Leh Ladakh is one of the most famous places for breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear skies, and thrilling adventure activities. Leh was the historical capital of the Kingdom Of Ladakh. There are several places to visit in Leh Ladakh and we have listed a few below.
Some Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa – was created by the Japanese monks to promote world peace. Constructed to boost world stability and prosperity and commemorate the 2500 years of Buddhism, Shanti Stupa is the main interest in Leh. This spiritual site also offers a scenic sight of the city and its surroundings.
Under the stupa is the antique of the Buddha. Sunrise and sunset are the most suitable time to visit the Shanti Stupa. The history of Shanti Stupa displays that it was constructed in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, being part of the Peace Pagoda mission. It holds the Buddha’s relics that the 14th Dalai Lama enshrined at its base.
Shey Palace
Shey Palace is the summer retreat of the royal family of Ladakh. Shey monastery and palace is 15 kilometers from Leh town on the Leh – Manali road. Shey palace, the monastery, is from the 16th Century. The monastery enshrines the Du-Khang with a nearly 10-meter high copper statue of Lord Buddha.
King Deledan Namgyal built the Shey Palace, and Shey Palace has the most significant victory stupa in Leh; the top is pure gold. The Shey Palace was the residence of the regal family till 1834 when they moved to the Stok Palace. ASI has assumed over the Shey Palace for preservation.
Celebrating River Indus that dashes across Ladakh, Sindhu Darshan Festival is a must-see extravaganza in Ladakh. Held at Shey Manla, 8 km from Leh, this major celebration in Ladakh is a three-day event that commences on the day of Guru Purnima. The primary cause for the celebration of the Sindhu Darshan Festival is to advocate the Indus River as an icon of the communal peace and harmony of India.
The festival grew in popularity from 2000; it has become a grand affair. During this festival in Ladakh, participants from India bring water in an earthen pot from the river of their state and pour it into the Indus River.
On the foremost day of the celebration, there is a reception ceremony for all the participants of different religions. There are prayers by 50 Lamas/monks on the bank of the Indus River, several cultural programs, and a sightseeing tour. The Festival month is June.
Rancho School
Rancho School is known as Druk White Lotus School. Rancho’s School (Druk Padma Karpo School / Druk White Lotus School), known as 3 Idiots School, is a Buddhist cultural school in Shey townlet, close to Shey palace and monastery, on Leh-Manali highway, in Ladakh, India.
Now a favorite traveler spot, the academy came into the spotlight after the shooting of the Bollywood fantastic hit film 3 Idiots was carried out here in 2008. The movie was released in 2009, showcasing the Druk White Lotus School and Pangong lake in the film’s second half.
The school started on the demand of regional people who wanted a school in Ladakh that could maintain rich cultural practices based on Tibetan Buddhism in their kids while giving them affluent schooling to match the 21st Century.
Hemis Gompa
Hemis Gompa – A Himalayan Buddhist monastery, the biggest in Leh Thiksey monastery. Hemis is around 45 km to the south of Leh. The Hemis Monastery is the largest in Ladakh. It is from the 16th Century. Impressive and intriguing, Hemis is distinct from the other important monasteries of Ladakh.
The Hemis Monastery also has an essential library of Tibetan books and an awe-inspiring and valuable display of Thangkas, gold figures, and Stupas embedded with treasured stones.
The annual festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava conveys happening in the enclosure of the monastery. The festival, where good wins over wickedness in a colorful spectacle, also hold the annual ‘bazaar’ where Ladakhis purchase and sell wares from distant areas.
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley via Khardung La is the world’s most elevated motorable Pass. Nubra valley – the Shyok River meets the Siachen River to form this large valley separating the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. Situated 150 km from Leh, Nubra Valley is known as the Orchard of Ladakh and was initially called Ldumra, which meant the valley of flowers.
