Leh
Leh is the capital of the union territory of Ladakh, situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) in the Indus River valley. It is a historic trading town dominated by the 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and the Shanti Stupa overlooking the city. Leh serves as the base for exploring the high-altitude deserts, mountain passes, and Buddhist monasteries of the region.
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is a high-altitude cold desert located northeast of Leh, accessible via the Khardung La pass. It is famous for its sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels, and the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers at Diskit. The valley is also home to Diskit Monastery, which features a towering 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha overlooking the landscape.
Pangong
Pangong Tso is a breathtaking endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters (14,270 feet), spanning from India to China. The lake is famous for its striking blue waters that change color throughout the day, and it gained international fame from the film “3 Idiots.” Only about one-third of the lake lies within Indian territory, accessible via Chang La pass from Leh.
Turtuk Valley
Turtuk Valley is a picturesque village in the Nubra region, located very close to the Line of Control and the Pakistan border. It was opened to tourists only after 2010 and is unique for its predominantly Balti Muslim culture and Shina language, distinct from the Tibetan Buddhist majority elsewhere in Ladakh. The valley offers apricot orchards, ancient stone houses, and stunning views of the Karakoram range.
Khardung La
Khardung La is a high mountain pass in the Ladakh range, historically claimed to be one of the world’s highest motorable roads at 5,359 meters (17,582 feet). It serves as the gateway from Leh to the Nubra and Shyok valleys. The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and is marked by prayer flags, a small café, and signboards celebrating its altitude.
Monasteries
Ladakh is renowned for its ancient Buddhist gompas (monasteries), many of which predate the 11th century. Prominent ones include Hemis Monastery (largest and wealthiest, known for its annual festival), Thiksey Monastery (resembling the Potala Palace, with a 15-meter Maitreya Buddha statue), and Diskit Monastery (oldest in Nubra). Others include Alchi (famous for its wall paintings), Lamayuru (moonland setting), and Stok Palace Museum.
Zankskar Valley
Zanskar Valley is a remote, high-altitude region in southern Ladakh, known for its dramatic gorges, frozen river trek (Chadar Trek), and deep Buddhist culture. The valley is cut by the Zanskar River, which merges with the Indus near Nimmu. Key attractions include the ancient Karsha Monastery, Zongkhul, and Stongdey monasteries, as well as the stunning Drang-Drung Glacier.
Ready to explore Ladakh