25 Best Things to do in Ladakh 2024
Ladakh is one of the most fascinating and the most popular travel destinations in India which is also known as “The Land of High Passes” and is located at an elevation of 2750-7672 meters above the sea level. For adventure enthusiasts all over the world it is a dream destination. Ladakh is hotspot to the most beautiful Buddhists pilgrimage sites, mesmerizing vistas and exotic aspects of nature like Bactrian camels, white sand dunes, most of the regions of Ladakh is still not travelled by anyone .
It is said that the trip to Ladakh is undoubtedly at the top of the wish list for the travel lovers. The route during the travel is filled with barren mountain slopes of the Great Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, snow-clad peaks, challenging roads, and other fascinating views which will compel you to stop for photography on every turns. And other than the ride of a lifetime, the trail will provide you to the world of terrain, top most tourist spots and the alluring monasteries. After exploring there will be a sense of accomplishment. The valley changes on every turn you take during the journey. Everyone here should capture each and every scenic view. Leh is the one of the most famous destination for trekking and camping enthusiasts all over the world while you travel to Ladakh. There are many attractive places that makes you stun like Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Sangam point, Magnetic Hill, Chadar Trek, Markha valley and many more.
There are so many things to do in Ladakh where you can have wonderful and heavenly experiences during your Leh Ladakh trip. Not just this but it is a treat to yourself in this electrifying destination but also grasp a lot about the people and the way of life and culture of this region. It is considered to be the getaway for the travellers who wants the journey full of adventure.
25 Best Things to Do in Ladakh During Ladakh Trip 2021
- Anti Gravity Experience at Magnetic Hill:
Leh is the most famous destination for the trekking and camping enthusiasts all over the world. There are many famous attractions to admire and Magnetic Hill is one among them. It is also known as the ‘Cyclops Hill’. The most amazing part of the magnetic hill is that things don’t seem to obey the laws of gravity and instead of rolling downhill, they go uphill. The scenery of the hill are worth seeing and is surrounded by the exotic beauty with the peaceful environment. The experience to magnetic hill is simply speechless which will always remain in your memories.
- Camping at Pangong Lake:
Camping at Pangong Lake is the perfect spot for the people seeking adventure. It is known as the Pangong Tso Lake, this is a must go visit tourist attraction in the lap of Ladakh on your Leh trip which is located in the heart of Himalayas, the lake stretches at a distance of about 134 kilometres offering beautiful views in sync with the rustic mountains. This is basically the most ideal place to visit when you are in Leh, Within the night underneath the sky and gazing at the twinkling stars You may positively live the moment.
- Camel Safari:
In Ladakh, Nubra Valley is popularly known for the Camel Safari. It is the fun, interesting and exciting activity that one can try during the journey. The best way to explore the landscape, one should experience Camel Safari. Riding on a Double Humped Camel which are popularly known as Bactrian Camel that will take you through the snow-covered mountains, dense greenery, crystal clear and drooling water. Each and every step of this activity gives you extraordinary views and makes it a remarkable experience!
- Hot butter Tea – Locally Known as Brew Chang:
You must have relished the tea in many other places but the Hot Butter Tea in Ladakh is the best to try once. The famous Local Brew Chang in Ladakh makes the tea and coffee in cylindrical filled porcelain pot just by pouring it in a fermented miller. Hot butter tea keeps you warm and gives you relief in the cold weather of the valley. You have to move far to enjoy this, it is easily available all over in Ladakh. The trip to Ladakh is incomplete if it isn’t tried.
- Shopping at the Leh Market:
It is not possible for anyone to visit Ladakh and come back home with empty hand. Shopping is a must thing to do when you visit a new place. Leh is the best choice for shopping because the market has a taste of the whole culture of Ladakh. The crowded market in Leh is full of Ladakhi jewellery, Tibetan handicrafts, most selling item, Pashmina Shawls, Authentic Pearl’s and stones, Rugs and Kashmiri Carpets and many more. You will likely find a lot of variety in the markets of Leh which will make it a must-visit shopping in Ladakh. You will surely return bags full of goodies.
- Talk to Buddhist Monks:
One will also have the chance to meet the local people here in Ladakh and get a chance to know about the culture and practice of this region. Connecting to locals on the trip is truly blissful. Buddhist Monks in Ladakh can be seen meditate in the monasteries, talk to them about their divine beliefs, experiences, sufferings of their daily life and about life and death. You will learn a lot of great things and life lessons from them which might help you in your future. So, don’t miss this opportunity to experience something different in Ladakh.
- Cycling:
The trip to Ladakh is utterly insane and crazy as it moves your soul. Specially when it comes when you are on a cycle expedition. It is a dream for all the cyclists all over the world to once experience this tour. There are many places you can go Ladakh for cycling including Manali to Leh, Leh to Pangong Tso, Leh to Tso Moriri, Leh to Alchi and many more. This cycling journey will make you feel the thrill as you ride through the criss cross roads. A chance to capture some stunning pictures with mesmerizing views. Once you complete the journey there will be a sense of accomplishment.
