Top 10 Things To Do In Leh Ladakh

With its stunning peaks, raw pathways, severe elevations, delicious cuisines, and exceptional viewpoints, Leh Ladakh has certainly become one of the greatest places for an adventurous vacation.

Ladakh, as the name implies, is a place of high mountain passes. You can enjoy a lot of things to do in Leh Ladakh, here are the top 10 things to do in Leh Ladakh on your next trip. Have a look

1. Serene Pangong Lake

Immerse yourself in the blue brilliance of Pangong Lake, which is perfect to soothe your tired eyes. The architectural grandeur of the small monasteries along the sides, the fresh air, and the symphonic prayers, all contribute to the sanctity of the region. Visiting Pangong Lake is a top thing to do in Leh Ladakh.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Best time to visit: May to September

Things to Do Here

• Camping
• Watching various birds
• Soaking up the stunning view

Insider’s Tip

• For camping always choose lake-side camps
• Must visit Tangtse Gompa, a little monastery on the route to the lake
• To avoid altitude sickness, it is preferable to acclimatize in Leh for a few days before driving to Pangong Tso.

2. Biking at Khardung La Pass

Khardung La, a place that is listed on every traveler's bucket list, and it has well-deserved its status as one of the world's highest motorable highways. It is located on a picturesque highway in Ladakh that serves as the entryway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys, at an elevation of 18380 feet, famous for biking trips. For all those adventure seekers, biking through the raw routes is one of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Best time to visit: April to June and September to October

Things to do here

• Witness the snow-clad mountains
• Feel the fresh air of the valley
• Capture some lovely pictures

Insider’s Tip

• It consists of 20 rupee entry charges
• Pass gets closed from July to August and November to February
• Don’t forget to carry the proper amount of drinking water

3. Leh Market

The major bazaar and tourist center in the heart of Leh town is the epicenter of all activity. It contains everything you would need, including souvenir shops, hiking equipment stores, travel agencies, cafés, supermarkets, banks, and a government-run tourist information office. While in Leh, don’t miss shopping here, which is a top thing to do in Leh Ladakh.

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Best time to visit: May to September

Things to do here

• Shop for lovely souvenirs
• Get authentic woolen clothes
• Try local cuisines

Insider’s Tip

• Visit earlier to avoid huge rush in the evening
• Show up your bargain skills for the best price
• Taste the tasty evening snacks

4. Watch Sunset at Shanti Stupa

The massive white-domed Shanti Stupa, a remarkable example of Buddhist architecture, overlooks the picturesque city of Leh from a mountaintop and is only a 15-minute walk from Changspa. Witnessing the sunset here is truly a magical moment and the top things to do in Leh Ladakh.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Best time to Visit: 5 to 6 PM

Things to do here

• Witnessing sunset
• Admiring the silent surroundings
• Explore the Buddhist culture

Insider’s Tip

• Be quick so you won’t miss the sunset
• Take a glance at the artistic works

5. Chadar Trek

Walking down the frozen river of Zanskar is the ultimate adventure for any traveler. Don’t miss the popular trek, "Chadar Trek" the ice sheet, which was the only path in and out for Zanskar in winter when all other ways are closed owing to heavy snowfall at high passes. For generations, it has served as a trading route for the Zanskari people.

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

Best time to Visit: January to March

Things To do Here

• Hike through the scenic surroundings
• Visit frozen river, Zanskar

Insider’s Tip

• Take proper hiking shoes
• Carry water bottle
• Get trekking poles

6. Yak Cheese Momos

While in Ladakh, don’t miss out on trying popular Yak Cheese momos. Leh Ladakh's cuisine combines Indian and Tibetan influences. Unlike other momos, this receives popularity for Yak cheese in the stuffing and garnishing. No doubt tasting Yak cheese momos is one of the top things to do in Leh Ladakh.

Insider’s Tip

• Try out in the evening
• You can get the best in the local leh market

7. Night camping

No luxurious apartment can beat sleeping under the sky, gazing at the stars, and inhaling fresh air. Along with a fantastic stay in the mountains, camping in Leh Ladakh is one of the top things to do to enrich your vacation.

Duration: Overnight

Best time to visit: May to October

Things To do Here

• Star gazing
• Soak up the warmth of Bonfire
• Dance with the musical beats

Insider’s Tip

• Carry water bottles
• Take lots of snacks and beverages
• A good quality sleeping bag

7. Visit Diskit Gompa Monastery

The Diskit Monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, is the largest and oldest surviving monastery in Nubra Valley. Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the founder of Ladakh's Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism, established the Gompa in the 14th century. The monastery stands tall on a hilltop above the Shayok River and is associated with the well-known Thiksey Monastery, a top things to do in Leh Ladakh.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Best time to Visit: 7 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7pm

Things To do Here

• You can visit the Lachung temple
• Walk through Diskit village
• Soak up the silence in the surroundings

Insider’s Tip

• Take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall
• Don’t disturb people at prayer
• Take permission before clicking pictures

8. Hemis Festival

The festival is hosted in the huge courtyard of Hemis Gompa, Ladakh's largest monastery, and lasts two days. It includes dances, music, and performances. Devotees and visitors from all over the world converge to see the event, where the earth reverberates with drum beats, cymbal clashes, and rhythmic ringing of bells. No doubt Hemis festival is one of the top things to do in Leh Ladakh

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Best time to Visit: February to July

Things To do Here

• You can visit the Lachung temple
• Walk through Diskit village
• Soak up the silence in the surroundings

Insider’s Tip

• Take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall
• Don’t disturb people at prayer
• Take permission before clicking pictures

9. Camel Safari

A ride on the double-humped Camels in Ladakh is one of the top things to do in Leh Ladakh. At the sand dunes of Hunder is the best place where you can enjoy Camel ride in Leh Ladakh. This is an integral part of the caravans that used to travel on the ancient trade route.

Duration: 30 to 50 min

Best time to visit: June to Septemeber

10. Ladakhi Village Life

Land of high passes Ladakh has a distinct Village lifestyle that you need to experience at least once in your life. The houses in remote villages in Ladakh, are often built of sun-dried mud bricks that huddle together to offer warmth even in bone-breaking cold. Happiness and laughter spill in shared rooms with wood-fired stoves. This is the best things to do in Leh Ladakh, to people who love to observe different cultures and lifestyles.

Things to do here

• Experience the village lifestyle
• Immerse in the culture
• Get to know new perspectives

Immerse yourself in these top 10 things to do in Leh Ladakh and enjoy the local culture and lifestyle. Book our Ladakh Tour Packages to witness an unseen Ladakh.