Attractions in Leh
The main shopping area is the Main market. Other places worth checking out are the Ladakh Art Palace, Lhasa Embroidery and the government emporiums in the main shopping area. Tibetan Refugee Market on Old Leh Road is another ideal place for shopping in Leh. The Shanti Stupa is one of the finest monuments in Leh, although of recent origin. It is an international collaborative effort between Japan and Ladakh to preserve the relics of the Buddha enshrined by the Dalai Lama himself.
The steep climb to the stupa is worth the effort as it provides breathtaking views of the beautiful Leh valley. If you are interested in the ancient history of Leh, then you should visit the 17th century Leh Palace, although in a dilapidated condition. The Palace, which once housed the royalty, is now under the Archaeological Survey of India. Just above the palace on the Namgyal hill is the Victory Tower that was built in memory of Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the 16th century.Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a fascinating monastery that houses a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts.
For those interested in adventure tourism and sports in Leh, you have abundant options to have fun and exercise. Leh is one among the few trekking places in north India that offers wonderful trekking trails. The route to Markha Valley from Spituk, the Lamayuru gompa to Chilling trek along the Zanskar rive and the one from Likir to Temisgam. June to October is considered to be the ideal time for trekking in Leh Ladakh.Among sports, Polo is popular in Leh. But if you are in Leh Ladakh during the Ladakh Festival, you can enjoy other sports as well. Archery competitions are held during the festival and it is exciting to watch archers from Ladakh and other parts to participate in the event. River rafting is another exciting sport that one can enjoy, especially down the Zanskar River.
For visitors to Ladakh, the Leh Palace has always been a major attraction. The palace, that overlooks the Himalayan town of Leh, has a certain kind of mystery to it. Though the Leh Palace today stands in a state of desertion, you cannot afford to miss the site. But thanks to the government, attention has been paid to restore the glory of the past and the Kashmiri craftsmen are working on it. The palace has been built on the lines of the Potala Palace in Tibet.
The landscape the surrounds the Leh Palace makes it even more exotic and attractive. Back in the 17th century, the Leh Palace was constructed by King Sengge Namgyal. And as history records it, the Leh Palace was later abandoned as the Kashmiri armies besieged it in the mid 19th century and the royal family that was residing here earlier moved to the Stok Palace. The Leh Palace comprises nine stories, of which the upper stories are meant for the royal families whereas the lower floors serve as stables and store rooms. It feels really good to enter and explore the palace from inside, reminiscent of the bygone days.
After the Ladakhi royal family abandoned the palace, it was completely in a state of ruin. Later, the royal family sold the palace to the Archaeological Survey of India which is now taking care of the palace structure. The government has commissioned craftsmen to restore the former glory of the palace. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation.
Leh Palace
The palace is distinguished monument and a historical building. The nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, though in ruins now, situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town. The building in grand Tibetan architecture is said to have inspired the famous potala of Lahasa, built half a century later. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, are the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.
Major attraction of Nubra is the highest motorable Khardongla pass (18,383ft.) majestic peaks and glaciers enchanting valleys and villages. Diskit and Samstanling Gonpa, Panamik hot spring, double hump camel safari, river rafting, trekking and Sunbathe at Hunder are also a great source of attraction for the tourists.
Tsomo Riri Lake
This lake is situated at a elevation of 15,000 ft. above the sea level, at a distance of 240 kms. From Leh in the south-east sector of Ladakh. It is like a pearl shape and contains large mineral deposits. Korzok village is situated on the South West Bank of this lake. Korzok Gonpa and its inhabitants the nomads (Changpas) are most outstanding features of this lake.
Wild Life
Changthang also has an abundance of exotic Wildlife, Skyang, the Tibetan wild ass and snow leopard are found here. Wild asses are generally found grazing near Tsokar pastures and they seen moving in flocks. Rare and exotic birds like Bar Headed Goose, the migratory brids black Necked rare, the Great crested Grebe, the Tibetan crane and the Brahme Ducks are also found in Changthang.