The Ultimate Leh Ladakh Travel Guide – Explore the Unforgettable Land of High Passes!

Whether you are a solo traveler or you are the one who loves to travel with their flock of peers, every one of us has a list of must-visit places in our lifetime and Ladakh is that one place! Located in the North-Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir and bounded by the Great Himalayas on one side and the Karakoram range on the other, Ladakh is widely known for its awe-inspiring landscape and unique culture. Despite its lack of modern infrastructure, luxurious hotel facilities and with the most treacherous roads in the world, Ladakh tour packages are some of the best-selling holiday packages in India.

Ladakh evokes the visions of some Martian landscape. With towering mountains, ancient Tibetan monasteries, shimmering lakes, welcoming locals and elusive wildlife, Ladakh remains on the top of the bucket list of many adventure seekers. Very few places have a charm like Ladakh since this region of Jammu and Kashmir since its geography lead to some awe-inspiring scenes. The thrill of crossing high-altitude passes on a bike, the joy of seeing surreal lakes like Pangong, the panoramic views from monasteries perched on a hill, and the taste of local cuisine doesn’t fade quickly after spending a holiday in Ladakh. It’s a destination that attracts nature lovers, adventurers, honeymooners and families alike. So, book the best Ladakh trip package to enjoy all the things ranging from monasteries to wildlife.

The second largest district of the country, the cold desert of Leh is well-connected to major cities of India via different ways of transport - air, rail, and road. As a result, you can book Leh Ladakh package from India, depending on your current location. Leh tour packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata offer travelers a chance to explore the stark yet beautiful landscape of one of the most beautiful places in India. 15 Places to Explore in Leh Ladakh with Ladakh Tour Packages An ideal tour package for Ladakh comprises a visit to Leh, Pangong Tso, and Nubra Valley. Tourists can also opt for offbeat holiday packages to Leh-Ladakh and explore the mountain desert’s hidden destinations like the Turtuk Village, Chuchot, and Tsomoriri. Listed below are some of the most frequented tourist attractions which you must include in your Ladakh tour.

1. Nubra Valley

Elevation - 10,000 ft. Famous For - Monasteries, Culture, Views Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport Average price for hotel* - INR 3200 for a 3 star hotel Best Time To Visit - April to June and September to October Ideal duration - 2 Days Packages Starting from* - INR 16000 Major Attractions - Panamik Village, Yarab Tso, Maitreya Buddh, Travellers Review - Rated 4.1/5 (based on 3925 reviews) Nubra Valley is one of the most enthralling places to visit in Ladakh region. The place used to serve as a trading route between Tibet and Turkistan via Karakoram Pass. There are various Buddhist monasteries here which are worth a visit. The picturesque scenery of the rugged mountains and steep valleys that one gets to view from here is just worthy to be captured in your cameras.

2. Kargil

Elevation - 2676 m Famous For - History, Architecture, Food Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Srinagar Airport Best Time To Visit - May to September Ideal duration - 2 Days Packages Starting from - INR 26099 Major Attractions - Mulbekh Monastery, Suru Basin, Lamayuru Monastery, Drass War Memorial Travellers Review - rated 4.2/5 (based on 36 reviews) Many of us know Kargil as the war place of the famous Kargil War but Kargil is beyond the history in terms of natural beauty and a number of experience it offers to its tourists. From shopping to food and from sightseeing to the warm hospitality given by the local people, everything about Kargil is blissful. The influence of both Tibetan and Islamic culture can be seen here in the architecture as well as food.

3. Leh Palace

Elevation - 17582 Famous For - Architecture, Culture Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport Best Time To Visit - April to June Ideal duration - 1 to 2 Hours Major Attractions - Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Victory Peak, Chandazik Gompa The Leh Palace was constructed by the rulers of the Namgyal Dynasty and was completed in the 17th century. The palace is a nine-storey building which looks amazing and beautiful amidst the high mountain ranges of the Leh region. The architecture of the palace has been inspired from the Tibetan style and looks intricate and beautiful. But the palace is now in ruins and major efforts are being taken for its restoration.

4. Chang la Pass

Elevation - 5360 m Famous For - Natural Beauty, Pangong Lake Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport Best Time To Visit - April to June Ideal duration - 8 Days Major Attractions - Changla Baba Temple, Hemis Gompa, Pangong Lake, Changthang Plateau Chang La is one of the most picturesque and third highest motorable mountain passes in the entire world. The difficulty level and also the beauty of the pass is unmatched. For all the adventure lovers, this is the place that they should definitely come to for some thrilling and adventurous journey. The views from here are just spectacular and mind-boggling. Great driving skills are required to cross the pass due to a large number of streams flowing on the road and extremely high temperatures.

5. Baralacha la Pass

Elevation - 4890 m Famous For - Adventure, Views Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Bhuntar Airport Best Time To Visit - April to October Ideal duration - 7 Days Major Nearby Attractions - Rohtang La, Nehru Kund, Urgos Lake Baralacha Pass is one of the highest passes in Ladakh region and one needs to cross this pass when traveling to Ladakh via Leh-Manali highway. The snow covered mountains and the hard road conditions makes it a difficult pass at the same time. The pass is only open during the summer season as in winters heavy snowfall takes place due to which the pass remains closed.

6. Zojila Pass

Elevation - 3528 m Famous For - Adventure, Views Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport Best Time To Visit - April to September Ideal duration - 5 Days The pass connects Ladakh with Kashmir and is one of the most beautiful passes in the region. Zojila Pass offers stunning views of the scenery around and that is why most people come here to capture these amazing views and also to ride on this road for some thrill and adventure.

7. Khardung La Pass

Elevation - 5359 m Famous For - Views, Photography, Adventure Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Leh International Airport Best Time To Visit - April to June and September to October Ideal duration - 7 Days Major Attractions - Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Sankar Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa Khardung La Pass is considered the highest motorable pass in the world as per Guiness Book of World Records. The pass offers astonishing views of the valleys and the mountain ranges around. Khardung La Pass is also one of the most dangerous passes in the world, hence a proper driving skills and physical health is required to visit the pass. It also serves as the link between India and Siachen glacier for the supply of goods and services.

8. Pangong Lake

Elevation - 4250 m Famous For - Landscape, Color changing phenomenon Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport Best Time To Visit - May to September Ideal duration - 2 Hours Major Nearby Attractions - Khardung La Pass, Spangmik Village, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery The stunning views of the different shades of mountains in the backdrop and crystal clear waters of Pangong Lake not only makes it a tourist attraction but also a famous spot for film and song shootings. And what’s eccentric about this lake is that it changes color from shades of green, blue to grey. You will get unlimited Instagram-worthy photos at this spot.

9. Drass War Memorial

Elevation - 11500 ft Famous For - Gallery, Location Best Time To Visit - November to February Ideal duration - 1 to 1.5 Hours Major Attractions - Ningoor Masjid, Mushko Valley Drass War Memorial is a great place to show your homage to the brave martyrs who keep us protected. The memorial has been built in honor of those who died during the war while saving the country and also guarding the borders. Inside the memorial, the gallery represents various photos of the war time and also those who got martyred. 10. Sankar Monastery Famous For - Location, Architecture Nearest Airport and Railway Station - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport Best Time To Visit - March to October Ideal duration - 1 to 2 Hours Sankar Monastery or Gompa is a religious site where you will experience Buddhist culture. Around 20 monks are always in the monastery who come here to learn about the Buddhist culture and traditions. You will also be able to capture the views of Namgyal Tsemo Hills from this point.

11. Wanla Gompa

Elevation - 3260 m Famous For - Culture, Paintings Best Time To Visit - April to June Ideal duration - 1 to 1.5 Hours Major Attractions - Moonland, Lamayuru Monastery, Uleytokpo Wanla Gompa or monastery is a historical place which was built around 1000 AD. The place is famous for its 11 headed image of Mahakaruna. There are various paintings related to Buddhist culture inside the monastery.

12. Chadar Trek

Elevation - 11,123 ft. Famous For - Frozen Lake Trek, Views, Photography Best Time To Visit - January to February Ideal duration - 6 Days Chadar Trek is one of the most famous treks in India and also one of the most difficult one. The Chadar Trek requires you to cross the frozen Zanskar River, hence it is also known as Frozen River trek. The amazing scenery compiled of snow-capped mountains on one side and the frozen Zanskar River on the other will fascinate you and will make you spellbound.

13. Zanskar Valley

Elevation: 7,756 meters Famous For: Breathtaking views, snow-capped mountains, serene and pleasant climate Nearest Airport and Railway Station: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and Jammu Tawi Railway Station Average price for hotel: INR 3,953 Best Time To Visit: July to September Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days Major Attractions: Nimu, Drang Drung Glacier, Phuktal Monastery, Zangla, Zongkhul, Stongdey Monastery, panikhar, Zanskar Valley is located in the eastern part of Ladakh and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. It is one of the most magical and enchanting places to visit in Ladakh. The valley is famous for its snow-capped mountains and lush green surroundings. The valley is home to a serene and tranquil atmosphere, one can visit it and rejuvenate and revive in such a peaceful environment.

14. Magnetic Hill

Elevation: 14,000 feet Famous For: Strong magnetic force, beautiful views, peaceful surroundings Nearest Airport and Railway Station: Leh International Airport and Jammu Tawi Railway Station Best Time To Visit: May to October Ideal duration: 1 to 2 hours Major Attractions: Pangong Tso lake, Khardung-la pass, Zanskar river confluence, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Nubra Valley, Spituk Gompa, Hemis National Park, and Hemis Monastery. Magnetic Hill is located in Ladakh and is one of the top-rated tourist attractions. The place is blessed with natural settings with breathtaking views. The hill is blessed with magnetic powers and gives people strange experiences. The mesmerizing beauty attracts a lot of visitors across the country

15. Moonland

Elevation: 7,742 meters Famous For: Meditation hill, serene and tranquil surroundings Nearest Airport and Railway Station: Leh International Airport and Jammu Tawi Railway Station Best Time To Visit: May to September Ideal duration: 1 to 2 hours Major Attractions: Lamayuru Monastery, Uleytokpo, Wanla Gompa Moonland is a unique landscape, located on the Leh-Kargil road. The place resembles the moon, hence the name Moonland. The area becomes truly magical on a full-moonlight, visit this remarkable place on your trip to Leh-Ladakh. With Leh Ladakh holiday packages, visit these astounding places. Which Season To Pick For A Perfect Ladakh Trip? It is important to explore a place at its best time so as to enjoy the trip to its fullest. Here is a detailed account of weather in Leh and Ladakh during different seasons. Go through it before booking Ladakh packages so as to enjoy the place to the fullest

April to Mid-May In April, the place starts to receive tourists from all over India as well as the world. Marking as the beginning of the tourist season, restaurants, hotels and guest houses start to welcome travelers. They also offer heavy discounts so as to attract more customers to their abode. Moreover, many agents might give best deals on Ladakh travel packages at this period. By late April, the Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri Lakes start to melt, uncovering the turquoise color and beguiling views. However, Both Chang La and Khardung La passes remain covered with snow owing to which they are inaccessible during these months.

Mid-May to July The Srinagar-Leh highway opens up during this time, thereby giving route to the road travelers. Moreover, in early June, one can travel from Rohtang Pass too. However, due to rapid melting of snow, the roads remain wet and slippery but the sides are covered with snow and this path gives once in a lifetime views to the travelers.

August to Mid-September During the monsoon season, the rivers are full of fresh water and the weather is cold. However, it is risky to travel at this time due to landslides and slippery roads. But the Zoji La Pass and Barachala Pass are rain shadow areas which receive less rainfall, thereby making Ladakh accessible.

Mid-September to Mid-October The whole place is imbued with beautiful colors at this point of time. During this time, the levels of water recede too and the weather is dry with occasional snowfall bringing a bit of chill. Additionally, the roads are in better condition after maintenance due to rainfall. Another fantastic advantage while travelling at this time is that you get to witness the Ladakh Festival.

