Places of Interest

About Tourism

Ladakh having unparalleled geo-climatic, topographical and socio-cultural facets, sets out to make it a destination unlike any other place in the world. Being a distinctive wonderland conspicuously marking a peculiar trace to the diversity of the Himalayan arc and persisting to be an area of attraction for people all around the world. Ladakh formally opened for tourism in 1974 with only 527 tourists visiting the region, thenceforth it has witnessed a manifold increase in the number of tourists visiting each year and is emerging as one of the most popular destinations for not only domestic tourists but also foreign tourists.
Tourism has become a core sector of Ladakh’s economic growth and development having influential bearings on socio-economic aspects of the region in a diverse manner as many people here are engaged in tourism related activities like transport, hospitality, cottage industry and many more. The Tourism Industry accounts for more than 60% of the total revenue generated in Ladakh. More than half of the population of Ladakh is economically dependent, directly or indirectly, on this industry. There are about 290 Hotels, 691 Guest Houses, 1055 Homestays and 105 Camps in Leh district.
Tourism has emerged as one the primal sectors that are playing an eminent role in generating revenue jobs and overall growth of the region, it renders wider possibilities for establishing finer infrastructure, adequate employment opportunities, direct income from tourists and the creation of varied tourism-allied services. With UT status, Ladakh as an independent political entity is uncovering numerous ways to set up a foundation of sustainable development. Tourism, as a major contributor to socioeconomic development, hasstrong bearings in charting the course towards the overall sustainable development of Ladakh.

Tourism is a huge industry and Ladakh has all the potential to cater to the needs of all kinds of tourism, be it Adventure-based Tourism, Culture-based Tourism, Eco-based Tourism or any other.

Adventure Tourism

Due to its mysterious geographical scattering, Ladakh is one of the premier destinations for adventure tourism in India. Mountaineering, Trekking, Ice trekking, Ice climbing, Skiing, White water rafting, canoeing in the Indus & Zanskar river, Jeep safari, Camel safari, Mountain Biking, Cycling, Paragliding are some of the common examples of thrills and delights for adventurers in Ladakh.

Eco Tourism

The exuberance and charm of its scenic beauty allay the yearnings of all nature lovers. Bird watching, stargazing, photography, camping, hiking, visiting the remotest landscape, visiting alluring parks, encountering wild animals and experiencing the unique blend of nature’s wonders become a part of every tourist’s experience when they venture out towards the popular destinations like Pangong lake, Nubra Valley, Tsomoriri lake, Hemis national park, or be it anywhere in Ladakh.

Wildlife Tourism

Ladakh glorifies itself as being home to some distinctive and rare species of flora and fauna making it a fascinating and exclusive wildlife destination. You can find the snow leopard, the state animal of Ladakh, though spotting one is rare but never impossible. Black Necked Crane, Blue sheep, Lynx, Tibetan sheep, Yak, Marmots, Great Crested Grebe, Ladakh urial ibex and Himalayan brown bears are some of the other wild and rare species found here. Ladakh is rich even in terms of Flora. Srolo, Nettle, Sea-buckthorn and various other medicinal plants are found in Ladakh.

Religious/ Spiritual Tourism

Ladakh is renowned as a prominent destination for spiritual tourism. The region exhibits significant religious centers,majorly of Buddhism.Centuries old majestic monasteries and iconic shrines with great sacred and architectural splendor and even important holy places denoting Hinduism,Sikhism and Christianity are found here.
Some of the popular monasteries are Thiksey, Alchi, Matho,Stakna, Diskit, Likir, Takthok and Hemis. There is Leh Palace, Stokpalace, Shanti-Stupa, Leh mosque, Chuchot Imam Bargah and many other major religious sites in Leh District. At Spituk, Buddhist Deity Paldan Lhamo is also considered sacred and revered equally by Hindu devotees as Goddess Kali. Besides, there is Gurudwara Pathar-Sahib, Leh-Church and a Church at Shey.

Traditional/Competitive Sport Tourism

Traditional sports of Ladakh add a different shade to the lives of the people here. Various sports are played by the local people with great enthusiasm, considering sports as a significant part of their lives and enjoying playing as well as witnessing them like a festival. Polo, Ladakh Archery, Ice hockey, Ladakh marathon are some of the most admired sports in Ladakh.

Cultural Tourism

Ladakh is one of the great places that offers a great combination of its culture, history, heritage and traditions that is utterly reflected in the daily lifestyle of all Ladakhi people. From major fairs and festivals(monastic, seasonal, food) like Hemis Festival, and Apricot Blossom Festival to languages spoken(Ladakhi, Tibetan, Urdu, Balti, Drogpa) and diverse costumes and cuisines. Ladakh’s uniqueness in arts and crafts is starkly visible to any tourist wherever they travel in Ladakh.