Places to Visit in Leh
Overview
Leh is the capital city of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Whether you are looking for a solo adventure or a place for a family vacation, this is the place to be. Every kind of attraction is present here. From alpine passes like Khardung La Pass, Leh, to pristine lakes like Pangong and Tso Moriri Lake, raw natural beauty is seen everywhere.
Not only is the city a popular tourist destination, but it is also home to several ancient monasteries, including Hemis, Stongdey, and Thiksey Gompa. These places hold spiritual and cultural significance among locals and visitors alike. They are among the best places to visit in Leh.
Plan the Leh trip in any month since it is accessible year-round. Not only does each season offer multiple and distinct activities, but attractions are also always open . The Leh city is thronged by both nationals and foreign tourists for a much-needed holiday.
We add some of the best places to visit on the Leh trip, along with activities. Here’s a guide to various sightseeing attractions located in the city. Take a look!
Table of Contents
- Shanti Stupa
- Shey Monastery
- Leh Palace
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Hall of Fame
- Thiksey Monastery
- Hemis Monastery
- Leh Market
- Stok Village & Palace
- Phyang Monastery
- Basgo Monastery
- Shey Palace
- Lamayuru Monastery
- Diskit Monastery
- Pangong Lake
- Tso Moriri Lake
- Alchi Monastery
- Tso Kar Lake
- Drass Valley
- Spituk Monastery
1. Shanti Stupa - Peaceful Monument in Leh
Shanti Stupa, an engineering marvel, is located in Leh city, about 5 kilometers away. It sits on a hilltop in Chaspa in the Leh district. The inauguration marked 2500 years of Buddhism. The Stupa is one of the most ideal Leh Ladakh tourist attractions to visit with family.
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. Since it is at such a nominal distance from the main Leh city centre, you can easily reach Shanti Stupa Leh via hiking.
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2. Shey Monastery - Ancient Buddhist Heritage
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. Inside the complex, explore the paintings, illustrations, beautiful artefacts, etc.
You can 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 Leh city from the Gompa.
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3. Leh Palace - Ladakh’s Royal Past
Discover the grandeur of Leh city with a sightseeing tour of Leh Palace. Signifying its allure, it sits on the top of Tsemo, overlooking the entire Leh city. The palace is surely one of the most historically significant places to visit in Ladakh.
The nine-storey building was constructed in the 16th century by King Sengge Nemgyal and was used to be a royal residence back then. At the palace, about 450-year-old paintings adorn different sections of the building. For a deeper understanding of Ladakh’s royal and cultural past, consider joining a Leh Heritage Walk that covers landmarks like Leh Palace, old town lanes, and Buddhist temples.
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4. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib - Divine Boulder Blessing
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 have the imprints of Nanak Sahib’s neck, shoulder, and backside.
As you visit Ladakh, make sure to add the holy place to your itinerary. If you’re planning to explore the area, there are also various things to do in Leh Ladakh, like trekking, sightseeing, and visiting nearby monasteries.
It is located on the Leh-Kargil Highway. About 25 kilometers away from Leh, the Gurudwara is located. To get there, book a cab or a taxi from the city.
5. Hall of Fame - Valiant Warriors’ Legacy
The Hall of Fame is dedicated to the soldiers and their sacrifices made during the Indo-Pak Wars. It includes their names, images, letters written by them, arms, armour, etc. The photographs of martyrs are seen on the wall called “Lest We Forget”. It symbolises bravery and pride. On your way to Magnetic Hill, you can stop here and explore, as it is just 4 kilometres from Leh.
It is on the Leh-Kargil road, which remains open from 9 am to 7 pm with a one-hour break from 1-2 pm. You must not miss the 7 pm parade. It is the highlight of the place.
6. Thiksey Monastery - Mini Potala Majesty
The main attraction of Thiksey Monastery, Leh is the huge statue of Maitreya Buddha, which covers 2 out of the total 12 storeys. Situated at the top of 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.
A 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.
7. Hemis Monastery - Ancient Festival Heartbeat
Hemis remains at the top in terms of some of the timeless monasteries that Ladakh has. It was built before the 11th century in honour of Padmasambhava. It has a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is one of the popular places to visit near Leh.
