Ladakh is a mystical place. You have treasures at every spot you visit. Most of the year this place is not completely open for visitors and June is the appropriate time when you get clean and open roads to traverse through it while crossing the pristine views of snow-capped Himalayas. The place not only provides you a lot in terms of beautiful landscapes, but it is culturally diverse as well. There are many things to do in Ladakh in June that will help you witness the true essence of this hill station. If you are planning a trip to this gem next year, then read further for some of the best experiences you can have in the charming destination.
Best Things To Do In Ladakh In June
Here is a list of the best things to do in Ladakh in June that will give you a winsome experience and make you fall in love with the destination. Take a look!
1. Trek In Zanskar Valley
Zanskar Valley is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Ladakh. The place is located on the eastern corner of Jammu and Kashmir and is separated from it by Ladakh. Being part of Tethys Himalayas, it is home to the serene beauty and iconic sceneries. Most of the parts of the Zanskar valley need to trek. You can also experience river water rafting while you are here. This place is covered in snow most of the year and opens only during peak summers. Due to its difficult terrain only people who seek adventure and love to walk and trek visit this place. The valley is spread in an area of around 5000 sq. km and is located around 13,154 meters above sea level. Due to its height, you may feel breathless at certain points and would require oxygen masks to survive. The place has a backdrop of the most beautiful snow capped glaciers and is home to crystal clear water that flows down the valley. To visit this place, you can take a drive from Leh airport through taxis and cabs. There are various treks available which differ in length and difficulty to choose from.
2. Visit Mesmerizing Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake is the most famous lake in the Leh region and is located at a height of around 4350 meters above sea level. The lake itself is around 12 km long and extends from India to Tibet. India has just one-third part of the lake and rest lies in Tibet. The lake temperature is always around freezing point and it opens only during summers for common visitors. One must have a permit to visit this lake and it comes under army scrutiny. The peculiar behavior of the lake tends to change its color at different times of the day. It goes from azure to light blue to green to grey as the day passes. It has been the best tourist attraction for very long and is one of the hot spots for filming many major Bollywood films. The crystal water and gentle hills provide the sublime beauty to this place and is a paradise for any photographer.
Where: Pangong Lake
Entry Fees: NA
Timings: June until September
3. Visit Tso Morari lake
This is one of the lesser-known and yet unexplored lakes in the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a twin lake to Pangong Lake, however, people often miss watching this lake while their visit to Pangong Lake. The lake offers tranquil sceneries and extends around 28 km in length. The average depth of this lake is around 100 feet and is surrounded by barren hills, however, the backdrop of this lake is made from beautiful snow-covered mountains. This is one of the least known lakes, but is a perfect place for stargazing. It’s out of this world experience to watch star here at night from the camps or sitting beside the bonfire. The place is also a home for many seasonal birds and is an appropriate place for bird watching. The place is declared as a wetland reserve ad is also called the ‘mountain lake’ owing to the various peaks that surround this place and it is located at a height of 2000 meters. The place is thus completely isolated from the outside world once you are here.
Where: Tso Moriri lake
Entry Fees: NA
Timings: May, June, July
4. Drive The Highest Motor Road At Khardung La Pass
Khardung La is the highest mountain pass in Ladakh at an elevation of 5602 meters and is a gateway of adventure for peace seekers and mountain biking lovers. Khardungla was built in the year 1976 and was meant to support the supplies to be transported to Siachen glacier. As you make your way to the top of the valley you get to witness the stunning views of snow-capped mountains and curved roads passing through them. The pristine air covers the snow-clad mountains and opens only from April until June and then September until October. One must avoid consuming alcohol or smoking while you at the top of the Khardung La as oxygen levels are low. You must consult a doctor before you head towards this trip and carry enough food and warm clothes to survive well at Khardung La. Your permits must always stay with you during the entire journey and you must accompany an experienced driver while you drive through Khardung La on a four-wheeler as sometimes the turns are too deep and only a person who has experience could drive you through those roads.
Where: Khardung La Pass
Entry Fees: NA
Timings: April to June
5. Taste Local Cuisines
Ladakh has a mix of cultures, including Tibetan, Chinese and Koreans. This is often reflected in their cuisines. You can taste several different cuisines while you are here. You must try the local restaurants and especially their highlights to taste some different cuisines. Some of the most common, but famous dishes available in this region are Thupka, noodle soup, Tsampa, Ngamphe, and Sky. You can also get world-famous momos cooked in its authentic way and served hot steaming stuffed with vegetables or meat. Other than this most of the local restaurants serve drinks like tea, coffee, and beer. One must try Chang if available. It is a local alcoholic beverage, which is especially curated during festive seasons. Some of the famous restaurants are Tibetan Kitchen, Open Hand Espresso Bar and Bistro, Pumpernickel German Bakery, Bon Appetit, and Norlakh. The food here won’t cost you much and will be anywhere around INR 50 to INR 400 for the most expensive dish. Most of the restaurants operate from 11 am until midnight.
Where: Across Ladakh
Entry Fees: INR 50 to INR 400
Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
6. Visit The Magnetic Hills
The magnetic hills as the name suggest defying gravity. The place is open from June until September. When you shall park your vehicle, it will automatically move upwards rather than going downwards, thus defying the gravitational forces of earth’s core. The magnetic hill is located 30 km from Leh and is around 14000 feet above sea level. You have Sindhu river of the east of this hill and is a must-visit stopover while your expedition towards Ladakh. It is a thing to experience this magnetic field and you will be left amazed. Scientifically, this place provides an optical illusion to its visitors due to descending and rising terrains. The majestic magnetic hill is believed to have superpowers that send the worthy towards heaven. There are many such legends associated with this place. The truth is that the hill exudes a strong magnetic force to pull the vehicle upwards from the marked location. This mystical place also has a beautiful and tranquil landscape which is worth a view. You also have an air force base nearby for, which makes you have a permit to visit this place. You often could get an opportunity to meet and greet with air force marshals during your visit and hear various legendary stories held at this place.