Places to Visit in Leh
Overview
Leh is the capital city of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Located at an altitude of 11,500 feet, it is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions of India. From alpine passes like Khardung La to pristine lakes like Pangong and Tso Moriri Lake, it is visited by tourists from all over the world.
Not only is the city a popular tourist destination, there are various older than age monasteries such as Hemis, Stongdey, Thiksey Gompa, located in the city. These places hold spiritual and cultural significance among locals and visitors alike.
Coming to the adventurous activities accessible here, adventure buffs can enjoy trekking, river rafting, camping sightseeing,etc. The best time to visit Leh is in the summer season, lasting from May to September. The prevailing weather is moderate and temperature levels are mild also. Let Cliffhangers India help you with a holistic trip to Leh in Ladakh.
We add some of the best places to visit in Leh and activities as well. Here’s a guide to various sightseeing attractions located in the city. Take a look!
1. Shanti Stupa
Shanti stupa, an engineering marvel, is located in Leh city, about 5 kilometers away. It sits on a hilltop in Chaspa in Leh district.
The entire monument is made up of white marble and aims for peace and prosperity in the world. Its construction took place a few years ago, in 1991 by Japanese monks.
The inauguration marked the 2500 years of Buddhism. Not only is it an ideal location to achieve much needed serenity, some unparalleled views are in sight from the Shanti Stupa.
Since it is at such a nominal distance from the main leh city centre, you can easily reach there via hiking.
2. Shey Monastery
Shey Monastery lies on the Leh-Manali Highway in Shey village of Ladakh. It is surely one of the best places to visit in Leh. It was constructed in the 17th century under the patronage of King Deldan Namgyal.
The Gompa is home to Ladakh’s second largest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is made up of copper and is magnificent in size. Inside the complex, explore the paintings, illustrations, and beautiful artefacts, etc.
Plan your Leh trip in July or August to attend the annual festivities like Shey Doo Lhoo and Shey Rupla celebrated at the Shey Monastery. A total distance of about 13 kilometers separates the Leh city from the Gompa.
3. Leh Palace
Discover the grandeur of Leh city with a sightseeing tour at Leh Palace. Signifying its allure, it sits on the tophill of Tsemo, overlooking the entire leh city.
The nine-storey building was constructed in the 16th century by the King Sengge Nemgyal and used to be a royal residence back then. The construction of the Leh Palace is a masterful blend of both Indian and Tibetan style. At the palace, about 450 years old paintings adorn different sections of the building.
It remains accessible from 8 AM to 6 PM and can be thoroughly explored in a maximum duration of 2 hours.
4. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
When Guru Nanak visited Ladakh in medieval India, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built to commemorate his visit.
It was constructed in 1517. The place holds immense religious significance especially in Sikhism. Tourists often cover it in their Leh Ladakh trip. The sacred boulder found in the main complex is believed to be foot imprints of Nanak Sahib.
It is located on the Leh-Kargil Highway. About 25 kilometers away from Leh, the Gurudwara is located. To reach there, book a cab or taxi from the city.
As you visit Ladakh, make sure to add the holy place in your itinerary.
5. Hall of Fame
The place is dedicated to the soldiers and their sacrifices made during the Indo-Pak Wars. It includes their names, images, letters written by them, arms and armour etc.
The photographs of martyrs are seen on the wall called “Lest We Forget”. It symbolises bravery and proudness. On your way to Magnetic Hill, you can stop here and explore as it is just 4 kilometres from Leh.
Tourists often trek here since the distance between the Hall of Fame and the Leh city is quite minimal. It is on the Leh-Kargil road. It remains open from 9am to 7 pm with an hour break from 1-2 pm. The 7 pm parade is the highlight of the place.
6. Thiksey Monastery
The main attraction of Thiksey Monastery is the huge statue of Maitreya Buddha which covers 2 out of the total 12-storeys.
Situated at the tophill in Thiksey, it is just 19 kilometers from Leh city. The monastery is recognised as one of the oldest in Central Ladakh. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Leh City. Popular festival called ‘Gustor’ is celebrated here in october-november when Cham dance is also performed by Lamas.
A trade fair is also organized showcasing the barter system. Villagers and tourists attend it to know its significance. You can visit here from 7 am to 7pm everyday including Sundays and national holidays.
7. Hemis Monastery
Hemis remains at the top in terms of some of the timeless monasteries that Ladakh has. It was built before the 11th century in the honour of Padmasambhava.
The place breathes every principle of Buddhism and it also has a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Indus river can be seen, gushing by the side of a hill in Hemis. The monastery is located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Leh and you can take any bus or cab to reach here. It is one of the popular places to visit near Leh.
June marks the beginning of Hemis Festival at the monastery when Cham dance is performed by Lamas and people from nearby villages and visitors enjoy the ceremony. Plan your trip in July to attend the festivities.
8. Leh Market
Leh Market is one of the most exciting places to visit in Leh for local insights and exploration. The market is home to various shops that have been present there for years and has been run by generations.
Here, tourists buy Ladakhi architectures like Pashmina Shawls, Prayer wheels and Buddhist artefacts. Women can also purchase jewellery at these markets. Other than the main Leh Market, there is also Moti Market, Tibetan handicraft emporium for such purchases.
Here, various food items like walnut jam, ladakhi tea, spices like cinnamon, saffron and cardamom. Don’t hesitate to purchase at such local markets since items are generally overpriced especially for tourists.
9. Stok Village & Palace
Stok Village, located in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, is a picturesque settlement known for its stunning landscapes, traditional Ladakhi culture, and historical significance.
It is home to Stok Palace, a 19th-century royal residence built by King Tsepal Namgyal. The palace, still occupied by the descendants of Ladakh’s royal family, showcases a blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi architecture.
It houses a museum featuring royal artifacts, ancient thangkas, and ceremonial dresses. The village also serves as the gateway to the Stok Kangri trek, a popular high-altitude expedition. Stok offers visitors a glimpse into Ladakh’s rich heritage and serene beauty.
10. Phyang Monastery
Phyang Monastery is one of the most sought after places to visit in Leh. It is located in the Fiang village in the Leh district of Ladakh.
Established in the year 1515, it is locally popular as “Gouon Gonpa”. Its construction is attributed to the founder of the Namgyal dynasty, King Lkra-Shis-Namgyal. Other than the Monastery, there’s the Phyang Museum, present here, dating back to about 900 years ago. Timeless artifacts, scriptures, idols, paintings are preserved inside the museum.
The eternally beautiful Gompa is found in the west of Leh city, at a distance of about 16 kilometers.
11. Basgo Monastery
Bosgo Monastery presents a fine example of the Ladakhi culture and heritage. The spiritually significant Gompa was built in the 15-16th century.
Even though it is built with mud bricks and clay, the Monastery still thrives and is visited by tourists on their Leh sightseeing tour. There are three temples located here, dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. It overlooks the ruins of a royal fortress that also consist of animals, ministers’ residence., etc.
The Monastery lies on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, about 40 kilometers from Leh city, taking about 1.5 hours to reach.
12. Shey Palace
Shey Palace was built in the 17th century by King Deldan Nemgyal. The architecture of the Palace is highly impressive, attracting tourists from all over the country.
It was the summer capital of the Namgyal dynasty in ancient times. It is home to the popular Shey Monastery.
The main attraction of the site is the 12 meter tall gilded copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is the second largest statue of Ladakh. From the monastery, a panoramic view of the Indus Valley is in sight. The Shey palace and Monastery is located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Leh city.
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