As someone rightly said “When exploring Ladakh, be a traveler not a tourist.” and we think that’s the best advice someone can give you. A holiday in Ladakh is one of the cherished dreams for many. It is a land with awesome features that set a huge and astounding abode. Ladakh is surrounded by robust mountain ranges, the striking Karakoram in the North and the mesmerizing Himalayas in the south. The sights of the vast and deserted expanse of the valleys and hills are a visual treat. Most of the visitors suggest the summer month of June to be the best time to visit Ladakh as the weather is just perfect during this time and you get to enjoy a bunch of activities. Travelers start traversing from April, however, tourists’ season goes full swing in June. The Manali road along with Rohtang Pass opens up in early June and makes commuting easier. So, if you are planning on visiting Ladakh then we have a list of the places to visit in Ladakh in summer.
6 Best Places To Visit In Ladakh In Summer
If you are planning for a trip to Ladakh then plan for it in June because honestly, why would you even want to miss out on some awesome experiences and vibrant festivities?!
1. Pangong Lake
This lake covers a total area of 600 square kilometers and some parts of this lake are in China and Tibet as well and is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh in summer. The lake remains frozen during the winter months; hence, the warm month of June is the prime time to visit the lake. The lake begins to melt in April and in June it becomes perfect. It’s a saline water body with very less aquatic life in it. A few crustacean species are thriving inside the lake. You will find thousands of exotic birds hovering around the lake and that view is just majestic. You may also opt for camping beside the lake for an exquisite experience. If you visit the lake during summer in June you would also be able to see some rare species of Brahmin ducks and bar-headed goose.
Where: Leh-Ladakh in the Himalayas
Timings: Anytime (daytime is better)
Entry Fees: Free
Must Read: 11 Adventure Sports In Ladakh
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2. Magnetic Hill
This is also called the Gravity Hill as this region is claimed to have magnetic properties. The magnetism is so potent that it can pull the vehicles uphill. People believe that there are natural and supernatural forces that cause magnetic attractions which also makes it one of the distinct places to visit in Ladakh in summer This hill is at an elevation of 14,000 feet above sea level and the layout of the surrounding land creates an optical illusion that shows the downhill slope as an uphill slope. Thus the vehicles seem to be moving uphill even in neutral gear. This interesting place should be a must-visit during June as the weather is pleasant and you get to explore the vicinity and quench your thirst for enthusiasm.
Where: Leh-Kargil-Batalik National Highway
Timings: 8.00AM – 5.00PM
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: How To Welcome The New Year In Ladakh
3. Thiksey Monastery
This Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters and is also called the Thikse Gompa. This 12-storey beautiful building has many items that resemble Buddhism and is one of the spiritual places to visit in Ladakh in summer It is placed when you can find peace and get acquainted with the Buddhist ethnicity. There are primitive scriptures, paintings, statues and swords that are worth seeing. This monastery is one of the popular monasteries in Ladakh which attracts many tourists every year. June is the pleasurable month to explore the enchanting beauty of the monastery as the weather is soothing and you do not feel tired. Inside the complex of the monastery, you can stop by the Tara Temple and check out the 21 images dedicated to goddess Tara which is quite attractive.
Where: On the top of a hill in Thiksey approximately 19 kilometers East of Leh in Ladakh
Timings: 6.00AM – 1.00PM and 1.30AM – 6.00PM
Entry Fees: INR 20/-
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4. Royal Leh Palace
This is a former palace of the royal family of Leh and is also known as Lichen Palkhar. Built-in the 17th century, this 9 storey building was one of the tallest structures of its time and is one of the places to visit in Ladakh in summer that you can’t miss. Today, this palace has become a favorite tourist spot as the views of the Ladakh mountain ranges and Stok Kangri from here are simply awe-inspiring. This palace is an important destination of the Buddhist religion and culture. In recent times, the palace has deteriorated to a run-down condition and is being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. As there are many things to prospect inside the palace, the pleasant weather of June would be the best companion. The Museum of the Palace showcases a rich collection of jewelry, crowns, ornaments and ceremonial dresses.
