Places to visit in Ladakh

High desert of passes, lakes and monasteries.

Capital LehPlaces in this guide 6

Places to see

Leh

High-altitude lake that changes colour through the day.

Best time: May–Sep

Leh

Sand dunes of Hunder and Bactrian camels beyond Khardung La.

Best time: May–Sep

Leh

Seventeenth-century royal palace overlooking Leh town.

Best time: May–Sep

Adventure

Leh

One of the highest motorable passes, on the road to Nubra.

Best time: May–Sep

Leh

Ancient monastery above the 'moonland' eroded landscape.

Best time: May–Sep

Kargil

Remote valley of monasteries, rivers and the frozen Chadar trek.

Best time: Jun–Sep

Thukpa, Skyu, Butter tea.

Pashmina.

Losar, Leh: Tibetan New Year; Ladakhi Losar is in Dec–Jan. New Year with monastery rituals, masked dances and feasts.
Hemis Festival, Hemis Monastery: Jun–Jul. Masked Cham dances honouring Guru Padmasambhava.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.