Zanskar Valley
Without a doubt, Zanskar valley is one of the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh. It is amongst the most desolate places in the Himalayan range. The steep terrains covered with snow reflect the heavenly skies. The tributaries of the Zanskar River are famous for seasonal white river rafting. The Zanskar, Ladakh places of interest are surely among those must visit places in Leh Ladakh that you just cannot afford to miss while you are in Ladakh.
Tso Moriri Lake
Located in the Changthang area of Ladakh, this breathtaking high altitude lake is located 4,595 m (15,075 ft) above sea level. The drive to Tso Moriri from Leh is long - 7-8 hours, and the last couple of hours are a bumpy dirt track affair. One should stay in the tents located along the shores of the lake to enjoy the beauty of the amazing Moriri. They are comfortable enough and protect one well against the fiercely cold winds which sweep across the lake after dusk.
A visit to the Korzok village with its quaint monastery is recommended. Tso Moriri is a restricted area and requires a permit to visit which can be obtained in Leh itself.
Diskit Monastery
The list of sightseeing places in Ladakh can never be complete without the mention of Diskit Monastery. Dressed down in white, the gompa is Nubra Valley’s oldest and largest monastery. It just takes one visit to feel enlightened as the aura is soothing and healing. Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, an ardent disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of Gelugpa.Visit this Monastery with Best of Ladakh Package.
Khardung-la Pass
Khardungla Pass is a gateway which leads to Nubra and Shyok valleys. While this might not be a typical tourist attraction Leh Ladakh, it is definitely amongst the must-visit places to visit in and around Leh Ladakh for adventure junkies. Managed by the Border Roads Organization, Kardung-la Pass is the gateway to the north and one of the most difficult yet thrilling passes to ride on.
Indus and Zanskar Confluence
You cannot miss this, the Sangam Point, the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar River. There is sense of calmness about this place. The confluence of rivers takes place at a distance of 30 km west of Leh, and it is some scene as you can see the shiny bluish green waters of Indus merging with the muddy waters of Zanskar. It would be amazing to enjoy river rafting and steering through the unbridled waters of Zanskar River and Indus River, all by watching the views of Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges.
Royal Leh Palace
Constructed way back in 1553 A.D, located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh Palace is the former residence of the erstwhile royal family of Leh. The palace shares a resemblance to Potala Palace of Lhasa. Slightly smaller in size, it is built up of stones, sand, wood, and mud.
Also known as Lhachen Palkhar, it is open from 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM (every day). This 9-storied structure now has a museum with royal belongings. The fort is slightly in a ruined condition but the views from the top are stunning. This structure is currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In the second half of the 19th century, it was attacked by the Dogra forces and thus abandoned by the royal family who shifted to the Stok Palace.
The Magnetic Hill
It is time to repeal the Law of gravity. The magnetic Hill or the “Cyclops hill” near Leh is one such place on earth where gravity does not seem to exist at all. The surrounding and layout of the area gives the impression that road is going upward whereas it is actually going downward. The cars and objects moving in the area look like it is going upward but they are actually going downwards.