Exploring Lamayuru: The 'Moon Land' of Leh; a complete guide

Far from the madding crowd, in the heart of Ladakh, Lamayuru is a stunning hamlet that captures the imagination of every traveller with its otherworldly beauty. The village, also known as "The Moon Land of Leh ," is famous for its surreal landscapes that bear an uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon.

Let’s have a look at what makes Lamayuru one of the most fascinating places to visit in Ladakh.

Otherworldly landscape

The unique geological features had earned Lamayuru the sobriquet of "Moon Land." Lamayuru’s moon-like landscape is the result of millions of years of geological processes. It is because the sedimentary layers of rock, weathered and eroded by wind and water created a terrain that looks out of earth! The yellowish, brownish hills, ridges, and valleys give it a stark resemblance to the moon's surface, and the vastness of the space further amplifies this comparison.

The hamlet and regions nearby are a heaven for photographers and nature lovers. The rugged mountains, mixed with the desert-like atmosphere, create a sense of isolation, which is rare to find in many other regions of the world. The place is blessed with several shadows during different times of the day, the light casts varying shadows across the landscape, making the scene even more ethereal and dynamic.

Lamayuru Monastery


One must visit spot in the region is the Lamayuru Monastery, set on top of a cliff overlooking the village. The monastery was established in the 10th century and is among the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh . It belongs to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The architecture of the monastery is equally beautiful. The ancient walls and colourful prayer flags tell stories from the beautiful past. The sacred stupas create a striking contrast against the stark backdrop of the moon-like landscape. People from across the globe visit here to pray and also to enjoy incredible views it offers of the mountains and valleys.

Culture and Traditions

With such a history, Lamayuru is a cultural treasure trove. The local people and community, primarily Buddhists, live here in peace and harmony with nature. They have maintained a traditional way of living which includes farming, and practicing age-old customs. The village has a deep-rooted connection with Tibetan Buddhism, and several festivals and religious ceremonies are celebrated throughout the year.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Lamayuru in Ladakh is between May and September, when the weather is mild and the roads are fully accessible.

How to reach


By Air: The nearest airport to Lamayuru is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, about 113 km away which is about a 2-hour drive. Leh is well-connected to major cities like Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi.

By Rail: Although Lamayuru doesn’t have a railway station, visitors can take a train to Jammu and then travel by road. Jammu is just 115 km from Leh.

By Road: Visitors can travel from Srinagar or Leh by state-run buses, or take a car or taxi. From Leh, it’s a 2-hour drive (115 km), while from Srinagar, it takes around 8 hours (309 km).

Calling Lamayuru a true hidden gem of Ladakh won’t be incorrect as the village is a rare mix of culture, natural beauty and spirituality. Whether you're a nature lover, spirituality seeker, adventurer or a history lover, Lamayuru is a place for all!