Leh Local Sightseeing

LEH SIGHTSEEING

Leh is the erstwhile capital of Ladakh and centre of all major connectivity to this beautiful barren land. Connected via Air from Delhi & Road from Srinagar and Manali, Leh though relatively new to the Modern World is one of the most bustling cities in J&K. Its ascent on the World tourist Map has promised to increase its Size, Populace, Business & Tourist activities. Airport is a 10 mins drive from the town center with all the major outstation roads from and into Leh divide from here.

 

Shanti Stupa

A beautiful and magnificent Tibetan structure located in Chandspa at a distance of merely 5 km from the city of Leh lies the famous Shanti Stupa which is known for its architectural beauty. Perched atop a hill at a height of 11,840 feet, the beautiful white dome Dedicated to Buddha, helps you witness awe-strucking views of the entire city of Leh drawing every tourist’s attention on their visit to Leh-Ladakh. Encircled by the beautiful ranges of snow-capped mountains, Shanti Stupa offers the most enchanting views on full moon nights. Shanti Stupa – the Peace Pillar was built to celebrate the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and promoting world peace and was inaugurated by his holiness The Dalai Lama in 1985 as a ‘Peace Sect’ of Japanese Buddhist Organization. The gilt panels on the white dome depicts the life stories of Buddha.

Leh Palace

 Also known as ‘Llachen Palkhar’, Leh palace is a royal palace of King Dynasties in Leh. The palace boasts of being the major landmark of Leh also meaning ‘The Khar’. It is one of the tallest buildings of its time to offer the most enthralling views of city of Leh, the picturesque mountain views from top. This magnificent palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in 17th century for King and his family as its former residents before the Kashmiri Invasions during 19th century.

Hall of Fame

Situated at a distance of about 4 km from Leh, Hall of Fame is built by Indian Army in the memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives at the Indo- Pak war while fighting for India at the same time reminding you of the great sacrifices they make to ensures your safety. The museum consists of weapons used during Kargil War and seized arms and ammunition of Pakistan Army, pictures depicting of the hard life our soldiers go through while at Siachen, the heating of food they eat using Hexamycin tablets, leaving you out with a great respect for the soldiers who despite of all the rough circumstances train and fight with great strength for us to go on smoothly with our lives. Another section of Museum depicts the pictures of Kargil War, and the photographs of all those soldiers who lost their lives on the “Lest We Forget” wall. The ground floor of Museum depicts the lifestyle, history and culture of Ladakh and its people. A souvenir shop inside the premises has t-shirts, mugs, caps, original Pashmina Shawls and other wood crafts for you to purchase.

Leh Main Market

On your tour to Ladakh, you can visit the colorful market of Leh for beautiful curios and souvenirs.The vivacious market offers the most tangible memories meant for everyone’s taste of goods for you to carry back home.
Some good venues for shopping in Ladakh are:

Ladakh Art Palace on the Main Bazaar Road
Tibetan Handicraft Emporium on the Main Bazaar Road
Ladakh Environment and Health Organization on the Main Bazaar Road
Tibetan Handicraft Community Showroom in Choglamsar
Cottage Industries Exposition in Changspa
Ecology Centre in Changspa
Women’s Alliance in Changspa
Ladag Apricot Store

Main markets in Leh are:

Tibetan Market off Old Leh Road for clothes
Moti Market near the Leh bus stand
While shopping in open markets, bargaining is commonly practiced and the final price you pay for any product will depend on your skill at negotiating with the seller. In government-run crafts emporium and larger established stores the prices are fixed and bargaining does not occur.

Sankar Gompa

Located at a distance of about 6 km from Leh in the main city of Ladakh is a beautiful Monastery named Sankar Monastery. It is home to the Abbot of Spituk, the senior incarnate Lama of Ladakh and 20 monks who reside to learn the culture and traditions of Buddhism. Sankar Monastery is said to be the subsidiary of Spituk Monastery. It is marked with 108 teachings of Buddha along with his three images of past, present ad future.The pictures of unknown Gods protecting the four quarters of heaven are to be found inside of premises. A throne which belongs to the chief Lama is also kept inside. An enthralling sight is the sculpture made of butter and barley to amaze you. The statue of Avalokitesvara with its 11 heads and 1,000 arms inside and to enthrall you at best is the blue peacock mammoth statue which has 1,000 heads and 1,000 arms.

Sindhu Ghaat

To enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of city Leh, lies Sindhu Ghaat. The mesmerizing surroundings of mighty mountains and music of flowing river relaxes to offer you tranquilizing views.

Stok Palace / Stok Museum

Located around 15 km from the city of Leh is Stok Palace in Stok Vilage. It was built by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal in 1825 and now homes the descendants of royal family of King Sengge Namgyal. Boasting of its traditional and contemporary architecturally beautiful structure, the royal building comprises of Stok Monastery, a museum, beautiful gardens and a magnificent library which contains 108 volumes of Kangur(the famous collection of teachings of Lord Buddha. It has now being converted to Luxury Heritage Hotel for people to experience a royal stay. The museum inside the structure holds the Royal family’s Jewels including queen’s turquoise and gold encrusted crown and the king’s sword which was bent in a knot by the king’s oracle.

Phyang Monastery

A peaceful site in Leh,Phyang Monastery situated on a hilltop overlooking its surrounding villages is situated around 40 km to the West of Leh. It belongs to the Red Hat Sect of Buddism. Phyang Hills was home to Tasi Chozong Monastery, which was founded in the year 1515. This monastery was offered to a monastic community that began with Digung teachings in Ladakh that were started by Skyoba Jigsten Gonbo.The major attraction of Phyang Monastery is the 900 yeal old museum which consists of thangkas, various idols, Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese weapons and firearms and more.

Likir Monastery

Established in 1065 by Lama Duwang Chosje under the reign of 5th king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo on the banks of river Indus near the village of Saspol in Likir, lies the oldest monastery of Ladakh, Likir Gompa.The word ‘Likir’ meaning ‘The Naga -encircled’ represents the bodies of two great serpent spirits – Nanda and Taksako, who were believed to have guarded the Monastery.It presently runs a school inside the premises run by Central Institute of Buddhist studies and preaching of the three basic Pratimoksa disciplines.and a library of old books and manuscripts on the teachings of Tsong Khapa and Buddhism are placed.

Hemis Monastery

Built by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal, Hemis Monastery is considered as one of the seven wonders of India and a heritage sight of the country. Perched beautifully on a mountain, along the West bank of River Indus,it holds picturesque views of its spectacular surroundings. It is the most popular,wealthiest and biggest monastery of Ladakh and a not to be missed destination of Ladakh.It houses a magnificent statue of Buddha gilded in copper and stupas in gold and siver, thangsas and murals which makes it an intriguing sight for every tourist visiting in Ladakh. Hemis Monastery belongs to the Red sect or Dugpa Kargyupta order of Buddhism. The verandas are highlighting colorful pictures of Buddhist Kaalchakra and all four sides have been decorated with triangular colored prayer flags meant to send out prayers to Lord Buddha with every breeze which makes it the most intriguing sight to behold. A panoramic view from top of monastery where it homes Buddhist Nuns is another beautiful and significant view leaving a memorable impression of this place.The monastery also has a museum within its premises. Numerous historical and religious paintings (Thangkas), carriers, weapons are displayed in the museum.

Thiksey Monastery

Another fascinating place to visit in Ladakh is Thiksey Monastery, perched beautifully in White,Red and Ochre at a height of 3,600m in the Thiksey village.It bears a strong resemblance to Potala Palace in Lahasa in Tibet. Thiksey Monastery is a great place for learning about the several facets of Buddhism. The monastery is home to ten temples in all, besides home for monks, assembly hall etc. At the entrance, you are greeted by the statue of the protector deity.

Stakna Monastery

Stakna’s Monastery also known as “Tiger’s Nose Monastery” situated around 25 km from Leh. The rock on which the monastery is situated resembles a tiger reaching out to sky. About 30 monks who belong to Dugpa order reside inside monastery. One can explore the cultural Buddhist heritage amidst the panoramic views of monastery surrounded by mountains.

3 Idiot school Rancho school

Awarded as one of the most beautiful school in the worl by BBC London in the year 2016 is the famous Druk Padma Karpo School also famously and pleasantly called as Rancho School. This school got famous after Aamir Khan’s movie 3-Idiots. After your arrival you are followed by a guide who takes you for a 15-20 mins trip of school.You are not allowed to picture the students or disturb them in any way. There’s a cafe inside the campus where you can have Tibet dishes, maggi, coffee, tea etc.

 

SHAM VALLEY TOUR

Patthar Sahib Gurudwara

Devoted to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of sikh religion, Gurudwara Paththar Sahib is a sikh pilgrimage located 25 km from Leh. Legend has it that upon his onward journey(Chaar Udasiyaan) after visiting Sikkim, Tibet to Punjab via Srinagar, Guru Nanak Dev Ji took some rest at this place.The natives came over to almighty to help them from a demon who ate people after killing them.He listened to the pleads of innocent natives and went to the place where the demon dwelled and sat down near the bank of river to meditate and pass sermons to people. This irritated the creature and it threw a huge stone at The Guru. But to his despise, Baba Nanak wasn’t hurt an inch whereas the rock transformed into a molten wax and took his shape.This instigated the anger of demon even more and he tried to kick the rock with full strength but another miracle happened and the “rakshasa’s” foot got imprinted on molten rock.Acknowledging powers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the demon stopped troubling them and the natives.
                               Later in 1970’s ,during the construction of Leh Nimu road was when bulldozers were brought in to move the rock. But to their surprise they could not move it an inch an invisioned of supreme power not to move the boulder.

Magnetic hill

Magnetic hill or Gravity hill is a fascinating road to arouse the curisity of its visitors.Located about 30 km from Leh, is the magnetic hill marked by a yellow signboard reading “Phenomenon that defies Gravity” instructing you to park your vehicle in the box marked with a white point on road. When parked at the spot, the parked vehicle starts moving itself at a speed of 20km/hr.An optical illusion or actuality, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has mysterious magnetic properties that draw tourists from across the globe.

 

Alchi Monastery

Located in the Alchi Village of Ladakh,located about 70 km from Leh, Alchi Monastery is famous for being the largest of all Gompas built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo,an eminent Tibetan scholar.The monastery complex consists of comprises of Assembly Hall (Dukhang), Sumtsek Lhakhang, 3-storied temple, the Lhakhang Soma (New Temple), the Munjushri Temple (Jamyang Lhakhang), Translator Temple (Lotsava Lhakhang) and Kangur Lhakhang. It was taken over by the Lekir Monastery and is under them today also. People come here for rafting which takes place in a very near Zanskar river.The monastery also has various restaurants where traditional Indian and Tibetan food is served at an affordable rate and is quite tasty.

Spituk Monastery

Located about 18 km from Leh, is Spituk Gompa, a beautiful Buddhist monastery which offers panoramic views of Indus Valley Civilization. The monastery is home to about 100 monks and a magnificent statue of Kali.Known as Pethup Gompa among the locals, the grand monastery was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od when he came to Maryul in the 11th Century. The site was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung.