About Leh Palace

Leh palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building and is still owned by the royal family. Leh palace has nine storeys. One part of the palace is occupied by the museum.

Built in the mid of 16th century by King Singe Namgyal, Leh palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building and is still owned by the royal family. Leh palace has nine storeys. 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.

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-storey high image of Maitreya, flanked by Avalokitesvara and 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.

Hemis Gompa

Hemis Gompa is located at a distance of 40 km 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 exposition of this tankhas takes place once in eleven years. Every year, in June, a fair (' Mela of Hemis Gompa') takes place at Hemis which is a colourful occasion for the mask dances.

Tiksey

About 25km south of Leh, Tiksey is considered as one of the most imposing monastery in Ladakh. It is a 12-storey monastery painted in red and white and ochre. It has 10 temples surrounded by typical tapering walls. The complex contains numerous stupas, wall paintings, tankas, statues, large pillar engraved with Buddha teachings and swords. The interior of new temple dominated by a giant 15 meters high Buddha figure.