Where: Top of Tsemo Hill
Timings: 07.00AM – 04.00PM everyday
Entry Fees: INR 15/-
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5. Indus River
You can do many exciting adventures in the heart of the Indus River. Activities like rafting and kayaking are often conducted especially during June, and it continues until August, basically the summer season. This river originates from Pakistan and flows through the parts of Northern India and offers some breathtaking rapids to enhance the spark of the water ventures making it one of the best places to visit in Ladakh in summer. While enjoying the rafting expedition on this river, you would also get to witness the mesmerizing views along the banks of the river. Water sports are best played in the warm months when the temperature of the water is just apt. Hence, if you are in Ladakh in June, get engaged in the jobs by the riverside.
Where: Zanskar region of the state of Ladakh
Timings: Anytime
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Our Ladakh Itinerary For 7 Days Will Help You Plan Your Trip Like A Pro
6. Tso Moriri
This oligotrophic water body is amongst the high altitude lakes of Ladakh and one of the most famous places to visit in Ladakh in summer. The prime time to visit this lake is during summer. That is because you would get to see many rare species of birds like the bar-headed geese and black-necked cranes. There are numerous camps found around the lake which attract the tourist crowd. Enjoying the cool breeze in the warm month is yet another pleasing moment that you can enjoy during your trip to Ladakh. There is a forest near the lake which is home to many native wild animals like the Himalayan blue sheep, marmot, and Tibetan gazelle. There are chances to spot a snow leopard and Tibetan wolves if you take a troll into the deep jungle.
Where: Changthang (240kms away from the Leh town)
Timings: Anytime
Entry Fees: Free
Further Read: Leh Ladakh With Kid: A Journey We’ll Cherish For A Lifetime
If you plan on a Ladakh trip during summers then believe us you are doing yourself a favour. You will witness that most of the villages hold colorful festivals and contests which will add a celebratory touch to your vacay. It would be great fun to watch them and spend time with the localites. It is during the warm months that the place is adorned with the vibrant colors of festivities and happiness and the places to visit in Ladakh in summer only add to it all. The rugged and arid mountain-scape has always been a preferred subject for photography and the pleasant atmosphere in June would be an added advantage. Therefore, planning for a trip to Ladakh in June would be a great idea to experience all the gripping moments to the fullest.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Ladakh In Summer
What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places to visit as there are numerous tourist attractions. The best time to be in Ladakh is from May to July. The weather is pleasant during this time and the highway opens up from Srinagar to Leh which makes transportation easier.
What makes Ladakh special?
Ladakh is worth visiting, especially for the people who love adventure on the road. The mesmerizing valleys of Ladakh get you closer to nature. The tourist spots of Magnetic Hill, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Tso Lake will make your vacation special and memorable.
What clothes to pack for a vacation in Ladakh?
Ladakh has spectacular scenic beauty, however, it is cold up there. While doing some adventure you need to be extra concerned about your safety. Hence, primarily you should carry warm clothes, medical kit, cash, ID proofs sunscreen and moisturizer.
Can I visit Ladakh in January?
Due to the heavy snowfall in January, most places of Ladakh are inaccessible during this time of the year. The place experiences extreme cold and the temperature drops to -50°C. It wouldn’t be the best time to visit Ladakh; however, the experienced trekkers who wish to go for Chadar Trek tend to visit Ladakh in January.
Are the Ladakh trips affected after the scrapping of article 370?
After the article 370 has been scrapped, Ladakh is a separate union territory with no legislature. However, as per the locals, this did not impact the tourist visits. It is completely safe to travel to Ladakh and life is normal over there. Leh airport and the tourist attractions are easily accessible.
What is the distance from Delhi to Ladakh?
The distance is around 1011kms by road. Many people from Delhi opt to travel to Ladakh by motorcycle and they take the Leh Manali highway. It takes approximately 24 hours to reach Ladakh and makes up for the great adventurous journey.
Is a passport required to travel to Ladakh?
No, it is not at all required. The Indian citizens do not have to present any passport or visa to the authority. However, you might have to take certain permits to be able to visit some of the restricted areas of Ladakh.
When can we witness snow in Ladakh?
If you love snowfall, then you should be in Ladakh from December to March. These are the winter months here and the weather becomes very cold here, which causes snowfall to occur.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