June marks the beginning of the Hemis Festival at the monastery, when the Cham dance is performed by Lamas and people from nearby villages, and visitors enjoy the ceremony.
The monastery is located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Leh and you can take any bus or cab to reach it.
8. Leh Market - Bustling Himalayan Bazaar
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 have been run by generations. If you were searching for places to visit in Leh market, then you should know that Leh market is one of the most ideal Leh Ladakh tourist attractions for shopaholics.
Here, tourists buy Ladakhi architecture like Pashmina Shawls, Prayer wheels, and Buddhist artefacts. Women can also purchase jewellery at these markets.
Here, various food items like walnut jam, ladakhi tea, spices like cinnamon, saffron, and cardamom are present for sale.
9. Stok Village & Palace - Royal Mountain Refuge
Stok Village is located in the Leh district of Ladakh, India. It 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, one of the most thrilling adventure places in Ladakh, ideal for high-altitude expedition lovers.
10. Phyang Monastery - Golden Driukpa Sanctuary
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 Lakra-Shis-Namgyal.
Other than the Monastery, there’s the Phyang Museum, present here, dating back about 900 years. )Timeless artifacts, scriptures, idols, and 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 - Ruined Cliffside Citadel
Bosgo Monastery presents a fine example of the Ladakhi culture and heritage. The spiritually significant Gompa was built in the 15th to 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 consists of animals, ministers’ residences, 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 - Forgotten Royal Seat
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 now 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. A panoramic view of the Indus Valley is in sight from the monastery. The Shey Palace and Monastery are located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Leh city. Additionally, nearby is the Historic Zorawar Fort, offering a glimpse into the region’s military history.
13. Lamayuru Monastery – Moonland Mystic Sanctuary
Located at a distance of about 127 kilometres from Leh, it lies in the Lamayuru Village. It is also called Yungdrung Monastery. Considered as one of the oldest ones, it was built in the 10th century. There are many murals designed in the monastery.
Explore it and get to know about the statues and paintings that are hung on the walls. It is believed to be the place where the translation of Buddhist scriptures into Tibetan was done by Buddhist scholar Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo. The highlight of this monastery is the annual Lamayuru Festival. The festivities make it one of the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh with family.
14. Diskit Monastery – Nubra’s Guardian Peak
The monastery is in Nubra Valley, a quiet, remote place but one of the most famous Leh Ladakh tourist attractions. The Shyok River flows in front of it, and from the monastery, a gorgeous view of Diskit village can be seen.
Lachung temple is one of the highlights of Diskit Monastery, and it is one of the oldest temples of Ladakh. A large statue of Buddha is present in the hall and there’s one of Maitreya Buddha below it. The complex is full of beautiful paintings and artefacts. A popular local festival called “Dosmoche” or “festivals of scapegoat” is celebrated in the monastery in February every year. Cham dance is one of the main parts of the ceremony, organised at the Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley, Leh.
15. Pangong Lake – Shifting Blue Mirage
Undoubtedly, one of the most serene lakes of India, Pangong Lake, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Leh Ladakh. It is located in the Pangong Tso region, Leh, Ladakh. The lake’s length is around 130 kilometres and it is 5 kilometres wide; hence recognized as the largest saltwater lake on the Asia Continent. You can easily spot the lake in the famous Bollywood movie” 3 Idiots”, as the climax scene was shot in front of it. Only 40 percent of the Lake resides in India, and the rest of it is part of China.
It is one of the best places to visit in Leh in summer, from June to September, when the lake looks at its best. Here, you can spend a night camping by the shores. Before visiting Pangong Lake, Leh make sure you have obtained an Inner Line Permit( ILP). Only groups are allowed to come here with a certified guide. If you were searching for top things to do in Leh, then visiting Pangong Lake should be the first priority on the list.
16. Tso Moriri Lake – High-Altitude Liquid Sky
Tso Moriri lies in the Changthang region, at a distance of 245 kilometres from the main city of Leh. The lake is the only alpine lake, residing completely in the Indian Subcontinent, and it is one of the best offbeat places to visit near Leh Ladakh. The lake is about 29 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide. Visiting this saltwater lake requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Bird-watching is a popular activity here, with migratory birds seen flying over the lake. Tso Moriri Lake doesn’t charge any kind of entry fee and it opens to the public from 7 AM to 5 PM.
17. Alchi Monastery – Ancient Art Time Capsule
Alchi Monastery is among the most popular ones of the Sham valley and a must-visit one too. It was constructed around the 10th-11th century. It is located on the bank of the Indus River within the Alchi village, Leh.
As the oldest Monastery of Ladakh, the Gompa preserves timeless paintings of both Buddhist and Kashmiri style. The entire monastery comprises three major shrines, including the Dukhang (Assembly Hall), the Sumstek, and lastly the Temple of Manjushri. It remains open from 10 AM to 1 PM and then again from 2 PM to 6 PM throughout the week.
18. Tso Kar Lake – Salt-Crusted Wild Expanse
Another alpine lake of Ladakh, and an ideal place to visit on your Ladakh tour. The lake is located in the Changthang Region. The place is a true testament to Ladakh’s natural beauty, providing a peaceful ambience for picnics and slow strolls. You can carry your camera here with other photography gear to click postcards for perfect pictures.
The lake’s visit doesn’t require any kind of entry fees, and you can come here from 9 AM to 6 PM. Early mornings are very much preferred as the sunrise in the backdrop creates a magical sight.
19. Drass Valley – Frostbitten Warrior Land
Drass Valley has gained global recognition as the second coldest inhibition in the world. It lies in the Dras region of Kargil District before Leh. As you are on your way to Leh city, it is one of the first en route spots. The valley offers a number of activities like trekking, camping, etc.
Drass Valley is a strategically important part of India as it was one of the places where the Kargil War was fought in 1999. Here, you can visit the Drass War Memorial, where the names and history of martyrs are present. A quick exploration of the Drass Village, occupied by the Brokpa Community, is highly recommended.
20. Spituk Monastery - Fierce Guardian Monastery
Spituk Monastery, located about 8 km from Leh, is a prominent Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, India. Founded in the 11th century by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, it belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Perched on a hilltop, it is one of the popular Leh Ladakh tourist attractions. It offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley. The monastery houses a rich collection of ancient thangkas, statues, and religious artifacts. The giant statue of Goddess Kali, unveiled during the annual Spituk Gustor Festival, is a major attraction. Spituk remains an important spiritual center and a key pilgrimage site in Ladakh.
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FAQ's
What is famous in Leh?
Leh has gained worldwide recognition as a tourist destination in India. Whether you are looking for some solitude or a thrill, it is the ideal place. Enjoy sightseeing at various local attractions like Hemis Monastery, Hall of Fame, Spituk Monastery, Leh Palace, and indulge in activities like trekking, river rafting, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.
What is special in Leh?
There’s so much that’s special about Leh. It is home to many timeless monasteries like Hemis, Stongdey, Spituk, etc. Other local attractions located in the city, making it a special tourist destination are Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, and Leh Palace.
How many days are enough for Leh?
To cover Leh sightseeing completely, 5-7 days are enough. In this time frame, you can visit monasteries, buildings, and even explore the Leh Market to buy gifts and souvenirs to take back home.
Is pangong lake worth visiting?
Indeed! Pangong Lake is surely worth visiting. The pristine and crystal clear blue waters of the lake are a visual treat to the eyes. The lake freezes in winter, and its beauty is enhanced multiple times. Pangong is accessible via Nubra Valley.
What are some must-visit places in Leh Ladakh?
In addition to iconic spots like Pangong Lake, Leh, and Nubra Valley, Leh, a trip to Ladakh in August offers the opportunity to explore local monasteries, trekking trails, and vibrant landscapes. The weather during this time is perfect for outdoor activities, making it ideal for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
What should I carry for the Leh Ladakh trip?
Carry suitable clothes based on the season you are visiting; breathable cotton clothes for summer and heavy woolens for winter. Keep other essentials like a first-aid kit, snacks, water bottles, documents, permits, etc.
What is the best time to visit Leh?
The best time to visit Leh is from May to September (Summer season). The weather is lovely with mild temperatures. Most of the must-see tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh are accessible.
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