- Trekking:
The trekking in Ladakh standouts among the most looked for after trekking destinations in India which will make you awe inspiring. Some of the most well known trekking hotspots are Chadar Trek, Spituk Gompa Trek, Markha Valley Trek. Blessed with the picturesque mountain peaks, azure lakes, glaciers, rivers and the thick blanket of snow which is extremely attractive. Also the landscapes and overall experience will leave their imprints on your hearts forever. These are the most thrilling trekking destinations which adds grace to the beauty of Ladakh with it’s exciting adventures experience. So, for all the nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts, this place is definitely not to be missed.
- Motor Biking:
Ladakh gives you a chance to explore an offbeat destination which you would love to visit again and again. The motorbike expedition will lead you to fight against harsh and chilly gush of air would load your heart with excitement and thrill. You have to Climb those irregular patterns of mountains and stuff your soul with adventure and thrill. The Bike trip to Ladakh is incomparable, though this is a challenging adventure. The surroundings and way of life is so peaceful that it will leave with memories of a lifetime. So, don’t miss an opportunity to experience this wonderful journey. The bike trip will definitely let you escape from the hectic city life.
- Try Hot Yak Cheese Momos:
Ladakh is not only famous for its beauty or activities it offers but also the cuisine is something which is delicious and diverse from other parts of the country. Hot Yak Cheese Momos is the most tempting dishes of Ladakh. It is also known as “Chhurpi” which is made out from the milk of Yak. It has an incomparable taste and flavour and is a very famous dish in Ladakh. The Leh Ladakh cuisine has the most real flavour of India. No other place is going to offer you to taste these Hot Yak Cheese Momos. This should be definitely one of the things to do in Ladakh.
- Spotting some Rare animals:
Ladakh is not only a doorway for some exciting adventure destinations but also it offers you to visit Hemis National Park and Changthang. These places are the home to many endangered animals including the Himalayan marmots, lbex, Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard which is the major highlight of the sanctuary. Both are nestled at an high altitude where visitors enjoy the rich diverseness of flora and fauna. There are also various songbirds in the forests along the trail which make it a birdwatcher’s delight.
- Indus River Rafting:
The river Indus which originated from Tibet and flows through Ladakh is perfect for that adrenalin filled adventure. To escape the rush of the city, you can visit this place and enjoy the beauty of nature, audacious activities. Especially if you ever get into a mood for some good river rafting sport, go straight for Indus River Rafting which is open throughout the year. It is one of the best adventure activity in Ladakh that one should definitely experience in their lifetime. The best time to go is between June and September. All in all, Indus river rafting is a wholesome experience that provides travellers and local people with every element of adventure.
- Yak Safari:
Yak Safari is different from the other activities that one can enjoy in Ladakh. The Yak is the largest animal of this place. As you start your ride on the back of this large animal you will get to witness the mesmerizing and most breath-taking views of the high peaks. The major highlight is to explore
through the glacial valleys, shimmering lakes, cascades, meadows and dense forests. Also, it will cover the places like Likir, Alchi, Thiksey, Shey, Ligase, Delsa Yak Valley and many more. This activity will provide a unique opportunity to explore and have the thrilling experience for lifetime.
- Peace and Chanting at Various Monasteries:
Ladakh is a home to the numerous eminent monasteries which includes Hemis Monastery, The Alchi Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Likir Monastery, Diskit Monastery and so much more. One can stay at the monastery overnight and attend the early morning prayers that gives peace and happiness. Devotees from all over the world come here to find the tranquility and calmness. You will get an opportunity to experience the Buddhists culture that is practiced here and is very unique and different from the other places. You will actually live and love every moment exploring these monasteries from dusk until dawn.
- Skiing:
Skiing is one the top activity to do in Ladakh. The snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas and frozen lakes attracts tourists not only in India but all over the world. This is the best destination to seek adrenalin rush in this activity. This adventure sport is a much sought after winter activity in Ladakh Himalayan Range Zanskar. For adventure lovers, you have the chance to explore this destination spot with the diversity of landscapes all around makes it even a lot of stunning and it turns every now and then during this activity.
- Local Food – Grab the scrumptious delights:
Like other parts of the country, Ladakh has it’s own traditional and local food. One of the best parts of exploring in Ladakh is to savour different dishes and cuisines prepared by the locals. It mainly offers multi cuisine including Korean, Tibetan and Chinese. Thupka, Tsampa, Skyu, Chang, Momos and a lot more that are the most delicious food of Ladakh that one must try. For food lovers, Ladakhi food is healthy and simple not as spicy as Indian Cuisine. These local food are available in all the restaurants of Leh Ladakh at the most affordable price. So, before leaving the town you must taste the speciality of the Ladakh.
