I am lucky to visit Ladakh more than 25 times over the last 15 years as I organize Ladakh Photography Tours. Initially, I have done lot of exploratory trips and bike trips as well.

My Ladakh Pictures

See my pictures of Ladakh in better resolution here.

Note:  If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you. 

I have seen these places in different climatic conditions and here is is a collection of some of the best pictures I have. There are many more, but I chose these to be here.

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This is our typical itinerary while travelling to Ladakh, I modify it based on the participants requirements.

Itinerary of Leh Ladakh Photography Tour

Day 1 Arrive in Leh 3500m

We fly to Leh from our destinations. Generally, the flight to Leh is early morning. We check in to our hotel and relax. Most people are sleep starved.It is highly recommended to take rest and drink a lot of water and not venture out during the first half. It can be fatal for your health.We arrange for the required permits required for access to the restricted areas.We have a good lunch in a local restaurant or in the hotel and get more sleep. In the evening we take our vehicle and go to see the Leh fort and then the Shanti Stupa. We try some long exposures and shoot the iconic Tsemo Gonpa from here. The play of light and shadows is just amazing. Then we walk in the market place and go back to our hotel.

Day 2 Leh - Khardung la - Nubra Valley to Turtuk (3000m) 203kms

We start early without breakfast. The road to Khardung la is very winding and can cause sickness. We stop at Khardung la just to take a few pictures and then head to Turtuk. You have to take it easy, no running around else it can be very fatal. We have breakfast near a waterfall close to Khardung village. We cross Diskit, Nubra Valley, and head to Turtuk. We have lunch on the way. Turtuk is one of the most beautiful villages in India. It was a part of Pakistan and became a part of India after the 1971 war. It belonged to a region called Baltistan. The people here have distinct and different features compared to Ladakhis. They look very beautiful.The landscape of Turtuk is heavenly. The best part of Turtuk is to eat apricot from the trees as much as you can by plucking them. The bridge between the villages of Youl and Pharol.After spending the evening, we come back for dinner and leave again to our favorite spot for the Milky Way and star trails. I have been going to these places for more than a decade and I know the best places from where we can get the shots. We come back, go to sleep.

Day 3 Turtuk to Hunder o/n Hunder (83kms) 3160m

We get up early morning and take a walk around the village. It’s a great experience.Today, its an easy ride to Hunder. We stop frequently to take pictures. After reaching Hunder, we have lunch and take some rest. At 4 pm, we go out and spend till evening. After having an early dinner, we head back to the dunes to do some astrophotography and star trails.

Day 4 - Hunder to Pangong (240kms) 4225m

Today, we drive to Pangong. It’s a beautiful drive.On the way, we take some pictures at the mighty statue of Padmasambhava at Diskit. Photography is not allowed in Diskit monastery.The first view of the Pangong lake is the most memorable. We realize that the color of the lake seen in the picture is not edited, but its real color.We check in to our cottage, take some rest and venture out during sunset. It can be very cold and windy, so please carry all your warm clothes.We come back, have dinner, and go out again to do some astrophotography and star trails. . It can be really cold, so a windproof jacket is a must. We shoot till we can and then go back.

Day 5 Pangong to Hanle 162kms 4300m

Today after breakfast we go start to Hanle. This is the most memorable ride you might have in your whole life. We drive beside the Pangong lake for almost half a day. We can't help taking short breaks to take pictures. This route is very scenic. On the way, we stop at places where the Changpa tribals stay in makeshift tents with their pashmina sheep. If you are lucky, you can see the people harvesting wool from the sheep. We reach Hanle by about 4 pm. We keep our luggage, have tea, and go to the Hanle observatory, which is the highest observatory in India. We come back, do more of star pictures. Hanle is very sparsely populated and is one of the best places in India to shoot the Milky Way. The is such an overwhelming sight to see the number of stars that you see here.

Day 6 Hanle to Tso Morriri 159 kms 4522m

This is another scenic drive. On the way to Tso Morriri, we also stop at Kyagar Tso, another lesser visited lake. Tso Morriri is the highest place of stay for us and you have to be careful not to hurry up. The mantra is to drink a lot of water and to take it easy. In the evening during sunset, we go to shoot the stars and stay there will late evening. You will see one of the most spectacular sunsets here. Also, being one of the darkest places after Hanle, you will see a lot of stars.

Day 7 Tso Morriri to Leh 220kms

Today we go back to Leh and take a rest. Evening you are free to go to the market.

Day 8 Hemis, Shey, Thiksey

We start at about 10 am and cover the Hemis, Shey Palace, and Thiksey Monastery. All these monasteries are amazing in themselves. We come back after doing some long exposures at Thiksey Monastery. We have our last dinner for the tour together in the market and come back to our hotel.

Day 9 Departure from Leh airport

We fly back to our respective destinations from here with great memories and pictures.

