Leh & Ladakh (now a Union Territory) is an integral part of India. All foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa to enter. UAE Passport holders: Eligible for the e-Visa. Other nationalities: Eligibility for e-Visa depends on nationality. If not eligible, a regular sticker visa through the Indian Consulate/Embassy in is required. See details under Kerala's visa section. Inner Line Permit (ILP) / Protected Area Permit (PAP): For foreign nationals, a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is generally required to visit certain restricted "Inner Line" areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and some routes in Kargil/Batalik sectors.

Summer (June to September): The best time to visit Ladakh. Temperatures are pleasant (around 15-25°C), skies are clear, and all roads and passes are generally open. Ideal for sightseeing, trekking, camping, and white-water rafting. This is the peak tourist season. Autumn (September to October): A beautiful transition from summer to winter. Temperatures are cooler (6-21°C), landscapes turn golden with changing leaves, and there are fewer crowds. Good for trekking and stargazing. Winter (November to February): Very cold (temperatures below 0°C), with heavy snowfall. Roads like Manali-Leh Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway usually close. Ideal for the Chadar Trek (frozen Zanskar River trek) and experiencing snow-covered landscapes and traditional Ladakhi winter life. Limited tourist infrastructure. Spring (March to May): Nature starts to awaken, with blossoming apricot and almond trees

Leh City: Leh Palace: A 17th-century former royal palace offering panoramic views of Leh. Shanti Stupa: A white-domed Buddhist stupa providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Leh city. Thiksey Monastery: A grand Tibetan Buddhist monastery resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Magnetic Hill: An optical illusion where vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: A revered Sikh pilgrimage site. Nubra Valley: A high-altitude cold desert with dramatic landscapes, sand dunes, and double-humped Bactrian camels. Khardung La Pass (one of the world's highest motorable passes) is on the way. Pangong Tso Lake: A mesmerizing high-altitude lake known for its ever-changing shades of blue, partly in India and partly in China. Tso Moriri Lake: Another stunning high-altitude lake, less touristy than Pangong Tso, offering pristine beauty and birdwatching opportunities. Hemis Monastery: The largest and richest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, famous for its annual Hemis Festival. Zanskar Valley: A remote and rugged valley known for its challenging treks, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes. Popular for the Chadar Trek in winter. Lamayuru Monastery: An ancient monastery often called "Moonland" due to its unique lunar-like landscape.

Leh & Ladakh is generally considered very safe for tourists, with a peaceful environment and welcoming locals. Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness - AMS): This is the main concern. Proper acclimatization is crucial. Spend your first 1-2 days in Leh doing minimal activity to adjust to the high altitude. Consult your doctor before travel. Road Safety: Roads can be challenging, especially mountain passes. Ensure you travel with experienced drivers and in well-maintained vehicles. Roads can be closed due to snow or landslides, particularly in shoulder seasons. Permit Zones: Be aware of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for certain areas. Always carry multiple copies of your permit and identification.

The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency