I am totally sold to Leh. Without any doubt, it is the best place I’ve visited so far. And what made my trip even more memorable was the decision of taking a road trip to Leh from my home i.e. Kanpur. It is a dream destination and photographers’ paradise, and a perfect place for writers like me. I can live there forever. Jammu & Kashmir IS my favorite state in India. The diversity in landscapes can leave you awestruck. I had spent over 8 days in Leh. There are so many best places to visit in Leh, yes it might sound grammatically incorrect ‘so many best places’ but trust me, the scenic beauty of Leh makes each and every turn and road the best sight.
Ladakh is a universe of its own. It’s a perfect place for digital detox and soul-renovation and I mean it quite literally. From monasteries to palaces to lands-ends to mountain-views and amazing places like magnetic hills, it is MUST VISIT place for all travel-enthusiasts.
Though there are so many places to see in Leh but in this list, I am mentioning the best places to visit in Leh. Yes, make sure these places are on your list.
8 Best Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
- Thikse Monastery:
Situated about 19kms away from Leh city, Thikse Gompa or Thikse monastery is one of the biggest live monasteries. It is a heritage site. One of the interesting facts about this is that the Maitreya Temple which was installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to this monastery in the year 1970.
- Leh Palace:
Oldest former royal palace in Leh, it is a place worth paying your time. The view of Leh city that we get from top of this palace is magnificent.
- Khardhungla Pass:
It is the HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROAD OF THE WORLD. Do need to explain more?
- Magnetic Hill:
This is one of the mysterious places of the world. It is said that car moves automatically due to high magnetic fields (and also that planes couldn’t fly because of that), though we tried with our car and couldn’t get a proof. But one of the oldies we met said that it used to happen like, ONCE UPON A TIME and now, power is very less. But nevertheless, the place is too beautiful and perfect to enjoy some off-roading.
- Pangong Lake:
It’s a place where I saw THE BEST SUNRISE E-V-E-R. Yes, I suggest you must stay there at night and experience the sunrise. Trust me, it’ll become your favorite too! It is about 160kms from Leh. What makes it more interesting is the fact that it is a 134kms long lake that extends from India to China.
- Shanti Stupa:
Looking for a peaceful place for soul-rejuvenation? Well, Shanti Stupa is your place then! You will watch people meditating there, which will make you want to practice it too. Shanti Stupa was built in 1991 on a hilltop in Chanspa in Leh which is about 20 minutes drive from the city.
- Gurudwara Patthar-Sahib:
Situated about 25kms from Leh, on the Kargil high-way (towards magnetic hills) this is a must visit Gurudwara to feed your spiritual soul. And yes, don’t forget to eat the bhandara it’s a divine experience.
- Diskit Monastery:
This is one of the most peaceful places you’ll ever visit. There is a huge Buddha statue facing down the Shyok River which is no less than a treat for eyes and without any doubt, one of the best places to visit in Leh.
Oh my! Writing this post has made me nostalgic. I’m feeling to flying back to Ladakh right now!
The pictures are stunning, Anamika! I feel that Ladakh is one of those places where it is impossible to take an ordinary photo.