Deepak Kapoor's Top Hidden Gems to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

With tourism booming across the world, finding untouched and less-crowded travel destinations is becoming a challenge. But what if you could explore breathtaking locations before they become mainstream?

Famous travel influencer Deepak Kapoor has curated a list of must-visit places that are still off the radar for most travelers. From surreal landscapes to ancient monasteries, these destinations in Ladakh and Zanskar offer a mix of adventure, spirituality, and untouched beauty.

If you're a traveler seeking raw, unspoiled nature and unique cultural experiences, this guide is for you!

1. Gonbo Rangjon – God's Own Mountain in Zanskar

Known as “God's Own Mountain”, Gonbo Rangjon is a spiritually significant and visually stunning peak located deep in Zanskar Valley. Surrounded by rugged terrain, this isolated monolith has an aura of mysticism and grandeur.

The most common route to Gonbo Rangjon is via Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar, through Kargyak village. For travelers who love solitude and breathtaking landscapes, this is a must-visit before it becomes a photographer's paradise.

2. More Plains – The Dreamiest Road in Ladakh

For road trip enthusiasts, More Plains is nothing short of a dream. This 40-kilometer-long plateau on the Leh-Manali Highway offers a mesmerizing landscape of endless open roads surrounded by vast, surreal landscapes.

The feeling of driving through this high-altitude desert is unlike any other. The raw beauty and peaceful solitude make it a must-experience journey before commercial tourism takes over.

3. Singe La Pass – The Thrill of Zanskar's Adventure Route

At an elevation of 16,590 feet, Singe La Pass is one of the most breathtaking and adventurous routes in Zanskar, Ladakh. It, along with Sirsir La Pass, connects Padum in Zanskar to Lamayuru.

For those who love challenging terrains and thrilling bike rides, Singe La offers one of the most exhilarating off-road experiences in the Himalayas. Exploring this high-altitude pass before it becomes a tourist attraction is a golden opportunity for adventure seekers.

4. Phuktal Monastery – A Hidden Gem of Spiritual Serenity

Built into the rugged cliffs of Zanskar, Phuktal Monastery (or Phugtal Monastery) is one of the most remote and mystical monasteries in Ladakh. The name itself carries deep meaning—"Phuk" means cave, and "Tal" means liberation"—indicating its significance as a place of spiritual retreat.

A 3-km trek along the Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River leads you to this 2500-year-old monastery. The journey itself is as awe-inspiring as the destination. If you seek peace, history, and culture in an untouched setting, this is the perfect place to visit before it attracts mass tourism.

5. Sani Monastery – A Buddhist Treasure from the 2nd Century

Nestled in the picturesque Zanskar Valley, Sani Monastery is one of the oldest and most revered monastic sites in Ladakh. With a history dating back to the 2nd century, this monastery is a living testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

For Deepak Kapoor, Sani Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries he has ever seen. Its timeless charm and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit for history lovers and spiritual seekers.

6. Pensi La Pass – The Gateway to Zanskar Valley

Connecting Suru Valley in Kargil to the Buddhist-dominated Zanskar Valley, Pensi La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that offers stunning panoramic views of glaciers, rivers, and rugged mountain landscapes.

The untouched wilderness and pristine beauty of this region make it a must-visit for those who love Himalayan landscapes and seek offbeat adventures. Since it remains relatively undiscovered, now is the perfect time to visit before it gets flooded with tourists.

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Traveling to hidden and less-explored destinations allows you to experience nature and culture in their purest forms. The places curated by Deepak Kapoor—Gonbo Rangjon, More Plains, Singe La Pass, Phuktal Monastery, Sani Monastery, and Pensi La Pass—are still untouched by mass tourism.

If you're an adventure seeker, spiritual traveler, or a nature lover, now is the time to add these gems to your bucket list before they become mainstream travel destinations.

Are you ready for an offbeat adventure? Let us know which of these breathtaking places is on your list!