Things to do in Ladakh
Discover the best attractions and experiences Ladakh has to offer
Historic Monuments
Ladakh’s history is threaded through forts and royal residences that offer panoramic views of the high-desert landscapes. These sites blend noble architecture with dramatic settings.
Leh Palace
A 17th-century royal residence overlooking Leh, now a ruin with sweeping mountain views.
Stok Palace
A former royal residence near Leh, now a museum with artifacts from Ladakh’s kingdom.
Spituk Fort
An ancient fortress at the mouth of the Indus valley offering excellent vistas and a glimpse of regional defense history.
Museums
Delve into Ladakh’s culture, archaeology, and wartime memory through a small but insightful set of museums.
Ladakh Tribal Museum
Showcases Ladakhi culture, handicrafts, and daily life through vivid displays.
Ladakh State Museum
A compact collection tracing the region’s history, art, and archaeology.
Hall of Fame
A military museum and memorial honoring Indian soldiers, with exhibits on the region’s border history.
Religious Monuments
Ladakh’s spiritual heritage is expressed in monumental monasteries and sacred sites perched above vast skies.
Thiksey Monastery
A grand hilltop monastery known for its replica of the Potala Palace and panoramic views.
Hemis Monastery
Ladakh’s largest and most famous monastery, famed for its annual festival and golden-era murals.
Basgo Monastery
A dramatic complex perched on cliffs, with ancient murals and a storied palace nearby.
Alchi Monastery
A UNESCO-adjacent temple complex famed for early Buddhist art and pristine wall paintings.
National & Theme Parks
Ladakh’s protected landscapes offer wildlife encounters and starkly beautiful desert scenery.
Hemis National Park
India’s largest national park by area, home to snow leopards and other high-altitude fauna.
Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
A high-altitude sanctuary known for its stark desert beauty and nomadic lifestyle.
Neighborhoods
Explore varied corners of Leh and nearby villages to feel the pulse of Ladakh’s communities.
Leh Old Town
A historic core with narrow lanes, local markets, and temple corners to wander at your own pace.
Choglamsar
A nearby village that offers a quieter pace and traditional Ladakhi life.
Alchi Village
A gateway to the Alchi Monastery complex and a chance to see rural Ladakhi life.
Shey Village
Home to the Shey Palace and a serene spot for views over the Indus valley.
Free Things to Do
Many of Ladakh’s best experiences come without an entry fee—take in the landscape, people, and light.
Sunset at Shanti Stupa
Watch the stupa glow golden as the sun dips behind the stark mountains.
Walk through Leh Old Town and Market
Stroll the lanes, watch daily life unfold, and glimpse colorful storefronts.
Indus River riverside stroll
Capture river reflections and mountain silhouettes along the Indus banks.
Evening prayers and temple exteriors
Experience peaceful, free exterior views and the cadence of daily rituals.
Gastronomy
Delight in Ladakhi flavors, influenced by Tibetan and Central Asian cuisines.
Momos at a local Leh restaurant
Steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served hot with chili sauce.
Thukpa
A hearty noodle soup with vegetables or meat, perfect after a cold day.
Skyu
Traditional hand-rolled pasta stew, rich in vegetables and flavors.
Butter Tea
Salty Tibetan butter tea to warm you on cool days.
Nightlife
Ladakh’s nightlife centers on starlit skies, cozy cafes, and low-key evenings.
Stargazing in clear night skies
Clear, high-altitude skies reveal a spectacular Milky Way and constellations.
Evening cafe culture in Leh
Relax at a cafe with mountain views and a warm drink after sunset.
Live music at select Leh cafes
Occasional evenings feature local musicians and a relaxed vibe.
Entertainment
Seasonal festivals bring music, dance, and color to Ladakh’s cultural calendar.
Ladakh Festival performances
Seasonal dances and music that celebrate Ladakhi heritage.
Monastery cultural programs
Traditional music and ritual performances held at monasteries during festivals.
Craft demonstrations
Local artisans showcase weaving, embroidery, and metalwork.
Sports
Adventure and outdoor sports thrive in Ladakh’s rugged terrain.
Markha Valley Trek
A classic multi-day trek through high passes and alpine scenery.
Nubra Valley camel ride
Double-humped camels traverse the scenic sand dunes and valleys.
River rafting on the Indus
Thrilling rapid runs along the river with dramatic riverbank scenery.
Off the Track
For seasoned travelers, these lesser-visited routes reveal remote Ladakh’s raw beauty.
Rangdum Monastery
A quiet hillside monastery near Rangdum, with sweeping valley views.
Karsha Monastery
One of Zanskar’s oldest monasteries, tucked in a dramatic river valley.
Padum and Zanskar remote villages
Explore the stark beauty of the Zanskar region, away from the crowds.