 

Must read - Travelling to Ladakh Tips

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Ladakh

Planning a trip to Ladakh? Here are the top 25 questions travelers ask, with short and precise answers.

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🗓️ General & Planning

1. When is the best time to visit Ladakh?
The ideal time is May to September for road trips. To get a different flavour, you may visit in January–February. It is very cold and most hotels are closed during that time. 

2. How many days are needed for a Ladakh trip?
Plan for at least 7–8 days. For a relaxed trip covering major attractions, 10–12 days is best.

3. Is a permit required to visit Ladakh?
Yes. Inner Line Permits are required for places like Pangong, Nubra, Hanle, and Tso Moriri.

4. How to reach Ladakh?

• By Air: Direct flights to Leh Airport (IXL).

• By Road: Two routes – Srinagar–Leh Highway and Manali–Leh Highway.

5. Which is better: Srinagar-Leh or Manali-Leh road?

• Srinagar-Leh: Easier acclimatization, gradual ascent, good roads.

• Manali-Leh: More scenic but tougher, with higher passes, chances of high altitude sickness.

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🏔️ Health & Acclimatization

6. Is Ladakh safe for first-time travelers?
Yes, provided you rest and acclimatize properly.

7. What is AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?
It’s altitude sickness caused by low oxygen levels. Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue.

8. How to avoid AMS?

• Rest on arrival. Sleep well

• Stay hydrated.

• Ascend gradually.

• Avoid alcohol & smoking.

• Don't do mindless scrolling on your phone while driving.

9. Do I need to carry oxygen cylinders?
Not mandatory. Portable oxygen cans are available in Leh for emergencies. If you are scared, better to carry one. Diamox minimises the risk otherwise. 

10. Is Ladakh suitable for children and elderly?
Yes, if the trip is planned slowly with proper acclimatization and medical precautions.

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🏡 Stay & Facilities

11. Are hotels and guesthouses easily available?
Yes, from budget homestays to luxury hotels, especially in Leh and major valleys. There are hotels from Rs.1000/- to Rs.65000/- per night. 

12. Is camping allowed at Pangong/Tso Moriri?
Yes, but only in designated campsites, not right on the lake shore.

13. Are ATMs available in Ladakh?
Yes, in Leh town there are a few but none in remote areas. Nowadays, because of mobile network in most places, UPI works great except in a few places. Carrying some cash is highly recommended.

14. Is mobile network available?
Only postpaid SIMs work – BSNL, Airtel, Jio. Coverage is patchy outside Leh. Airtel is the best. You can also get a local SIM from Leh market.

15. Is internet available?
Yes, in Leh. In remote villages, expect slow or no connectivity. So, please don't come here expecting to do your work.

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🚙 Transport

16. Is public transport available?
Limited buses and shared taxis. Most travelers prefer private taxis, rented cars, or bikes.

17. Can I drive my own car/bike to Ladakh?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-serviced and carry essential spares. The taxi union is very rigid and you can bring your car only if in your name. Rented cars are not allowed.

18. Are rented bikes from outside Ladakh allowed?
You can reach Leh on them, but for local sightseeing, only Ladakh-registered bikes are permitted.

19. What is the road condition in Ladakh?
Mostly rough, high-altitude passes, and broken patches. Good driving skills required.

20. Is fuel easily available?
Fuel stations in Leh, Karu, Diskit. Carry extra fuel for remote areas. The number of fuel stations has increased significantly over the years.

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🌄 Sightseeing & Experiences

21. Which are the must-visit places in Ladakh?

• Leh town & monasteries

• Nubra Valley

• Pangong Lake

• Hanle

• Tso Moriri

• Lamayuru (Moonland)

22. Can we visit Hanle and Umling La?
Yes, but you need permits. Roads are tough but rewarding.

23. What kind of food is available?
In Leh: Indian, Tibetan, Continental.
In remote areas: simple, basic meals (rice, dal, noodles, momos). 
You should try the local foods like Thukpa, Skyu, Tingmo, Khambir. These are mostly Tibetan dishes. Ladakh is heavily influenced by Tibet in terms of religion, food habits and culture.

24. Is alcohol available in Ladakh?
Yes, in Leh. But avoid drinking at high altitudes as it worsens AMS. It can be as severe as death.

25. Is Ladakh safe for solo travelers and women?
Absolutely. Ladakh is considered very safe, and locals are hospitable.

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Join My Ladakh Photography Tour

Note:  If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you. 

Tips for photographers

Must Read these links if you need Information on Travelling to Ladakh / Spiti

 

Travelling to Ladakh Tips

Astrophotography Guide

Milky Way Photography Ladakh

Milky Way Photography Spiti Valley

Best Places for Landscape Photography in India

Join My Spiti Photography Tour

Join My Ladakh Photography Tour

If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you. 

Thanksgiving

Thank you for reading this post. Hope you liked spending time here.

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