The Ultimate Guide To The Best Places To Visit In Ladakh In Summer

1. Pangong Tso Lake

Location: The lake is located at an altitude of 14,270 feet and stretches over 135 km, with two-thirds of the lake in Tibet and the rest in India. 

Exciting Activities: You can indulge in several activities, such as kayaking, boating, and fishing, or relax on the lake’s banks and enjoy the stunning views.

2. Nubra Valley

Location: It is located about 120 km north of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The valley is situated at the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers. 

Fun Activities: You can indulge in activities like camel rides on the dunes, trekking, and camping. 

Cost: The visiting fee for the valley is ₹20 rupees per person and ₹400 per person as the environmental fee. As for the trek cost, it starts at about ₹16,800 per head. 

Nearest Tourist Attractions: The Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region, is worth visiting.

3. Leh

How to Reach: It is located at the height of 3,510 meters on the Srinagar-Leh route 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of the Fotu La. (11,520 ft).

Popular Tourist Attractions: The town is home to several ancient monasteries, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery, popular among tourists.

Fun Activities: Leh is an excellent base for trekking and camping in the nearby mountains.

4. Zanskar Valley

In summer, the weather remains mild, and the valley is accessible by road from Kargil. So, if you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, add Zanskar Valley to your list of most popular places to visit in Ladakh this summer!

Location Distance from Leh, Ladakh: approximately 230 km (about 7-8 hours drive)

Fun Activities:The region offers various trekking options, including the Chadar Trek, a winter trek on the frozen Zanskar River, and home to several monasteries. 

Specialty: Zanskar Valley is an offbeat destination that offers a unique experience of Ladakh’s rich culture and natural beauty.

5. Khardung La Pass

Location It lies approximately 40 km north of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and is at an altitude of 5,359 meters or 17,582 feet above sea level.

Fun Activities: This place offers a unique and thrilling experience to visitors, including a panoramic view of the mountains around, a bike ride on an ATV, Trekking, and Snow Sports in winter.

6. Hemis National Park

Speciality: It is spread over 4,400 square kilometres and offers a chance to see several rare and endangered wildlife species. 

Location It is approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The nearest airport to Hemis National Park is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, and the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 700 kilometres away.

Fun Activities: Hemis National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard. You can take a wildlife safari and spot some animals like the Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, red fox, and Himalayan marmot. 

Cost:The entry fee for the park is ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for foreign nationals.

7. Tso Moriri Lake

Speciality:Tso Moriri Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in India, making it one of the top places in Ladakh.

Location It is situated in the Changthang region, approximately 215 kilometres southeast of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, at an altitude of about 4,595 meters (15,075 feet) above sea level. The nearest airport to Tso Moriri Lake is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. 

Fun Activities:Camping is a popular activity at Tso Moriri Lake. Other activities that can be enjoyed here include Bird Watching, Trekking, and Photography.

8. Lamayuru Monastery

It is known for its stunning location, perched on a hill overlooking the valley, and its impressive architecture, which includes several temples, stupas, and meditation halls. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, Lamayuru Monastery has something to offer everyone.

Location: It is located at the height of 3,510 meters on the Srinagar-Leh route 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of the Fotu La (11,520 ft).

Fun Activities:Tour the Lamayuru Monastery and explore its beautiful architecture, prayer halls, and ancient artefacts. Learn about the history and culture of the monastery.

Cost:A budget trip to Lamayuru Monastery can cost around ₹2000-₹4000 per person daily. However, the price can vary depending on your choices and preferences.

9. Spituk Monastery

Speciality:The monastery hosts an annual festival in the summer, known as the Spituk Gustor, which is an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. 

Location: Located in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, about 8 kilometres from the Leh city centre. 

Fun Activities:Tour the Spituk Monastery and explore its beautiful architecture, ancient artefacts, and murals. You can also learn about the history and culture of the monastery, attend a prayer session and click some stunning photographs.

Cost:A budget trip to Spituk Monastery can cost around ₹2000-₹4000 per person daily. However, the price can vary depending on your choices and preferences.

10. Stok Palace

In addition to its historical significance, the palace hosts the annual Stok Guru Tsechu festival, one of the best festivals of Ladakh, which is an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.

Fun Activities: Stok Kangri is the highest peak in the Stok range and is a popular trekking destination in the region.

Location: Stok Palace is located in Stok Village, 14 km southeast of Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. The palace is easily accessible by road from Leh and can be reached by car or taxi in approximately 30 minutes.

Cost:A budget traveller can expect to spend around ₹1,500-₹2,500 per person per day, while a mid-range traveller can expect to pay around ₹3,000-₹5,000 per person per day, including accommodation, food, and activities.

11. Magnetic Hill

Nearby Attractions: Visitors can also explore the nearby attractions, including the Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and the Hall of Fame Museum.

Location:Magnetic Hill is located about 30 km from Leh, near the town of Nimoo. It is situated on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway and is easily accessible by road.

Cost: A budget traveller can expect to spend around ₹1000-₹1500 per person per day, while a mid-range traveller can expect to pay around ₹2000-₹3000 per person per day. 

Fun Activities: The main attraction at Magnetic Hill is the gravity-defying phenomenon. Other activities, such as visiting the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, exploring the local villages and markets, and admiring the scenic views, are also free.

12. Alchi Monastery

The monastery also houses some of the finest examples of 11th-century wall paintings depicting Buddhist teachings and Buddha’s life. The summer season is the best time to visit Alchi Monastery as the weather is mild and pleasant, making it easy to explore the site and appreciate the intricate artwork. 

Location: Located about 70 km from Leh town, it is situated on the Indus River banks. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, and it can also be reached by hiring a taxi or taking a local bus from Leh. 

Cost: There is an entry fee to visit Alchi Palace, which is ₹30 per person.

Fun Activities:The Alchi Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery next to the Alchi Palace and is famous for its intricate wood carvings and ancient frescoes. You can explore the monastery’s various prayer halls and stupas and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

13. Likir Monastery

Specialty: The monastery is located close to other famous attractions like Alchi Monastery and Basgo Palace, making it the best suitable destination for those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Ladakh. 

Location: Located in Ladakh and situated approximately 52 km from the city of Leh.

Cost: The entrance fee to Likir Monastery is ₹20 for Indian citizens and ₹50 for foreign tourists.

Fun Activities: Trekking and attending a local festival are the main activities besides sightseeing and photography.

14. Phugtal Monastery

Location: Phugtal Monastery is located in the remote Zanskar region of Ladakh, situated approximately 250 km southeast of the city of Leh.

Cost: The entrance fee to Phugtal Monastery is ₹20 for Indian citizens and ₹50 for foreign tourists.

Fun Activities: Zanskar is known for its unique culture and traditions, which can be explored during the stay at Phugtal.

15. Zangla Palace

The palace is surrounded by lush green fields and orchards in full bloom during the summer months, creating a stunning contrast against the arid mountains.

Location:Zangla Palace is located in the Zanskar region. It is situated approximately 35 km from the town of Padum.

Cost:The entrance fee to Zangla Palace is ₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹100 for foreign tourists.

Fun Activities: Zanskar is a region of unique and diverse cultures. You can explore the local cultures, visit places, and take memorable photographs.

If you’re planning a trip to Ladakh in the summer and are looking for offbeat places to visit in Ladakh, the places mentioned above should be on your list.