Your Complete Guide to Ladakh: Travel Routes, Destinations, Must-See Spots & Tips
- Nishit Kagalwala
- May 1
- 11 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Table of Content:
If you’ve seen the Taj Mahal and explored Rajasthan, but want something even more unforgettable—Ladakh is the India you never expected.
High in the Himalayas, near the borders of Tibet and China, Ladakh feels like another world. Huge mountains, endless blue skies, wide empty valleys, and ancient monasteries—everything here is raw, real, and breathtaking.
This is one of the greatest road trip destinations on earth. Roads twist through landscapes that look like the moon, making every drive an adventure. It’s a dream for travelers who love wide open spaces and the thrill of high-altitude journeys.
But Ladakh isn’t just about adventure—it’s about peace too. In ancient monasteries, you’ll hear monks chanting by candlelight. At hilltop stupas, you’ll watch sunsets so silent and beautiful, they feel almost magical.
Whether you come for the landscapes, the culture, or the deep stillness—Ladakh gives you something rare: the feeling of being completely, wonderfully elsewhere.
Best Time to Visit Ladakh
Summer (April to September):
Highlights: Ideal for road trips, trekking, and sightseeing.
Weather: Pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Accessibility: All major roads, including the Manali and Srinagar highways, are open.
Note: This is the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors.
Autumn (Late September to October):
Highlights: Clear skies and vibrant fall colors.
Weather: Cool temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C.
Festivals: Experience local festivals like the Ladakh Festival.
Winter (November to March):
Highlights: Snow-covered landscapes and the chance to spot snow leopards.
Weather: Severe cold with temperatures dropping below -20°C.
Accessibility: Most roads are closed due to heavy snowfall.
Snow Leopard Spotting: Best chances between January and March in areas like Hemis National Park.
Note: Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, resulting in minimal rainfall even during the monsoon season. This unique climate makes it one of the few regions in India suitable for travel during the summer months when other areas experience heavy rains.
How to Reach & Travel within Ladakh
By Air
The fastest and most reliable way to reach Ladakh is by air. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi (year-round), Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Mumbai (seasonal).
In winter (October to March), flights operate daily—especially from Delhi—but may face occasional delays or cancellations due to snow or fog. Still, flying remains the only way in or out during winter when roads are shut.
By Road
If you're after an epic road trip, Ladakh delivers. You can drive to Leh from:
Manali via the Manali–Leh Highway
Srinagar via the Srinagar–Leh Highway
Both routes offer jaw-dropping scenery and the thrill of high mountain passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, and Zoji La.These roads are open seasonally, from late May/early June to early October, depending on snowfall. Outside this window, they’re closed due to heavy snow and extreme weather.
For thrill-seekers, crossing Khardung La and Tanglang La—two of the world’s highest motorable passes—is an adventure in itself. Just be prepared for high-altitude travel and unpredictable terrain.
By Train
There’s no direct train to Ladakh. The closest station is Jammu Tawi, about 700 km away. From Jammu, the journey to Leh takes 2–3 days by road, and you’ll need to acclimatize properly due to the rising altitude.
Getting Around Ladakh
Once you're in Ladakh, the terrain is vast, rugged, and beautiful—so choosing the right way to get around is key.
Private Vehicles
The most flexible and comfortable way to explore is by hiring a private taxi or renting a motorcycle. Taxis can be booked with pre-set rates regulated by the Leh Taxi Union, and local drivers know the terrain inside out.
Motorbike Rentals
For the adventurous, motorcycling through Ladakh is a dream. Bikes like Royal Enfield are easy to rent in Leh. Just make sure you're comfortable riding in high-altitude conditions and carry spare fuel on remote routes.
Local Buses & Shared Transport
JKRTC (Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation) and private buses run to places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Lamayuru, and Kargil.
Services are limited (often 1-2 trips per day), but they’re a budget-friendly option if you're flexible.
Shared jeeps and tempo travelers also run along popular routes, though they fill up quickly and don’t always stick to a fixed schedule.
Ladakh Altitude Guide: Why Acclimatization Matters
Ladakh is stunning—but it’s also seriously high up. Most of the region sits above 3,000 meters, and Leh (the main entry point by air) is at 3,500 meters. That’s high enough to trigger Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) if you’re not careful.
So here’s the golden rule: rest for at least 2 days in Leh before heading to higher places. And yes, Ladakh’s top spots are way higher—Khardung La is at 5,602 meters, Pangong Lake at 4,250 meters, and Tso Moriri at 4,530 meters.
Without proper acclimatization, you risk headaches, nausea, and fatigue—or worse. So take it slow, stay hydrated, and let your body adjust.
In Ladakh, altitude isn’t just a number—it’s something you plan around.
