Ladakh, the ‘Land of explorers’ is also known for its unique and spectacular landscapes. The snow-clad high peaks, cold deserts, and massive glaciers define the topography of the region. Ladakh is home to picturesque locations. There is no air as fresh as it is in Ladakh. A place to relax, a place to explore, a place to do adventure activities, a place to do photography, the answer will always be Ladakh. It’s a cherishing experience to visit such a divine place and for people going on a Ladakh road trip, it has many more adventurous things to offer. Some breathtaking lakes & rivers captivate the visitors and offer ample opportunities for rafting. Other than river rafting and taking a sightseeing tour of the beautiful places to visit in this region there are some hidden gems that are yet to be explored. Let’s dig the Ladakh map for discovering such places.
12 Unexplored Places in Leh Ladakh :
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Sumur and Panamik
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Turtuk
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Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
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Basgo
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Uleytokpo
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Rumtse
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SECMOL
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Stok Village
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Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
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Hanle village
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Yarab Tso Lake
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Upshi
1. Sumur and Panamik
Panamik is a hot spring in Nubra Valley. People do go to Nubra valley, but they take the other route to Diskit and visit the places there, totally overlooking the fact that 20 km ahead of the small village of Sumur, lies a hot spring where one can take a warm bath amidst the mountains and enjoy the vast scenery around. Sumur, situated near the Nubra river is a place known for the famous Samstanling Gompa – a well-built and maintained monastery. The monastery from inside has really beautiful wall paintings and also paintings made on different fabrics depicting religious symbols. The place is perfect for mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers. The place is also known for Panamik hot springs, which are indeed blissful for travelers. Sumur is located in the Nubra valley The place also has several monasteries where one can meditate and relax.
How to reach – the best way to reach here is to take a jeep from Leh.
Best time to visit – (September – January)
2. Turtuk
Turtuk is the very last village of India in Nubra Valley. Turtuk was under the control of Pakistan until 1971. After the war, this region came under India’s control and after Turtuk, started the Gilgit-Baltistan region which is under Pakistan’s control. This is least visited place due to its proximity. Turtuk is a Pashtun village and is famous for its wild apricots.The place is known for Balti culture, which is now practiced in few areas, and delicious apricots, which is something one should not miss.
How to reach – by renting a cab or a jeep from Leh, 205 km
Best time to visit – (July-September)
3. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is built in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev, a Sikh guru. The gurudwara is situated about 12000ft above sea level. The Tibetan Buddhists also consider Guru Nanak as a holy person. This place marks the importance of friendship between the Buddhists and the Sikhs. The easiest way to reach the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara near Leh is by road. The state-run JKSRTC buses ply within the Ladakh region. You can also take your private vehicle (cars/bikes) to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib from Leh as well.
How to reach – By road from Leh using JKSRTC buses, private vehicles
Best time to visit – (April – July)
4. Basgo
Basgo is a small village that includes a monastery 40 kilometers from Leh towards Kargil. The monastery was built for the Namgyal rulers in 1680 and it also portrays Ladakhi culture. This place is famous for its apricots and farm fields. The monastery is situated on top of the hill towering over the ruins of the ancient town and is noted for its Buddha statue and murals. The complex comprises the Chamchung and Serzang temples, dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. Its a spectacular place to visit for exploring Ladakh and its history.
How to reach – By Bus from Leh or a private vehicle
Best time to visit – (June- September)
5. Uleytokpo
The Uleytokpo village is one of the most beautiful places in Ladakh, the place is located at an altitude of 10000 ft. and serves as the perfect example of why Ladakh is called the land of high passes. This location is known for camping. Camping here is an amazing experience as you get a chance to explore the snow-capped mountains from such proximity. Uleytokpo is one of the beautiful and well-hidden secrets of Ladakh. The village also serves as a base camp for many treks. The Ladakhi village of Uleytokpo is located 70 km west of Leh. This place is a paradise for people who wish to escape the hustle-bustle of city life and relax. The place is also famous for Cham Dance, which is a cultural folk dance of Ladakh.
How to reach – cabs and public buses from Leh-Srinagar highway
Best time to reach – (May – September)
6. Rumtse
Rumtse is a small village in Ladakh, which is also a starting point for the Tso Moriri trek, the place is sandwiched between Tibet, Zanskar, and Ladakh. The valley is characterized by snow-capped mountains and pasturelands. Like the rest of Ladakh, this area is almost barren and is known for its picturesque scenic beauty. On the lake’s banks, you will probably see the lushest grass in the entire Ladakhi region. The place is a paradise for explorers and trekkers, as one gets a chance to explore the wildlife around and is also a starting point for the famous Tso Moriri trek. Rumtse is the first human settlement on the way from Lahaul to Ladakh after Taglang Pass. It is located 70 km east of Leh.
How to reach – by Bus from Leh
Best time to visit – (July-September)
7. SECMOL
(Student’s Educational and Cultural movement of Ladakh), this is the school from the famous movie 3 idiots. The school was built to bring educational reforms to Ladakh. The school being eco-friendly and self-sustainable is something that attracts tourists from all over the world. This school is a must-visit destination for all travelers and explorers. This is located on the old Leh road about 7 km from the main city.
How to reach – by walking from Leh city
Best time to visit – (April- December)
8. Stok village
Stok Village is known for its culture and heritage and is considered one of the major centers to learn about the culture of Ladakh. The place is home to a royal family and is known for the Stok Monastery, which was built in the 14th century and is home to a high seated Gautam Buddha statue. This village is located at a distance of 20 km from Ladakh.
How to reach – By buses or hiring a private vehicle
Best time to visit – (April – November)
9. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Also known as Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist Monastery in Leh district that has 3 storeys high gold idol of Maitreya Buddha. Situated on a mountain top behind the Leh palace, the monastery offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the gently flowing Indus river, and the snowcapped peaks of the Zanskar range. Situated at the cliff of Namgyal hill, its architecture is impressive and a favorite spot for clicking photographs. The view of Leh from the gompa is breathtaking as the view changes with the light.
How to reach – by walking from Leh city, 4.6 km
Best time to visit – (June-September)
10. Hanle Village
Situated in the Changthang region, Hanley is a home to Ladakhi people and a beautiful destination for visitors that gives immensely great vibes. It is called the hidden gem of Ladakh as it has not many visitors due to it’s proximity to the Tibetan/Chinese border. It provides a relaxing element to your vacation. There also lies a beautiful monastery alongside the village. The place is very scenic and feels out of the world.
How to reach – By hiring car from Leh city, 5hrs appx.
Best time to visit – (May – September)
11 Yarab Tso Lake
Surrounded by steep mountain cliffs and soaring mountain peaks, this lake is taken into account to be among the highest in Ladakh and is jam-packed with magnificence that’s arduous to rival. Located at a distance of 15kms away from the Diskit region of the Nubra valley it is a splendid scenic lake enclosed by the village of Sumur that acts as a cherry on top of the divine elegance of Nubra valley. This spectacular lake is surrounded by mountains and it is a peaceful experience to be here. The nearest village to Yarab Tso lake is named Panamik Village which is simply a walking distance to the site of the lake. This lake is an ideal destination for people who love to trek.
How to reach Yarab Tso Lake – 15 km from Nubra Valley, 20 mins walk
Best time to visit – (July-September)
12. Upshi
This place can be discovered en route to Ladakh through the Leh-Manali highway. People going to Ladakh on roads trips can have a good time to spend here. This is also famous as one of the favorable camping places. There are multiple monasteries nearby and it makes for a delightful stop.
How to reach – by bike, car through Leh- Manali highway
Best time to visit – (April- September)
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