- Zorawar Fort – Light and Sound Show :
Zorawar Fort is amongst the best place to visit in Leh. It is located above the Leh Palace in Ladakh. It is also well known as the Riasi Fort. The renowned warrior General Zorawar Singh, who is known for his commendable struggle against the Chinese rulers over Ladakh owned the fort. The Fort has a unique collection of coins and specimens of new stamps along with the treasure of the ruler. Basically it is the main attraction for the people who are interested in archaeology, artefacts and prehistoric culture. Travellers across the world there is also a religious value inside the fort because there is a mosque and a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and Parvati. This gives a pleasant atmosphere which gives extra essence to the travellers.
- Lehchen – Nightlife in Leh Ladakh:
Lehchen is basically a lounge and a bar where you can refresh yourself with a cocktail and other soft drinks. Ladakh is a place which does not have many bars and clubs to visit. So Lehchen is the most popular one. There is nothing more than restaurants, bars and cafes for Nightlife in Leh Ladakh. They offer tandoori momos and the cocktail that suits your taste and enjoy the picturesque view that this place has to offer. Experiencing the nightlife of Ladakh is one of the exciting things to do.
- Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary – Jeep Safari:
Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh. The sanctuary encompasses the two popular high altitude lakes Tsomoriri and Pangong Tso. In the Changthang Cold Desert Sanctuary there are 11 lakes and 10 marshes. Travellers will get a chance to see rare and threatened animals including Tibetan wolf, Tibetan argali, Wild Yak, Tibetan gazelle, and the Tibetan antelopes. Also more than 44 species of water birds and 200 species of wild plants can be found in this sanctuary. Once you explore there, you will have exciting experiences which is beyond the words.
- Sangam Point – Confluence of zanskar and indus river :
Ladakh is nothing less than a dream for the travel enthusiasts and it has a long list of tourist spots to visit. Sangam Point is one of them, which acts a confluence for the river Indus and Zanskar. So if you are travelling to Leh this is one of the most ideal places to visit nearby. Sangam Valley is one of the thrilling destination which adds grace to the beauty of the Ladakh with it’s exciting adventures
experience. Travellers not only love the place but literally fell in love with the beauty of the valley.
- Donkey Sanctuary :
Donkey Sanctuary situated in Leh is a different idea by Stany and Joanne. They saw the pitiable condition of the stray donkeys, they decided to find a shelter for them and hence the proper guardians for those stray donkeys have come to India. . A native of Ladakh, Sonam Angchuk is now taking care of the donkeys now as his own, feeding them and makes sure that they are getting proper medication and care. This shelter is truly a blessing for the animals. Also if animal lovers or anyone wanted to donate they can so that donkeys get healed and it feels amazing to visit such places.
- Landscape Photography:
The trail to Ladakh will lead you to the majestic peaks including Stok Kangri in Zanskar Range, Nun and Kun in the Himalayan Range, and Saser-I, Saser -II and Saser III in Karakoram Range. The view from the top gives a spectacular scene of the region all around. This place will give you such happiness with the stunning picturesque that should be captured. The landscapes has the foremost enticing scenery, the rocky and lush greenery, lofty mountains, diversity all around makes it even a lot remarkable.
- Watch Ladakhi Dance:
Dances of Ladakh are one of the most amazing cultural dance forms which are performed on different occasions like Birthday celebration, marriage ceremony, Ladakh festival, harvesting period, and also festivals of the varied monasteries are some of the noted important as well as parties happening in Ladakh. There are different folk forms including Jabro Dance, Tukhstanmo dance, Spao dance, Loshon Dance, Shoudol dance, Shon dance and Koshan dance of Leh. The dance performed by both men and women in all the cheerful circumstances. Travellers must enjoy this during the trip to Ladakh.
- Visit ice skating festival ( Pangong ):
The Pangong Tso Lake, set in the lap of Ladakh is a must visit tourist attraction on your trip which is located in the heart of Himalayas. The lake freezes and becomes solid during winter season to organize the Ice Skating Festival. Ice skaters and skiers all over the world participate in this festival and also the event host the cultural performances from the local people. Thus, for all the travellers and adventure enthusiasts, this destination is definitely not to be missed.
- Visit Old School Mills for Pashmina Wool Shawls:
The authentic Pashmina shawls are made from the finest wool in the world. Pashmina wool is well known for the softest, most luxurious and the best pashm wool in the world. The Pashmina is crafted only at these old school mills in Ladakh. It throws light on the abilities and craftsperson that live in Ladakh. One should certainly visit old school mills before leaving this place.
Writer – Himani Regmi
Read also –
Top 25 Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh 2024 – 2025