21 Top Things To Do in Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh, a landlocked region in the northernmost region of India, is praised internationally as the most adventurous tourist spot in North India. Situated at a height of 3,000 m above sea level and between the mighty Karakorum and Himalayan mountain ranges, Ladakh offers interesting opportunities for adventure and thrill.

Most interesting things to do in Leh Ladakh include interesting activities like Jeep safari, camel safari, Paragliding, river rafting, trekking, and mountain biking among others.

While enjoying safaris in Leh Ladakh you will also get a chance to enjoy beautiful landscapes, tourist attractions, and mighty peaks of the Greater Himalayas.

Things to do in Leh Ladakh also include a rich collection of flora & fauna and visits to some stunning monasteries and pagodas where one could still witness the ancient Tantric Buddhism in practice.

21 Best Things to do in Leh Ladakh

• Jeep Safari
  
• Camel Safari
• Mountain Biking
• Magnetic Hill
• Trekking
• River Rafting in Zanskar River
• Bike Ride to Tsomoriri Lake
• Paragliding
• Mountaineering
• Ice-Hockey
• Horse Polo
• Skiing
• Heli-Skiing
• Wildlife
• Pangong Tso Lake
• Ladakh Prayer Wheel
• Hall of Fame
• Zanskar Valley
• Hemis Monastery
• The Moonland of Lamayuru
• Pathar Sahib Gurudwara

Mentioned below are some of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh which should feature in your tour itinerary for an unforgettable holiday in Leh Ladakh.

1. Jeep Safari In Ladakh

The trans-Himalayan area of Ladakh is known for offering both tough and moderate terrain, and also an opportunity to explore the breathtaking terrain of the region. Traveling in Ladakh by road and crossing the high altitude mountain passes, visiting emerald lakes, and exploring this ancient region are best experienced through jeep safari.

One of the most popular jeep safari experiences to have had is to hit the road from Manali and follow Leh – Manali highway. This awe-inspiring route with its mighty mountain passes, incredible views, and stunning sceneries offers some jaw-dropping experiences and the ultimate thrill of a road trip in India.

The most popular tourist attractions to enjoy in Leh Ladakh with Jeep safari include Tso Moriri Lake, Dah Hanu, Pangong Tso Lake, and Nubra Valley. Moreover, for an ultimate experience, do not miss the Khardungla pass, which is regarded as one of the World’s highest motorable roads.

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[Enjoy Jeep Safari from Manali to Leh with Our Magical Tour Package]

2. Camel Safari In Ladakh

Don’t get surprised with Camel Safari in Ladakh. This is one of the best activities to do in Leh Ladakh for a lifetime experience! The sand dunes at Hunder in Nubra Valley are also referred to as the “desert in the sky”.

At Hunder, you could ride the double-humped Bactrian Camels which used to be an integral part of the caravans of this ancient trade route. Besides, you could also visit the charming villages of Nubra and explore various Buddhist Monasteries as well as Hot water Sulphur springs.

One of the most popular places to visit in Ladakh, Nubra Valley showcases a highly contrastive landscape, which would immediately alter from rich green apricot fields to a dry terrain with snow-capped peaks. Through Camel Safari in Leh Ladakh, you could explore the panoramic views of the villages, valleys, and Buddhist Gompas.

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3. Mountain Biking in Ladakh

Undoubtedly one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel in the mountains could be mountain biking. It doubles the fun as an adventurous and refreshing means of holidaying & exploring a particular destination.

So if you are passionate enough and have the spirit for an exciting adventure tour in Leh & Ladakh, there are several routes for mountain biking such as ‘Leh to Alchi‘, ‘Leh to Hemis’, and Khardungla Pass, as the very thought of biking on the uppermost motorable pass in the world will bring a shiver down the spine.

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4. Magnetic Hill

Located on the Leh – Kargil – Baltik national highway, the popular Magnetic Hill is believed to have amazing magnetic properties. Magnetism is believed to be such that it pulls cars uphill if they come in their radius.

Because of this belief, the defense forces in this region tend to avoid flying their aircraft over the hill. Nevertheless, the visiting experience of the hill is unique. Travelers must put this amazing hill on their Ladakh tour bucket list as it is something worth experiencing.

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5. Trekking in Ladakh

Ladakh is indeed heaven for those who search trekking routes to gain the thrill of adventure. It offers a number of trekking tours in Ladakh for travelers and is one of the main reasons that adventure fanatics from all around the world head to Ladakh. Trekking is all about discovering the true form of nature in an alluring manner.

