Directory
Photo via Wikimediamountains
Leh–Ladakh
India
“High-altitude desert of Buddhist monasteries, sapphire lakes and moon-like landscapes at 11,000+ ft.”
- 1Pangong TsonatureThis 134 km-long lake shifts color from azure to emerald; lies at 4,350 m with only 40% in Indian territory.
- 2Thiksey Monasteryreligious12-storey complex dating to 1430 housing a 15-metre Maitreya Buddha; morning prayers start at 6:30 AM sharp.
- 3Magnetic HillviewpointLocated at km 30 on Leh-Kargil highway, vehicles appear to defy gravity and roll uphill unaided at this optical illusion.
- 4Nubra ValleynatureReached via Khardung La at 5,359 m, this cold desert hosts double-humped Bactrian camels near Hunder sand dunes.
- 5Shanti StupalandmarkBuilt by Japanese Buddhists in 1991, this white dome sits 4,267 m high offering 360-degree views of Leh town below.
- 6Hall of Fame MuseummuseumArmy-run museum 4 km from Leh displays war memorabilia, Siachen gear, and captured Pakistani weaponry from Kargil conflict.