The Chowkhang Vihara also referred as Compa Soma by the locals was built during the 20th century under the guidance and patronage of H.E. Bakula Rinpochey. The Vihara remains one of the primary centers of various religious events and is considered a sacred place of Buddhist pilgrimage. The foundation of the structure was laid in 1957 by H.E. Bakula Rinpochey with a vision of making it a centre of preaching and learning for the peoplelof Ladakh.
One of the most remarkable buildings, the Central Asian Museum is located right next to the main market of Leh. The Museum has a rich collection of artifacts, manuscripts and fragments of heritage pertaining to the Silk Route trade from the 18th and 19th centuries and some are even at least 400 years old. It is a four storied building designed in the shape of a Tibetan-Ladakhi fortress, with a contemporary edge.
The Stupa is considered as the largest Stupa in Ladakh. It manifests an unparallel architectural feature, a unique blend of Indian Stupa and Tibetan shrine. The Stupa with 108 shrines inside, came to be known as Teue-kra-shis-od-phro (stupa of good fortune). It is a giant bulky mud brick structure that looks like a half-built stepped pyramid. The construction of the Stupa is attributed to King Dragspa Bumbde (1410-1440 A.D).
It is considered to be one of the biggest Mosques in Ladakh. Jama Masjid is situated in the heart of Leh city. Historically it is the symbol of an agreement between Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Ladakhi King Deldan Namgyal. It was constructed in 1666-67 A.D. The architecture was inspired by Turkish Iranian architecture. It is adorned with intricate carvings and houses a memorial known as 'Shah-e Hamdan', dedicated to Mir Syed Ali Hamdani.
Leh Palace also referred to as Lachen Palkhar by the locals is a 17th-century built royal palace by the then King of Ladakh, Singey Namgyal. This astonishing Palace lies in the city of Leh withi inevitable architectural detailing and intriguing historical facts. This is a nine storied palace that had been invaded and seized multiple times through years of unrest and wars. Presently, the Palace is maintained and renovated by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Namgyal Tsemo stands perched atop the cliff of Namgyal Hill behind the imposing Leh Palace. It dates back around to the year 1430, built by King Tashi Namgyal. It houses a three-story high solid gold idol of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha) and a statue of Avalokiteshvara and Manjushiri along with numerous centuries old manuscripts and frescoes.
One of the least-known Buddhist kingdom of the western himalayas and must be included in your leh ladakh tour package. Zanskar is the hub for many adventure activities like motorbiking, cycling, trekking, and white water rafting. It is home to some beautiful and ancient monasteries like Karsha, phugtal, zongkhul and shani gonpa.
Shanti Stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir provides a fabulous, unobstructed view. This white beauty amidst the snow lets you experience a moment of breathlessness and it is one of the beautiful places to see in Leh Ladakh. Situated at a height of 4267 metres, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.