In our previous blog of this series we talked about the Beautiful places of Ladakh to visit. Here is our second post on the Beautiful places of Ladakh to visit. If you haven’t read the first post yet, it is here Beautiful places to visit in Ladakh – Part One
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery is a monastic organization of temples of Buddhism. It is located in a village called Alchi in Leh.
Under this, there are different monuments in the four colonies. Alchi Monastery is considered to be the oldest and most famous monastery of all.
It was built between 958 and 1055 by Guru Rinchen Zangpo according to local tradition.
This monastery is home to many old photographs and paintings present in Ladakh, in which the artistic and spiritual detail of Buddhism and Hinduism of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has been taken care of.
Khardung La
Khardung La is a beautiful route through the hills in Leh. This path serves as a gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys.
It was constructed in 1976 but traffic was allowed from 1988. This pass is very important from the point of view of India because it was through this route that goods were transported to the Siachen Glacier.
Earlier it was considered to be the highest vehicular route in the world, but due to the height of Umling La pass being higher than Khardung La, it is now famous by this name.
Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri or Lake Moriri is a mountain lake located in Ladakh, the area around which is protected by the government under the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservative Reserve.
Its height is 4522 meters and it is the highest lake found in the whole of India. It is a salt water lake. Access to this lake is limited to the summer season only.
Tso Kar Lake
Tso kar Lake is a salt water lake situated in the Rupshui plateau and its valleys. It is considered as the 42nd Ramsar site of India.
Until a few years ago, this lake was considered an excellent source of salt trade, which was exported to the nomadic Tibetans of Changpa.
Located 160 km south of Leh, this Tso Kar lake can be reached by two routes. Either way, the Leh-Manali route can be chosen to reach this picturesque place. It can also be reached here by the route of Pangong Lake.
Chumathang Village
Situated in Ladakh on the banks of the river Indus, this village is at a distance of 138 kms from Leh.
According to the 2011 Indian census, there were about 127 houses in this village of Chumthang.
This village of Chumthang has some houses built in the Himalayan way. People who want to live and feel the Ladakhi culture can stay here and enjoy it. There is also a Monastery / Gompa behind the village.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built in Leh in 1517 to commemorate the arrival of Guru Nanak Dev to Ladakh.
Located on the Leh-Nimmu-Kargil road, 25 km from Leh, this gurudwara looks like four moons in the beauty of Ladakh.
Guru Nanak Dev went to many places in his biography, one of which was Ladakh, he had a lot of recognition in Buddhism.
He was also known as Guru Gompka Maharaj as the Dalai Lama has said many times. This Gurudwara is built in a valley known as Sham Valley.
Hunder Sand Dunes
The Nubra Valley of Ladakh has often been a heaven for tourists. One such place is Hunder Sand Dunes. This sand dune is 10 km away from Diskit village.
This sand dune is famous all over the world because it is completely different from all other mainstream.
White sand, river flowing nearby and snow captured mountains. You will not get to see this view anywhere else.
It seems unimaginable to even think that even at such a height, there can ever be a desert, but the charisma of nature is amazing.
The double-humped camels are also here which are very unique. With the waning evening, this place becomes so beautiful that you will also be in awe of how stunning and picturesque this charisma of nature is.
Phugtal Monastery
Phuktal or Phugtal Monastery is a separate monastery located in the southern and eastern part of the Zanskar region in Ladakh.
It is the site of the preachers and scholars who lived here in ancient times. This place was a place to meditate, teach, learn and enjoy.
Phuk means “cave” in Jhukri dialect, and tal means “rest”. This 2250-year-old monastery is the only one that can be reached on foot.
Phugtal Monastery is one of the major tourist places in Ladakh and a very special place for trekking lovers.
Here every day prayers are offered by the people in the temple for good life and works. Here festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and entertainment.
Hemis Monastery
The major tourist and sightseeing places in Leh city include Hemis Monastery which existed before 11th century and was re-established in 1672.
It is a Tibetan monastery which is the richest and the largest in Ladakh. Hemis Monastery is situated at a distance of 45 kms from Leh city which opens every 12 years.
Hemis Math hosts an annual festival held in honor of Lord Padmasambhava every year. It is one of the fascinating festivals in the world.
Let us tell you that Hemis is also home to the endangered species “Show Leopard”, which is found in Hemis National Park located here.
Leh Market
Leh Market is the first place in Leh-Ladakh that you will visit during your visit as it is located right in the heart of the city.
If you are going to visit Leh Ladakh, then we would advise you that you must visit this market. Leh Market is a place where you can buy a lot.
There are many small Tibetan markets and souvenir shops in this market that offer various articles like embroidered patches which can be custom made, pashmina shawls, prayer wheels and various silver artefacts.
Apart from shopping, you can also enjoy a variety of local food of Leh here.
Also read:-
- Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh – Part one
- Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh – Part Two
- Amazing waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh
- Haunted tunnel of Shimla Express Highway
- Top 12 places to visit in Shimla
- Beautiful places of Ladakh to visit-Part One
