Breathtaking Landscapes from the Hinterland  of Ladakh
Sindhu Murthy
Ladakh, the land of high passes never ceases to mesmerize you with its breathtaking landscapes and beauteous vistas. The topography in Ladakh dramatically changes every few kilometers and the same place can never look the same when you return. From green valleys to rocky mountains, snow-clad peaks to mighty glaciers, geothermal hot springs to gurgling rivers, turquoise blue lakes to the rainbow mountains- Ladakh has every element to intrigue your curiosity. Â Read on as we present you with some of the best views we encountered during our interlude at Ladakh.
Our love affair with Ladakh started the very moment we got the first glimpse of the mystic peaks from the window seats of our flight. The aerial view of the mosaic of the white snow and the brown of the dusty peaks along with meandering rivers make a sight to behold.
Aerial view of the city of Leh and its surroundings in Ladakh
The confluence of the two mighty rivers of Ladakh- Â Indus and Zanskar located close to a village named Nimmo is a view you should not miss. Standing at a beautiful vantage point, you can see the different colors of the two rivers merge in a picturesque backdrop. The adventurous few can also try their hand at rafting in the rapids of Zanskar.
The confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers at Nimmo in Ladakh.
Located at a distance of 40 km from Leh is Kardung La, famed as the highest motorable road in the world which is at an altitude of  18380 ft above the sea level. As you gain altitude while driving from Leh to KardungLa, the landscape dramatically changes from being barren dust land to snow covered peaks. The colorful prayer flags strung across high masts form an excellent view in the contrasting background of the white snow and clear blue sky.
Kardung La, claimed to be the highest motorable road in the world
After crossing the Kardung La pass, you enter the area encompassing the valley formed by Nubra and Shyok rivers. The patchwork fields form a perfect contrast against the dusty moonscapes as you drive along the meandering rivers in the valley. Â Multiple glacial streams cross paths nurturing an oasis of greenery along their course. The Nubra valley is also famous for its beautiful wild roses which are mostly seen along the glacial streams and in moist lands.
patchwork fields of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh
Ladakh is highly influenced by Buddhism and you can find many monasteries built across the region at beautiful vantage points.  The Diskit monastery is one such monastery located in the Nubra valley. The huge and ornate statue of Maitreya Buddha located on a hill overseeing the vast expanse of Nubra valley is a major attraction in the region.
The statue of Maitreya Buddha at Diskit village of Nubra Valley
Located at a distance of about 10 Km from Disket are the sand dunes of Hunder which are home to the double-humped Bactrian camels. It is a pleasure to see the braided Shyok river spread its branches across the high altitude sand dunes in the backdrop of the towering mountains.
Sand dunes of Hunder in Nubra valley
Turtuk, the last Balti village in the Indian territory located very close to  Gilgit Baltistan of the PoK is a paradox in itself. quite contrasting with the rest of the regions in Ladakh, Turtuk is much greener and well cultivated. The endless fields of buckwheat and the apricot trees dotting the landscape of Turtuk are sure to steal your heart.
Turtuk, the last Balti village of India
Mountains of red, green, blue, brown, yellow, purple and white colors formed as a result of rich minerals deposits are an enigma in Ladakh. Â As you drive from Nyoma to Tso Moriri, endless ranges of the colorful mountains welcome you in all grandeur. These mountains add color to the landscape which is otherwise devoid of any features.
Mineral rich mountains on the way to Tso Moriri Lake
Pangong, the highest brackish lake in the world is something that has been fantasized by many people – thanks for the popular movies shot in this location. On a clear day, the color of the water dramatically changes to every shade of blue as the sun rays caress the water at different angles. Pangong is also one of the biodiversity hotspots because of the various migratory birds which flock there for breeding.
Pangong Lake beyond Spangmik village
Another picturesque lake in the hinterland of Ladakh is the TsoMoriri. The mineral rich mountains and the green pastures surrounding the turquoise blue lake conspire to treat you with the rarest of sights. This 30km long and 8 km wide lake has been declared as a wetland diversity reserve because of rare species of migratory birds and wildlife it attracts.
Tsomoriri Lake in Ladakh
Tsokar, a saltwater lake located in the Changtang region of southeastern Ladakh is quite often referred to as the white lake because of the excessive white salt deposits surrounding the lake which add to its charm. The white marshlands along with the naked mountains in the background make a perfect location for photography.
Salty marshlands of Tsokar lake
Sarchu is a wonderland located on the border between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh on Leh-Manali Highway. Â As you drive along the Tsarap river, you are treated with some of nature’s breathtaking sculptures formed because of the erosion caused by the river.
Along the Tsarap river near Sarchu
The topography of Ladakh is such that every curve in the road mesmerizes you with a unique view. While we presented here just the tip of an iceberg, Â you should know that there is an entire world out there waiting to be explored. Â Have you been to Ladakh yet? What has been your favorite destination in Ladakh? If you happen to visit Ladakh, which one of the above locations would you love to visit?
I’m visiting Leh and Ladakh next summer so it’s wonderful to read a little about it. All your pictures are so Instagrammable from the sand dunes to the snow in the mountains, incredible!
Thats amazing. Do share with us your experience once you are back from Ladakh.
I can’t stop starring at your pictures… I mean… WOW. I’ve never heard of it before (huge mistake obviously). Like I’m still open-mouthed.
Beautiful set of images from Ladakh! I loved the image of the confluence of rivers, the photo from the flight and the dunes that lay besides the mountains. Surreal place and good images!
Stunning shots of Ladakh. Loved the confluence of rivers and aerial shot.
The land of the high passes – what an appropriate name. The salt water lake is mazing. Such gorgeous shots as well.
ignorantly I admit to never hearing of this place. I am awe struck – it is simply breath taking! Thank you for sharing all these amazing photos.
Ladakh is a place which in my to do list for a very long time. But not sure when I will be able to cover it up. But your post is so involving that I feel like to plan for Ladakh trip as soon as possible. All pictures are amazing.
Thankyou Neha. I m sure you shall soon get a chance to make the pilgrimage 🙂
When I opened at first, it thought it was the usual ‘breathtaking’ which won’t even take anything, but these landscapes, maybe it’s the pictures or the diction, I’m breathless. Places like this exist????? I do not want to believe but these pictures are demanding I do. Ladakh, you are officially on the to-travel-list.
Thankyou Lydia. We wouldn’t be surprised if you feel such a land cannot exist because Ladakh is like no other place. To believe it you need to to experience it.
The vivid colors and the stark landscape make it so unique. I am yet to come across ‘bad pictures’ of Ladakh 🙂 How long did you stay?Â
Ha ha. Quite right Punita. There can’t be a bad picture of Ladakh 🙂
You are so informative, which I really appreciate. What a beautiful region. I am very intrigued now!
Your pictures are stunning. How cool to see the 2 rivers with different colors come together.
Wow your photographs are amazing. The landscapes of Ladakh are stunning. I would love to cross the Kardung La and take pictures. I think the night time sky here is beautifully filled with stars great for long exposure photography. I also love thwa y you narrate, it feels like I’m part of the journey. 😀
Thankyou Blaine. Ladakh is actually popular for photographing Milkyway int eh night skies. But we couldn’t muster the courage to head out in the nail biting cold to take the great shots. Hoping to try it during our next visit.
Ladakh is indeed mesmerizing. The beautiful landscapes of Ladakh leap stunningly in vivid colour in your post. Ladakh is indeed a place that must have been conjured from the imagination of some painter or poet.
How wonderfully put Sandy. The landscapes are nothing less than poetry.
These landscape photos are incredible! It’s awesome seeing the snow capped mountains in the background of bright green fields!
Thankyou Alex. The mosaic of colors in Ladakh is surely an eye candy.
Wow such a wonderful place! I absolutely want to visit Ladak, I’m sure I’ll love those stunning landscapes
Thankyou. We are sure you would love Ladakh.
You are so right, it look amazing even from the plane! Great photos, by the way. And I loved that Nubra Valley, so beautiful! 🙂
Thankyou Danijela. Nubra definitely stands out in the harsh landscapes of Ladakh because of its greenery.
Such a great post and each photograph better than the previous one ! Leh and Ladakh are high on my list and I hope to make it in summer of 2018. This post helps me plan my itinerary and ensure what not to miss 🙂 . Thanks for this eye candy
Thankyou Swathi. It is tough to choose one best sight in Ladakh for each view is unique and each seems better than the other.
Wow Wow Wow!! I need to stop..haha. But seriously I’m awestruck by the beauty of Ladakh! You have captured it so well. Do you have a detailed itinerary of your trip?
Thankyou Karie. We are yet to publish a detailed itinerary for the trip.
Wow that view is breathtaking. I always love taking photos from the plabe window. Especially snowcapped moutains.
Thankyou Kenneth. We too love clicking pictures from plane windows 🙂
Oh now I get to know that Kardung La is the highest motorable road in the world! And I would love to see the wild roses in Nubra valley.. Thank you for these amazing information!
Wow! Everything in Ladakh looks absolutely amazing! The landscape seems surreal.
Thankyou John.
It seems these Ladakh landscapes are almost larger than life! The vistas are so immense, and the colours and textures so varied. Seems somewhere I need to add to my travel wishlist.
Thankyou Kavey Favelle. Ladakh is one place you should visit at least once.
Ladakh has breathtaking magnificent mountain ranges. Your title is just appropriate for this awesome destination. I like that this place offers various sights that also differs with change of season, but all equally spectacular! I hope to get to this place someday. India is fascinating!
Thankyou Erica. We are glad you find Ladakh interesting. We wish you get a chance real soon to explore this land of wonders.
Ladakh is like straight out of a fairy tale. I visited Ladakh recently after 10 long years, and the beauty was still mesmerising enough to refresh my memories.
Very true Arnav Mathur. Ladakh is no doubt a fairy land 🙂
No doubt, the views are really breathtaking. I can already imagine how excited you were when you looked at all the mountains from your window seat. 🙂
Thankyou Tracy. It indeed was exciting to see the snow clad peaks from up in the air.
It’s like I relived my journey! I feel in love with Ladakh when I visited last year and want to go there every year in every season to see the topography change. It is the most place in India and the world.
Amazing post with great pictures and description.
WAUH, what an amazing place. Want to go, when I look at your really beautiful photos.
Wow. Breath taking it right. Thoughs mountains are just spectacular. This is my favourite kind of view points. Loving the river around the mountains.
Wow, Ladakh is gorgeous! It’s amazing how incredible and diverse landscapes are here. I would love to travel here someday. I will definitely remember this!
Thankyou Erin. We hope you get a chance to visit Ladakh soon.
I like reading blogs that make me google where it is they are talking about. Oooh a new place to go to. Every photo you took seems better than the previous one. Ladakh is incredible and truly somewhere you must visit. It is amazing that I have not heard of this area until now. Thank you for sharing
I had never heard of Ladakh before, but every time I learn about a new place in India, I’m more and more surprised! Incredible landscapes and views, looks like a paradise for photography lovers!
Wow Sindhu. I felt like virtually touring Laddakh with you. Your post will be my road trip guide when I go here. The landscapes of Laddakh are truly mesmerizing. I am so captivated by the pictures themselves, I can only imagine how brilliant the experience would have been for you
Thank you, Neha. It was indeed a surreal experience. No diction or photographs can do justice to what you actually get to experience in the barren landscapes Ladakh.
Wow! Those mountains are astonishing! I have never even heard of Ladakh! Definitely need to look into this place now! Thanks 🙂
Thankyou Chiera. We are sure you ‘ll love Ladakh.
A road trip to Ladakh is my dream which i want to come true as soon as possible. I have been up to Rohtang pass from Manali and experience was amazing. After reading your post i am more curious to go…
Trust us, the land beyond Rohtang is truly breathtaking. Hope you would get to experience it soon.
Beautiful landscapes captured!
Wow, amazing shots. Being landscape photographer, its great to see that you guys portrayed the true colors of Ladakh. I visited Ladakh in winters and wrote an article about ” 20 shades of Ladakh in winters” .
I am sure you gonna love those 20 pictures.
Thank you, Pravesh. Loved your pictures.
Ladakh is a very beautiful place in india to visit your vacation i like your post and photo
Your pics are breathtaking. We’ve encountered a similar landscape while in spiti but your pics tells us that there’s a lot more to Ladakh! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Rishab. Spiti is the next in list for us. I m sure it will equally enthral us.
Postcard perfect images! Breathtaking colours 🙂 May I suggest checking a post or two from my winter journeys in Ladakh?
Shubham
YOu don’t have to specially mention Shubham. I have already seen them times galore. In fact, I m already plotting a trip the coming winter after seeing your pics. However, I liked Turtuk when it is green.
I will on Ladakh trip this June. i absolutely love your photographs. can i know the lense you used for these pictures
Thanks Priya. We used multiple lenses, 18-55mm, 35mm and a wide angle.
Thanks for the reply. Can i know which wide angle lens you used for your picture ‘ pangong tso by spangmik village’ with your travel vehicle in frame. Its breathtaking.