This article consists of the places to visit in Leh city only. If you want to know more about travelling to different parts of Ladakh, like Pangong lake and Nubra valley, head to my Ladakh Travel Guide.

Leh is the former and current capital of Ladakh. It is the biggest and most developed city in Ladakh.

It was my second visit to Leh. I have to say that the city was almost unrecognisable. It has changed drastically. Leh has grown and expanded ten times since my previous visit. While the development is good for the locals, it has taken away the charm of Leh. Due to the thousands and thousands of tourists, Leh is no longer a remote oasis. If you were one of the people who visited Ladakh before watching “3 idiots”, you know what I mean. So, despite all the crowds, is Leh worth visiting? If it is your first time in Ladakh, Leh is a great city.

So, what does Leh have to offer? Leh is a gorgeous city and has several must-visit sights. They are-

• The Shanti Stupa
• Hall of Fame
• Zorawar fort
• Leh Market
• Leh Palace
• Tsemo Castle and Namgyal Gompa

THE SHANTI STUPA

The Shanti stupa is a white Buddhist stupa sitting atop a hill on the outskirts of Leh. It is a great tourist attraction and a cultural monument. In August 1991, the current 14th Dalai Lama inaugurated the Shanti stupa. Built over eight years (1983-1991) by a Japanese Lama, Gyomo Nakamura and an Indian Buddhist, Kushok Bakula, the Shanti stupa symbolises peace. It also marks 2500 years of Buddhism. Since its construction, it has become a sought-after tourist site. Many people visit here for the panoramic views of Leh and neighbouring towns.

The Shanti stupa has two levels. The first level has a giant Dharmachakra, a wheel of Dharmas with two deer on the sides. You have to climb a few steps to reach the first level. Another flight of stairs leads to the second level. There is a golden statue of Buddha and reliefs of Buddha from birth to death. Walk clockwise to see Buddha in various stages of life. You can see Buddha fighting the devils while meditating.

Aside from the stupa, there is a meditation centre and a cafe in the complex. You can spend time at the restaurant while you wait to see a beautiful sunset. I recommend the outdoor seating for scenic views. But it gets windy and chilly as the evening approaches.

The best time to visit the stupa is afternoon when most crowds are heading for lunch. The stupa is overcrowded early morning and evening. However, people leave after 6-6:30 pm when it gets cold.

TICKET:- Rs. 30 for all except army personnel in uniform and residents of Ladakh. Only cash is accepted. Cards or online payment are unavailable.

TIMING:- It is open from Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 9 pm.

HAL OF FAME

The Hall of Fame is a tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Indo-Pak wars built by the Indian army. It is a museum housing the artillery, apparel, pictures and other items used in the Kargil war. It is a two-storey complex. You can also see the clothing, suits, and photos of the training session used and done in the Siachen glacier. Walking around the museum is heartbreaking but also fills you with a sense of patriotism and urges you to do better.

The museum is adjacent to Leh airport. It is a favourite among tourists. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit the Hall of Fame during my visit to Leh. I was in the city for two days. On the first day, I arrived late, and the museum had closed. The following day was Monday, meaning the museum was closed. However, I still spent a while marvelling at the artillery displayed outside the museum.

TIMINGS:- Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm. On Monday, the Hall of Fame is closed.

TICKETS:- A single ticket costs Rs. 225 for Indians, and entry is free for Indian citizens between 7-14 years. For foreigners, it is Rs. 400. Other charges include- Mobile phone:- Rs.20 Video camera :- Rs. 100

ZORAWAR FORT

The Zorawar fort is a museum and a short drive from the Hall of fame.

Wazir Zorawar Singh Kahluria built the structure in 1836. He was a famed military general of the Dogras. During his six visits to Ladakh, he expanded the northern boundaries of the Kingdom of Ladakh. He was known as the Napolean of India. Thanks to him, Ladakh and Baltistan were included in the Indian territory after the independence. Imagine if Ladakh was not a part of India. We would have missed out on such beauty.

