Pangong Lake
You will find Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one location. Come spend some time at Pangong Lake! A pristine region in Ladakh is distinguished by subtle to high peaks, crystal blue waters, and the great expanse that draws the eye so much that it feels as if magic is happening right in front of your eyes. Pangong Lake, commonly known as Pangong Tso, sits serenely at 14,270 feet above sea level. Surprisingly, the lake is 12 kilometres long and is between India and China, with 60% of the lake in the neighbouring country. The dreamlike clear blue waters are actually brackish or salty, preventing any aquatic life from surviving. Furthermore, temperatures ranging from -30 to -10 degrees are the polar opposite of salt-laden water bodies. Even this salty lake freezes over with massive ice sheets.
Magnetic Hill, Ladakh
Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, at an elevation of 14,000 feet, is one of the most enigmatic and intriguing sites to visit in the country. This little cyclops hillock is supposed to be a spot where gravity is defied, as vehicles appear to be pushed upwards on the hill. While several scientific ideas could help explain this strange occurrence, there is also the widely held belief that the Magnetic Hill Road is a “stairway to heaven.” A signboard on the way to Magnetic Hill reads, “Magnetic Hill—the Phenomenon that defies Gravity,” and a white box encourages you to park your car. A signboard along the route to Magnetic Hill reads, “Magnetic Hill—the Phenomenon that defies Gravity,” and a white box urges you to park your car there. You can ultimately witness your vehicle moving uphill at a pace of roughly 10 to 20 km/h, all by itself, against gravity, after parking it in neutral gear.
Thiksey Monastery
This Tibetan Buddhist monastery, also known as Thikse Gompa, is located about 18 kilometres east of Leh at the height of 3,600 meters. It is one of Ladakh’s most well-known and visited monasteries. There are various Buddhist – related things in this 12-story tower, including paintings, old scriptures, swords, and statues. The assembly hall of this monument, which dates from the 15th century, is the main attraction. They have numerous murals illustrating the Wheel of Life inside this wall. You may also visit the Tara Temple within the complex to witness the 21 images dedicated to the Goddess Tara. This is one of the top sites to see in Leh Ladakh.
Cycling on Khardung La
The Khardung La pass is regarded as one of the world’s highest highways. This path starts at 5,633 meters and leads to the picturesque Nubra Valley and is a must-do for everyone visiting Ladakh.
Your bike journey begins in Leh and will last approximately 40 kilometres. The pass requires some serious cycling abilities to complete. The final 15 km can take a long time to complete! The effort, however, is well worth it as you reach the Khardung La road. This is one of the best sites to visit in Leh Ladakh because you are given breathtaking vistas, the majority of which are both fascinating and captivating.
Trekking in the Markha Valley
This trekking terrain in Ladakh provides thrill seekers with an unforgettable experience. The Markha Valley is an isolated area surrounded by massive mountains. It makes for an exhilarating walk thanks to the stunning scenery, steep terrain, and glimpses of blue sheep and ibex. The hiking trail runs through the Hemis National Park and crosses various streams and rivers. Climb through canyons and stroll across barley and mustard fields. You can stop at a mysterious Ladakhi village, one of the best sites to see in Leh Ladakh, and it is snuggled quietly in a heavenly setting.
Camel Safari at Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley, a high-altitude freezing desert, is an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau), which runs from China to Ladakh. Nubra Valley, one of Ladakh’s most magnificent landscapes mirroring the moon, is a deep-cut gorge formed by the combined influence of the Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. The Ladakh Range and the Karakoram Range are separated by this flat valley. But, more than anything, the Nubra Valley is Ladakh’s most picturesque place. The Nubra Valley, located roughly 160 kilometres from Leh, Ladakh’s capital, is a significant draw for visitors. The entryway to the country’s upper regions, particularly Siachen and Nubra Valley, includes an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, an excellent place to pause and take in the scenery. The Diskit Monastery, the Hundred Sand Dunes, the Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the settlements of Turtuk and Panamik are also worth visiting.
Rafting and Kayaking in the Indus River
If you want to have a lot of fun and adventure, you can go rafting via the Alchi and Khalsi rapids. This river, which originates in Pakistan and passes through areas of Northern India, has several exciting rapids for rafting and kayaking. You can see and appreciate the breathtaking vistas along the riverbanks while on a rafting excursion in Ladakh.
Towering over a hill overlooking the valley of Singey Sangpo, popularly known as the Indus River, the 200-year old Stok Palace is a luxury hotel in Ladakh endearing landmark, historically, aesthetically, architecturally and socially.