an important place to visit. It was officially established in the 17th century, but many believe its meditation caves date back to the 11th century.
You can find the monastery tucked into a gorge in Hemis National Park, about an hour’s drive from Leh. In the middle of the complex, there is a large courtyard where you can access the main temples and the museum.
The museum is interesting and holds important Buddhist artwork, relics, and artifacts. It also gives valuable insights into the local culture and the history of Buddhism in Ladakh.
The entry fee is 100 INR
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery is located off the main highway between Srinagar and Leh. It has stayed safe from invasions and attacks for centuries. This monastery is different from others in Ladakh; it has many sacred shrines and important Buddhist art.
Some of the murals here are nearly 1,000 years old and are among the best preserved in the world. Even if you have visited many monasteries in Ladakh, you should set aside time for this one.
The entry fee is 100 INR
Trekking in Ladakh
Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is quite different from trekking in Nepal and other parts of India. The mountains around Ladakh are rugged, wild, and less crowded. Trekking is a great way to experience Ladakhi culture and visit rural villages.
Homestay Treks
If you want to trek in Ladakh, there are two main routes for independent hikers (without a guide) that use homestays for overnight stays:
Sham Valley Trek: This is called the “Baby Trek,” but that can be misleading. This three-day trek offers a good introduction to the area. You cover short distances each day and can stay in beautiful villages. It’s easy to plan with minimal effort. The highest point is just under 4000m, so it’s not too high compared to Leh itself. This makes it suitable for those with limited time or who aren’t yet acclimatized to the altitude. know more about sham valley.
Markha Valley Trek: This is the most popular choice, and I highly recommend it for enthusiastic hikers. The Markha Valley Trek lasts 4-5 days and takes you through the Markha Valley, just south of Leh. You’ll also stay in home-stays in the villages along the valley, which makes it convenient and easy to plan. The highest point is Kongmaru Pass at 5,250m, so it’s best to spend a few days in Leh to get used to the altitude before you try this trek. Know more about the Markha Valley trek.
Camping Treks
If you want to explore remote areas beyond the villages, consider a camping trek. You’ll have a guide and mules to carry your gear and food. While these treks need more planning, local agencies in Leh can help you organize them.
Kibber to Tso Moriri (Parang La Trek): This is one of the most beautiful and challenging long treks in Ladakh. It takes you from Spiti Valley to Tso Moriri along an old trading route. The trek lasts 10 days and stays mostly above 4,000 meters, reaching a high point of 5,580 meters at Parang La. This trek is for experienced hikers only.
Rumtse to Tso Moriri: This stunning 8-day trek connects Rumtse near Hemis National Park to the high-altitude Tso Moriri lake. You will pass Tsokar lake and meet Changpa nomads along the way. Most of the trek is above 4,000 meters, with a highest point of 5,400 meters, making it very difficult. Know more about Rumtse to Tso Moriri Trek.
Phyang to Hunder Trek: Phyang to Hunder trekking in Ladakh offers a great journey from the Indus Valley to the Nubra Valley, crossing the high Lasermo La pass at 5,450 meters. The trek starts in the village of Phyang. We suggest spending at least one night here to enjoy the local hospitality at a homestay, often called a farm stay. While you are there, visit the impressive Phyang Monastery and use this time to get used to Ladakh’s high altitude. This trek takes you through a beautiful valley where villagers bring their yaks, cows, and pashmina goats to graze during the summer. Know more about Phyang to Hunder Trek.
Zanskar Valley (Padum) to Darcha: Although this used to be a popular long trek in Zanskar, road construction between Padum and Darcha means there is less need to trek this route now. However, the 10-day trek will still be available for a couple more years before traffic increases on the new road. This trek takes you from remote Zanskar Valley to Lahaul Valley, mostly between 3,500 and 4,000 meters, crossing one pass over 5,000 meters at Shingo La.
Altitude sickness and how you can avoid it
Any travel guide to Ladakh should talk about altitude. Leh is at 3,500 meters high, making it one of the highest places in India. Almost everyone who arrives in Leh will feel the effects of the high altitude within a few hours, and these effects may last for a couple of days while you acclimatize.
If you fly in from Delhi, you are more likely to get altitude sickness because your body has no time to adjust. Those traveling from Kashmir or Manali will have had more time to acclimatize slowly on the way.
Common symptoms include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and tiredness. These symptoms are normal and usually go away after a couple of days. More serious symptoms are vomiting, difficulty walking, dizziness, persistent coughing, chest tightness, confusion, or trouble with coordination.
Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness
- Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water, even before you arrive in Leh. This helps your body adjust to the altitude.
- Take it Easy: Rest for the first 2-3 days after you arrive in Leh. Avoid heavy walking and activities for at least 24 hours. Try to eat at your hotel or guesthouse and only go for short walks of less than a kilometer.
- Eat Small Meals: Nausea can happen when you first arrive, so have small, simple meals often during the first couple of days. It’s important to keep your energy up.
- Consider Medication: Some people take Diam-ox or other altitude medicines to help prevent altitude sickness. Talk to your doctor before using any medication, as there can be side effects.
- Stay at the Same Altitude: Don’t go higher for a few days. Spend your first few days in Leh before heading out on any treks or crossing over Khardungla to Nubra Valley. Aim to stay in Leh for at least 3 days first.
