Ladakh Tour Packages - Upto 7% Off on Ladakh Trip Packages

Thomas Cook India’s Ladakh tour packages are crafted by a team of travel experts as passionate about your Ladakh holiday as can be. Offering unmatched service right from the booking stage of your tour package to the very tour itself you can trust us with just about everything. Right from accommodations in hotels, to the warmth and safety of tents while trekking, to hot meals to beat the bone chilling weather of Leh and Ladakh, embarking on a Ladakh Tour with Thomas Cook is a once in a lifetime experience.

Table of Content

• Top Trending Ladakh Tour Packages
• Best time to visit Ladakh
• How to reach Ladakh
• Best Places to Visit in Ladakh
• Best hill stations in Ladakh
• Best honeymoon destinations in Ladakh
• Foods to Eat in Ladakh
• Things to do in Ladakh
• Adventurous things to do in Ladakh
• What to shop in Ladakh?
• Interesting facts about Ladakh
• People also ask about Ladakh Tour Packages

2024 Top Trending Ladakh Tour Packages

Thomas Cook’s Ladakh packages include the Chadar trek that will have you crossing frozen lakes on the way to attractions such as the Tibb cave. Prayer flags and stupas are your landmarks as you trek to Zanskar gorge. Visit Nerak which is named after ‘Narak’ or ‘Hell’, a village where temperatures routinely touch -30°C. If you’re lucky you might spot the graceful Himalayan Ibex on the mountainsides. While you’re doing all of this our tour guides and support staff will ensure a one of a kind experience. But a Leh Ladakh tour package can offer much more than just a trek. With Thomas Cook’s Ladakh tour packages the adventurous Chadar trek is just a highlight of what promises to be a whirlwind trip to this mountain paradise. Before your trek, spend time acclimating to picturesque Leh. See the sacred Sankar Gompa as you watch the sunrise over majestic Leh. Eat kulchas and piping hot thukpa for breakfast as you gear up for the long trek to Chadar. These Ladakh packages also come with the added bonus of seeing attractions such as the Tibb cave where you will spend a night, walk past frozen waterfalls and prayer flags on the way to Zanskar and live like a local at Naerak. Spot snow leopards if you’re lucky on the way back as you cross frozen rivers and gorgeous gorges. All this while in the capable hands of our trek guides and support staff while fueled by delicious Tibetan butter tea that will keep you warm in this land of frozen wonders.

Plan your Ladakh Tour with Thomas Cook

Best Time to Visit Ladakh:

The best time to visit Ladakh is in the summer, from the end of March to the middle of August.

Ladakh is a perfect place for those who are looking for a peaceful and serene holiday experience. Tourists can avail a wide range of Ladakh tour packages, including Ladakh honeymoon packages, to make their trip memorable.

The beginning of April is when life in Ladakh begins to bounce back after a long hard winter. The warmth of the sun returns to melt away the snow and breathe new life into the people, plants and animals of this region. The mean temperature during the month of April meanders from a high of 16°C to lows of -1°C. The warm temperatures liquefy the frozen Pangong and Moriri lakes adding to the already beautiful landscape.

May to mid- June is when the temperature rises further with the lows settling at around 5°C. This is usually when the Rohtang pass opens up adding an element of adventure should you choose a bike trip from Manali to Leh as part of Thomas Cook’s Ladakh tours meant specifically for adventurous millennials.

July to September is when the temperatures are highest with highs hovering in the mid-twenties and lows of about 5 -10°C making this undoubtedly the best time to plan a visit to Ladakh with our wide range of Leh Ladakh tour packages. This is also when the Hemis Festival commemorating the birth of Padmasambhava the founder of Tantric Tibetan Buddhism is held. These celebrations are energetic, vibrant and a must-see on your Ladakh trip with Thomas Cook, who offera wide range of Ladakh packages for tourists.

October is when snowfall begins, and winter descends on the valleys of Ladakh and lasts till February. Temperatures begin to steadily plumett reaching lows of up to -13°C during the peak of winter in mid-Feb. This is the best time to undertake the Chadar trek as the Ladakhi desert is blanketed with snow making your Ladakh holiday a trip to a winter wonderland. For tourists looking for adventure, Thomas Cook offers Ladakh tour packages that include the Chadar trek as a part of their itinerary.

