Leh Palace: This palace was built way back at the beginning of the 17th century AD by Singay Namgyal. It consists of nine stories and sits atop a hill, majestically overlooking Leh city. The care and reconstruction responsibility has been taken over by the Archeological Survey of India. Shanti Stupa: This stupa also towers over the city of Leh. It's bright colours are in sharp contrast to the Leh Palace. This was built in the Changspa region of the city by the Japanese and was given the initial blessings by the Dalai Lama in 1985. The Shanti stupa was built as a symbol of world peace. Stok Palace: The Stok palace is also a museum where one gets to see various items belonging to the Royal family like the King's crown, etc. This palace was built in 1825 by the ruling king at the time, Tsespal Tondup Namgyal. The royal family has resided in Stok since the loss to Zorawar Singh.

Leh Palace towers over Leh city as if keeping a watch every street and activity

Shey Palace: Shey is a small town in comparison to Leh. It is located around 15km to the south on the main highway heading in the Manali direction. Shey palace was built in early 17th century AD by Deldan Namgyal as a memorial for his father, Singay Namgyal. The palace houses a three storey copper statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Overlooking the Shey palace are the ruins of the fort built by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Spalgigon. Shey also has a very large scattering of stupas all across it's landscape.

The monastery at Thiksey is one of the most popular in Ladakh

Thiksey Gonpa: This monastery is located 17km on the main highway from Leh in the direction of Manali. The present day monastery which overlooks the village below was not the original location. It was originally built at Stakmo. The present day monastery was founded by Paldan Sherab. This monastery hosts the festival of Thiksey Gustor. Hemis Gonpa: This monastery is located among the beautiful landscape of the Hemis National Park.

It is located at a distance of 45km from Leh and is one of the most popular monasteries visited by travellers. It is also famous across the world for the Hemis Festival hosted by it. It was founded in 1630 AD.

Basgo Palace: This palace looming over a small community below was built in the 16th century AD by Jamyang Namgyal and his son Singay Namgyal. This palace also houses a three storey copper gilted image of Maitriya Buddha, which was built by Singay Namgyal in memory of his father. The village below is also a big attraction to travellers, especially photographers, due to it's quaint streets and small houses. This area also consists of a temple that is now considered one of the most endangered monuments in the country.

Lamayuru: This is located 125km west of Leh in the direction of Kargil. It is one of the most beautifully located and built Gonpas in Ladakh. There are no clear records regarding who built the Gonpa but texts state that Arahat Nimagung, during his visit to the location, made offerings of grain and corn which took the shape of Swastika or Yungdrung. Besides the amazing visual aspect that makes it a must visit destination, it also plays host to the fascinating Yuru Kabgayat festival. Another major attraction of this area is the incredible landscape facing the monastery knows as Moonscape by travellers.

The Lamayuru Monastery is located some of the most breathtaking landscape

Tsomoriri (Lake): This beautiful salt water lake is located 240km from Leh. It is situated between beautiful high mountains in the Rupsho valley at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The water is clear and besides being an awe inspiring sight, it also attracts many bird species, which are an added attraction of their own. A village by the name of Korzok is located along the south west side of the lake. This village also houses a monastery dating back to 1851. The biggest attraction to the lake, for many tourists, are the Changpa nomads who can be seen grazing their goats and yaks in the area around.

Tsokar is one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes

Tsokar(lake): The literal translation of the name means lake of salt. Tso in the local language means lake. This lake is located 154 kms from Leh. It is on the route to Tsomoriri and is situated 76 kms short of it. Just as Tsokar is a smaller lake than Tsomoriri, it also has a smaller village and monastery located along it's edge. This is the Thukje village. This lake is also host to many bird species and is home to many very interesting families of marmots. The chances of seeing the high altitude tibetan wild ass, known as the Kjang, is also very high here. The local operators also offer a beautiful 3 day trek from Tsomoriri to Tsokar. Pangong Lake: This extremely picturesque lake is approximately 70 kms in length and an average of 6 kms in width.

The main attraction to this lake are the fascinating colours of it's water. It is said that on a clear day, up to seven different shades of green and blue can be seen at the same time. If you happen to spend the entire day there, it is amazing to watch the colours change from brilliant turqoise to a dark blue. The water of this lake like Tsokar and Tsomoriri is also saline. Unlike the other two lakes, where only camping is a possibility, accommodation facilities for overnight stay is available Tangtse. Camping is not permitted around the lake as it is located extremely close to the border with China. In fact, 75% of the lake falls in Chinese territory. The altitude of the lake is 13,930 feet above mean sea level.