Some popular treks in Ladakh include Lumayuru to Darcha trek, Ripchar Valley trek, Padum to Darcha trek, Lamayuru to Alchi trek, Lamayuru Stok Kangri, Markha Valley trek etc.

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Checkout Below Itineraries for Trekking Tour in Ladakh

1. Chadar Trekking Tour (8 Nights / 9 Days)

2. The Markha Valley Tour (8 Nights / 9 Days)

3. Markha Valley (17 Nights / 18 Days)

4. Markha Valley Trek with Stok Kangri (20 Nights / 21 Days)

5. Lamayuru Alchi Trek (14 Nights / 15 Days)

6. River Rafting in Zanskar River

There are three major rivers in Ladakh, where you can undertake river rafting sports in Leh Ladakh. The Indus River in the Leh region, Zanskar River in Zanskar, and Shayok River in Nubra are the place that offers a range of rafting options.

The Zanskar River rafting trip starts with a flight over the Himalayas into the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. The option for River Rafting in the Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimo, is the most difficult yet exciting one. It is suitable only for white water rafting.

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7. Bike Ride to Tsomoriri Lake

For those who love bike riding, nothing is better than a trip to Tsomoriri Lake. A bike ride to Tsomoriri Lake is an opportunity of a lifetime that makes you explore those picture-perfect landscapes and exotic wildlife of the Ladakh region.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Lake Tso Moriri in Lehaldakh as you embark on a Manali to Srinagar Bike Trip.

Known for its relaxation and tranquility, this stunning lake attracts visitors with its crystal clear water and picturesque mountain backdrop Immerse yourself in the serene sky with a romantic luxury Tso Moriri lake holiday traveling with your loved ones It provides a beautiful setting for the purpose .

Set up camp beside the tranquil waters and bathe in peaceful surroundings, treasuring souvenirs amidst the pristine natural beauty of this Himalayan gem

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8. Paragliding in Ladakh

If you are a sky lover person and the mere thought of reaching greater heights does not blink sweat from your eyes, Paragliding in Ladakh is the best thing for you.

The view that you get from the top while soaring in the sky is breathtaking. The snow-clad peaks, the azure blue waters, and the rugged scenery of Ladakh look beautiful from the higher reaches of the sky.

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[Go For Paragliding With Best Paragliding Tour Packages]

9. Mountaineering

The high elevation of Ladakh makes it a great attraction for mountaineers. The altitude of the mountain peaks varies between 15000 ft and 21000 ft. One such area that draws a lot of attention from the climbers is the Nun – Kun massif, located in the Great Himalayan range. The place is set near the popular Stok Kangri trek route.

There are some mountain peaks in Ladakh for which the climbers need to take special permission from the government of India. The best time to explore the beauty of the mountains is from the month of June to September.

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10. Ice-Hockey in Ladakh

Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Ladakh, but mostly rural kids do not get a chance due to a lack of skates and equipment. In Ladakh, unlike in Canada, ice hockey is played in the open on natural ice. Let the cold breeze caress your face and let your blood boil, right in the middle of the winter months from mid-November to January.

Ice Hockey in Ladakh, also known as pond hockey, is a way of life during the long winters in Ladakh. It is emerging as a destination for winter sports lovers.

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11. Horse Polo in Ladakh

The Ladakh Festival held during the month of September is an event hardly seconded elsewhere. The entire region of Ladakh is bedecked with prayer flags, symbols, and adornments, presenting an exciting mixture of Buddhist and Muslim cultures.

During this time, the plains and the valley shudder under the hooves of horses during the horse-polo tournament, which is a treat to the visual senses and charges up the adrenaline flow.

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12. Skiing in Ladakh

One of the most enjoyable activities in Leh Ladakh is skiing, which is persistent due to the presence of the snow-clad mountains and high slopes. The clear sky of the Ladakh region encourages the individual to beckon a skiing experience in the Khardung La range.

The sport is highly addictive and is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. It hosts several annual skiing competitions in which several professionals partake. During the months of December to March, Ladakh is covered in a white blanket of snow.

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13. Heli-Skiing in Ladakh

Skiing is a passion and desire of the adventurist in India. The country is quite fortunate because of the sizzling high-altitude hills in the extreme northern regions. Heli Skiers can enjoy an excellent adventure in the Himalayas. When you drop down at about 17,000 feet above sea level, the experience of skiing is exhilarating.

This adventure sport is a much sought-after winter activity in Ladakh Himalayan Range ‘Zanskar‘. It is available only to the Indus Himalayan explorers. In order to fully enjoy Heli-skiing, you should be in very good physical shape and be ready to take the skiing challenges trip.

