About Leh

The city of Leh is between the Karakoram & the Himalayan ranges, on the banks of the Indus River & the scenic beauty of the place attracts tourists from far-flung areas all year round. The greater part of the city is covered with mosques & Buddhist monuments that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The ancient, nine-storied, palace of King Sengge Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty, which depicts the architectural style of the medieval era, is one of the major attractions of the place. Beautiful lakes and Monasteries, mesmerizing landscapes, and mountain peaks are some of the attractive features of this place.

Tourist Attractions In Leh : 33

1: Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park is a beautiful place in the eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Hemis National Park is also known as Hemis High Altitude National Park. Hemis National Park is the best place to see a snow leopard in the wild. The Park has the distinction of being the largest national Park in South Asia. The Park is bounded on the north by the banks of the Indus River and includes the catchments of Markha, Sumdah, Rumbak, and parts of the Zanskar Range. The Park is known for its unique biodiversity. The Park is a protected home to endangered mammals like leopards, Asiatic ibex, the Tibetan wolf, the Eurasian brown bear, and the red fox.

2: Sarchu

Sarchu, also known as Sir Bhum Chun, is situated on the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It rests at an altitude of 4290 meters above sea level, with Baralacha La to its south and Lachulung La to its north. The place serves as an overnight resting base for people traveling from Manali to Leh. Travelers cannot access Sarchu during winter as the highway remains closed. The route opens between May and September when the snow melts.

3: Tsarap Chu River

Tsarap Chu River is one of the prime attractions of Sarchu. The river, flowing along the Manali Leh highway, is fed by the melting glaciers of the Rupshu Plateau. The Tsarap Chu joins the Doda River, flowing into the Padum Valley, and forms the mighty Zanskar River.

4: Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery, situated in the village of Alchi, is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Also known as Alchi Choskhor and Alchi Gompa, it's on the banks of the River Indus. It's believed that Rinchen Zangpo, the translator of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan, constructed the monastery in the 10th century.

5: General Zorawars Fort

General Zorawar's Fort is above the Palace of Leh and the Gompa of Namgyal Tsemo. This prehistoric monument, also known as Riasi Fort, once held the wealth of the Dogra rulers in Jammu though it presently lies in a wrecked stage. A prominent warrior named General Zorawar Singh, known for his consistent struggle against the Chinese rulers over Ladakh owned the fort. Inside the fort, there is a mosque, a natural spring, and a Temple dedicated to Hindu Goddesses Kali and Durga.

6: Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery

Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery is looked after by a sect of Tibetan Buddhists called the Karmapa. This monastery works towards the encouragement of Tibetan Buddhism and the conservation of their culture. At present, there are 17 Karmapas, & each of them dedicated to creating awareness about Buddhism. A large number of people have joined the Karmapa training center to learn and understand the teachings of the Karmapa.

7: Leh Palace

Leh Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. The edifice of the palace is similar to that of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The Archaeological Survey of India is currently looking after the maintenance of the palace, which is presently in a wrecked state. 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.

8: Matho Monastery

Matho monastery, situated in the Indus river valley, is 16 km from the city. It has a history of over 500 years & is managed by the Sakya Monastic Establishment, Ladakh. This monastery was constructed by Lama Dugpa Dorje in the 16th century. The four-hundred-year-old thangkas, religious Tibetan silk paintings, and the Matho Nagrang festival associated with it are renowned among tourists. Visitors can see an antique collection of thangkas in the museum built inside the monastery, presented in the form of Mandalas. The shrine kept in the monastery symbolizes the guardian deities.

9: Mountain Biking Leh

Mountain Biking is considered to be a popular sport in the region of Leh. Adventure lovers can ride across the highest motorable road in the world. The road between Manali and Leh, which stretches over 485 km, gives mountain bikers a chance to ride across the mesmerizing Himalayan ranges over four mountain passes. Moreover, tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty of the place while riding across the magnificent landscapes.

10: Monastery Circuit

Monastery Circuit is one of the most famous areas in Ladakh. Many Buddhist Gompas, such as the Pharka Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Matho Monastery, and Hemis Monastery, lie in this region. The Hemis Monastery is one of the largest Monasteries in Ladakh and enshrines one of the biggest statues of Buddha. The statue of Buddha is shown to people only once every 11 years. Painted with vivid colors, the Thiksey Gompa is one of the noted Monasteries in the region with its 12-storied structure and magnificent entrance where a 15 meters tall statue sits.

11: Padum

Padum, also known as Padam, is located at a distance of about 240 km from Kargil and is the largest town of the Zanskar Tehsil. In older times, this town acted as the capital of the Zanskar Empire. The prime attractions include the Mud Palace of the local king, a small monastery, and rock carvings from the 8th century found near a river. An ancient village known as Pibiting, located on a small hill, has a beautiful monastery, which also attracts visitors.

12: Sankar Gompa

Sankar Gompa, also known as the Sankar Monastery, is situated at a distance of 3 km from Leh, which can be easily covered by walking. The idol here has eleven heads, one thousand hands, and eyes on the palm of each hand. Designed in a traditional architectural style, the paintings of Guardians of the Four Directions, are placed at the entrance of the Monastery.

13: Serzang Temple

Serzang Temple, built in the 17th century, is at a distance of 40 km from Leh. Travelers can reach this place via the Leh Srinagar Highway. One of the unique features of the temple is that Gold and Copper are extensively used in its construction. A statue of the Maitreya Buddha known as the Buddha of the future or the Laughing Buddha, standing tall at 30 ft, sits in the temple. The Serzang manuscript, which is a copy of the Tibetan Buddhist Canon that lists all the sacred texts that various sects of Tibetan Buddhism recognize, written in Silver, Gold, and Copper letters, has been housed in the temple for ages.

14: Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa, founded by King Deldon Namgyal, is located at a distance of 15 kms from the southern part of Leh. A large copper and gilded gold statue of a seated Buddha, considered to be the second biggest statue in the region of Ladakh, is enshrined inside this Gompa. The monastery was constructed in the year 1655 by King Deldan Namgyal, also known as Lhachen Palgyigon, in honour of his father Singay Namgyal. Although currently in a ruined state, Shey was considered the summer capital of Ladakh in earlier times. Monks of the Hemis Monastery now manage the Gompa.

15: Shanti Stupa Leh

Shanti Stupa, located in the district of Leh in Jammu & Kashmir above the agricultural suburb of Changspa, was built by the ‘Peace Sect’ of Japanese Buddhists. The Stupa, meaning pillar, is noted for its gilt panels & represents the stories of Buddha. It was constructed in 1983, on orders of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to promote the doctrines of Buddha.

16: Spangnik

Spangnik, situated 7 km away from Pangong Lake, is considered to be one of the remotest areas of the Pangong region. Tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-covered Chang-Chenmo Range and Pangong Range from the village of Spangnik. In addition, visitors can also see numerous glaciers situated on the northwest side of Pangong Lake.

17: Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery is in the Leh District of Ladakh. Also known as Spituk Gompa is situated 8 km away from Leh. It was constructed in the 11th century by Od-de, elder brother to Lha Lama Changchub Od, and later taken over by the Yellow Hat sect, a school of Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa during the 15th century. This monastery houses a collection of antique masks, icons, antique arms, and numerous thangkas, or religious Tibetan silk paintings.

18: Stanka Monastery

Stanka Monastery, situated at an elevation of 60 meters on a secluded rock, lies about 25 km from Leh. The numerous paintings and artifacts kept in the Monastery are looked after by monks belonging to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Monastery is now considered a Buddhist heritage. A marble statue of Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva, or enlightenment being, who embodies the compassion of all the Buddhas, is one of the famous attractions. This Monastery is also known as Tiger’s Nose Monastery, as the rock resembles a tiger leaping toward the sky.

19: Suru Valley

Suru Valley, drained by the River Suru, is popular among tourists for its natural beauty. This Valley has around 25000 inhabitants who are believed to be the descendants of the Tibetan and Buddhist Dard community. The population of this place, originally Tibetan Buddhist, converted in the 16th century and now follows Shia Islam. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the Kun and Nun mountain peaks.

20: Stok Palace

Stok Palace, built by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal in 1825, is situated at a distance of 15 km from the city across the River Indus. The palace houses over 108 volumes of the Kangyur, a list of sacred texts recognized by the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, in its library. The view of sunsets & sunrise from the palace & its gardens are an added attraction. Visitors will require at least 4-5 hours to take a complete tour of the palace.

21: Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery, situated at a distance of 19 km from the east of Leh, displays impressive architectural styles of the medieval era. It is one of the largest Monasteries in the region and is 12 stories tall. Beautiful wall paintings, stupas, statues, swords, and thangkas can be seen inside the Gompa.

22: Tsemo Monastery

Tsemo Monastery, built by King Tashi Namgyal, the successor of the Namgyal dynasty who ruled over Leh during the 15th century, was founded in 1430. Age-old manuscripts and frescoes, along with a three-story-tall golden statue of the Maitreya Buddha, also known as the Laughing Buddha or the Buddha of the future, can be seen at the monastery.

23: Vajra Bhairav Shrine

The Vajra Bhairav Shrine, situated at a distance of 10 km from Leh, is made in honor of the guardian tantric deity belonging to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect. This shrine is opened for visitors only once a year because it's believed that the deity has supernatural powers. This shrine is noted as one of the oldest buildings in the region and displays 600-year-old paintings on its walls.

24: Paragliding Leh

Paragliding is one of the most popular sports among tourists in Leh. Situated on the banks of the River Indus, this place is famous for adventure sports. At an altitude of 11,000 feet, this place is best suited for Paragliding.

25: Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley, also known as Ldumra, which means 'valley of flowers, is situated at an elevation of 10000 ft above sea level. The region is known as the orchard of Ladakh. During summer, tourists may see the pink & yellow wild roses that grow in this region. The history of this destination dates back to the 7th century AD, with the Chinese, Mongolians, and Arabs as its invaders. Before Islam, Buddhism had dominated the region. To reach Nubra Valley, tourists have to take the Khardung La Pass, the highest pass in the world, from Leh.

26: Ensa Monastery

Ensa Monastery, otherwise known as Ensa Gompa, is situated in proximity to the village of Panamik. Travelers must visit this 250-year-old monastery as it is one of the major attractions of the Nubra Valley. This monastery lies on top of a rock from where tourists can catch a glimpse of the beautiful snow-clad peaks of the Nubra Valley. Buddhist murals present there is the prime attraction of the monastery. Travelers going to the village of Panamik have to trek for at least 6 hours before reaching the Ensa Gompa.

27: Khardung La Pass

Khardung La Pass is the only route for tourists to reach the Nubra Valley. This Pass, also known as K-Top, stands for the Pass of Lower Castle. Standing at an elevation of 18380 ft, Khardung La has been declared the highest motorable road in the world. While traveling through this pass, tourists can enjoy the beautiful view of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges that lie to its north and south.

28: Hundur Monastery

Hundur Monastery, also known as Hundu Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery near a bridge below the main road to the Nubra Valley. Tourists on a trip to Nubra Valley visit this Monastery, which is close to the Lachung Temple and Diskit Monastery. The village of Hundur, where the monastery stands, is the farthest point to which tourists are allowed to venture into this part of Nubra valley.

29: Lachung Temple

Lachung Temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the region, situated in proximity to the Diskit Monastery. An attraction of the temple is an idol of Tsong Kha pa or 'The Man from Onion Valley, a famous Tibetan religious philosopher standing tall wearing the Gelugpa or yellow hat, which is typical of him.

30: Samstanling Monastery

Samstanling Monastery, or Gompa, is a well-known Buddhist site in the Nubra Valley, between Kyagar and Sumur village, founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima. Travelers primarily visit this monastery to view the collection of Buddhist scrolls, frescos, and Buddhist statues. In 1962, the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was invited to the inauguration of the seven temples of the gompa.

31: Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery is a 350-year-old monastery in the Village of Diskit, located at an elevation of 10310 ft above sea level. The village of Diskit acts as an administrative center of the Nubra Valley and houses many government offices. The Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa is the prime attraction of the village. It is considered one of the largest and oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Nubra Valley. The monastery represents the Tibetan culture and Tibetan style of architecture. Visitors can explore a beautiful wall painting at the center of this monastery, which displays the Tashilhunpo Gompa of Tibet.

32: Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve

Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, also known as Tsomoriri or Lake Moriri, is located in the Changthang area in Ladakh. It's a High Altitude Lake (HAL) with an altitude of 4,595 meters in Ladakh and is the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region. The melted snow of the surrounding snow-covered mountains is the source of water that flow into the Changthang basin. Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve is the house of some avifauna and flora like the Tibetan Ass, thirty-four species of birds, including 14 species of water birds.

