• By: RIYANKA
• Feb 05, 2025
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Traveling to Ladakh in 2025? Here’s a Complete Travel Guide

“There’s no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this!”

These words kept echoing in my mind as the flight was about to touch down in Leh. For a moment, the view from the window made me forget all the woes of life, filling my heart with immense joy. Ladakh had been on my bucket list for years, and there were several times when I planned this trip, solo as well as with friends.

But things never seemed to work out!

And then, right after COVID, I decided to escape to the mountains for a while, and I couldn’t think of a better plan than living in the gorgeous ‘Land of High Passes.’

Located at an altitude of 3,524 meters (11,562 ft), Ladakh is indeed blessed with an incredible topography that comprises hilly terrains, high-altitude peaks, vast stretches of cold desert, pristine lakes, and lush green grasslands.

Here’s all you need to know about traveling to Ladakh

Things to explore in and around Leh

Needless to say, you’d need at least 3 to 4 days to explore all that’s there in and around Leh.

1. Shanti Stupa: Situated on a hilltop in Chanspa is this beautiful dome-shaped Chorten called Shanti Stupa. What makes this white structure a tourist attraction is the view it offers of the whole of Leh. The walls inside the Chorten have panels depicting the life of Lord Buddha. To add to that, the vibe of the place would make you want to stay for long.
2. Spituk Gompa: Located about 8 km from Leh, this is one of the most dazzling monasteries in India, housing 100 monks and a giant statue of Kali. That’s why you might find the local cab drivers referring to Spituk Gompa as ‘Kali Mandir.’ It is famous for its collection of Buddhist objects like ancient masks and numerous Thangka paintings.
3. Shey Palace: Shey Palace is an ancient monastery that once served as the summer capital of Ladakh but is mostly in ruins now. Located on top of a hillock, 9 km from Leh, it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding village bordered by snow-clad peaks. If you happen to be at Shey Palace during dusk, you’d be mesmerized to see the gorgeous shades of crimson and scarlet painting the sky!
4. Leh Market: It’s the Mall Road that you’d find in almost every hill station in India. The bustling part of the town, with souvenir stores and Tibetan shops selling antique items, new-age cafes alongside traditional Ladakhi restaurants – Leh Market comes to life at night. It’s the most crowded part of Leh, and no matter whether you like it or hate it, you surely won’t be able to ignore it!
5. Leh Palace: While roaming around the market, you’d spot this 9-storied palace turned into ruins! This 17th-century former royal palace is now converted into a museum. The highlight is the sweeping view of Leh and the surrounding Zanskar mountains from the rooftop.
6. Hall of Fame: Located approximately 4 km from the main city, this glorified museum was built in memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting for India in the Indo-Pak War.
7. Thiksey Monastery: Resembling the Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet, this is one of the most popular monasteries in Ladakh. Located about 20 km from Leh, Thiksey Monastery comprises a 12-story building complex and houses more than 500 monks. Thiksey has a large and precious collection of Buddhist books, journals, statues, scripts, stupas, swords, and Thangka paintings. The main highlight is the Maitreya Temple, which houses a 15-meter-high Maitreya Buddha statue.
8. Hemis Monastery: Located about 45 km from Leh, Hemis Monastery sits on a large rocky hill and houses a spectacular copper statue of Lord Buddha, along with stupas made of gold and silver, Thangkas (paintings on cotton or silk depicting Buddhist deities), and murals. This is also the place where the famous Hemis Festival takes place every year, in the month of June/July.
9. Stakna Monastery: Located on the left bank of the Indus River and perched on a hill, Stakna Monastery offers amazing views of the surrounding valley and houses numerous paintings, idols, and Buddhist scriptures. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the region, assumed to be founded during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal in 1580.
10. Stok Palace: Situated just 15 km away, Stok Palace is famously known as the summer home of the royal family of Ladakh. Established in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal, it is a striking example of the rich history and lifestyle of the royal family. It is also home to Stok Monastery and features beautiful gardens and a huge library. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel for visitors to experience royalty.
11. Magnetic Hill: Located about 30 km from Leh on the way to Kargil, this unique landscape is where vehicles defy the force of gravity and move uphill when parked at the marked location.
12. Chemrey Monastery: If you wish to explore a hidden gem, then head to this 400-year-old yet unexplored Buddhist monastery located approximately 40 km from Leh. It is known for housing a staggering statue of Padmasambhava (almost a storey high) and a collection of ancient scriptures with the text emboldened in gold letters with titles in silver.

Overnight trips from Leh that you can choose while traveling to Ladakh

While the above-mentioned ones are in closer proximity to the town, one can easily manage to do day trips to all those places. However, there are other unmissable areas in Ladakh, which require overnight trips.

1. Nubra Valley – Diskit – Turtuk – Pangong Lake (3 nights 4 days)

Crossing the Khardung La (one of the highest motorable roads in India at an elevation of 5602 metres), and driving along the winding mountain roads would lead you to Nubra Valley on the banks of the Shyok River- which is known to be a cold desert and home to the Bactrian Camels.

Drive further to Diskit, where you can explore the enchanting monastery built during the 14th century. Near the Diskit monastery, stands a 32-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha facing towards the Shyok River and it’s one of the most popular sites that one just can’t miss!

Travel to Turtuk, known to be the last village on the Indo-Pak border, and gaze at the stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Continue with your epic adventure and visit the Pangong Lake (popularized by the movie ‘3 Idiots’). Words would fall short of describing this gorgeous lake that starts in India and ends in China. A unique feature of the lake is that it does not remain blue throughout the year or even the day, rather it changes colors from azure to light blue to green and grey too!

