Ladakh is one place in India which remains on almost every travellers’ bucket list and is a dream destination which will remain etched in his mind even years after the trip is over! Ladakh’s majestic and raw beauty is one which captivates every tourist visiting this place while also leaving them longing for more.
Rugged mountains adorn the landscape all around while the mighty Indus River which flows through several deep valleys and high mountains will make you fall in love with this place again and again. Want to know what Ladakh is famous for? Here are some of the top places to visit and see which are extremely famous in Ladakh, making it one of the top destinations to visit in India!
13 of the Things, Ladakh is Famous For
1. Monasteries
Ladakh, famous for its numerous monasteries, belongs to the Tibetan Sect of Buddhism. This is why it is home to some of the most pristine monasteries in the nation. You will find several red hat Buddhist monks in each of these monasteries with the background of a harsh landscape and surreal view. People who have visited these famous monasteries in Ladakh reveal that the meditation experience which can be felt here.
The Spituk Gompa which is one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh can be found on the top of a hill and is renowned for its beautiful carvings and beauty. Make sure you carry a plethora of warm clothes as the chilly winds which blow at night can chill you to the bones! Another famous monastery is the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh.
2. The Confluence of Zanskar and Indus
What is famous in Ladakh is the point where the rivers Zanskar and Indus converge and flow down into Pakistan as the Indus River. You will find that the colours and hues of the river differ in every season with each of them being worth witnessing.
The stark brown mountain valleys in the background make the deep emerald green and bright blue waters shine even more all day long.
3. White Water Rafting
If you visit Ladakh in summers (which is the ideal time to visit this place) and wish to opt for an adrenaline-charged activity, then you must indulge in white-water rafting which is an extremely popular sport here.
Also, the best time to visit this valley is between the months of June to September when there is no snow on the roads. Done on the Zanskar River which is also known as the Grand Canyon of India, white water rafting is best enjoyed on a river with high cliffs.
4. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is extremely famous in Ladakh and is worshipped by thousands of devotees annually. Being an immensely beautiful Gurudwara Sahib, it has been made in the memory of Guru Nanak and is located on the Leh-Kargil Road, around 25 km from Leh.
This place of worship lies 12000 feet above sea level and is an absolute beauty in itself. Built way back in 1517, this Gurudwara commemorates the occasion when Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion, visited Ladakh for the first time.
5. Nubra Valley
The Nubra Valley is another place what is famous in Ladakh and visited by several adventurists and travellers from all around the world. It is a gorgeous valley with a unique landscape which also offers camel rides on Bactrian Double humped camels.
One of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh, the monastery of Diskit along with the Nubra and Shyok River can also be found here.
6. Highest Motorable Passes around the Globe
Apart from the famous monasteries in Ladakh, this scenic place is also famous for its dangerous passes and roads.
The Chang-La and Khardung-La are some of the highest motorable passes around the globe which are flocked by enthusiastic, experienced and adventurous bikers from India and abroad. These passes connect the massive and beautiful valleys of Changthang and Nubra to Ladakh.
7. Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso Lakes
These two gorgeous and absolutely clear lakes are very famous in Ladakh with some tourists planning a trip here just to experience its beauty and scenic views. Both these surreal lakes are located at high altitudes with a photographic beauty of brown mountains, blue brackish water and light blue skies.
The Pangong Tso Lake is situated on the Changtang plateau and is located on the Indo-China border. This place is quite popular for camping and bonfires and has been used as a popular location in some movies.
8. Magnetic Hill
Ladakh, famous for its scenic views and rough terrain, is also home to the phenomenal Magnetic Hill. Tourists state that if you leave your vehicle at the hill’s base and keep the brakes unlocked, the vehicle will slowly move uphill without any support! The science behind this amazing phenomena has not yet been discovered though.
9. Hemis National Park
Known for being the largest national park in South Asia, the Hemis National Park is the protected home for leopards, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, red fox and Asiatic Ibex amongst several other endangered mammals.
Also being a top favourite amongst bird watchers and nature lovers, this Park tops the list of places in what is famous in Ladakh. This is one of the most pristine environments which is both noise and pollution-free.
10. World’s best Momos and Thupkas
The momos and thupkas which you will get to relish here are not only famous in Ladakh but all over India as well. Home to some of the most authentic and top-notch Indo-Tibetan restaurants and eateries, which serve traditional Ladakhi food, you are sure to fall in love with the momos and thupkas served in Ladakh.
11. Nation’s most dangerous and adventurous Bike Trips
Some of the nation’s most dangerous and adventurous bike trips can be enjoyed here for the perfect adrenaline rush like never before. Such trips are extremely famous in Ladakh and bike ride lovers from not only India but around the world visit this beautiful place to satisfy their craving for an enjoyable bike ride.
12. Camping and Trekking
Camping and trekking are two activities which are very famous in Ladakh as it offers a plethora of options such as mountaineering, jeep safari, white water rafting; all of which are included in a fun-filled and adventurous camping or trekking activity. Ladakh is quite famous for its incandescent mountains and longing valleys; all of which makes it a hot favourite amongst travellers.
Some top-notch places for trekking and camping include Tso Moriri, Stok Kangri, Chadar and Markha Valley. Night camping is also a popular activity in Ladakh but is undoubtedly only for those who have a strong heart and are willing to explore the dark and unknown natural side of this place.
13. People of Ladakh
If your question is what is famous in Ladakh, then you just cannot forget the people in Ladakh, the locals who form an inseparable and important part of the place.
Boasting of Central Asian or Turanian features, the Ladakhi people of Jammu and Kashmir are quite peace-loving and have a cheerful nature. Almost half of the population are Buddhist by faith while the other half are Muslims.
Ladakh is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the nation while several foreigners too, visit this scenic and beautiful place to get an adrenaline rush like never before! Though many people state that Leh-Ladakh is not safe for tourists but on the contrary, it is one of the safest places near the Indian borders!
So if you too wish to explore Ladakh’s rough terrains and untouched beauty then book your tickets today! Explore what is famous in Ladakh, get mesmerized with its scenic views and mountains and enjoy a vacation where you will create memories that last a lifetime!