Written by

Sindhu Ghat is located near Leh, in Ladakh’s union territory, on the river Indus’s banks. It is also a great place to get panoramic views of the gorgeous Himalayan mountains. Sindhu Ghat holds both historical and spiritual importance, attracting tourists and devotees. The Sindhu Darshan festival takes place in June every year on the Guru Purnima and has become one of the most important tourist spots for the 3 days of the festival in Ladakh. Several visitors come here for puja and darshan. This place also attracts tourists all year round. In other words, everyone visiting the Sindhu Ghat will cherish this ghat.

The Significance Of Sindhu Ghat

Beautiful view of Sindhu River

Image Credit: Safina dhiman for Wikimedia Commons

The Indus River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and was crucial to the growth of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which peaked in 2500 BC. This civilization, which was among the world’s first urban states, rose to fame due to its remarkable architectural design, well-organized city area, and detailed social system. The Sindhu Ghat is named after the River Indus, one of the longest rivers in the world. The river is considered sacred in Hinduism and has been the cradle of ancient civilizations. The ghat is also a symbol of unity and national integration, as it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the Sindhu Darshan Festival.

Must Read: Things To Do In Ladakh

Top Attractions To Visit Near The Sindhu Ghat

Travellers planning a trip to Sindhu ghat can visit the following nearby places to make their travel journey more exciting:

1. Thiksey Monastery

Beautiful scene of Monastery

Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons

This monastery is truly a wonder. It is among the largest monasteries in Ladakh and all over India. There are twelve stories in the Thiksey monastery. Among the monastery’s most visited sites is the Maitreya Temple. There is also a two-story high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is 15 meters in height, kept in the temple. Many tourists worldwide come to this beautiful place and are attracted mainly by the snowy mountains nearby. For these reasons, it is considered a place of cultural importance and stunning scenery.
Entry Fee: Rs 30-50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs 300-600 per person for foreign nationals.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Must see: Thiksey Monastery’s stunning architecture, magnificent Indus Valley views, and the Maitreya Buddha’s colossal statue from the monastery complex.

2. Hall Of Fame Leh

View of historic equipment in the museum

Image Credit: Deepa 07 for Wikimedia Commons

The Hall of Fame Leh is home to a museum honouring brave troops who gave their life in the Indo-Pak wars to protect their country. It was established as a historical information resource for the Kargil War. It is about four kilometres from the city centre and close to Leh Airport. Indians can study the history of the Indo-Pak War in detail by visiting Leh. The museum also details the many honours and prizes that are granted through it, along with the biographies of some of the men who have made the most tremendous sacrifices in the history of our country.
Entry Fee: Rs 25 for Indian nationals and Rs 50 for foreign nationals
Camera Fee: Rs 20
Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Must see: War Memorial Section, Heroes Gallery, Weapons and Equipment and Audio-Visual Hall

Suggested Read: Trekking In Ladakh

3. Shanti Stupa

Front view of Shanti Stupa

Image Credit: Imanvita for Wikimedia Commons

Among the city’s most impressive landmarks is the Shanti Stupa in Leh. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the city’s main attractions. With all the details, the two-story building appears fantastic. People come here for two reasons: first, since it is a place of worship, and second because the top has beautiful views. Shanti Stupa’s excitement attracts adventure seekers, and it was built at an elevation of almost 3600 meters above sea level. It provides lovely views of the Indus River basin and the Himalayan Mountain range.
Entry Fee: Free entry is available for all visitors.
Timings: Open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM.
Must see: Architecture, Meditation Hall, and surrounding gardens

Best Time To Visit The Ghat

Indus River valley near Leh

Image Credit: KennyOMG for Wikimedia Commons

Tourists can also visit Sindhu Ghat of Leh Ladakh, where the sky is light and temperatures moderate, and the Himalayas are viewed again from May to September. The Sindhu Darshan Festival’s active, patriotic, and colourful atmosphere is traditionally held in June. The roads are well stretched out, and the flight services are also frequent, so they do not pose much of a problem when travelling during winter. However, one thing that should not be overlooked is to go slow and avoid exerting ourselves in high altitudes.

Suggested Read: Festivals Of Ladakh

How To Reach Sindhu Ghat?

A serene view of the banks of Sindhu

Image Credit: SMBhagwat for Wikimedia Commons
Since Leh is well connected to other major cities of India, reaching Sindhu Ghat is not very much a problem. Central connecting locations for Leh are Delhi, Srinagar, and other main airport cities, which can be accessed by road or air. Some possible tourist activities may include an exciting road tour from Manali or Srinagar through the high-altitude passes and new geography. The distance to Sindhu Ghat from Leh does not take much time as Leh has several sightseeing options. The ghat is not very remote for travel since newly built buses, taxis, and private cars can be hired.

Further Read: Monasteries In Ladakh

Sindhu Ghat at Leh symbolises Leh’s strong cultural ethos and reverence for the natural surroundings. Any person who comes is blessed by the serene surroundings and the holiness of the Indus River beside it. Sindhu Ghat and Sindhu Darshan Festival have something to serve: scenic beauty, devotion or an authentic local celebration. So, you can visit Sindhu Ghat during the Sindhu Darshan Festival to be a part of the vibrant culture of Ladakh or the celebration of life. Plan your trip to Ladakh and let the Sindhu River take over you in its timeless flow of love and peace.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

Cover Image Credit: kamaljith for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Sindhu Ghat

Where is Sindhu Ghat located?

The calm Sindhu Ghat lies on the bank of the river Indus in the Leh area. It is very famous for its stunning scenery and is regarded as one of the most favourable spots for resting and meditating.

What is the way to reach Sindhu Ghat?

Sindhu Ghat is approximately 10km away from Leh town. There are many ways to get there; you can go there by bike, or take a taxi, or if you like to have long walks and enjoy nature, then walking can be an option as well.

What sort of activities are there at Sindhu Ghat?

People tend to sit, relax, keep calm, or prefer to click photos, or even sometimes practice meditation at Sindhu Ghat. Boating down the river is yet another method in which the visitors take a walk down the river bank to see the mountainous area.

Is there any historical or cultural importance of Sindhu Ghat?

Sindhu Ghat has cultural relevance as the Indus River Ghat is located and thus holds a great cultural relevance for it is one of the most historical and culturally rich rivers in India. The ghat is religiously used during the Sindhu Darshan Festival to honor the river, which is known to have a great history in India.

At what time would it be most suitable to visit Sindhu Ghat?

The best opportunity to visit Sindhu Ghat is from May to September, the climate is better and visibility is also very good. It is a chance to taste the calmness and to enjoy the views which cannot be seen every day.

People Also Read:

Category: Ladakh, Places To Visit

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month