9 things to do in Leh: A trip you won’t stop bragging about!

Ever imagined a place where mountains touch the clouds, roads test your biking skills, and lakes look so unreal they belong on your laptop wallpaper? Well, that’s Leh for you! A mad mix of adventure, jaw-dropping views, and just the right touch of magic.

So, when you’re in Leh, don’t just sit around—go live it! From high-altitude passes to starlit skies, here’s everything you need to do to make your trip straight-up legendary.

1. Visit monasteries and feel the zen

Leh is packed with monasteries that not only give you peace but also killer views. High up in the mountains, these monasteries have it all! Be it their rich history, deep-rooted culture, or the kind of tranquillity that feels like a detox for your soul.

• Thiksey Monastery: This is the largest monastery in central Ladakh, which resembles to a mini Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. One of the highlights is the Maitreya (Future Buddha) Temple, built in 1970 to mark the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to the monastery. The 12-story complex is home to a massive 49-ft statue of Maitreya Buddha and offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
• Hemis Monastery: The biggest and the richest! Visit during the Hemis Festival for a vibe check. It’s known for its ancient murals, stunning architecture, and one of the rarest collections of Thangka Paintings.
• Diskit Monastery: Situated in the Nubra Valley, about 115 kilometers north of Leh, Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in the region. A prominent attraction is the 32-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, constructed in 2010, which faces down the Shyok River towards Pakistan as a symbol of peace and protection for the region.

A view of a very tall statue of Maitreya Buddha at Diskit monastery in Nubra Valley

2. Drive through the world’s highest motorable passes

If you love road trips, Leh is the place to be. One moment, it's all rocky terrain, the next, you’re surrounded by snow. Pretty awesome, right?

• Khardung La: Feels like riding on top of the world (because you kinda are). At a dizzying 18,380 feet, this pass tests your lungs and your love for adventure. A quick chai stop here? Mandatory.
• Chang La: At 17,688 ft, this snow-covered road leads to Pangong Lake. Insta-worthy? Hell yes! But don’t let the pretty views fool you—the freezing winds here will make you rethink your life choices. Pack those gloves.

Pro tip: Stay hydrated, take it slow, and don’t try to be a hero. Altitude sickness doesn’t care how fit you are!

Feel like you are on top of the world at Khardung la Pass in Ladakh

3. Witness the magic of Leh’s lakes

Nothing prepares you for the beauty of these lakes! Crystal-clear water, ever-changing colours, and reflections so perfect they look unreal. Nature’s mood swings are on full display here, and honestly, they’ve never looked this good!

• Pangong Lake: Yup, the famous one from 3 Idiots! This stunning blue lake stretches to China and keeps changing colours depending on the sunlight. Click a million pictures, and let the silence sink in—because what else are you going to do there without the network? Perfect place to disconnect, both literally and figuratively!
• Tso Moriri: Less crowded, more peaceful, and equally stunning. Located at a whopping 15,000+ feet, this high-altitude lake is considerably underrated. If you want a lake all to yourself (well, almost), this is the place. Plus, spotting rare birds and wild yaks is a bonus!

Pro tip: These lakes are stunning, let’s keep them that way! Carry your trash pack, skip the plastic, and leave only footprints. It looks better without wrappers and bottles lying around.

Aal Izz Well when you’re chilling by Pangong Lake! 

4. Watch your car ‘defy gravity’ at Magnetic Hill

Okay, it’s not really magic, just an optical illusion! The unique layout of the land makes it look like your car is rolling uphill, even though it’s moving downhill.

Located at 14,000 feet, this spot has puzzled travellers for years. Some believe it’s due to a strong magnetic force, while others say it’s just a perfectly deceptive slope. But parking your car in neutral and watching it go uphill without touching the accelerator? Well, now that’s a must-try experience.

A view of the very famous signboard at the Magnetic Hills in Leh Ladakh

5. Ride a double-humped camel in Nubra Valley

Camels in the mountains? Found in the cold deserts of Nubra Valley, these unique camels are a living reminder of the ancient Silk Route trade. These are the Bactrian camels, which are built for extreme temperatures, surviving both scorching summers and freezing winters. Ride through the dunes of Hunder, and feel like you’re in a desert, but also surrounded by mountains. It’s the only place in India where you’ll see this crazy contrast. Wild, right?

This can be you and your squad at your next Leh trip! Just chilling like these camels

6. Try Ladakhi food like a true local

Because no trip is complete without stuffing your face with local food. From piping hot Thukpa to crispy chhurpi (dried yak cheese), every bite is a warm hug in Leh’s chilly weather!

• Thukpa– Warm, soupy, and perfect for chilly nights
• Momos– Obviously! Pahado mein aaye aur momos nahi khaya toh kya kiya?
• Butter Tea– Salty, buttery, and an experience in itself
• Skyu– Ladakhi pasta that’ll surprise your taste buds

You can check out this blog for a complete Leh food guide.

A steamy cup of Ladakh’s famous Butter Tea—salty, creamy, and an absolute must-try! 

7. Stargaze like never before

With zero pollution and crystal-clear skies, Leh is one of the best places in India for stargazing. The Milky Way, shooting stars, and countless constellations—it's like nature’s own light show! If you're lucky enough, you might even spot the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye. Talk about a cosmic experience!

• Best spots? Hanle Observatory, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley

Ladakh’s night sky is like a live planetarium—millions of stars, zero filters! 

8. Visit the Hall of Fame Museum

A tribute to Indian soldiers who brave the harshest conditions to protect our borders, the Hall of Fame Museum in Leh was built by the Indian Army to honour their sacrifices. The museum has exhibits on the Indo-Pak wars, war memorabilia, and personal belongings of fallen soldiers. One of the most striking sections is dedicated to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest and toughest battlefield, where temperatures drop to -50°C. You can also watch real war footage and learn about survival tactics in extreme conditions. It’s truly an experience that leaves you with immense respect for our armed forces.

Pay tribute to the brave soldiers at Ladakh’s Hall of Fame 

9. Watch the Indus and Zanskar Rivers merge

Two rivers, two different colours, meeting at one point—nature’s watercolour painting. Located near Nimmu village, this confluence is where the muddy brown Zanskar River and the bluish-green Indus River merge, creating a stunning contrast. Stop by for some breathtaking views and a little moment of awe. This spot is a reminder of how crazy and beautiful nature can be!

• Best time to visit: In summer, when both rivers are in full flow

Don’t miss the Indus-Zanskar confluence—because some views are worth the stop! 

Quick travel tips for Leh

• Acclimatize! Leh’s high altitude (11,500 ft) means less oxygen. Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours, avoid exertion, and let your body adjust. Drink lots of water!
• Layer up. Even in summer, Leh’s weather swings between warm days and freezing nights. Pack thermals, a good jacket, gloves, and a beanie.
• Go easy on alcohol. Tempted to have a beer with a view? Hold up! Alcohol dehydrates you faster at high altitudes, making altitude sickness worse. Stick to water and warm teas.
• Get the permits sorted! Yup, you need Inner Line Permits for Pangong, Nubra, and Tso Moriri.
• Cash is king! ATMs are limited, and many local places don’t accept cards or UPI. Carry enough cash to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Offline maps are your best friend. The network can be patchy at such a high altitude. Download Google Maps offline or carry a physical map for backup.
• Pack snacks & meds. Long road trips mean limited food stops. Carry energy bars, chocolates, and basic meds for altitude, motion sickness pills, and first aid.
  

Best time to visit Leh

• Summer (May – September): Best for road trips, sightseeing, and lakes
• Winter (October – March): Snow everywhere! Ideal for extreme adventurers and the legendary Chadar Trek

A couple walking through Leh’s streets, mountains behind them, adventure ahead!

Leh is all about epic roads, insane landscapes, and experiences you won’t stop talking about. Whether it’s driving through crazy-high passes, chilling by stunning lakes, or stuffing your face with momos, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. So, pack smart, plan well, and most importantly—go live it! Because trust us, Leh hits differently.