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14. Wildlife in Ladakh

In Ladakh, there is a famous wildlife sanctuary known as “Hemis National Park” which spans over 4,000 square kilometers, is now the largest national park in India, extending from Hemis to the north of Zanskar. This park is considered one of the best attractions in Leh Ladakh, with more than 200 snow leopards. It is also home to the four species of wild sheep and goats that form the prey base for this apex predator, including the Great Tibetan Sheep. For bird enthusiasts, it is indeed a dream destination.

Some popular bird species found here include Robin Accentor, Brown Accentor, Tibetan Snow finch, and Himalayan Snow Cock among others. Pollution and noise-free environment make bird watching a joyful experience.

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17. Hall of Fame Leh Ladakh

15. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

Pangong Tso Moriri Lake, located in the Changthang region of Ladakh, is one of the sacred, calm, and beautiful high-altitude lakes in India. In fact, it is the largest high-altitude lake in the Indian Territory. The beautiful blue pallet lake is around 7 kilometers wide and 19 kilometers long. It is a part of the wetland reserve under the Ramsar site and actually known as Tso-Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. It houses variety of flora and fauna.

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Checkout Some Best Itineraries to Explore Pangong Lake

• Pangong Lake Tour on Motorcycle (9 Nights / 10 Days)
• Journey to Ladakh Tour (6 Nights / 7 Days)
• Discover Ladakh (7 Nights / 8 Days)

16. Ladakh Prayer Wheel

One of the most unique things about the Buddhist monasteries is the presence of prayer wheels everywhere. Often they’re small and built into a wall.

It epitomizes the faith of the Ladakhi people who despite its inhospitable circumstances leads a cheerful life and never misses a chance to celebrate life-the beautiful gift of god.

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17. Hall of Fame Leh Ladakh

On your sightseeing tour of Leh Ladakh, you must make a note of checking out the Ladakh Hall of Fame, a museum built by the Indian Army for its martyrs. It houses all war-related memorabilia, mostly related to Siachen and Kargil War.

It also includes touching biographies of defense officials, important photographs, and an extensive armory of weapons. It talks immensely about the lifestyle tools, instruments, and documents used by the natives of Ladakh.

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[Checkout 5 Best Tour Itineraries for Kargil Tour]

18. Zanskar Valley Leh Ladakh

Zanskar Valley is a mesmerizing destination that boasts of a beautiful Zanskar River which nurtures it. It is aptly known as the true Shangri-La. Nestled at an altitude between 3,500 meters and 7,000 meters above sea level, Zanskar River offers breathtaking landscapes that attract tourists from far and wide places.

The river gets frozen in winters and provides ample opportunities for trekking and skiing. During summers, the river is perfect for river rafting. While on a trip to Zanskar Valley, you can take delight by sightseeing on followed destinations of Leh Ladakh such as Karsha Monastery, Drang-Drung Glacier, Nubra Valley, and Penzella Pass.

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[Go for Trekking on Frozen Zanskar River with our Chadar Trekking Tour Package]

19. Hemis Monastery

Located in the Hemis region of Leh Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is an ancient Buddhist Gompa of the Drukpa lineage. The monastery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh and is renowned for hosting the Hemis festival. During the Hemis festival, the monastery is decorated in Buddhist and Tibetan colors.

The star attraction of the festival is the mystic mask dance which is organized in the front rectangular courtyard. In the local language, this form of dance is known as ‘Chamms’. In symphony with the Chamms, the musicians play the traditional music of Ladakh. The celebration is so peaceful that it leaves your soul calm and happy.

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[Discover the Complete List of Ladakhi Festivals]

20. The Moonland of Lamayuru

Lamayuru village is located around 127 km from Leh and is popularly known as Moonland. This is because the color of its soil is believed to be similar to that of the Moon. This small village is famous for being home to the ancient Lamayuru Monastery, which holds the main seat of Drikung Kagyu tradition.

Post the sacred visit; climb uphill to have a full view of the moonscapes of Lamayuru. The meditation hill is known to offer the best views. From here, you can even catch the sight of the most decorated Stupas of Ladakh.

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21. Pathar Sahib Gurudwara

Ladakh is most commonly referred to as the land of monasteries. However, it is also home to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Located on the Srinagar – Leh highway, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built back in the 16^th century to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev in Ladakh. The key highlight of Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is the image of Guru Nanak Dev and the footprint of a demon on the rock.

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Related Post:

• Discover the new routes leading to Leh Ladakh
• Indian Railways launch highest rail tracks to Leh
• India’s gets its longest steel bridge on Manali – Leh highway
• 25 best places to visit in India in September

Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com