1. Leh Shanti Stupa

Leh Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist temple that attracts a number of visitors every day. The peaceful surrounding of the Stupa emits the truest vibes of nature that will bestow you the feeling of serenity. Located in the Leh district, this white colored dome shaped Stupa holds the relics of Buddha at its base. People from across the world come here to admire this marvelous structure. The Stupa symbolizes the peaceful relationship between India and Japan and hence it promotes world peace and prosperity.

Leh Shanti Stupa

Address: Shanti Stupa Rd, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101

Website: Leh Shanti Stupa

2. Leh Palace

When we talk about Leh, the first thing that comes into our minds is the history of Leh and nothing else can tell you about Leh’s history than the “Leh Palace” itself. Leh Palace marked its existence back in 1500 and owns historical significance. Known for its marvelous architecture, this palace never fails to woo visitors. The Medieval Tibetan style of the architecture is something that attracts a majority of the population to this palace.

Leh Palace is also known as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar,’ and it was one of the tallest buildings of that era. This majestic building also holds artifacts, besides an unapologetically beautiful view of snow clad mountains.

Leh Palace

Website: Leh Palace

3. Pangong Lake

This mystic lake extends from India to China. If you are looking to spend a peaceful day admiring the beauty of nature, then this lake is the perfect destination for you. Because of the freezing temperature, during winter, the lake turns into a playground of ice. This saline water lake will hypnotize you with its mesmerizing beauty. However, there is no trace of aquatic life in the lake, but the marvelous view of this lake is enough to fill you up with admiration and pride. If you want to be more adventurous, then you can take a dip in the freezing water of Pangong Lake.

Pangong Lake

Website: Pangong Lake

4. Spituk Monastery

8 km (4.9 miles) away from Leh, this monastery was built in the 13th-century. Being one of the ancient monasteries in the region, it is quite famous among tourists. Spituk Monastery includes three branches – Stok, Sankar and Saboo monastery. All these monasteries have historic significance. The locations of these monasteries will make you fall in love with them. For a nature lover, it will be difficult to come back to a hotel for he will be hypnotized by the beauty of the place.

Spituk Monastery

Address: Leh district Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Website: Spituk Monastery

5. Thiksey Monastery

Located in the central Ladakh, Thiksey Monastery is the largest monastery in Leh. It is an ideal spot to visit for tranquillity seekers. The monastery building resembles the Patola Palace in Lavasa. This has also earned it the title of Mini Patola. The statue of Maitreya (future Buddha) which is 40 ft (12 m) in height is also present there. This extravagant experience of the monastery is something you won’t get anywhere else.

Thiksey Monastery

Address: Thiksey Villay, Leh Manali Highway, Thiksey, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101

Website: Thiksey Monastery

6. Alchi Monastery

The oldest Buddhist learning center is Alchi Monastery. This is yet another not-to-forget kind of location on your list. Alchi Monastery is just 70 km (43 mi) away from Leh. Though there are countless monasteries in Leh, Alchi is different from the rest as it is the oldest one in the vicinity. Plus, Alchi is the only monastery that is situated on flat ground, unlike the other monasteries that are located on hilltop. It has three main structures which are called as Dukhang, Sumtsek and the temple of Manjushri.

Alchi Monastery

Address: Alchi, Leh District, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Website: Alchi Monastery

7. Samstanling Monastery

The Samstanling Monastery established almost 140 years ago. The Monastery is 124 km (77 mi) from Leh and serves to more than 50 monks with the daily needs. Surrounded by the traditional hues of gold and red ochre, this monastery is located within the unruffled beauty of nature. A young boy always greets and welcomes the tourists and visitors affectionately in the monastery.

Samstanling Monastery

Website: Samstanling Monastery

8. Sankar Monastery

Situated just 3 km (1.8 mi) away from Leh, this monastery has a lot to offer. Nestled in a peaceful environment, Sankar Monastery is the perfect place for meditation. It is also an official residence of the head of Gelukpa Sect of the region, Kushok Bakul. There is a close association of Sankar Monastery with Spituk Monastery.

Sankar Monastery

Address: Sankar Road, Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101

9. Shey Monastery

Built in the 17th-century, this incredible Shey Monastery certainly marks as one of the oldest monasteries in the vicinity. There is a splendid statue of Lord Buddha in the monastery. It was made in 1655 by a Nepalese sculptor who was assisted by three Ladakhi craftsmen. People from across the globe visit Shey Monastery to witness this fine craftsmanship of the statue.

Shey Monastery

Address: Leh-Manali Hwy, Shey, Jammu and Kashmir 194201

Website: Shey Monastery

10. Magnetic Hill

Experience this mystery land called Magnetic Hill in Ladakh. Just when you feel that you have seen all, you will end up at Magnetic Hills where your vehicle will move up a steep mountain, with its ignition off. Follow the instructions given on the signboard around the mountain, you will see your car moving on its own and defying gravity. Want to see this phenomenon? Visit Magnetic Hill for sure.

Magnetic Hill

Website: Magnetic Hill

Travel to the Himalayas!

Nothing could be as satisfying as spending your holidays in the lap of the Himalayas. Visit these Stupas and monasteries and let your eyes grasp the beauty of holy mountains in Leh. Now, you already know where you should visit. So, you shouldn’t delay anymore your dream vacation. Pack your bags and travel to Leh, India.