Leh
There are so many things to do and explore in and around the Leh city. Palace, monastery, passes, valleys, hills and what not. There are several routes from Leh to other major locations and we have covered all the tourist spots that fall on those routes accordingly. In this post we are covering the area around Leh city that you may cover in one day. Do check out all the destinations in Ladakh in this post.
Shanti Stupa
It is a Stupa built under the Peace Pagoda mission. It is the main tourist attraction of Leh. Tourists visit the stupa not only for its architectural significance but also for the panoramic view of the city and the mountain ranges obtained from its height. It also provides a glimpse of the Leh Palace. Sunrise and sunsets from this viewpoint are especially beautiful. There is an absolute peace at this place, no matter how crowded. The calmness one senses while at the stupa makes it very difficult to bid good bye to this place.
Leh Palace
It is the former palace of the Ladakh Royals built by Sengge Namgyal in about 1600 circa. When Dogra forces attacked Ladakh in the 19th Century, the royals had to shift to Stok palace. Made of mud, stone, and wooden frames, it is in a preserved state, conserved and maintained by the ASI. Inside the 7-floor structure, there are many hallways with tiny windows and rooms along with patios on every floor. Some areas are open to exploration while some rooms have been transformed into gallery. You get a glimpse of the entire settlement around Leh town from the palace’s patios. It is a palace but its architecture gives you a sense that the lives of royalty in these parts were not much different from the common people. Also, the connect with the nature is appreciable.
Rancho’s/ 3 Idiots school
The Rancho School made popular by featuring in the movie “3 Idiots” is a school building in Leh, now well maintained as a tourist spot. The walls have graffiti indicating scenes from the movie and the famous 3 Idiots triple seat chair for some photo session. This place is worth a visit only in the sense that it is a reminiscence of the superhit movie. There is not much to explore there.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is a museum cum memorial by Indian Army Corps XIV reminiscing the wars the War Heroes of the Indian Army. It houses the weapons used by the enemy side that were recovered by the Indian Army during the war. There is 3D model indicating the strategic points for the military and how the Kargil war progressed. There are mentions of the awardees, prominent battalion leaders and the valiant soldiers of our Army who laid their lives protecting our Nation’s sovereignty. A special mention to the heartfelt handwritten letter of Captain Vijayant Thapar, aged 22, who died in the Kargil War, to his father titled “The Last Post”. You will be sobbing by the time you finish reading the letter. The father’s reply is also displayed by the side. A visit to this place will overwhelm you. Respect for the Indian Army!
Zorawar Fort
This is a small memorial dedicated to Wazir Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the military general of Dogra ruler Gulab Singh. This place was used as a treasury to store the wealth of the Dogra rulers. It is now converted into a museum. The museum has on display the coins and stamps of the dynasty. There are many photoshoot worthy corners here. At one corner of the compound there is a small stable housing some horses. There is an inhouse restaurant as well and an open courtyard where you can take a stroll and spend some idle time. By the way, the moustache of the guard stationed at the entrance was awesome, much like that on the statue below!
Leh Market
Leh Market is one attraction in its own. The tiled pathways with shops and restaurants lined up on both the sides provide for a relaxed outing. Most of the stalls sell local jewellery, clothes and souvenirs. The cafes serve some of the most amazing food. We tried local stuffed khambir and butter tea in one of the restaurants. The unique feature of that restaurant was that it was an all women restaurant. You may explore the shops, buy some relics, have food or just chill on the benches. We saw many people soaking in the sun on the benches. As you come to the end of the pathway, you can see Tibetan shops on the other side of the road. You get Tshirts, keyrings, decorative items, and antique products. Must visit place if you want to take back some of Ladakh as a remembrance with you.
Shey Monastery
This monastery is located 15 km from Leh beside the Leh Manali highway. Although it is not very interesting the views from the height are awesome. Also, it falls on the way to Thiksey and Hemis. The monastery appears deserted mostly. The views around the monastery visible from the vantage point that this monastery provides is worth it. The hill of the monastery provides a panoramic view of the south of Leh. You may take plenty of pictures here.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey is a beautiful monastery bearing resemblance to the Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet. A twelve-storey complex and the largest monastery of Central Ladakh. It houses the tallest Maitreya Buddha statue in Ladakh installed to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama. It has a separate set of buildings for female renunciates. Gustor is the anuual festival of the monastery. It is a picturesque monastery with beautiful mural paintings on the walls inside the campus.
Stok Palace
This is now the residence of the royal family of Namgyal dynasty. It is a museum and has a library. Located on a hilltop overlooking the Indus river, part of it is run as Stok Heritage Hotel.