Best Places To Visit And Things To Do in Leh.

Places to Visit in Leh

Leh is the epitome of scenic beauty. Once you are here, there’s no other place on earth (at least in India) which could be compared to the bliss one can experience in Leh. Topographically Leh is covered with three parallel ranges of the Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh and the Karakoram. And to add icing to the cake, 3 rivers, the Shyok, the Indus and the Zanskar flow between these ranges. 

Extensively jagged with colourful fluttering flags, dramatic mountains and unforgettable landscapes, Leh is a treat to one’s eyes.

So, do you wanna splash out, soothe your soul, ease up your mind, drink the wild beauty, envisage yourself in the enchanting valley or have some time rambling alone or even with your quad? Then here’s the list of places to visit in Leh. Enjoy the mesmerizing view from the top of the Khardungla Pass, defy the gravity at the magnetic hill, feel the peace at Shanti Stupa, try to breathe out at the Dras Valley, pray for the war heroes at Kargil, and do many more such amazing things wandering at the hypnotizing sites in Leh, Ladakh.

The enticing landscape shouts hard at you to have a magical voyage, thereby compelling you to experience some of the best things to do in Leh. Be it the camping in the lap of Himalayas, or experiencing an adrenaline rush with some trekking, or going on a jeep safari with your gang, or feeling the uneven terrain while on a Caravan or having a mind-boggling river rafting experience or even as simple as cycling (try it out and rate the difficulty level yourself). Whatever activity you choose, it’s definitely gonna leave you captivated for your entire life. 

Not only adventure sports, Leh is filled with zest even if you do nothing, but just sit at one place and enjoy the calmness of the river flowing or the birds chirping. One can have the best days of their life on a trip to Leh.

So you had enough of reading, now we’ll not let you keep waiting. Here the list of all the amazing things that could be a part of your next trip to Leh.

Pangong Tso Lake:

In Ladakh, you never know what surprise nature has in store for you. Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its waters, which seem to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China.

Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Pangong Lake is also known to change colors, appearing blue, green and red at different times. If you have decided to go on a trip to Ladakh anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Pangong Lake. The beauty which awaits you there cannot be described in words. It has to be seen, felt and absorbed within yourself.

MAGNETIC HILL:

Magnetic Hill famously known as the “Gravity Hill”, located near Leh in Ladakh gives you an experience of a lifetime. The hill discombobulates with its optical illusion, hence making you question the very existence of gravity. 
There are different notions as to why it is called the Magnetic Hill or the Gravity Hill. Some believe that the magnetic force in the area is so strong that it can pull cars uphill. In fact, Border Roads Organization (BRO) has even made boxes with paints on the roads to actually make the visitors feel the magic. 

While others believe that there once lied a pathway that led to the heaven. Whatever the notion may be, the magnetic hill is worth a visit if you’re in Leh.

Theories about Magnetic Hill

There are various theories regarding the unique phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, each of which seeks to explain its gravity-defying phenomenon in one way or the other. Let us have a look at some of these popular theories surrounding Magnetic Hill.

The magnetic force theory: The magnetic force theory is also the most widely accepted theory and finds an acceptance among the people. According to this theory, the hill emits a great amount of magnetic energy, thereby pulling vehicles that are within its range towards it. In fact, it’s not just Indians who have had this unusual experience. Travelers from all around the world have testified to having felt an invisible pull from the hill.

Nubra Valley:

Trekking on the rocky, colossal trails of this valley is a truly exciting experience as it is situated near the banks of the pure Nubra river. Nubra Valley is also famous for its camp around, get lost in the majestic beauty of Nubra valley.

The valley is named as “the valley of flowers” and it has some of the most beautiful, vibrant and colourful flowers set amidst lush green landscape. This place is popular because of its serene and tranquil ambience.

Tso Kar Lake:

There is another must-see attraction in Leh Ladakh tour and that is the Tso Kar Lake. Also called ‘White Lake' is one of the three high height saltwater lakes in Ladakh. The Tso-Kar Lake is known as 'White Lake' on the grounds that the white salt of the water stores everywhere throughout the lake shores. Tso-Kar Lake is the littlest lake among the three vital lakes in Ladakh. 

The Tso-Kar lake is extremely well known with bird watchers. The range encompassing Tso-Kar lake is rich with wildlife and birds. Be that as it may, the principle fascination among the birds' life at Tso Kar is dark necked cranes. The dark necked cranes, known for their devotion, come to Tso Kar to lay eggs.

At the south-west end, the Tso Kar is connected to a Startsapuk Tso through an inlet stream. Both these lakes make More Plains pool of 9 sq km, which is overshadowed by tow mountain peaks namely Gursan (6370 m) and Thugje (6050 m). A couple of years ago, Tso Kar was one major source of salt which was then exported by Changpa nomads to Tibet. At a distance of 3 km towards the north, there is a nomadic settlement of Thugje. The tourists can also find accommodation in the tented camp on the lake’s west bank.

HEMIS MONASTERY:

Yet another remarkable contribution of King Sengge Namgyal is obviously seen on the architecture of Hemis Monastery which was reconstructed by Sengge, an esteemed site visible during a Leh Ladakh road trip. The hillocks around and the greenery make it hidden once again despite being hidden in a gorge already. 45 KM is the distance between Hemis and Leh, easily accessible by any vehicle. 

An adorable interior decorated by numerous gold statues and stupas enhanced by the precious yet rare stones. The venerated Lord Padmasambhava has a significant role to play with the monastery; the annual festival dedicated to him. It falls on the month of May or June. This 11th century born (approximately) monastery has gone through multiple destructions and conquests.