During the reign of the Dogras, the fort was a treasury. The museum houses some jewels, coins and postage stamps.

TICKETS:- There is a small entry fee. I think it was Rs. 20. Sorry, I’m not sure how much a ticket costs.

TIMINGS:- The timings are uncertain. Google shows one timing, and other websites have different ones. So, according to Google, the Zorawar fort is open Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm.

LEH MARKET

A visit to Leh is incomplete without a shopping spree at Leh market. Earlier it was a small square with a few shops. Now the market has grown and has spread out. The Leh market is the most lively part of the city. Here you can find cafes, multi-cuisine restaurants, souvenirs, handicrafts, pashmina shawls and more.

If you’re not interested in shopping, visit the cafes littered around the main bazaar. You can try authentic Tibetan, Korean, Chinese, Kashmiri Wazwan or Indian cuisines. I dined at the following restaurants during my stay in the city. They are – New Wazwan Salt and Pepper Zas restaurant

The market is a great place to spend the evening. But there are a few points to remember when visiting Leh market. They are-

• Take a taxi or walk to the market because there is no parking area.
• You need good bargaining skills because many items are available back home for the same price.
• The shops start closing after 8:30 pm.
• If you want to take time exploring the shops without crowds, go there in the morning when the tourists have left for sightseeing. The shopkeepers might even give you a discount.

LEH PALACE

Leh Palace, or Lachen Palkar Palace, was the royal residence of the royal family. King Sengge Namgyal built the palace in 1600. The building is a nine-storey architectural marvel because it was built on a cliff using stones, mud bricks, juniper and willow wood. The construction is such that there were no vertical cracks in the structure. However, due to neglect, the Leh palace has lost its grandeur. But the Archaeological Survey of India has started renovations and restoration of Leh Palace.

The Leh Palace was the tallest building in the world at the time of its construction. The structure sits on a cliff overlooking Leh and resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It was the royal residence until the 19th century when the Dogras attacked and forced the royal family to leave and move to the Stok Palace.

The palace has nine storeys, each serving a different purpose. All the levels are accessible, but many parts of the building are closed to the public due to renovations. There are galleries on a few floors where you can find photos of old and new Leh, maps, and the history of the Kingdom of Leh. On another level is a shrine. You can visit it. From the top floor, you can see the city down below.

It takes 20 minutes to walk around the palace. The best time to visit is in the morning when the crowds haven’t arrived and in the evening, to watch a beautiful sunset.

TIMINGS:- 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday.

TICKETS:- For Indians and citizens of the SAARC, a ticket costs Rs.25. For foreigners, it is Rs. 300. Free entry for 7-14 years.

TSEMO CASTLE AND NAMGYAL GOMPA

King Tashi Namgyal founded the Namgyal and Tsemo Castle during his reign. It is the highest point in Leh and was a defensive structure. King Tashi Namgyal was a devoted Buddhist, so he built the monastery above the castle.

A three-storey high gold Maitreya Buddha statue sits in the monastery. One can find ancient manuscripts and frescoes all over the gompa.

There are two ways to reach here. Either by road or hiking. A long flight of stairs leads to the top. You can also drive here. The Khardung La road splits into the Tsemo Gompa road. Follow this small street to the Tsemo Castle and monastery.

The structure is now under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. It sits above the Leh Palace and is visible from a distance.

TIMINGS:- Visitors are allowed inside the gompa in the morning and evening. However, the time isn’t specified.

TICKETS:- There is no mention of entry fees to the monastery.

CONCLUSION

That concludes the “Places to visit in Leh” guide. These attractions are in the city, and you can visit them in a day. A friendly reminder this “Places to visit in Leh” guide doesn’t include travelling to Pangong Tso or Nubra valley.

Also, I will be posting a guide to places to see and visit near Leh.

I hope this was helpful. But if you think I missed something, please let me know in the comments.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.

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