Leh

The most popular monastery in Leh area, Hemis Monasterywas founded by first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso who was invited to Ladakh by the King Singay Namgyal and was give estate throughout the region in 1630. The major attraction of this monastery is a copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha and other stupas which are believed to made of metals like gold and silver.

Alchi Monastery is situated in small village of Alchi that lies in the lower regions of Leh. The monastery is believed to be the oldest in the area and was built by 958 and 1055 AD BY Guru Rinchen Zangpo. The stunning architectures and minutely carved paintings here in the monastery, are believed to be the oldest surviving in Ladakh.

The best part of the General Zorawar Fort is made of local clay, sun dried bricks, stones ad wooden frames. The fort was home to the "Conqueror of Ladakh" late Zorawar Singh Kahluria who consistently struggled against the Chinese Rulers. It is one of the national monuments in India as declared by Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Spituk Monastery was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od during his visit to Maryul in the 11th Century. The beautiful monastery is situated on the hilltop overlooking the roaring Indus River flowing through the deep gorges of the Valley.

On the hilltop, lies a kingdom of this massive monastery that looks surreal and absolutely stunning. It is the major favorite of many photographers and it is one of the reasons that drives tourist to this region. In the arid desert, the Monastery looks like an oasis. The complex houses a number of thankas, stupas, wall paintings and statues in the twelve storied building. This must visit attraction also has a museum which carefully treasures many sacred items. You can also find a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings and a 15 meter high Buddha statue at the main prayer hall.

The Monastery was built in the year 1655 by Deldon Namgyal, , in the memory of his father, Singay Namgyal. . The gompa is known for its colossal copper-gold gilded statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. The place is 2 km far from the main hub and you can reach there by hiring a cab.

Stakna is beautiful white washed monastery sitting atop the desert hill near Leh. Stakna Monastery or Stakna Gompa was founded in the late 16th century by a Bhutanese scholar and saint, Chosje Jamyang Palkar – the renowned scholar and saint. The view of majestic Himlayan Mountains from this monastery is breathtakingly enchanting. Getting lost is something you can do here.

The only mosque in the region acts as an icing on the cake and is an example of “unity in diversity,” which is more prevalent here in Leh. Built in 1966-67, it is located in the heart of the city and receives pilgrims from around the country every year. And this historical mosque in Leh is always crowded by tourists since it is surrounded by the main bazaar. This place also has a Shahi Hamdan Memorial which is made in dedication to Mir Syed Ali Hamdani who was a Muslim Sufi Saint.

Shanti Stupa, is a popular Buddhist architectural heritage that has now become world famous. It is typically identifiable by its white-domed stupa (chorten) that sits on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh which is located in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

It was built as part of the Peace Pagoda mission between 1983 and 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura. Interestingly, the The Shanti Stupa has the relics of the Buddha at its base and was enshrined by HH Dalai Lama the 14th.