How To Reach Ladakh

• By Air
• By Road

By Air

The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located in Leh. This airport is connected to almost every major city in India and internationally with many daily flights to and from Delhi’s IGI airport. This airport is also a military airport, hence it is a high security zone and it is imperative to have hard copies of all your travel documents ready when you enter Ladakh via the airport.

By Road

There are many government and private bus services operating buses from Srinagar and Manali to reach Ladakh and Leh. The drive is thrilling as you will drive through valleys and narrow mountain passes. Choosing Srinagar as your starting point, you will pass through Zoji La Pass to reach Ladakh and choosing Manali takes you through thrilling Rohtang pass.

Both passes are open from June to October, though heavy snowfall means your journey might be delayed by a few hours to a couple of days, so plan accordingly. Ladakh has the world’s top three highest motorable mountain passes and biking along the mountain passes, stopping occasionally for a steaming cup of butter tea or chai is also an option chosen by many seeking adventure. Thomas Cook offers Leh Ladakh tour packages that can make planning a bike trip from Manali to Ladakh easier.

Best Places to visit in Ladakh

• Shanti Stupa
• The Hall of Fame
• Leh Palace
• Magnetic Hill
• Tsemo fort
• Spituk Monastery
• Hemis Monastery
• Phyang Monastery
• Thiksey Monastery
• Old Town Leh

Shanti Stupa

Located in Chanspa, this white-domed Buddhist monastery is a masterpiece of the Leh – Ladakh architecture, reflecting the true culture of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent shanti stupa was built by the Japanese in 1991 to promote World peace and harmony as part of their Peace Pagoda Mission. This grand stupa is located on top of a hill in Chanspa. At the base of the Stupa, some relics of Buddha are buried and the 14th Dalai Lama enshrined the Stupa. The stupa has become a huge attraction for tourists not just for religious reasons but the fantastic view it commands. Victory Tower is located on top of the Leh Palace and it was built to honor the Ladhaki troops’ victory over Balti Kashmiris.

The Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the war heroes from the Kargil war and is a bright display of the courage those who made the ultimate sacrifice, telling great stories that will make you appreciate all that our armed forces do for us. The highlight of this museum is a section called the ‘Op Vijay Gallery’. Here, you can see the munitions used in the Kargil war, along arms caches captured by the Indian Army during the war. On the same floor, in yet another section, various kinds of apparel and equipment used by troops stationed on the Siachen glacier have also been displayed. 

Leh Palace

Built in the 17th century by the King Sengge Namgyal, this palace in Leh is one of the most beautiful architectural wonders of Leh that you need to visit during your vacation to Ladakh. Originally constructed in the year 1553 by the Buddhist kings, the Leh Palace houses the splendid architectural splendor in the form of a statue of Lord Gautam Buddha. The palace also offers an astounding and breath-taking view of the city from a height. Originally built on the top of Namgyal Hill, the place is significant to Buddhism and Buddhist culture.

Magnetic Hill

This unique location has baffled the scientific community and conspiracy theorists alike thanks to a road where vehicles and objects appear to roll uphill on their own. But in reality, the topography of the area and surrounding slopes create the optical illusion of a hill. Objects and cars on the road may appear to roll uphill in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill. It is 26.5 km west of Leh on Srinagar-Ladakh road.

Tsemo fort

Tsemo means ‘Victory’ and this fort is Known to be visible from any part of Ladakh, the Tsemo Fort is a tiny fort covered in prayer flags that served as a vantage point since it’s construction in the 16th century. Directly underneath the fort is the Tsemo gompa and Tsemo monastery that consists of two temple buildings built in the 15th century with an an eight meter tall gold-faced statue of the  Maitreya Buddha.

Spituk Monastery

Yet another stunning architectural wonder, the Spituk Monastery, is also known as the Pituk Gompa, which attracts a number of spiritual tourists around the world as it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Pituk Gompa was founded in the 14th Century and is located about 5 km from Leh. On the top of the Gompa is a three-tiered shrine. The statues inside the Gompa are of Buddha and Tsongkhapa. The adjoining Gelukpa Shankar Gompa features Kushok Bakula Rinpoche who was the former Lama of Ladakh. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is located above the palace and is open to the public for two hours from 7 am to 9 am.

