Leh has quite a few interesting places on offer. You could start with the captivating Leh Palace that rises from the edge of a hill overlooking the town and stretches out towards the indigo sky. Irrevocably reminiscent of a picture-postcard o Lhasa’s Patala Palace, this deserted edifice has a definite mystical quality about it. The Palace was built in the middle of the 16th century by King Singe Namgyal and still belongs to the royal family that now lives in the stok Palace. The nine-storeyed monument has gone to seed, so don’t visit the site expecting too much.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh is a fascinating destination. Age-old monasteries, quaint lanes, colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh an exotic destination. Leh is where your adventure in Ladakh begins. You can go trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, enjoy a game of polo in a high altitude arena or watch an archery contest where local residents compete in a contest that remains unchanged by time. Mountaineering, white water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of Leh Ladakh India. Though the weather can be freezing cold, the smiles on the faces of the Ladakhi people are sure to warm you heart. Feel on top of the world in Ladakh, on tours to Ladakh with Leh Ladakh India. Major Tourist Attractions in LehLeh Palace: Built in the mid of 16th century by King Singe Namgyal, this palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building and is still owned by the royal family. This palace has nine stories. One part of the palace is occupied by the Museum. 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.
Tiksey: About 25 kms south of Leh, Tiksey is considered as one of the most imposing monastery in Ladakh. It is a 12-story monastery painted in red and white and ochre. It has 10 temples surrounded by typical tapering walls.
Hemis Gompa: Hemis Gompa is located at a distance of 40 kms south of Leh, along a road crossing the Indus. Among the innumerable thankas (paintings on cloth), there is one which is supposed to be the biggest of its kind in existence.
The Tsemo Gompa: The Tsemo Gompa or Red Gompa is situated at the north of the city. The left side of its entrance has the portrait of Tashi Namgyal. It has a colossal 2 story high image of Maitreya, flanked by Avalokitesvara ad Manjusri figures.
Soma Gompa: The new Soma Gompa is a new monastery situated at old village. It was built in 1957 to commemorate the 2,500th birth-day of Buddha.
Leh Festivals
Losar: The Buddhists of Ladakh celebrate losar as their new year. Before the rule of Jamiang Namgyal (155-1610), this day was considered to be the first day of the first day of the Ladakhi Buddhist year, which is based on the moon and sun similar to that of the Hindus. However, losar was advanced by two days as Jamiang Namgyal decided to invade Skardu before the New Year. Since then, Losar is celebrated on the last two days of the 10th Bodhi month, which coincides with December of the Christian calendar.
Tampe Chonga: The fifteenth day of the first Bodhi month is celebrated as a festival marking Buddha’s entry into the womb of his mother. Prayers are held both at home and in the gompas.Jipe Chonga: The fifteenth day of the fourth Bodhi month is the day when the Buddha is believed to have taken physical birth. The people fast on the Jipe Chonga day. Homes and gompas are illuminated and special prayers are conducted.

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