Leh

Embodiment of natural beauty Leh, picturesquely nestled by Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, is the headquarters of Leh District in Jammu and Kashmir. Perfectly located on the banks of the renowned Indus River with all its majesty and amazing sceneries, Leh valley attracts tourists from all over the world to its lap all through the year. The major part of the Leh city is covered by ancient Buddhist monuments, Mosques dating back to 16th and 17th centuries and a nine storied palace Sengge Namgyal constructed in Tibetan architectural style. 

Leh is the land of Lamas, the Buddhist Monks and is mainly populated by Buddhists and Hindus. Leh houses numerous Buddhist monuments, monasteries and study centers, Shanti stupa and Sankar Gompa are some of them.

Sightseeing in Leh -

General Zorawar's Fort: General Zorawar’s Fort or commonly known as Riasi Fort, is an ancient fort known for preserving the private wealth of the rulers of Dogra in Jammu. This age old ancient monument, presently in ruins, stands above the Leh Palace and the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. A renowned and controversial Warrior General Zorawar Singh owned this fort. The General is remembered here for his continued struggle with the Chinese rulers over Ladakh. Apart from the valuable and wealthy treasure of the Maharaja, the fort also houses spectacular collection of coins and specimens of all new stamps issued by the state. 

Leh Palace: Leh Palace, an imposing and captivating marvelous structure, rising from the edge of a hill overlooking the Leh town, the well-known capital of Ladakh, and stretches out towards the indigo sky. Built in 17th century, this nine-storey monument was a residential place for the King Singge Namgyal.  It has a museum with some painted or embroidered scrolls and paintings amongst other things. This deserted edifice has a definite mystical quality about it and tourists are increasingly getting attracted towards it.

Stok Palace: A short distance across the Indus River, near Leh (14 km) stands the Stok Palace, a major tourist attraction in Leh. Built in 1825 AD by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal, it is a striking palace where the ancient and modern architectures meet together making the beautiful home. Famous for beautiful gardens and the view of sunrise as well as sunset is amazing from the palace. At present, the palace is open to visits and presents a collection of royal attires, crown and other royal materials. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to explore the whole palace. Spituk Monastery is a nearby attraction to visit.

Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa, literally means peace (Shanti) pillar (Stupa) established by a ‘Peace Sect’ of Japanese Buddhists, is situated above Changspa in Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir. It can be easily reachable from Fort road. The stupa was opened in 1985 by Dalai Lama with an intention of Spreading Buddhist ideology and teaching all through the world. The stupa is very attractive with the sides decorated with gilt panels showing the life stories of Great Buddha. The surrounding is worth seeing, with the enchanting views of snowcapped mountains, spectacular unique styled Ladakhi houses and the towering Namgyal Tsemo Gompa.

Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery: Situated about 9 km from Leh, Ladakh is one of the Dharma centers Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery. This world known Buddhist Monastery is run by the Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhists. Karmapa stands for "the embodiment of all the activities of the Buddha" or "the one who carries out buddha-activity". There are seventeen Karmapas as of today. 

Matho Monastery: Matho Monastery, with the history of five hundred years and the only monastery under the Saskya monastic Establishment in Leh, is located 26 km from the city on the beautiful Indus River valley. Believed to be established by Lama Dugpa Dorje, a famous Lama in Buddhist Monarchy, the monastery houses worthy marvelous collection of ancient thankas, especially some in the form of mandalas. 

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa: The monastery Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is placed in the backdrop of Leh palace. King Tashi Namgyal, one of the Namgyal rulers constructed this Gompa in 1430. The Gompa is placed in a steep hill overseeing the whole city. An amazing statue in gold of the Maitreya Buddha as high as three storey together with many idols and Buddhist scriptures are attractive to visitors.

Trekking: Leh is a paradise for trekkers. The snow covered Himalayan trekking terrains poses mild to very tough challenges to trekkers. Some popular trekking routes include Spiti to Ladakh, Markha Valley trekking, Ladakh Zanskar trekking and the Nubra Valley trekking. Safari through the plain valleys in the banks of Indus River is also very attractive. One can also opt for Sham Valley trekking. 

Shopping -  Shopping is an experience in Leh. One can spot many traders in the city selling out spectacular Tibetan motifs and jewellery, winter woolen clothes and decorated world famous carpets.

How to Reach -

By Air: Different airline services provide regular services from Leh to Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar and return.

By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station, which is about 734 km from Leh. Jammu to Leh via Srinagar takes more than two days by bus.

By Road: JKSRTC provide service from Srinagar to Leh (700 km) which takes two days and HRTC provide service from Manali to Leh (474 km), which takes about 20 hours or two days if you halt in between. Jeep services are also available here.