Best Things To Do In Ladakh: Ladakh is renowned for its bizarre culture and breathtaking landscapes. The blanket of snow covering the mountains creates a scenic frame, cold deserts, and massive glaciers outline the terrain of the region.
And there are some awe-inspiring lakes and rivers that attract the eyes of the visitors and offer abundant opportunities for rafting.
Apart from river rafting and touring the beautiful places in this region, there are many things to do in Ladakh that you can‘t forget easily. These tourist attractions and activities ensure an enjoyable and exciting journey to Ladakh.
1. See Chhams performed by Llamas
One of the best things in Ladakh is glancing at the Llamas perform the colorful Chhams. If you haven’t felt the soul and true attraction of Ladakh if you haven’t seen the dance drama flaunting colorful clothes and intimidating masks. Enjoy attending the Hemis Festival or Ladakh Festival to get mesmerized by the vibrant dances.
2. Spot a Snow Leopard
There’s a heart-stopping feeling to witness a Snow Leopard in only a few places in the entire world. See the beautiful animal on the snow leopard trek in one of the popular Ladakh attractions – the Hemis National Park is a shelter roof for more than 200 snow leopards which can be seen during Winters only.
3. A safari on the Bactrian Camels at Hunder
An adventuresome ride on the double-humped Bactrian Camels at the sand dunes of Hunder seeks number three place on the list of best things to do in Ladakh for its terrain along the picturesque Shyok and Nubra River. It’s an integral part of the caravans that used to travel on the ancient trade route.
4. Had Maggi at the Highest Cafeteria in the world
One of the best things to do in Ladakh is to reach the Maggi point, the highest cafeteria in the world. You might have eaten the noodle everywhere or anywhere, but you have absolutely not enjoyed it till you taste the 2-minute noodle glancing at the Himalayan ranges at Khardung La Pass, one of the highest accessible passes in the world.
5. Try Out Yak Cheese and the Yak Cheese Momos
The wish-granting Yak offers the nomads milk, butter, and meat for the table and in certainly no other part of the country, you’ll be getting the chance to try out cheese made from the milk of Yak.
Also called Chhurpi, try this awesome dish in its local form or as the delicious Yak cheese momos.
This surely has to be on your list of the best things to do in Ladakh.
Also Read: Leh-Ladakh, Chadar Trek Is Definitely A Walk You Will Remember For All Your Life
6. Hung out with the monks
It is fun to join tourists and locals on your journey, but nothing more than the magical ambiance of these Buddhist monks in the valleys of Ladakh. Hung on a monk strolling through a monastery and be prepared to interact with him on his intelligent, divine experiences.
7. Attended an early morning prayer at a Monastery
Not only visit the popular Ladakh attractions but scan the beautiful Buddhist monasteries, instead stay overnight at the one! Your stay the Hemis monastery overnight enables you to see the beautiful early morning prayers, an altogether different rejuvenating experience.
8. Driven along the never-ending adventurous roads
Also Read: 8 Unusual Winter Road Trips In India If Thriller Is Your Type
For all the adrenaline junkies, a bike ride on the narrow & rocky terrains definitely marks its place on the map of most adventurous things to do in Ladakh.
Your trip will still be vacant until you have driven the serene, lonely but beautiful roads on a motorbike with nothing but in the presence of silent clouds above, and the mountains talking about their beauty to the solo you!
And if you really want it all alone, let your spirit drive towards Khardung-La pass, mounting at a height of 5,602 m, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
9. Enjoy the hot butter tea & the local brew Chang with a local!
It’s possible that you might have had tea at every corner in the country, but in double inverted commas, if you’re in Ladakh, you have to try out the local Butter tea and if you’re here for a good time then try out Chang, the local brew made in a cylindrical porcelain pot by fermenting miller. Mouth is watering? Why not!
10. Stayed with a local family in Ladakh
Instead of relaxing in the hotels, why not experience life in the mountains? Yes, it’s a damn good idea! Get the aroma of the local culture as you stay with a native Ladakhi family. Celebrate over the Ladakhi cuisine prepared right at home for an unmatched experience.
11. The luxurious Pashmina
See how one of the most expensive handlooms in the world – Pashmina is shaped. You can bargain over prices in your city, but it is one of those places where you can actually see the magic working. Additional points if you can get a Pashmina Goat to pet. You’ll definitely wish to take one home.
Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh (Month-Wise)-
- April To Mid-May
- Mid May to July
- August to Mid-September
- Mid-September to Mid-October
- Mid October to Mid-November
- Mid-November to March
How To Reach:
- Air: The closest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. The airport is well-connected with many international airports in India like Delhi. Also, it receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh and other common and popular destinations in India.
Note* It’s important to have all your documents ready before you enter Ladakh via the airport. It will be better to have a hard copy of your e-ticket. - Bus: From Srinagar and Manali, there are government and private buses. If you’re opting Srinagar, pass through Zoji La Pass to reach Ladakh and you will be going through Rohtang Pass to reach Ladakh from Manali. For bus entries, the Srinagar path is open from June to October. The Manali route is open for bus routes from June to September.
If you plan to hire a bus from New Delhi then it would take a minimum of 4 days to reach Ladakh. - Rail: Tawi is the nearest railway station in Ladakh, located at 700 Km away from Ladakh. Other closest railway stations include Chandigarh and Pathankot. At least three days are required to reach from the railway station to Ladakh.
- Bike: If planning to go via road, then May and mid-October is the best time. During this time, mostly the roads in Ladakh are open and are in prime condition. If you prefer bike then there are two routes – From Delhi, one is the Manali route and the other one is the Srinagar route. On your way to Ladakh, you can halt at popular tourist destinations like Sarchu, Shargol, Drass or Kargil.
- Hire Taxi/Car: Hiring a taxi or car cost around 15,000 to 21,000. The cost depends upon the destination from where you hire a taxi.