Top Travel Attractions in Leh

Welcoming tourists with a host of places to visit and things to do, Leh is the reflection of what Ladakh is made of. Be it the grand monasteries or the surreal Indus-Zanskar confluence or the unique wildlife or the bustling bazaar full of Ladakhi arts & crafts, Leh has an attraction and activity for everyone.

About Best Places to Visit & Top Things to Do in Leh

Witness the most gorgeous monasteries, river confluence, and the best of nature as the top attractions in Leh. Head out for your incredible trekking expeditions, motorbike and mountain bike adventures, river rafting experiences that Leh has in store for you because the action and fun never end in this capital city of Ladakh.

Leh’s major attraction is the white and serene-appearing Shanti Stupa perched atop a high mountain and overlooking the entire city. For those with keen interest in history and culture, Leh offers a look inside its grand Leh Palace and its many impressive monasteries like Hemis, Thiksay, Spituk, Shey, Lamayuru etc. For those spiritual at heart, there’s the sacred Gurudwara Patthar to hear an imposing tale of a Sikh Guru and pay homage to him.

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Hemis Monastery

The most popular monastery, Hemis Gompa is also dubbed the richest monastery in Ladakh. Situated around 45 km away from the capital city.

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Alchi Monastery

Known as the oldest monastery in Ladakh, Alchi Monastery is basically a monastic complex situated in Alchi Village in Leh District.

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General Zorawar Fort

Once owned by one of the greatest warriors, General Zorawar Singh Kahluria who is known for his victory against Chinese, General Zorawar Fort is amongst the main places to see in Leh.

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Matho Monastery

Known for its annual Oracle Matho Nagrang Festival, Matho Monastery is one of the places to see near Leh. One of the two monasteries of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

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Spituk Monastery

An 11th century monastery, Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa is known for its giant Kali statue that is revealed on the annual festival of Gustor. Spituk is at a short distance away from Leh and is one of the top places to see.

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Thiksey Monastery

Noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Tibet, Thiksey Monastery is the largest gompa in central Ladakh and a must-see place near Leh.

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Shey Monastery

The monastery is known for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is said to be the second-largest statue in Ladakh and a must-see.

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Stakna Monastery

Noted for being the only Bhutanese Drukpa Kagyu monastery in Ladakh, Stakna Monastery is yet another major attraction near Leh.

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Jama Masjid Leh

Reckoned to be the biggest mosque in Ladakh, Jama Masjid is situated in the heart of Leh City. The mosque is the symbol of an agreement between Mughals and the Ladakhi King, Deldan Namgyal.

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Stok Palace Leh

Now converted into a heritage hotel, Stok Palace is the reflection of the glorious days of Namgyal rule in Ladakh. Dating back to 1820, this top place to see near Leh is almost 200 years old.

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Shanti Stupa Leh

Built to promote world peace and prosperity as well as to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism, Shanti Stupa is the major attraction in Leh.