Ladakh is the perfect place for an adventurous getaway. The Land of High Passes has long captivated tourists from around the world. It’s not just the commoners who are drawn to this Himalayan paradise, Bollywood celebrities too have fallen under its spell. From the rugged mountains and pristine lakes to the ancient monasteries and vibrant local culture, Ladakh offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Celebrities like Kriti Sanon, Salman Khan and Sidharth Malhotra visited Ladakh for romantic getaways, adventure sports, and spiritual retreats. Now, adding to the list is actress Triptii Dimri. Her recent trip to the beautiful place is sparking some serious wanderlust vibes. She shared a series of pictures and videos of her adventure on Instagram stories, and fans are already getting ready to pack their bags. If you’re longing for a tranquil getaway to Ladakh, consider adding these places to your travel itinerary, which will leave you spellbound with their beauty.

Read on to discover what makes Ladakh so special and what delicious cuisines await you there.

Pangong Lake

Your trip is not complete without visiting this lake. This is the famous ‘3 Idiots’ spot where the climax of the film was shot. The breath-taking and crystal-clear Pangong Lake reflects the blue sky and hills around in its water, gently giving a sense of peace to the tourists. Known to be one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, this lake is worth spending every moment on. What’s even more interesting is that the lake changes its colours frequently, like red, pink, golden, yellow, or blue, with the refraction phenomena.

Thiksey Monastery

If you want to experience the Buddhist lifestyle, art, culture, and beliefs, then this place is for you. With snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, Thiksey Monastery is one of the largest monasteries known for its art collection. Situated atop a hill, this 12-storey building with more than 500 monks is a tranquil place to unwind and connect with spiritual energies.

Hemis National Park

Ever heard of snow leopards? If not, visit the Hemis National Park of Ladakh and watch the white giant creature. Trust us, you will be spellbound with their beauty. This high-altitude national park is said to be the only national park to have snow leopards in the northern hemisphere of the Himalayas. This park is also a dream destination for bird watchers, as numerous exotic bird species can be spotted hovering around.

Shanti Stupa

Located on the hilltop in Chanspa, the dome-shaped white structure is one of the major tourist attractions in Ladakh. The place is filled with positive vibes, the richness of culture, and the peace you have been looking for a long time. The beauty of the Stupa is that it portrays the life of Lord Buddha on its inner walls. Spend your time at this place enjoying the best sunrise and sunset views.

Magnetic Hill

Experience the illusion of gravity-defying physics that makes vehicles appear to roll uphill! Yes, we aren’t kidding. If someone looks at your car, it’ll appear to be going upwards against gravity when it’ll be heading downward. Believe us, this spot will leave you in awe and is both fun and mind-boggling.

Local Food Items That You Must Try

Made of noodles, veggies, and meat in a rich and spicy broth, this lip-smacking delicacy is quite popular among Ladakhi folks. The noodles are thick strips, prepared from barley or wheat flour. This piping hot soup is savoured by the people to beat the extremely cold temperatures experienced in Leh and Ladakh.

Another delicacy from Ladakh that is worth trying is Skyu. It is another soupy dish with flavourful broth. The traditional dish of Ladakh is made of kneaded thumb-sized wheat flour dough. It is cooked mainly with water and served hot with meat or vegetables.

This signature tea of Ladakh is prepared by adding butter, milk, and salt to boiling milk. All the ingredients are churned together until they blend completely with the boiled tea leaves to make the unique Ladakhi chai.

This is definitely one of the culinary specialities of Ladakh that needs your attention. Chhutagi translates to water bread; it is a desi, Leh pasta served during harvest season to workers. Rich in nutrition, the flattened dough is typically cut into circular pieces and shaped into bow ties. These pieces are then cooked in a thick, flavourful broth made from either vegetables or meat.

The bun-shaped local Tibetan bread is steamed and served with vegetables, meat, and dal. It is a tightly coiled, soft, and fluffy bun made from wheat flour without any filling. It is best served hot and is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.