Top 6 Destination to Visit In Ladakh

1. Best place to visit in Nubra Valley

North of Leh, lies a valley that offers stupendous scenery with lush green villages. The Nubra valley is formed when the Shyok River meets the Nubra River to form a valley that separates the Ladakh and the Karakoram ranges. Thought to be one of the most cultivable lands in Ladakh, this valley is a treat to the senses with its beautiful apple orchids and various other organic treats.  Nubra Valley stands apart for its vast orchards, the scenic vistas, the Bactrian camels and the breathtaking monasteries. Nubra’s sand dunes lend the valley its intriguing uniqueness. Diskit, Hunder, Sumur, Panamik and Turtuk are the major attractions of this resplendent valley. This valley comes close to the utopian image of nature’s bounty and urges one to be awe struck by the surreal beauty that is present all around.

 2. Best place to visit in Shanti Stupa 

The Shanti Stupa is a white doomed Chorten situated on a hilltop in Chanspa. This Stupa was built by both the Japanese Buddhists and the Ladakh Buddists. The Stupa is considered a symbol of the ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh. The original idea was propagated by Nichidatsu Fuji who attempted to build Pagodas and temples all over the world and tried to resurrect Buddhism back in India. The Stupa is built as a two-level structure with a central golden Buddha image placed on a platform depicting the “turning wheel of Dharma”. The Shanti Stupa was built to advance prosperity and peace and more importantly to honour 2500 years of Buddhism. One not only experiences paramount religious peace and calm but also experiences panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

3. Best place to visit in Hall of Fame Museum

The Hall of Fame is a museum primarily dedicated to the heroic sacrifices of the Indian Army and their brave fight against terror and infiltration. It is also a narrative on the vibrant cultural heritage of Ladakh. Leh’s War Museum or The Hall Of Fame as it is known brings together the varied worlds that co-exist in Leh. The museum has a training activity ground that gives tourists the opportunity to experience first-hand the strict regime and training that the army officials must go through. The museum is thus not only a center for knowledge but also one where you get a true insight into a soldier’s life and learn about the various hardships that the Indian army has to face. You thus come out with a feeling of pride and admiration for these brave souls who risk their lives to save ours.

4.  Best place to visit in Spituk Monastery 

Established in the eleventh century, the Spituk Monastery is situated at a separation of 8 kms from the town of Leh. Roosted on a slope the religious community commandingly ignores the colossal Indus. The name "Spituk", which means excellent, an interpreter, Rincen Zangpo, said that a commendable religious group would create here, in this manner the name Spituk was decided for the cloister. The cloister has a fine gathering of stunning collectibles, for example, classical veils, thankas old fashioned arms and significantly more. The fundamental fascination here is without the uncertainty the picture of Lord Buddha and Amitayus which is about a finger high long. The yearly celebration, known as the Spituk Festival is held from the seventeenth to the nineteenth of the eleventh month. This religious community emerges for its dazzling antiques and design as well as the all encompassing scene all around that genuinely will blow your mind.

5. Best Places to visit in Namgyal tsemo Compa

Situated on a mountain top behind the Leh palace, the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery in Leh was founded in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal. With the plush countryside, the genty flowing Indus River and the snowcapped peaks of the Zanskar Range, the monastery offers a visual treat for all those who visit. The view from the monastery offers some of the most splendid and breath-taking views and is a favorite among the photographers. The highlight of this monastery is without doubt the three-storey high gold idol of Maitrieya Buddha, the ancient manuscripts and the frescoes. The Namgyal Tsemo Monastery also houses statues of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri, which are approximately one story high. The panoramic view from the monastery and the exquisite depiction of heritage through idols, manuscripts and wall paintings makes for the perfect amalgamation of nature’s splendid ways and mankind’s supremacy in craft.

6.  Best Places to visit in Leh Palace 

The Leh palace is a former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh. Bearing a passing similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured palace took shape under 17th-century king Sengge Namgyal. The palace has been abandoned since the time the Dogra forces took control of Ladakh. Today the very sturdy walls are largely unadorned but it’s a thrilling experience to meander your way through the labyrinth of dark corridors, hidden stairways and makeshift ladders to reach the rooftop for breath taking views of the city. Home to a rich collection of jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns, the palace also houses the Chinese thangka or sooth paintings which are more than 450 years old. These are a real treat to the eye with intricate designs and bright and pleasing colours derived from crushed and powdered gems and stones. A visit to this palace is akin to a walk down the roads of history where one finds oneself immersed in the powerful heritage of Leh.