Must-Visit Destinations in Ladakh
Diksit Monastery
Diksit Monastery isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s a place where the spiritual life of Nubra comes alive. Every year, the Diksit Gustor Festival is held here, usually in October. Monks perform Cham dances—masked rituals meant to cleanse and protect the region. It’s not staged for tourists; it’s part of the local rhythm. Even if you miss the festival, just being here in the early morning as the prayer flags flutter and chants echo through the valley.
Alchi Monastery
What makes Alchi stand out is its art. It’s not just old—it’s rare. The frescoes here are over 900 years old and show a mix of Indian and Tibetan influences you won’t find in newer monasteries. Since Alchi was built during a time of peace and prosperity, it wasn’t fortified like others, which is why it’s on flat ground. If you’re into ancient culture, this is one of the best spots in Ladakh to see what Buddhist art looked like before it became more stylized.
While you’re there, don’t miss Alchi Kitchen—a family-run spot just a short walk from the monastery. They serve traditional Ladakhi food with a twist, all made fresh with local ingredients. Their buckwheat pancakes and apricot chutney are kind of legendary, and they even host cooking demos if you’re into learning how Ladakhi food is really made. It's a simple, honest experience that adds depth to your visit—just like Alchi itself.
Moon Landscape (Lamayuru)
Lamayuru is often called the “Moonland” of Ladakh for good reason—the terrain looks totally alien. But there’s more to it than just the landscape. The Lamayuru Monastery hosts the Yuru Kabgyat Festival in summer—usually around June or July. It’s one of the oldest monastic festivals in Ladakh, with colorful costumes, masked dances, and deep chants. The whole setting—the dances, the ancient gompa, and the moon-like hills behind it—feels like stepping into another timeline.
Pangong Lake
Pangong isn’t just a pretty place to stare at. If you visit during winter (very few do), the lake freezes over completely and locals host an ice hockey tournament on it. It’s wild—frozen lake, goalposts, and full-on matches at 14,000 feet. In summer, the lake becomes a magnet for migratory birds like the Brahminy duck and seagulls. But honestly, what makes Pangong unforgettable is how fast it changes. One minute it’s blue, the next it’s emerald. The stillness is its own kind of experience.
Hunder
Hunder is one of the few places in India where you can see—and ride—double-humped Bactrian camels. Native to Central Asia, these camels were once used on the ancient Silk Route to carry goods across harsh deserts. Unlike the single-humped camels of Rajasthan, Bactrian camels are built for high altitudes and cold climates, with thick fur and two fatty humps for energy storage.
Hunder’s high-altitude desert, with its rolling sand dunes set against snow-capped peaks, makes the perfect backdrop for these unique animals. But there’s more to the village than just camels. You’ll also find traces of Silk Route history, quiet farms, and warm conversations with locals who’ve lived here for generations.
It’s a surreal mix of desert, mountains, and culture—all in one valley.
Turtuk
Turtuk is one of the most culturally rich places in Ladakh. It was part of Baltistan until 1971, and it shows. People speak Balti, grow their own apricots, and build houses with distinct architecture. It feels like a different world tucked within Ladakh. In summer, the entire village smells of fresh apricots and buckwheat. Locals often invite visitors to taste their dried apricots or show you around the heritage house museum that’s been preserved by the village head. There’s no big festival here, but if you go during harvest season (August–September), the village feels truly alive.
Hanle
Hanle is best known for its clear night skies—and for good reason. The Indian Astronomical Observatory here is one of the highest in the world and now even hosts India’s first Dark Sky Reserve. That means minimal light pollution, and maximum stargazing. During certain times of the year, you can join local-led stargazing sessions or night photography tours. No big festivals happen here, but if you come during Losar (Ladakhi New Year, usually in December or January), the tiny community celebrates with traditional food, music, and prayer ceremonies. It's small-scale and intimate—but that's what makes it special.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace might be in ruins, but that’s what makes it so compelling. Built in the 17th century, this nine-storey palace was once the royal residence, and even today, it dominates the Leh skyline. The climb up through narrow corridors leads you to panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains—best seen in the early morning or at sunset when the light hits the valley just right. There’s a small museum inside too, with artifacts and old photographs that give you a glimpse into Ladakh’s royal past. It’s not a polished tourist site—it’s raw history, standing tall.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa isn’t about intricate carvings or grand halls—it’s about the feeling you get when you stand at the top. Built by Japanese Buddhists in the 1990s as a symbol of peace, it’s perched high above Leh. The climb can be tiring, especially if you’re still adjusting to the altitude, but once you’re up there, it’s all worth it. At sunrise or sunset, the light bathes the mountains in gold and the wind carries the quiet. There are no entrance lines, no crowds if you go early—just stillness and space to breathe.
