Built on the hilltop by Japanese for world peace and inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama in 1985 presents a panoramic view of Leh town.  It is walking distance. However jeep able road is available.

Kali Temple (3 Km)

Located on a hill top above airport is a ancient cave temple of Buddhist style.

Leh Palace (1 Km)

Also known as 'Lechen Palkhar' the nine story structure was built by Sigay Namgyal in the early 17th century and now  deserted. Walking distance.

Sankar Gonpa (2 Km)

A branch of Spituk Monastery belongs to Gelukspa School of Tibetan Buddhism founded by the first incarnation of Skyabje Bakula ( the Head monk). Walking distance.

Devachan (10 Km)

Devachan means 'Pure Land' is situated near Choglamser on Manali road and Headquarters of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre with a meditation hall, School, Nunnery, Hospital and Museum on Buddhism philosophy where 'Vipasana meditation' camps are held every year. Local buses and taxis are available.

Stok Palace (14 Km)

Residence of present riyal family built in 1925 by the king Tsespal Tondup Namgyal across the Indus river. The royal family made it it's home since Ladakh was lost to Zorawar Singh. It has a museum consisting of royal dresses, weapons, crown etc. Local buses and taxis are available.

Shey Fort and Palace (15 Km)

South of Leh was seat of power of the first king of Ladakh Lhachen Spalgigon who constructed the hill top fort. The Shey palace was built early 17th century. Now it is a monastery housing a rare three storied statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of copper. There are five Buddha engraved on the rocks along road side. Local buses and taxis are available.

Thiksey Monastry (17 Km)

Built around 15th century it is  most beautiful of all the monasteries of Ladakh on a hilltop consisting three story Maitriya buddha statue  in lotus posture besides several racks of scriptures and murals of armed Avaleketeshvara, Shakyamuni,  Bodhisattvas , Varja Bhairava, Mahakala, Dharmakaya and Goddess Paldan Lhamo and Chamsring. 'Thiskey Gustor' festival is celebrated in the month of October. The top terrace presents an enchanting view of the Indus valley landscape below. Local buses and taxis are available.

The Hemis dance portrays the old age confrontation between good (red hat masked monks) and evil (black hat masked monks). As the dance progresses , the red hat spirits  slowly  overpower the evils and convert them into good spirits.

Hemis Gonpa (45 Km)

Set up in 1630, in the south of Leh across Indus river,  Hemis is the most famous, largest and richest  monastery having  priceless collection of gold statues and jewels  belonging the Dukpa (Red Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism. It houses valuable  artifacts including ancient statues of pure gold. About 400 monks are engaged in spiritual tantrik practices. Hemis is known for its festival  held every year for three days in the month of July to commemorate the birth day of great master of Tantra Acharya Padmasambhava  who was credited with enjoying supernatural powers. Monks  in their traditional costumes with masks, chanting mantras perform dance  in the large courtyard. The    After every 12 years (monkey year-last fell in 2004) the four story thangka of Guru Padmasambhava is hung in the courtyard and other precious items are also exhibited. Masked monks perform dance on the tune of ethnic instruments. Local buses and taxis are available.

Khardung-La Pass (40 Km)

It is the highest motor able road of the world at a height of 18390 feet. The road leads to  ancient silk route of fertile Nubra Valley on the banks of Shayok river. You may also have a view of Siachen  glacier the highest battle field. Local buses and taxis are available.

Pathar Sahib Gurudwara (40 Km)

Is situated on road side towards kargil. It is said that when Guru Nanak was meditating here, a demon rolled a boulder to kill him. But Guru Nanak took the boulder on his stomach and an impression of stomach was engraved on the boulder. Langer is held every Sunday with the help of army. A few Km away towards Kargil there is place called Magnetic Hills which attracts iron objects towards it. Local buses and taxis are available.

Pangong Lake (140 Km)

It is the largest saltwater lake in Asia at an altitude of 14000 feetcan be  reached after passing through Shey, Tiskshey, valleys of Chemrey, Sakti, Changla pass and Tangse valley. The 130 Km long and  3-7 Km wide spectacular lake is intensely blue nestled like a sapphire among the snow clapped mountains. Two third of it is in China occupation. The trip can be arranged in two days with night halt at Tangtse village in a taxi on sharing basis as there is no bus service is available.

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