10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Ladakh This Year

Ladakh, tucked away in the Himalayas, is a beautiful and peaceful destination that's perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to get away from the noise of city life. From high mountain passes to clear blue lakes and ancient monasteries, Ladakh has so much to offer. If you're planning a trip, here’s a simple guide to the Best Places to Visit in Ladakh in 2025.

1. Leh – The Starting Point

Leh is the main town in Ladakh and a great place to begin your journey. It's set at a high altitude (around 11,500 feet), so it's smart to spend a day or two here getting used to the thin air.

What to see in Leh:

• Leh Palace – an old royal palace with views of the town

• Shanti Stupa – a peaceful white stupa with great sunset views

• Magnetic Hill – a spot where cars seem to roll uphill

• Hall of Fame – a museum built by the Indian Army

2. Pangong Lake – A Picture-Perfect Spot

Pangong Tso is one of the most famous places in Ladakh. This beautiful lake changes color from blue to green to grey, depending on the light. Part of the lake lies in Tibet, and the view is absolutely stunning.

Best time to go: May to September
Tip: Spend a night in a tent near the lake for amazing starry skies.

3. Nubra Valley – Where Desert Meets Mountains

Nubra Valley is known for its unique landscapes—imagine sand dunes, rivers, and snowy mountains all in one place! You can even ride a double-humped camel here.

Top things to see:

• Diskit Monastery – with a huge Buddha statue

• Hunder Sand Dunes – take a camel ride here

• Turtuk – a peaceful village near the Pakistan border

The journey to Nubra takes you across Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

4. Tso Moriri – A Peaceful High-Altitude Lake

If you’re looking for a quieter lake than Pangong, head to Tso Moriri. It's surrounded by mountains and is less crowded. The area is perfect for travelers who want calm and quiet, far from the usual tourist spots.

Why visit?
Peaceful setting, fewer tourists, beautiful views

5. Zanskar Valley – A Remote Adventure

Zanskar Valley is one of the less-visited places in Ladakh, but it's perfect for adventurers. It offers some of the most untouched natural beauty and great trekking routes. In winter, the frozen Zanskar River becomes a trekking route for the famous Chadar Trek.

Places to explore:

• Phugtal Monastery – built into a cliffside

• Padum – the main village

• Stongdey Monastery – one of the oldest in the valley

6. Lamayuru – The Land That Looks Like the Moon

Lamayuru is known for its strange, moon-like landscapes and its ancient monastery. It's a small village on the way from Leh to Kargil and is a great stop for photography and peaceful views.

Things to see:

• Lamayuru Monastery – one of the oldest in Ladakh

• Moonland – rocky terrain that looks like the surface of the moon

7. Hemis – Culture and Wildlife

Hemis is most famous for its large monastery and the annual Hemis Festival, a colorful celebration with traditional dance and music. Nearby, Hemis National Park is a great place to spot rare wildlife like the snow leopard.

Don’t miss:

• Hemis Monastery

• Hemis Festival (usually in June/July)

• Nature walks in the national park

Tips for Visiting Ladakh in 2025

• Permits: You’ll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for places like Pangong, Nubra, and Tso Moriri. You can get it online or in Leh.

• Best time to go: May to September is ideal. The weather is pleasant and the roads are open.

• Stay safe: Ladakh is very high up, so take it easy for the first few days to avoid altitude sickness.

• Connectivity: Mobile networks may not work in remote areas. Let friends and family know before you travel.

Final Thoughts

Ladakh is one of those places that stays in your heart forever. Whether you're there for adventure, peace, or culture, these best places to visit in Ladakh will make your trip truly special. So get your backpack ready, charge your camera, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime!