Lieux à visiter au Ladakh
Not to miss in Ladakh
A quick insight into the top destinations of Ladakh
Route de Manali à Leh
An adventurous road trip
Leh, Capital of Ladakh
The gateway to magnificent places in Ladakh
Monastères du Ladakh
Experience the cultural bonds
Lacs du Ladakh
Tso Moriri, Tso Kiagar, Tso Kar, Tso Marpo, Pangong Tso.
Changthang plateau
The cultural and geographical continuity of Tibet
Zanskar range
A mountain range like no other, unveiling the history of the Great Himalayan Range
Vallée de la Nubra
Another set of natural wonders in Nothern Ladakh
Les choses à ne pas manquer au Ladakh
Ladakh – unparalleled landscapes, ever-shifting skies, a rich and distinct culture, and a mesmerizing night sky that will leave you breathless. Ladakh is often deemed a dream destination by wanderers and adventurers alike.
Often referred to as ‘Heaven on Earth’, explore these must-dos to make the most of your Ladakh adventure when venturing into this pristine cold desert region.
Ladakh Top Destinations
Leh – The Vibrant Gateway
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is the perfect starting point for your adventure. Explore the bustling markets, historic Palais de Leh, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This town is a blend of traditional culture and modern amenities, setting the stage for your exploration of Ladakh.
Pangong Lake – The Blue Jewel
Lac Pangong is renowned for its mesmerizing blue waters that shift hues throughout the day. At an altitude of 14,270 feet, this high-altitude lake offers breathtaking views and a tranquil setting. A must-see for any traveler in Ladakh, it’s perfect for photography and serene reflection.
Nubra Valley – A Desert Oasis
Venture into the Vallée de la Nubra, a unique desert region at the northern edge of Ladakh. Famous for its sand dunes and Bactrian camels, this valley also features the impressive Monastère de Diskit, home to a giant statue of Bouddha Maitreya. The contrast between the desert landscape and lush greenery is striking and unforgettable.
Tso Moriri Lake – The Serene Sanctuary
Lac Tso Moriri, located at 15,000 feet, is a tranquil, lesser-known gem in Ladakh. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and home to diverse wildlife, this lake offers a peaceful retreat from the more frequented spots. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.
Hemis Monastery – The Spiritual Heart
Monastère d'Hémis, one of the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh, is known for its grandeur and spiritual significance. Founded in the 17th century, it hosts the annual Fête d'Hémis, which attracts visitors from around the world. The monastery’s vibrant murals and ancient artifacts provide deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism.
Thiksey Monastery – The Mini Potala Palace
Perched on a hilltop, Monastère de Thiksey offers stunning views of the Ladakh valley. Its architecture, reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and its impressive collection of statues and scriptures make it a significant spiritual and cultural site in Ladakh.
Zanskar Valley – The Adventurer’s Paradise
For thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, Zanskar Valley is a remote haven in Ladakh. Known for its rugged landscapes and thrilling white-water rivers, this valley is perfect for trekking, river rafting, and experiencing the raw beauty of Ladakh. The Trek du Chadar, which traverses a frozen river, is particularly renowned among adventure enthusiasts.
Shanti Stupa – The Peaceful Pinnacle
Shanti Stupa is a stunning white-domed structure perched on a hilltop in Leh. Built to promote peace and prosperity, this stupa offers panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding valleys. Its serene ambiance and striking architecture make it a serene spot for reflection and panoramic photography.
Leh Palace – The Regal Ruins
Once a royal residence, the Palais de Leh stands as a historical monument overlooking the town of Leh. Built in the 17th century, this nine-story palace was modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. Its ruins offer insight into the rich history and architectural grandeur of the region.
Khardungla – The High-altitude Pass
Khardungla is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, reaching an altitude of 18,380 feet. It serves as a gateway to the Nubra and Shyok valleys. The pass provides spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and is a thrilling destination for those seeking high-altitude adventure.
