Village · Lamayuru, Ladakh
Wanla village and its hilltop temple
A short drive south of Lamayuru, Wanla is a farming village with an old Avalokiteshvara temple and ruined fort on a ridge. Few travellers stop, so the lanes, fields and temple are quiet.
Photo: Deepank Ranka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsFrom Lamayuru, a side road drops south through a gorge to Wanla, about 10 km away, where the valley widens into barley fields and willow groves along the stream. Above the village, a small temple dedicated to Avalokiteshvara stands with the ruins of an old fort on a narrow ridge.
Ask in the village for the caretaker who keeps the temple key; someone will usually walk up with you. Inside, a large image of Avalokiteshvara rises through the building, and old paintings cover the walls. Leave a small donation. Then walk back through the fields, where in July and August families are irrigating and weeding by hand.
Wanla is also on the trekking route from Lamayuru over Prinkiti La, so you may meet trekkers and pony teams. The road continues to Hinju and towards Konze La. Carry water and snacks; Wanla has only a small shop.
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Trips through Lamayuru
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Each of these trips stops in Lamayuru. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
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Srinagar road to Leh and Turtuk on a budget
Shared Sumo taxis, state buses and local shared cars
Questions
Before you book
How do I get from Lamayuru to Wanla?
Wanla is about 10 km from Lamayuru by a side road off the highway. A taxi from Lamayuru costs roughly ₹1,500–2,000 return with waiting time. Fit trekkers can also walk there over Prinkiti La in 3–4 hours with a local guide.
Is the Wanla temple always open?
Not always. The temple is kept locked and a caretaker from the village opens it for visitors. Ask in the village; you may have to wait a little. Leave a donation of ₹50–100 and remove your shoes inside.
Are there homestays in Wanla?
Yes, a few families in Wanla offer simple homestay rooms, mainly used by trekkers, with dinner and breakfast at about ₹1,500–2,000 per person. Bathrooms are often shared and basic. Most travellers visit as a half-day trip from Lamayuru instead.