Top things to try in Leh Ladakh

Top things to try in Leh Ladakh include adventurous riding to Khardung La Pass, Pangong Lake camping, camel riding in Nubra Valley, and exploration of ancient monasteries, including Thiksey, Alchi, and Lamayuru, tasting butter tea, and experiencing local cultural heritage.

Leh Ladakh offers thrilling adventurous experiences to the travellers. Located in the backdrop of the majestic mountains, it blends high altitude adventure with unique Tibetan culture. Here, the travellers get to explore various things, from adventurous bike riding to Khardung La Pass and things to do in Leh Market, river rafting in the Zanskar River, and night camping. This blog consists of the top things to try in Leh Ladakh for travellers to make their trip unforgettable. 

What are the Top 10 Things to Try in Leh Ladakh

1. Conquer Khardung La Pass

Out of the most unique things to do in Ladakh, Conquer Khardung La Pass stands at the top of the list. Located at an altitude of 17,582 feet, it is recognised as one of the largest motorable passes.

After a long, adventurous ride, while enjoying the views of Karakoram, riders always stop at this pass and take a photo as a victory. 

2. Camp at Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso Lake is considered the world's highest saltwater lake, which is located at 14,270 feet above sea level. Popularised by the film 3 Idiots, the landscape offers an ideal location for lakeside camping.

Although camping beside the lake is prohibited, tourists can consider nearby villages such as Spangmik, Man, and Merak. This offbeat experience is offered in personalised luxury at the cheapest Ladakh tour package. 

3. Ride Bactrian Camels in Hunder

Just like the desert safari in Rajasthan, at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the tourists get to experience this unique ride of Bactrian Camels in Hunder, making the location the most visited of many other Ladakh tourism places. 

Travellers across the world visit and enjoy the camel ride here against the majestic backdrop of mountains and Shyok River views. The travellers can enjoy the ride for 15 to 30 minutes for ₹300 to ₹500 per person. 

4. Explore Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa

The Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa are both prime tourist attractions for travellers. Built in the 17th-century by King Sengge Namgyal, Leh Palace showcases the medieval Tibetan and Ladakhi culture. Surrounded by the Stok Kangri, it offers a bird's-eye view of the town. 

Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura in 1991. As a beacon of peace, it features the remains or relics of Buddha that were preserved by the 14th Dalai Lama. It is located at 11,841 feet in Chanspa and opens from 5 AM to 9 PM for free. 

5. Famous Things to Buy in Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is well-known for a wide range of textiles, souvenirs, etc that travellers can take home to remember the overall adventurous experience. Some of the famous things to buy in Leh Ladakh include: 

• Pashmina Shawls

• Apricots Fruits

• Silver Turquoise Jewellery

• Handwoven Rugs and Carpets

• Sea Buckthorn Products

• Tibetan Handicrafts like prayer wheels and Thangka paintings

6. Experience Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill offers a unique optical illusion to the travellers. Located 30km from Leh at 14,000 feet, when vehicles switch to neutral gear, they appear to drive uphill, defying gravity. 

However, it is a fascinating optical illusion created by the layout of the mountains and pathway, rather than magnetism. 

7. Visit Ancient Monasteries

Ancient monasteries or Gompas are an integral part of the Leh and Ladakhi culture. Offering a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism, mountain peaks, and centuries-old art, ancient monasteries are one of the most famous things to buy in Leh Ladakh. Some of the ancient monasteries include: 

• Hemis Monastery

• Thiksey Monastery

• Alchi Monastery

• Diskit Monastery

• Lamayuru Monastery

• Spituk Monastery

8. Taste Traditional Ladakhi Food

Leh Ladakh offers a range of cuisine options to tourists. From renowned staples including Thukpa and Skyu to famous Momos, no traveller can get tired of tasting the delicious homemade food of the region. 

Furthermore, the Women's Alliance in Leh is a non-profit organisation that organises a 2-day food distribution in the region to promote local cuisine. Thus, do not forget to add this as one of the unique things to do in Leh. 

9. Raft in the Zanskar River

Offering Grade II to IV rapids, rafting in the Zanskar River is one of the adventurous and unique things to do in Ladakh. As it is located at 11,000 to 12,000 feet, making it the highest rafting location, it also offers scenery of snow-capped rugged mountains.

The route ranges from 28 to 30 km, which can be completed in 1.5 to 3 hours, as per the pace preference of the travellers. This activity is adventurous and is ideal for even beginners and families exploring Ladakh. 

• Price Range for Short Routes: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500

• Price Range for Longer Routes: Around and over ₹3,000

10. Stargazing and Night Camping

Stargazing and night camping are highly preferred experiences and one of the most loved things to do in Leh at night. Imagine sitting under a sky full of stars and milkyway, it is fascinating and cannot be expressed in words. 

Visiting the Indian Astronomical Observatory Hanle is one of the dreams and best things to do in Ladakh for space enthusiasts and travellers. Although there are some restrictions due to equipment safety, tourists are allowed to explore the observatory from May to September.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

11. Visit Turtuk Village

Formerly a part of Pakistan controlled part of Baltistan, Trutuk Village opened around 2010 for tourists. Offering a blend of Balti culture, apricot orchards, and Karakoram views, this place is no less than a dream destination in a Leh Ladakh tourism package. 

The travellers can experience the warm welcome of the villagers, their lifestyle, and their language. Exploring the Balti Heritage Home and the Yabgo Dynasty Royal House is a must-have on the bucket list, as they are renowned for showcasing the ancient artefacts of the region. 

Get Ideal Packages to Leh Ladakh Adventure

In terms of adventure tourism, Leh-Ladakh is one of the most visited destinations in India. Noble House Tours Pvt. Ltd. offers extensive travel packages for both domestic and international travellers. Through their personalised packages and consistent support, they assist tourists in making their travel arrangements. Therefore, travellers can trust them and contact them to acquire their comprehensive Leh-Ladakh travel packages.