| Numerous Buddhist monuments, monasteries and | | | | government) |
| study centers - Leh, the land of lamas (Buddhist | | | | - Shey Monastery (12 m Sakyamuni Buddha statue |
| monks), serves as the capital of the snow desert | | | | made of gold-plated copper; also has a small library |
| Ladakh. The city is picturesquely nestled by the | | | | and a collection of tangkhas) |
| Karakoram and the Himalayan ranges. Leh valley is | | | | - Thiksey Monastery (best place around Leh to see a |
| that it draws tourists from all over the world to the | | | | puja; exhibits excellent art works and provides a |
| amazing scenery alongside the Indus river. The city, at | | | | panoramic view with the Zanskar range in the |
| 3505 m from sea level, is dotted with a number of | | | | backdrop) |
| ancient Buddhist monuments, which still retain the age | | | | - Hemis Monastery (most important Gompa in terms |
| old Buddhist traditions and practices.Major Attractions | | | | of spiritual hierarchy; hosts the Hemis Festival - |
| Apart from the fascinating Himalayan landscapes, Leh | | | | characterized by masked dance) |
| is visited for various monuments and culturally rich | | | | Excursions |
| sites. Shanti Stupa is the prominent one. It holds a | | | | Khardung Pass (highest mountain pass in Ladakh), |
| major importance for the Buddhists regarding their age | | | | Pangong Tso (largest brackish lake in Asia), Tso |
| old ritual practices and traditions. It also offers a bird's | | | | Morari (mountain lake), etc. are some of the places |
| eye view of the entire valley. Few other attractions at | | | | that are located at a close proximity to Leh and are |
| Leh are: | | | | highly frequented by the tourists. |
| - Stok Gompa (built in 14th century, a subsidiary of | | | | Take a trip to the market lanes of Leh. Here you will |
| Spituk Gompa; displays masks, frescoes, paintings, 108 | | | | find various winter woolen clothes and decorated |
| volumes of Buddha's teachings and other antique | | | | world famous carpets. For women, the pearls, |
| Buddhist articles) | | | | turquoise, coral, malachite, lapis lazuli and many other |
| - Sankar Gompa (has paintings and murals of the | | | | kinds of semi-precious stones and jewellery is the best |
| guardian god of the Four Quarters of Heaven, the | | | | buy in Leh. Apart from that, curiously carved yak-horn |
| wheel of Life, the Old Man of Longevity, Sakyamuni | | | | boxes, quaint brass locks, china or metal bowls, etc. |
| Buddha with his 16 sages and the 35 benevolent | | | | are also available at reasonable prices. The best time |
| Buddhas) | | | | to be there is between the months of June and |
| - Leh Palace (built in 17th century; houses the office of | | | | September. |
| the Archeological Conservation of the Indian | | | | |