Nubra valley lies between Tibet and Kashmir, surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan divides. The view of the valley is scenic and breathtaking. To get to Nubra valley, you will have to cross the awe-inspiring Khardung La, the most elevated motorable road in the world. Interweaving channels of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers crisscross the vast and matte Nubra valley.
From a stretch, the valley seems parched. Nevertheless, the valley primarily consists of prime farmland. It is not just the scenic natural beauty of Nubra that attracts tourists. The valley is mainly Buddhist and has several centers of Buddhist understanding.
Pangong Lake
One of the most favorite lakes in Leh Ladakh, Pangong Lake, emanates its term from the Tibetan phrase, “Pangong Tso,” which means “high grassland lake.” Pangong Tso, also known as Pangong Lake – is one of the globe’s most elevated saltwater lakes. The most notable part of this lake is its ever-changing shades. The lake acts as a vital breeding base for various migratory birds.
At 4,350m, Pangong Lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its water, which seems dyed in blue, stands in stark contrast to its parched mountains. Expanding to nearly 160km, one-third part of the Pangong Lake is in India and two-thirds in China.
Hall Of Fame War Museum
Hall of Fame War Museum is a gallery made by the Indian Army in memory of the fearless Indian fighters who sacrificed their lives while safeguarding the country in the Indo-Pak conflicts.
The hall of fame is at the Leh Airfield. The building incorporates two floors, and on the ground floor, there is information about the courageous soldiers. The Hall of Fame Museum also possesses various war objects consisting of weapons and records. Another segment is about the Siachen glacier. The topmost floor has guns and gear that the Indian Army has detained during its combats with Pakistan Army.
The museum possesses facts connected to Leh culture, mode of life, history, vegetation, and animals origin in this part of the world. The hall of fame museum maintains a 30-minute film comprising 1999 ‘Kargil War.’
Patthar Sahib Gurudwara
Patthar Sahib Gurudwara – a gorgeous Gurudwara sahib in the memory of Guru Nanak. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the most revered place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, architect of the Sikh religion, is believed to have overpowered a monster. Folklore has it that once Guru Nanak Ji was meditating at this site and a demon had thrown a big stone to block his devotions, the boulder turned into soft wax that failed to harm him, seeing the devil asked for penance for his deed and Guru Nanak Ji forgave him. The boulder with the imprint of Guru Nanak Dev’s body and the demon’s footprint is on display in Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. The area is understood majorly for Buddhism, but anyone who visits this place has the utmost respect for Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. The Indian Army preserves it.
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill – also known as Gravity Hill where vehicles defy the power of gravity. During travels around Leh-Ladakh, you will discover captivating sights stimulating your interest. One such sight interest is Magnetic Hill, where gravity takes a backseat. Lying at around 30 km from Leh, the Magnetic Hill has a yellow signboard titled “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity.
“It also demands you to park your vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, known as the Magnetic Road. When parked at the marked spot, cars begin proceeding ahead at nearly 20km/h. Magnetic Hill is on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar National Highway in the Trans-Himalayan area. The Sindhu River flows east of Magnetic Hill, making the surroundings a photographer’s delight.
Sangam Of The Rivers Indus And Zanskar
Sangam of the rivers Indus and Zanskar – two of Himalaya’s incredible rivers; Zanskar and Indus join to create a breathtaking sight.
Sangam of Indus and Zanskar river at Nimmu is a location one can never skip while going to Leh. Watching greenish Indus and deep clear blue Zanskar becoming one Indus beyond for quite a long time; was soothing and satisfying.
One can view the Sangam from the Indus side and the other side, the riverbank of Zanskar. It has pristine, clear water mirroring the sky and becoming deep blue. This place is on a journey from Leh to Kargil via Magnetic Hill. The mountains and scenery on the trip are very captivating.
Conclusion
These are some of the places to visit in Leh Ladakh. We hope that you like these places and visit Leh Ladakh soon.
- Tourist Spots In Hyderabad - 25/04/2022
- Specialties Of Pune - 25/04/2022
- Tourist Attractions In Australia - 25/04/2022