Hemis Monastery

The Hemis Monastery is a cultural and spiritual centre where the popular festival of Hemis takes place, to commemorate the birth of Padmasambhava the founder of tantric Tibetan Buddhism. The Hemis festival in 2020 is scheduled to be held from the 30th of June to the 1st of July. This festival exhibits the radiance of Buddhist traditions and rituals with great splendor. You must visit this place to experience the spiritual celebration of tantric Buddhism, which is often accompanied, by music and dance. 

Phyang Monastery

One of the most prominent Buddhist monasteries in the region of Ladakh, the Phyang Monastery attracts a wide range of religious and spiritual tourists from across the world. Situated at a distance of fifteen kilometres from Ladakh, Phyang Monastery exhibits retrospective thangkas, murals of the Mahakala and wall paintings. There also exists a museum that is situated inside the Phyang Monastery. This is a monastery that is about nine hundred years old and houses several collections of antiques such as weapons, scriptures and idols or effigies.

Thiksey Monastery

Affiliated by the Gelung sect of the Tibetan Buddhism, the Thiksey Monastery is one of the most important religious centres of Leh. It is also known as the Thiksey Gompa. Embellished to resemble the Palace of Potala located in the Lhasa in Tibet. Thiksey Monastery is twelve storied complex housing essential artifacts of the Buddha like tapestries, thangkas, statues and even swords.

Old Town Leh

All the houses in this region are made of bricks and mud alongside small alleyways that boast a spectacular surrounding. It can be reached either by a motorbike or on foot. The whole town of Leh is characterized by its distinct old world charm and appeal. Small alleyways, stairs, mud-brick houses and the ruins of ancient Gompas make the region an ideal place to revisit and relive the spectacular past history - of the globe’s coldest and chilliest desert. An unusual feature of the small houses situated here is that they do not consist of many windows.

Best hill stations in Ladakh

The union territory of Ladakh is a gateway to an iconic hillside holiday vacation in India. Individuals can find clear blue rivers, vast rocky terrains and massive snow-clad mountain peaks nearly everywhere they step foot in the region. Even though most places in Ladakh are not primarily tagged “hill stations”, they are still some of the most fascinating hillside holiday destinations. Some examples are:

• Zanskar: The main highlights of Penzi La Pass are its two gorgeous turquoise lakes, pristine camping sites and scenic views of massive snow-covered mountains. Just near the halfway point of the pass lies Zanskar, a small village, on the banks of the beautiful Zanskar river. The colossal Zanskar mountain range separates Indus Valley from Zanskar Valley. Besides its natural beauty, it is a place that has remained largely uninfluenced by modernisation. Zanskar is one of the best hillside destinations in Ladakh, where individuals can witness unique regional cultures and traditions. Zanskar was recently opened to tourists and has seen a lot of changes ever since. It is about 18 kilometres by road from Padum.
  
  
• Kargil: Lying on the bank of River Suru, Kargil City is a well-known tourist destination in Ladakh. It is the second largest city and a popular spot for a hillside vacation in the Union Territory. Nestled at an elevation of 2676 metres, the city is a massive site of history, culture and politics. The tall green trees, gushing blue river and giant arid mountains in the region offer breathtaking views that make it worth the travel. Tourists often describe the city as a piece of paradise itself.
  
  
• Suru Valley: The Suru Valley is yet another popular destination within the union territory of Ladakh that individuals can visit for hillside vacations. Situated just 90 kilometres from Kargil City, the place is dotted with settlements and natural scenic charm. Tourists prefer to spend a few days at this location, go on treks, check out the local attractions, indulge in photography, etc. However, the most iconic attraction of the place is the massive Maitreya rock carving at Karpokhar. Due to the absence of basic tourist bungalows, tourist activity remains a bit limited. But individuals interested in camping amidst the mountains love to visit the region every now and then.

Best honeymoon destinations in Ladakh

A popular alternative to a beachside honeymoon is spending a few days with your loved one amidst the captivating beauty of nature, composed of colossal mountain ranges, acres of meadows, and vast blue-water lakes. Ladakh is home to numerous prominent tourist attractions in the form of places, regional festivals, historical landmarks, and so on. Here are some fitting locations within Ladakh you can visit for your honeymoon:

• Nubra Valley: The Nubra Valley in Ladakh is sometimes called by its Tibetan name, Dumra, which stands for “valley of flowers”. With an average elevation of over 3,000 metres, the valley is about 145 kilometres from Leh, commonly accessed via the Khardung La Pass. The place is renowned for its historical background, along with attractions like the 32-metre tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, Bactrian camel rides, adventure activities, etc. In addition, the gushing Nubra and Shyok rivers flowing through the valley with the backdrop of arid mountains create breathtaking, romantic sceneries. It is perfect for a short visit and is indeed one of the best honeymoon destinations in Ladakh.
  
