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The city of Leh is situated between Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges, on the banks of the Indus River. The scenic beauty of the place attracts tourists from far-flung areas all the year round. The greater part of the city is covered with mosques and Buddhist monuments which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The snow covered Himalayan Mountains add to the scenic beauty of the place. Adventure enthusiasts can take up trekking in the different regions of Leh such as the rugged Himalayan terrains where they can enjoy the natural beauty of the place while trekking. Here are a few places one should visit when they are in Leh.
How to Reach
The Leh Airport provides regular return flights from Leh to other cities of the country including Jammu, Delhi, and Srinagar. The Jammu railway station is the nearest rail link to Leh. The Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation provides regular bus services from Srinagar to Leh. One can also reach here by availing bus services of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation from Manali to Leh.
Photo Courtesy: Ville Hyvönen
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is situated around 45 km south-east of Leh. The monastery is constructed in Tibetan architectural style which displays the Buddhist culture and lifestyle. Numerous shrines surround the site of the Monastery, but its prime attraction is a copper statue of Buddha, the founder of the Buddhist religion. Paintings on the walls of the veranda depicting the ‘Lords of the Four Quarters' and the ‘Kalachakra' or the 'cycles of life' add to the attraction of the Monastery.
Photo Courtesy: WoodElf
Leh Palace
Leh Palace was constructed by King Sengge Namgyal of the 17th century. The palace has 9 storeys of which the higher floors were occupied by the royal family and store rooms and stables were located in the lower floors. Tourists visiting this place can enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding areas like the Stok Kangri besides the Indus valley and the Ladakh mountain range.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is located in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. The stupa is noted for its gilt panels which represent the stories of Buddha. Visitors can easily reach this place with hired jeeps or taxis.Trekking is also an option for adventure lovers for reaching this place.
Photo Courtesy: Michael Goodine
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa, is situated 8 km away from Leh. It has a huge collection of antique masks, icons, antique arms, and numerous thangkas or religious Tibetan silk paintings which not only attracts devotees but tourists as well.
Stok Palace
Stok Palace is situated at a distance of 15 km from the city of Leh. Primarily used as a place of residence by the royal family, the palace was built in a traditional style with beautiful architectural patterns. The view of the sunrise and sunset form the palace and its gardens are beautiful.Another feature that attracts numerous visitors to the place is the annual mask dance festival. During this time tourists can see the rare collection of the royal crowns, royal attires, and other significant material. Visitors will require at least 4-5 hours taking a complete tour of the palace. The Spituk Monastery located inside the palace is one of the major attractions for the tourists.
Photo Courtesy: Baldiri
Thiskey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is situated at a distance of 19 km from the east of Leh and displays impressive architectural styles of the medieval era. It is one of the largest Monasteries of the region and is 12 storeys tall. Beautiful wall paintings, stupas, statues, swords, and thangkas can be seen inside the Gompa. Also present in the monastery is a huge pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings and ideas for development the society.
Photo Courtesy: Michael Hardy
