At a distance of 30 km from Leh city on the Leh-Kargil Highway lies a small stretch of road that defies the phenomenon of gravity. A magnetic hill that pulls stationary vehicles upwards is the reason. Magnetic Hill is a major tourist attraction in the valley and a perfect stop for tired riders moving on the highway. We live in a strange world. Many theories back this strange natural wonder. All of them propose a different logic and are backed by strong reasoning, with exceptions like superstitions like ‘the magnetic road is a straightaway to heaven’. So think no further; plan a trip to Leh Ladakh, Stay at Stok Palace, our hotel in Ladakh and take a tour around. Here’s a look at what each of these beliefs and theories has to say.
The Myth: Villagers residing around the area of the magnetic hill of Ladakh believe that there once existed a road that was the path to heaven. Rightly deserved were pulled to the path directly while those who didn’t deserve could never make it there.
The Magnetic Force Theory: The most widespread sensible theory states that there is a strong magnetic force emerging from the hill that pulls vehicles within its range towards itself. The strange occurrence has been experienced and testified by travelers on the Leh-Kargil highway. As a matter of fact, the notorious hill has caused planes to divert their route in the past to avoid magnetic interference.
The Optical Illusion Theory: Another theory says that the hill has no source of magnetic force, and it’s just an optical illusion that makes the downslope of the road leading to the Magnetic Hill Ladakh look like an upslope. So, when you see the vehicle going uphill, in reality, it is going downhill.
![](https://stokpalaceheritage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/magnetic-hill-sign-board-.png)
Among the two primary suggestive theories – that of magnetic force in the hill and the optical illusion, there is no conclusive theory. But, there is certainly something mysterious about the magnetic hill in Ladakh! So, is the magnetism really this strong at Magnetic Hill in Ladakh? Or it is just a mind-blowing illusion?
Located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, Magnetic Hill is on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway in the Trans-Himalayan region. With Sindhu river flowing to the east of Magnetic Hill and making the surrounding truly beautiful.
Blessed with amazing natural beauty and mysterious magnetic abilities, travelers stop by to experience the strange, gravity-defying phenomenon. A yellow box marked on the magnetic road, a few meters away from the Magnetic Hill road, indicates that the vehicle must be parked in neutral gear.
It is from here that the vehicle starts to move at a speed close to 20 kilometers per hour. By now, several curious travelers have recorded and uploaded magnetic hill road, Ladakh on YouTube and other social media platforms for everyone to see
Tip For Your Vacation:
Stock enough snacks in your vehicle before you head for the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, as the hill falls in the barren region 30 km far from Leh. There are no eating joints & hotels in the region. You get the nearest stay options in Leh as the area around Magnetic Hill is barren. So, staying in Leh, visiting the place, and returning to Leh is a better option. While looking for an option to stay in Leh you can choose, Stok Palace, a heritage palace, now turned into a hotel in Ladakh.
![](https://stokpalaceheritage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Stok_palace-.jpeg)
Best Time To Visit Magnetic Hill:
The best time to visit the Ladakh Magnetic Hill is from June to October. The roads are clear at this time of the year and the weather is just right to explore Ladakh and its beauty. You can stay at Stok Palace, our hotel in Ladakh, and take a tour all around Ladakh.