  
• Tso Moriri: The pictures found on the internet hardly do any justice in presenting the majestic beauty of Tso Moriri Lake. It is a massive lake nestled at an elevation of 4,522 metres in Ladakh’s Changthang Plateau. The captivating scenic landscapes and tranquil atmosphere of the region are some of its main charms. In addition, the surrounding area of the lake falls under Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, where individuals can spot a variety of birds, including great-crested grebe, brown-headed gull, Brahmin duck, etc. It is one of the most romantic places in the country that couples can visit to spend some blissful time together. It should be noted that travelling to the lake is only limited to the summer season, and an inner line permit is necessary for the visit.
  
  
• Alchi: Located just 70 kilometres from Leh, Alchi village is among the most peaceful and beautiful holiday destinations in the region. The phenomenal Indus River flowing through the small village with the backdrop of arid mountains offer some jaw-dropping views, perfect for witnessing alongside your loved one. However, the major attraction of the place is the Alchi Monastery, considered one of the oldest gompas in Ladakh. It houses a variety of ancient artefacts related to Buddhism, including frescoes and murals. Alchi piques the attention of thousands of couples interested in spending a few days amidst the beauty of nature while learning more about the religious side of Ladakh.
  
  
• Pangong Lake: Next on the list of the most romantic places in Ladakh for a honeymoon is the famous Pangong Tso. It is an endorheic lake located at an elevation of 4,225 metres, covering parts of west Tibet and east Ladakh. Besides the picturesque scenic visuals of the region, the most fascinating part about this tourist attraction is the lake’s water. The colour of the water doesn’t remain the same throughout and switches between shades of light blue, azure, green and, sometimes, grey. Another reason couples from all across the nation go to Pangong Tso is to do with the fact that the epic ending scene from Bollywood hit movie “3 Idiots” was shot by this lakeside.

Foods to Eat in Ladakh

The food in Ladakh is simple, based on the few ingredients that grow in this arid landscape. It is also rich, nutritious and filling to meet the body’s increased need for calories in the cold weather and high altitude on your Ladakh tour.

• Chutagi
• Skew/Sku
• Paba
• Butter Tea/Tsaza
• Momos
• Thukpa

Chutagi

Chutagi is a soup made with vegetables and bow-tie shaped flour dumplings. Served piping hot, Chutagi will keep you warm and nourished during your Ladakh trip.

Skew/Sku

Similar to Chutagi, but also made with meat like yak or mutton, the key difference is the dumplings here are shaped into tiny discs. You will find skew on many menus during your Ladakh tour.

Paba

Paba is a mountain bread made with roasted barley flour that is kneaded with a little oil and sugar. Paba is usually eaten mixed with buttermilk and vegetables. This is a staple of Ladkahi cuisine and will feature on the menu during your stay in Ladakh.

Butter Tea/Tsaza

Butter tea is drunk across Ladakh and is a refreshing sweet/salty take on typical chai made with tea leaves, milk and yak butter. This is a hot nutritious beverage available all over Ladakh to keep you warm on your Ladakh trip.

Momos

Momos need no introduction though eating piping hot momos with spicy chutney in the chiilly Ladakhi climate will undoubtedly be the culinary highlight of your vacation to Ladakh.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a spicy noodle soup that is made with vegetables and may contain meat. It is to Ladakh what dal and chawal is to the rest of India. You will find stalls ladling out piping hot thukpa all across Leh and Ladakh on your Ladakh tour.

Things to Do In Ladakh

The list of things to do in Ladakh when you’re on tour with Thomas Cook's Leh Ladakh tour package is both fun and culturally educational. Your itinerary during your Ladakh holiday is sure to feature some if not all of the activities mentioned below.

• Visit the Hemis Festival
• Ride a Camel through the Hunder Dunes
• Try Maggi and Tea at the Highest Cafeteria in the World
• Complete the Chadar trek
• Go to Hell
• Watch the Sunrise at the Shanti Stupa
• Spot a Snow Leopard
• Shop for Souvenirs in Leh
• Go off roading in Nubra valley

Visit the Hemis Festival

The Hemis festival is scheduled to be held from the 30th of June to the 1st of July. This festival is a riot of colours and sounds and should be on your itinerary during your Ladakh trip. A key highlight of this festival is the Chham performed by the lamas at the Hemis Monastery. The Chham is a form of ritualistic meditative dance performed as an offering to the Gods. The lamas don fierce lion masks and vibrant costumes while performing lending an aura of intrigue and majesty to this performance.

Ride a Camel through the Hunder Dunes

Ladakh is after all a high-altitude desert. And where there’s a desert, there’s sand dunes. The dunes in Ladakh are located in Hunder and set against the rugged wilderness with snowcapped peaks and the beautiful Shyok and Nubra rivers. The camels are double-humped Bactrian camels which were once used by caravans on the Silk route. Ride through history on the bac of these beasts on your Ladakh holiday with Thomas Cook.

Try Maggi and Tea at the Highest Cafeteria in the World

Maggi takes on a whole new avatar once you’ve tried it at the cafeteria at the Khardung La pass, the highest motorable road in the world. The Maggi and chai here are served with a side of magnificent views of the Himalayas and will make your Ladakh tour all the more special.

Complete the Chadar trek

With Thomas Cook’s special 6 night-7 day Chadar Trek, you will be treated to Ladakh like no other. Featuring experienced guides, sherpas, doctors and even cooks, this trek is adventurous yet comfortable thanks to provisions for sleeping tents and dedicated portable toilet tents, this is a great starter trek for those wishing to undertake more adventurous treks in Ladakh, Leh or anywhere in the world.

Go to Hell

Nerak, named after ‘Narak’ or ‘Hell’, in Zanskaar is a tiny village in Ladakh situated at 11,150 ft that experiences nightime temperatures as low as -30°C. This is also the site of the Zanskaar waterfall that is frozen in winter. The gripping sunset from Nerak is a sight to behold on your Ladakh holiday.

Watch the Sunrise at the Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa in Leh is amongst the most popular Tibetan structures that is known for its architecture and beauty. Its white-dome structure is truly mesmerising, and the place offers Watching the sunrise here will revive your soul amidst the peaceful ambiance of this stupa. The stupa was established by a popular Japanese Buddhist, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura in the year 1991.

Spot a Snow Leopard

There are approximately 200 snow leopards left in Ladakh and they can be found at the Hemis sanctuary. The best time to spot these majestic felines is summer, when there is no snow to camouflage their glistening white coats.

Shop for Souvenirs in Leh

Leh’s Old Town is a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs from your Ladakh trip. From Tibetan prayer flags blessed by monks to handicrafts such as Tibetan silver jewellry and fabrics such as Pashmina shawls and art such as Thangka paintings, they can all be found in Leh’s Main Bazaar or the Tibetan Market in Ladakh.

Go off roading in Nubra valley 

If you seek adventure on your Ladakh trip, look no further than the Nubra valley. You can ride ATV or go dune bashing in SUV’s among the silver dunes that dot this rugged landscape.

Adventurous things to do in Ladakh

If you term yourself a thrillseeker, consider trying these adventure activities during your next trip to Ladakh:

River rafting

Some of the most beautiful rivers in northern Indian flow through the majestic Ladakh. They offer great opportunities for adrenaline-rushing river rafting activities, which are quite popular among tourists visiting the region. The wide variety of streams is perfect for both beginners and experts. It is a perfect group adventure individuals can participate in during their holidays. Some of the most popular zones for river rafting in Ladakh are the Zanskar River stretch, between Nimu and Padum, and the Indus River stretch, between Nimu and Spitnuk.

Paragliding

If Ladakh is considered a part of paradise itself, then getting a top view of the region is a perfect way to soak in its natural elegance. Paragliding is one of the most thrilling adventure activities offered in Ladakh. Just as the name suggests, it is a recreational activity that includes gliding through the air while being attached to a canopy-shaped parachute. Apart from offering an opportunity to witness the scenic beauty from a bird’s point of view, paragliding will also help pump up your adrenaline flow. Leh is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for this adventure activity.

Trekking

Ladakh is a trekker’s paradise due to the availability of numerous trails amidst mesmerising scenic landscapes. It is also considered one of the best ways to capture the beauty and essence of the region during a vacation. Even though it requires a decent bit of physical fitness and experience, individuals can find several easier trails that would suit beginners well. Some of the most well-known routes for trekking in Ladakh include the Chadar Trek, Indus Valley Trek and Nubra Valley Trek.

Camel rides

Camels are not just the ship of deserts but are also a great means of exploring the beautiful region of Ladakh. They have been a major mode of transport in the region, especially on the historic Silk Route. Individuals interested in this unique experience can go for camel rides in Nubra Valley. The species of camel that reside in the region is known as Bactrian camels, which have double humps and are very rare. During this Bactrian Camel Safari, tourists will be able to explore the various nooks and corners of the region, including remote villages, rugged mountain areas, frozen deserts, wild orchards, etc.

What to shop in Ladakh?

Besides being a getaway to the majestic Great Himalayas, Ladakh is also a shopper’s paradise. Tons of shops and markets across the region deal in regional speciality items, which encaptures the essence of the place. Here are some must-buy things and places to do the shopping in Ladakh:

• Leather Jackets: Individuals visiting Ladakh for a vacation will need to pack warm clothes to shield themselves from the shivering cold. However, in case you have packed less or want to gift something memorable to your loved ones, consider steering your attention towards the iconic leather jackets sold in the region. They are among the most common things bought by tourists during a visit. Apart from providing warmth, these leather jackets are very stylish and available at affordable prices. You can find leather jackets of all qualities in Ladakh, alongside woollen caps to match.
  Where to shop: Leather jackets are available at most corners of Ladakh, from prominent stores to local streetside vendors. However, consider checking the market in Leh City for the best quality products.
  
  
• Tibetan handicrafts: Tibetan handicraft products are some of the best examples of skilled craftsmanship. The intricate designs and premium quality of such products make them a viable choice for gift and souvenir shopping during a Ladakh trip. These beautiful products are made by hand by local artisans across various villages in the union territory. Wood, silver, copper, stone, clay, etc., are a few examples of materials used to create these products. From luxurious housewares to beautiful jewellery, there’s a lot to browse through in terms of variety.
  Where to shop: Numerous stores in the region sell Tibetan art and handicraft products. A well-known store you can consider visiting for this purpose is the Tibetan Handicraft Emporium on Main Bazaar Road in Leh.
  
  
• Pashmina shawls: Besides Jammu and Kashmir, various stores and markets in the union territory of Ladakh deal in Pashmina shawls and other products. Pashmina is a premium quality material known for offering great warmth despite its soft texture and light weightiness. It is a popular item that individuals buy as a luxurious gift for themselves or a loved one. Some Pashmina products that individuals can consider purchasing in Ladakh include hats, shawls, stoles, sweaters, etc.
  Where to shop: There are a handful of places that sell high-quality Pashmina shawls and other products in the region. A popular store you can consider visiting for this is the Himalayas Pashmina Shawls store in Leh Bazaar.
  
  
• Prayer flags and wheels: Some other unique items that fit the criteria for gift and souvenir shopping in Ladakh are prayer flags and wheels. You can find prayer flags hoisted at nearly all corners of the Union Territory. Then comes the Buddhist prayer wheels, which are another popular item that offers a sense of calmness and peace to individuals. You can decorate your home or workplace with the prayer wheel and gift them to your family members or colleagues. You can also hoist the prayer flags on your bike or car and let the wind embrace them while you enjoy the scenic views during your road journey.
  Where to shop: These are available everywhere in Ladakh, especially around the markets and stores near Buddhist monasteries.

Interesting facts about Ladakh

• Ladakh is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), which is a high-altitude astronomy station based in Hanle. It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and houses one of the world’s top 10 highest optical telescopes. It is also the first-ever dark-sky preserve in the country.
• One of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, the Pangong Tso, is based in Ladakh.  However, the most unique feature about it is that despite being a saltwater lake, it freezes during winter. 
• Ladakh is home to some of the oldest and most well-known Buddhist monasteries in the world. This includes names like the Hemis Monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Phuktal Monastery etc.
• The Nubra Valley of Ladakh is one of the few places in the world that have a decent population of twin-humped camels, also called Bactrian Camels.
• The magnetic hill in Ladakh has a gravity-defying feature that makes vehicles parked in neutral go uphill. Some popular theory suggests its an optical illusion, while others explain it as the work of a special magnetic field.
• Ladakh is home to some of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, including the likes of Umling La Pass, Marisimik La Pass, Khardung La Pass, etc.