33: Ladakh

Ladakh is a cold desert situated in the northernmost part of India. It is known for its rugged terrain, snow-capped mountains, and serene landscapes. The best time to visit Ladakh is during summers when the temperature is pleasant and the roads are open. You can explore the ancient monasteries, enjoy the thrill of river rafting, and take a bike trip through the high passes.

How To Reach Leh

By Air - Leh is connected to the outside world through air route, all around the year. Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport in Leh is served by Air India, Go Air and Jet Airways. Flights operate daily to Leh, whenever the weather allows. Air India also operates flights from Jammu and Srinagar to Leh.

By Rail - The Jammu railway station is the nearest rail link to Leh, situated at a distance of 734 kms.

By Road - The Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation provides regular bus services from Srinagar to Leh, located at a distance of 700 kms. In addition to this, travellers can also avail bus services of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation from Manali to Leh. It takes around 20 hours to reach Leh from Manali on road.

Local Transport - The mystic and awe striking region of Ladakh is surrounded with gorgeous scenery and travelling through this region can indeed be a pleasure. There are buses, taxis, motorcycles and bicycles available for getting across Ladakh and one can choose the one that deem fit.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Leh)

Leh, the capital of Ladakh in India, offers a unique blend of Tibetan and North Indian cuisine. Here are some famous traditional dishes and places to eat in Leh:

1. Thukpa:

- Specialty: A hearty noodle soup with vegetables or meat, flavored with aromatic spices.

- Where to Try: Gesmo Restaurant and Tibetan Kitchen serve delicious Thukpa.

2. Momos:

- Specialty: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with various ingredients like vegetables, chicken, or mutton, often served with spicy dipping sauces.

- Where to Try: Dreamland Restaurant and Bon Appetit offer mouthwatering momos.

3. Chang:

- Specialty: A local fermented barley beer, often served in traditional wooden containers.

- Where to Try: Sample Chang at local homestays or some restaurants like Zomsa La.

4. Ladakhi Butter Tea (Gur Gur Chai):

- Specialty: A salty tea made with yak butter, tea leaves, and salt.

- Where to Try: Many local tea stalls and homestays serve Ladakhi Butter Tea.

5. Kashmiri Wazwan Cuisine:

- Specialty: Traditional Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Dum Aloo.

- Where to Try: Book a table at Lamayuru Restaurant for authentic Kashmiri cuisine.

6. Ladakhi Sausages:

- Specialty: Spicy sausages made from locally sourced meat and spices.

- Where to Try: Gesmo Restaurant is known for its Ladakhi sausages.

7. Skyu:

- Specialty: A hearty Ladakhi stew made with wheat flour pasta, vegetables, and mutton.

- Where to Try: Sample Skyu at local eateries and homestays in Leh.

8. Apricot Jam and Dried Apricots:

- Specialty: Leh is famous for its sweet apricot products, including jams and dried fruits.

- Where to Try: You can buy these products at local markets and shops.

9. Tibetan and Ladakhi Bakery Items:

- Specialty: Enjoy fresh pastries, bread, and cakes with a Ladakhi twist.

- Where to Try: German Bakery and Bon Appetit are popular for their baked goods.

10. Zomsa La:

- Specialty: A well-known restaurant serving a variety of Tibetan and Ladakhi dishes, including momos and Thukpa.

11. Gesmo Restaurant:

- Specialty: Offers a mix of Indian, Tibetan, and Ladakhi cuisine with a cozy ambiance.

13. Lamayuru Restaurant:

- Specialty: A restaurant specializing in authentic Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.

Leh's cuisine beautifully combines the flavors of Tibet and North India. These dishes and eateries offer a delicious glimpse into the city's diverse and unique food culture. Enjoy your culinary journey in Leh!

Weather & Quick Info Of Leh

Leh is a mesmerizing & famous tourist destination perfect for nature lovers & adventure seekers.

The best Months To Visit are from April to July.

The ideal time required to explore Leh is 2-3 days.

Leh has many nearby tourist destinations like Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar & many more.

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How To Reach Leh

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Leh)

Weather & Quick Info Of Leh

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Kanishka

Price: ₹ 5500.00

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