Formerly a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the union territory of Ladakh is situated in northern India. The stunning Great Himalayas surround it and offer breathtaking scenery and pristine natural beauty. The area is teeming with breathtaking snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes, expansive meadows, rushing rivers, and more. Ladakh, sometimes referred to as the "Land of High Passes,"
is the location of some of the world's most stunning motorable mountain passes, including Chang La, Marsimik La, and Khardung La. It is among the greatest places on earth where travelers may enjoy both sightseeing and adventure in one journey.
8 Hidden Gems of Ladakh
Ladakh is regarded as one of India's most beautiful vacation spots. Ladakh has steep passes, chilly deserts, glistening lakes, verdant valleys, and mouthwatering cuisine. Many breathtaking places in Ladakh remain unknown by tourists due to the vast array of scenery to uncover. Read on to discover the 10 hidden gems in Ladakh that you should put on your travel bucket list if you want to find the true spirit of the region and delve deeply into its splendor!
1. Turtuk
Turtuk, sometimes called "The Village Divided by a Border," was a part of Pakistan until 1971. Turtuk became one of the four Balistani villages located in the country's northernmost region following the numerous battles fought by the Pakistani Army and India's victory.
Turtuk is well-known for its apricot-filled orchards and picturesque views of the Karakoram Range that envelop the small settlement, in addition to its fascinating culture and way of life.
The location, which is near the river Shyok, is made more beautiful by the gurgling water and the mountain beaches along its banks. One almost begins to miss the wildlife when traveling across mountain deserts, and that is just when Turtuk emerges as a welcome change of pace.
2. SECMOL
The school from the well-known film 3 Idiots is called SECMOL (Student’s Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). The school was constructed to introduce innovations to Ladakh's educational system.
The school draws visitors from all around the world since it is environmentally conscious and self-sufficient.
All explorers and tourists should make time to visit this school. This is roughly 7 km from the main city on the old Leh road.
3. Sumur
Sumur, another quiet village in Nubra Valley situated by the river Shyok, is well-known for its lush meadows, berry bushes, expansive vistas of the trans-Himalayan area, and the stunning Samstanling Monastery.
The most famous inhabitant of this relatively recent Gompa, constructed in 1841, is a 7-year-old boy regarded as Bakula Rinpoche's reincarnation and a profound visionary.
The inside of the monastery is decorated with exquisite murals and paintings of holy symbols on various textiles.
This location is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and mountains. The area is particularly well-known for its Panamik hot springs, which are a true traveler's paradise. Several monasteries are also in the area, where people can unwind and contemplate.
The best method to get to Sumur, which is in the Nubra Valley, is by jeep from Leh.
4. Rumtse
Nestled between Tibet, Zanskar, and Ladakh, Rumtse is a small settlement in Ladakh that serves as the beginning point for the Tso Moriri journey.
The valley is distinguished by pasturelands and snow-capped mountains. This region is renowned for its stunning splendor and is nearly desolate, much like the rest of Ladakh.
The nearby residents place a great deal of importance on the Rumtse monastery. The 108 stupas of the monastery are its most famous feature.
Because it offers the opportunity to explore the local animals and serves as a starting point for the well-known Tso Moriri trek, the location is a haven for adventurers and trekkers.
5. Tso Kar
The White Lake, the Changthang Region's tiniest and most remote high-altitude lake, is another treasure that hasn't been discovered while discussing Ladakh's hidden gems.
Because of its salt reserves and the massive mounds of salt crust that can be observed on its banks, Tso Kar is remarkably white in contrast to shades of blue and emerald green.
Tso Kar provides you with unhindered time with yourself if you're searching for a charming retreat away from the bustle. You might be able to photograph animals in their most authentic form while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
6. Uleytokpo
One of the most stunning locations in Ladakh is the Uleytokpo village, which is 10,000 feet above sea level and is a prime illustration of why Ladakh is known as the "land of high passes." This is a popular place to camp.
Camping here is a fantastic experience because it allows you to get up close and personal with the snow-capped mountains. One of Ladakh's stunning and best-kept secrets is Uleytokpo.
Many trekkers use the town as a base camp as well. Those who want to unwind and get away from the bustle of the city will find bliss here. The Yundrung Monastery of Lamayuru is the reason for the location's fame.
7. Stok Village
One of the best places to learn about Ladakh culture is Stok Village, which is renowned for its tradition and culture.
A royal family resides there, and it is well-known for the 14th-century Stok Monastery, which houses a statue of Gautam Buddha sitting high.
Government-run buses and private vehicle rentals are convenient ways to get to this settlement, which is 20 km from Ladakh.
8. Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri is undoubtedly at the top of the list of locations on Earth that appear completely surreal. Rare animals like Himalayan red foxes, black-necked cranes, marmots, and infrequently, Tibetan wolves can be found in the purified blue lake that is surrounded by expansive green fields and a variety of flora and fauna along the river's banks. The lake is set within the rustic red and brown mountains of Rupshu Valley.
One of the biggest high-altitude lakes completely contained within the Indian Territory is Tso Moriri. Although camping beside the lake is forbidden because it is a part of the Ramsar Wetland Reserve, there are homestays and lighting nearby.
The Bottom Line
Due to the wide variety of adventures it provides, Ladakh is also a popular destination for thrill-seekers. Popular activities in Ladakh include trekking, motorcycling, water rafting, mountaineering, and more. Because of the abundance of distinctive goods, such as fruit preserves, Tibetan handicrafts, and Pashmina shawls, shopping is also one of the most enjoyable activities in the area.
One of the delights of Ladakh is its cuisine, which ranges from delicious meals with Tibetan influences to a simple bowl of instant noodles. Additionally, there aren't many, if any, choices for nightlife in Ladakh due to its freezing temperatures and sparsely trafficked highways.