Cost – It’ll cost you around 20,000 INR + Permit Charges to cover this entire circuit from Leh.

2. Tso Moriri – Tso Kiagar – Tso Kar (2 nights 3 days)

This is a lesser-known circuit, yet no less beautiful! And since not many tourists flock to these hidden gems of Ladakh, you’d probably enjoy the serenity of these places even more. Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude lake in India, at an altitude of 4,595m, and takes about 7 hours to reach from Leh.

On the way to Tso Moriri, you can stop by Tso Kiagar – situated in Rupshu valley and surrounded by the Changpa settlements. Tso Moriri (meaning ‘Mountain Lake’) is less popular than Pangong Lake, and it’s a perfect place of peace and tranquility flanked by mighty mountains. Spend your nights gazing at the star-studded sky, and you’ll definitely get to spot the Orion and the Milky Way.

Several birds can be spotted at Tso Moriri like the bare-headed goose, the great-crested grebe, the Brahmin duck, and the brown-headed gull – and thus, it’s a paradise for bird watchers! On the way from Tso Moriri to Leh, you can stop by another high-altitude saltwater lake, known as Tso Kar.

Cost – It’ll cost you around 16,000 INR + Permit Charges to cover this entire circuit from Leh.

3. Lamayuru & Alchi (1 night 2 days)

Known as ‘Moonland’, Lamayuru falls on the Leh-Kargil Highway and is known for its unique landscape which resembles that of the moon! It is immensely popular for housing the Lamayuru Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in Ladakh. Once you’ve explored this alluring village, drive further to Alchi – which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back to 900 years.

The monastery proudly bears the 11th – 12th Century Indo-Tibetan paintings done in bright green, gold, ochre, and azure shades. Spend a night at Alchi to discover the real Ladakhi village life and soak in the serenity of this place.

Cost – It’ll cost you around 8,500 INR + Permit Charges to cover this entire circuit from Leh.

Where to stay in Leh?

You’ll find all sorts of accommodation options in Leh, from affordable dorms in hostels to cozy guesthouses, pocket-friendly hotels, and luxurious properties.

• Hostels in Leh: Zostel Leh is definitely one of the best options, where you can find a bed in a dorm for just ₹499/night. Other options include Himalayan Bunker and goStops Hostel.
• Guesthouses/Homestays: If you’re looking for privacy and wish to stay away from the hustle and bustle, you can opt for a guesthouse/homestay with a local family. This would cost around ₹1,000/night, and you’d get to experience the Ladakhi lifestyle.
• Hotels & Resorts: If you have a higher budget, you can unwind in one of the high-end properties in Leh. The cost would be around ₹3,000–4,500/night.

Where to eat in Leh?

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Leh! From freshly baked pizzas to mutton momos, and authentic Kashmiri Wazwan to Thenthuk & Shyapta—you’ll find it all here.

Some of the best eateries in Leh:

Chimath Tibetan Restaurant – You’d find the best Mothuk (Momo-Thukpa) and Mutton soup at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant, located in the main Leh market.

Naas Cafe – An Insta-worthy cafe with a diverse menu, this newly opened place serves mouthwatering burgers, noodles, and chili chicken along with freshly brewed coffee and a variety of smoothies and shakes.

Kashmiri Wazwan – If you’re craving some Yakhni Mutton, Gushtaba, or Rogan Josh along with Kashmiri Pulau or Keema Naan, then this is the place for you!

Lamayuru Restaurant – Serving the best Yak cheese pizza, this has become one of the most popular restaurants amongst tourists and locals. You’d also find Israeli cuisine here, along with Chinese, North Indian, and Tibetan delicacies.

Lehvenda Café – Lehvenda Café has everything that you look for in a café: a great ambiance, good music, mouth-watering food, and coffee. Offering a perfect view of the Leh market, this is a place where you can sit for hours!

The Tibetan Kitchen – Situated in the heart of Leh town, The Tibetan Kitchen is one of the best restaurants to try local cuisines. The ambiance and the outdoor seating arrangements make the whole experience of eating more enjoyable. The restaurant offers Tibetan, Chinese, Thai, Continental, and Indian cuisine. While all the food on the menu is scrumptious, go for Tibetan food and you’ll surely be drooling for more!

Plan a workation in Leh while traveling to Ladakh

All hostels/hotels/guesthouses have moderate to high-speed internet, so you can carry on with your work pretty smoothly. Needless to say, you’d get to work with amazing views surrounding you on all sides.

There are several cafes in the market, like Brazil Cafe, Coffee Cave, Naas Cafe, and Lehvenda, where you’d find high-speed internet. Get yourself a cup of freshly brewed coffee (or maybe an aromatic cup of Kahwa) and get going with your work!

Postpaid connections work perfectly in the town, but you’d surely struggle to find connectivity while traveling around places.

If you are fine to embrace slow and responsible travel in Ladakh, and wish to stay longer in Leh, you can easily work on the weekdays (step out to explore nearby places in the evenings) and plan your trips over the weekend. Leh is a good option to consider for a workation.

How to reach Ladakh?

By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is well connected to all cities in India, and you can take a flight to reach here. Currently, not many direct flights are available, but you can easily get a connecting flight, with a halt in Delhi or Sri Nagar.

By road: You can fly to Sri Nagar and drive to Leh via Zozi La, Drass & Kargil. Alternatively, you can also opt for a ‘road trip of a lifetime’ and drive to Leh from Manali, via Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Sarchu. It’s known to be one of the most scenic routes in the country.

If you’ve been planning to travel to Leh or have any questions/doubts about traveling to Ladakh, drop a comment below. And in case you’ve already visited this gorgeous land, please do share your experience with me 🙂