Mid-October to Mid-November By this time, the place is completely in sub-zero temperatures all the locations above 14,000 ft. The tourists tend to leave the place by this time and restaurants get closed, thereby abandoning the place till winters.

Mid-November to March During the winter season, Ladakh gets cut-off from the rest of the parts of India. Nonetheless, roads through Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso are kept open in winters also. The temperature dips further with each passing day. Some tourists come for the famous Chadar trek in February and March.

Ways To Reach Leh-Ladakh The geographical location of Ladakh makes it an ideal destination for anyone who is looking for an adventurous trip. The way towards Ladakh is scenic as the mountains are bestowed with snow along with turquoise blue waters and frozen lakes. There are various ways to reach this beautiful destination according to your own convenience.

By Air One of the easiest ways to is by air. Yes! The nearest airport is located in Leh, that is, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. This airport is well-connected with almost all the states in India. Moreover, there are daily flights available from Delhi. As it is a military terminal, checking over there is a bit strict and according to the regulations. Hence, it is advised to keep handy all your documents required while checking. You can book a taxi for covering the destination left which will be easily accessible outside the airport. Do not forget to do your flight bookings according to the Ladakh tourism packages that you will be booking with your agent.

By Bike Many tourists and travel enthusiasts plan a bike trip to Ladakh to enjoy the serene beauty of the place and make the most of Ladakh tour. It is considered as one of the world Moreover, KhardungLa is the highest motorable road of the world, therefore, bikers go on long expeditions to this place. Journey to this mountain pass is as beautiful as it is challenging. Therefore, it is suggested that you keep yourself equipped with all the necessary arrangements. On availing Ladakh cheap packages, You can cover the distance via two routes:

  • Leh-Srinagar Highway: The total distance from Srinagar to Leh is 434 kms. This route gives you some spellbinding views of the mountains while covering Sonmarg, Kargil, Mulbek, Zozi La, Drass, Saspol and Lamayaru. Moreover, if you wish to take your Ladakh trip plan to another level, a road trip through Leh-Srinagar Highway is always the best way to reach Ladakh. The reason being the highway treats you with awe-gasping vistas of diverse landscape of Kargil and various mountain passes.

  • Leh-Manali Highway: Covering around 490 kms, this route lets you through different passes like Rohtang, Kokshar, Darcha, Gramphu, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Tanglang La, Gata Loops, Gya and Karu. Leh-Manali Highway leads a challenging journey due to many high altitude road routes and hairpin bends. However, it is also equally beautiful.

It is important to choose the right bike to cover the uneven path without any mishappenings. Therefore, tourists generally opt for Royal Enfield, Bajaj Avenger, Hero Impulse and other heavy-duty bikes. The cost and documents vary for different providers. , therefore, it is always recommended that you ask for quotations of Ladakh trip packages with price.

By Jeep If you are traveling in groups with family or friends and if you love road trips, then this your option. You can go there by car, jeep or hire a taxi. Moreover, traveling by road is way more cheaper than traveling by air but it is time consuming. You can reach Ladakh via Srinagar, Manali and Chandigarh, depending upon your location in India. However, the highways are closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. The road trip takes you through the passes like Zoji La Pass and Tanglang La Pass.

By Bus Bus rides to Ladakh are usually bumpy due to uneven roads at some points. There are two routes which lead to Ladakh, one from Manali via Rohtang Pass (opens from June to September) and another from Srinagar via Zoji La Pass (opens from June to October). Interested peeps can book a bus ticket from Delhi as direct bus services begin from there.

By Train The closest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi which is 700 kms away from Ladakh. The station is well-connected with Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Other railway stations are Chandigarh and Pathankot, however, they are quite far from the destination and thus are advised not to opt for.

You can enjoy outdoor thrills in Nubra Valley, swimming and camping at Pangong Lake, and click selfies at Khardung La Pass on Ladakh holidays. Make your getaway to Ladakh special by availing the best itineraries by TravelTriangle. Go through our list of all-inclusive Ladakh vacation packages mentioned below and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Leh Ladakh.