Lamayuru Monastery – The Moonland Marvel
Known for its unique lunar-like landscape, Monastère de Lamayuru is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ladakh. Founded in the 10th century, it offers a glimpse into ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions and features stunning murals and relics amidst a dramatic backdrop.
Phutkal Gompa – The Remote Retreat
Phutkal Gompa is a remote and serene monastery situated in the Zanskar Valley. Known for its unique architecture and stunning location, this gompa is an important center of Buddhist learning and practice. Its isolation adds to the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere, making it a hidden gem in Ladakh.
Hemis National Park – The Wildlife Haven
Parc national d'Hémis is a vast protected area known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Home to the elusive snow leopard, this park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and trekking. Its rugged terrain and high-altitude environment make it a key destination for nature enthusiasts.
Best places to visit in Ladakh
Route de Manali à Leh
Route de Manali à Leh
Les plaines Moore, autoroute du paradis
Le Ladakh, ce n’est pas seulement être là, c’est aussi y arriver. Chez Himalayan Ecotourism nous vous recommandons fortement de rejoindre le Ladakh par la route. Il y a trois raisons derrière ce conseil.
- Best for your acclimatization to the high altitude of Ladakh. Don’t forget that in Ladakh you will be continuously above 3500 m above sea level. And if you visit places like Tso Moriri or other, you will be above 4500 m. Reaching Leh by air doesn’t allow you to acclimatize whereas going by road does the work
- Enjoying smoothly the change of landscape, culture and climate.
- The Manali to Leh road is one of the most beautiful road on earth. It goes through four high passes : Rohtang pass (3975m), Baralacha pass (4890m), Lachungla (5080m) and Tanglangla (5328m).
Manali is still in the “green” part of the Himalayas. There is a sudden change of climate and ecology after crossing the Rohtang pass or the Atal tunnel leading to the Lahaul valley. Once there you can still see some pasture lands, but the forests have almost disappeared from the landscape. Then, after crossing Baralacha, you are a very arid environment. Enjoy the extraordinary rock formations of Zanskar and Ladakh.
Voulez-vous vous rendre à Leh par la route de la manière la meilleure et la plus sûre ? Renseignez-vous maintenant !
Leh – Capitale du Ladakh
If you visit Ladakh you will inevitably pass through Leh, the main town and capital of Ladakh. It is the gateway to most of the places in Ladakh e.g. Vallée de la Nubra, Zanskar, and the high altitude lakes of Pangong Tso et Tso Kar.
Leh is connected to the rest of the world via the road ‘Manali to Leh’ and the road ‘Srinagar to Leh’. But these roads are only open during the good season e.g. from May to October. During the rest of the year you must reach Ladakh by air via the Leh airport.
Most people drive into Leh via the southern approach from Manali (in Himachal Pradesh) and less via western approach via Srinagar (in Jammu and Kashmir). Either of these journeys take minimum 2 days though we use to do it in 3 days to give you time to acclimatize to the high altitude of Leh (3500+m / 11,500+ ft).
Please ask us advice before going to Ladakh via Srinagar due to the geopolitical situation in Kashmir. There are no such problems reaching Leh from Manali.
Leh itself is a very nice place to stay and to visit. Some of the places to see in Leh are the Shanti Stupa et de Palais de Leh.
Some of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh can be visited in a day trip from Leh. Thiksey monastery for instance is just 18 km away.
Pendant les hivers, Leh est le seul endroit au Ladakh où vous trouverez des hébergements. Si vous prévoyez de voyager en hiver, veuillez nous contacter afin que nous puissions planifier votre visite et organiser des séjours chez l'habitant dans les endroits que vous souhaitez visiter.
Leh Ladakh
La ville s'étend sur la vallée qui mène au col de Khardungla
Monastères du Ladakh
Une rangée de stupas dans l'un des monastères
Dans les monastères, vous pourrez voir l'architecture tibétaine traditionnelle.