Shey Monastery
Shey used to be the capital of Ladakh, and this monastery-palace combo still holds that faded grandeur. The big draw is the giant copper-gold Buddha statue inside—about 39 feet tall and built in the 17th century. It’s one of the largest in Ladakh. The monastery sits on a hill, and from the top, you get sweeping views of the Indus Valley below. If you’re around in July or August, you might catch the Shey Doo Lhoo festival, where monks perform traditional rituals and masked dances. And just below the monastery, you’ll often see locals tending barley fields—life still quietly going on.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis is the big one. It’s the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh and home to the famous Hemis Festival, held every summer—usually in June or July. The entire courtyard comes alive with Cham dances, music, and monks in vibrant robes and masks. It’s intense, colorful, and deeply spiritual. Even outside of festival time, Hemis is impressive. The monastery houses ancient relics, gold statues, and thangkas (Tibetan paintings) that tell centuries of stories. It’s a bit farther from Leh, but the drive there takes you through quiet villages and open valleys—a peaceful approach to a powerful place.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey looks like something out of a postcard. Built on a hill in 12 levels, it’s often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. But it’s not just the architecture—it’s what happens here that sticks with you. Arrive early and you can attend the morning prayer ceremony. The sound of deep chanting in the dimly lit hall, monks of all ages sitting cross-legged—it’s humbling. The 15-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha is another highlight. If you’re hungry afterward, check out the Thiksey Monastery Cafe near the base. Run by the monastery, it’s simple but authentic, with fresh momos and butter tea served up in a peaceful garden setting.
For the best Hotels in Ladakh, explore our expert recommendations.
WizTrek’s Recommended Itinerary: Delhi – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh
Day 1: Delhi to Srinagar
Take a morning flight from Delhi to Srinagar (1.5 hours).
Check into a houseboat or hotel near Dal Lake.
Go for a shikara ride on Dal Lake or a sunset stroll through Mughal Gardens.
Easy day—settle in, breathe the crisp mountain air.
Day 2: Srinagar Local
Visit Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
Explore Old Srinagar—Jamia Masjid, spice lanes, and traditional wooden homes.
Optional: Drive up to Pari Mahal for panoramic views.
End the day with wazwan or a cup of saffron kahwa by the lake.
Day 3: Srinagar to Kargil (6–7 hours drive)
Drive via Sonamarg and cross the high-altitude Zoji La Pass.
Stop at Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places in the world.
Visit the Kargil War Memorial—quiet, powerful, unforgettable.
Reach Kargil by evening and stay overnight.
Day 4: Kargil to Leh (with stops at Lamayuru & Alchi)
Start early and hit the road toward Leh.
Stop at Lamayuru Monastery—set above the surreal “Moon Landscape.”
Visit Alchi Monastery to see 1,000-year-old murals and art.
Lunch at Alchi Kitchen—try apricot curry or buckwheat pancakes.
Arrive in Leh by evening and rest.
Day 5: Local Leh
Take it slow to acclimatize to the altitude.
Visit Leh Palace for panoramic views of the city.
Head to Shanti Stupa—especially at sunset.
Explore Leh Market and try butter tea or local momos.
Day 6: Shey, Thiksey & Hemis Monastery Tour
Morning visit to Shey Monastery, former royal palace.
Stop at Thiksey Monastery—catch the morning prayer if possible.
Continue to Hemis Monastery, Ladakh’s largest and most famous.
If traveling in June/July, time it with the Hemis Festival for masked dances and celebration.
Return to Leh by evening.
Day 7: Local Leh or Optional Extension
Free day in Leh: Explore the Central Asian Museum or visit the Stok Palace.
Optional 3-Day Extension: Nubra + Pangong
Optional Add-On: Nubra & Pangong Lake
Day 7: Leh to Nubra Valley
Cross Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes.
Visit Diksit Monastery and see the towering Maitreya Buddha statue.
Explore the sand dunes at Hunder—camel rides available.
Day 8: Day Trip to Turtuk
Drive to Turtuk, a border village with Balti culture, apricot orchards, and a completely different vibe from the rest of Ladakh.
Return to Hunder or stay overnight in Turtuk.
Day 9: Nubra to Pangong Lake
Drive via the Shyok River route to Pangong Lake.
Reach by afternoon—walk by the lake, relax, and take it all in.
Overnight at a lakeside camp.
Day 10: Pangong to Leh
Return to Leh via Chang La Pass.
Rest in Leh and prepare for departure.
Day 8 (or Day 11 if extended): Fly Leh to Delhi
Morning flight back to Delhi.
Get a window seat for one last look at the Himalayas from above.
Explore the Full Itinerary in our detailed blog.
Our alternate Ladakh Itinerary via Amritsar and Manali lets you ease into Ladakh’s altitude—slowly, beautifully, and without the shock of a high-altitude landing.
Want this experience for yourself?
We’ll help you plan the exact same trip—or tweak it to match your travel vibe. Just reach out to WizTrek and we’ll take care of all the details:
📩 Email us at hello@wiztrek.com
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