Ladakh is union territory in India and a breathtaking land, with several beautiful towns and cities. Leh, being the largest city, boasts some of the country’s most beautiful Buddhist monasteries, including Hemis and Thiksey. It is the cultural heart of Ladakh. Kargil, the second biggest town, has historical importance due to the Kargil War, and it is an entry point to the Suru Valley.
Drass is known as the “Gateway to Ladakh,” one of the coldest inhabited places on earth, and its temperature hits extreme lows during winter. The mystical Nubra Valley, hosting double-humped Bactrian camels, will present surreal views of sand dunes and monasteries like Diskit.
Other notable towns are Sankoo and Turtuk, each having its own cultural and natural charm. Sankoo is surrounded by lush greens, while Turtuk, close to the Siachen Glacier, is full of Balti culture. These towns contribute toward Ladakh’s vibrant tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
Note: In 2019, the government passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, transforming Jammu and Kashmir from a state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir in the west and Ladakh in the east.
| City | Population (2024) | Area (sq km) | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leh | 133,487 | 45,110 | Known for its stunning landscapes and Buddhist monasteries. |
| Kargil | 140,802 | 14,086 | Famous for its historical significance and the Kargil War Memorial. |
| Drass | 30,000 | 60 | Known as the second coldest inhabited place on Earth. |
| Nubra | 20,000 | 60 | Home to the beautiful Nubra Valley and the Bactrian camels. |
| Zanskar | 20,000 | 60 | Renowned for its remote and scenic beauty, and the Zanskar River. |
| Changthang | 10,000 | 60 | Known for its high-altitude desert and wildlife, including the Changthangi goats. |
| Sham Valley | 10,000 | 60 | Nicknamed "Apricot Valley" for its apricot orchards. |
| Sankoo | 40,000 | 60 | Demands for district status due to its significant population and isolation during winters. |
| Turtuk | 5,000 | 60 | Known for its proximity to the Siachen Glacier and rich cultural heritage. |
| Khaltsi | 5,000 | 60 | A subdivision of Leh district with demands for district status. |