Ladakh is known for its rich Buddhist Culture, that draws hundreds of travelers from all around the world. Its fascinating architecture, bright and colorful paintings, meditating monks and the spiritual aura of the place will leave you in awe.
Lorsque vous voyagez au Ladakh, il ne faut pas oublier que les monastères du Ladakh sont le cœur et que les gens en sont les battements.
Certains des monastères célèbres du Ladakh comprennent les monastères de Hemis, Thiksey, Alchi, Likir, Diskit, Spituk, Phyang, Stakna et Takthok.
Tous ces monastères, bien que prêchant la même culture et la même religion, sont pourtant différents à leur manière et vous laisseront les yeux grands ouverts à chaque fois que vous en visiterez un.
Some monasteries may have a decent entry free while some may be free of cost. Travelers must be careful about where they click photographs as some monasteries may have prohibited photography rights. The sentiments of the locals and the monks shall be taken under consideration every time one visits these monasteries.
Lacs du Ladakh
Les lacs du Ladakh font partie de ces merveilles qu'il ne faut pas manquer de voir.
The main lakes that you can visit are Tso Moriri, Tso Kiagar, Tso Kar and Pangong Tso. A trek to Tso Marpo will definitely quench your adrenaline thirst. As you guessed, Tso means lake in Tibetan and Ladakhi languages.
Tous sont accessibles depuis Leh. Même s'il est possible de visiter un lac par jour, nous vous recommandons de passer une nuit à proximité du lac. Atteindre l’un de ces lacs implique un voyage de plusieurs heures. Ainsi, non seulement vous passerez la majeure partie de votre journée dans un véhicule, mais vous risquez également de manquer le meilleur moment de la journée pour voir les lacs, c'est-à-dire le matin ou le soir.
Vous pouvez également planifier votre voyage pour visiter Tso Moriri et Tso Kar lors de votre voyage de Manali à Leh en vous détournant de la route principale sur les plaines de Moore.
Changthang plateau
The Kiagar Tso
The first lake you will discover while travelling to the Changthang plateau
Changthang is a high-altitude plateau in Ladakh, known for its vast landscapes, nomadic culture, and remote beauty.
The region is home to unique wildlife, including the Tibetan wild ass and black-necked cranes. Visiting Changthang offers an immersive experience in the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Changpa people, who herd Pashmina goats.
The area’s pristine lakes like Tso Moriri and the expansive, rugged terrain make it a remarkable destination for those seeking solitude, cultural insights, and stunning natural scenery.
The Zanskar range
The Zanskar Range in Ladakh is one of the most remote and untouched regions in the Indian Himalayas, offering an unparalleled offbeat experience for adventurous travelers.
With its dramatic landscapes, deep river gorges, and ancient Buddhist monasteries, Zanskar is a haven for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and culture far from the tourist crowds.
The region is accessible only during the summer months, making it a hidden gem for trekking, camping, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re traversing the high mountain passes or visiting the isolated villages, Zanskar promises an unforgettable journey into one of the last remaining strongholds of traditional Himalayan life.
Explore the Zanskar Range with Himalayan Ecotourism to experience its breathtaking beauty and help support sustainable tourism that benefits the local communities.
Zanskar
The region is world famous for its stunning rock formations and steep mountains.
The Nubra valley
The Nubra Valley offers an authentic and offbeat experience for travelers seeking to explore Ladakh beyond the usual tourist spots.
At Himalayan Ecotourism, we encourage you to avoid the crowded areas like Hunder and instead immerse yourself in the valley’s quieter, more serene parts. Trek your way into Nubra to truly connect with the landscape, or opt for homestays where you can engage with local families, contributing to responsible tourism.
The valley is rich in wildlife, and hiking on the sand dunes provides a unique opportunity to observe the natural beauty and biodiversity of this remote region. By choosing less-traveled paths and embracing sustainable travel practices, you’ll experience Nubra in a way that leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the local community.
