Scattered across Ladakh’s valleys and riverbanks are silent storytellers — petroglyphs, rock carvings, and fossil beds that date back thousands of years. These sites offer rare glimpses into prehistoric life, early trade routes, spiritual beliefs, and long-forgotten civilizations. From carvings near the Indus River to marine fossils in high-altitude deserts, these locations are archaeological treasures that connect Ladakh to deep human and geological history.
Explore key sites across Sham, Nubra, and Changthang regions where stone and time have preserved stories beyond written history.
These sites are fragile, irreplaceable, and mostly unprotected. When visiting, tread lightly, never touch or alter the carvings or fossil beds, and follow local guidance. Every mark in stone is a record of time — preserve it for the future, as it preserves the past.
