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PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Ladakh consists of two districts Leh and Kargil. Leh is the largest district in the country with an area of 45110 Sq Km.bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West, China in the north and eastern part and Himachal Pardesh in South East.
The most imposing feature of of Ladakh are the aesthetically pleasing, Buddhist monasteries situated on the isolated hillocks in the vicinity of villages. Ancient monasteries,colorful markets and fascinating views of the Himalayas make Leh a sought after destination. Mountaineering, trekking, white water rafting and wildlife tours are other attractions.
Leh Palace (`Lhachen Palkhar`): Situated on a hill this nine-storeyed palace is a historical monument built by Dharmaraja Sengge Namgyal (17th century). It is in ruins now, offers a panoramic view of the Leh town. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, are the ruins of the fort built as a royal residence, by the king Tashi namgyal in16th century.
Thiksey Monastery:25 km east of Leh it resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Maitreya Temple containing a 15 metre high statue of Maitreya Buddha seated in the lotus position, was inaugurated by the H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama in 1980. Collection of thangkas and Buddhist wall paintings are worth a praise.

Shey Palace and Gompa:15kms south of Leh it was built in 1645 by Deldon Namgyal as a summer residence for the kings of Ladakhin the memory of his father. Above the palace is an even older ruined fortress. Shey gompa adjacent to the palace houses a three-storey high(12 meters) image of the seated Buddha Shakyamuni made in 1655 of copper sheets gilded with gold by a Nepalese sculptor. The walls on both sides depict the 16 Arhats. Images of Buddha`s two chief disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana of Padme Sambhava, are on the wall behind the statue. Statue of a blue horseman, (Paldon Lamo) and to the left is a statue of the red horseman of Chakmen (representing the king of Ladakh) are in front.      Stok Gompa and Palace: 14 kms southeast of Leh, is Stok palace & Museum built by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal in the year 1825 and is the residence of The royal family. A collection of royal dresses, old Thankas, King`s crown etc. is open for visitors with entrance fees.
Sankar Gompa : The image of the Avalokiteshwara Padmahari (Chenresig) with thousand arms and heads is famous.
Shanti Stupa: located on the hilltop at Changspa on Fort Road, was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization,`The Japanese for World Peace` and inaugurated in1985 at the hands of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This impressinve white-domed structure is illuminated with glittering lights at night and offers beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset.
Sindhu Ghat for Sindhu Darshan: The river Sindhu flowing across the desert of Ladakh almost in a straight line passes through the Leh valley and goes into Pakistan. Visit to the beautiful Sindhu Ghat and pay respect to the river is a must for tourist. Annual three day long festival which takes place in the month of June.
It also offers river rafting in the exciting waters of River Sindhu.
Alchi Monastery- Alchi Gompa:The 11th century gompa on the banks of the River Sindhu is famous for collection of paintings. Enroute you can visit Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib and the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers.
Excursion to KHARDUNGLA PASS (78 KM - To & Fro.):World Highest motorable pass is Kardungla Top (8360 ft) can be the ultimate adventurous experience of your life. However you have to take care as some people may experience breathing problems.
Nubra valley 125 km via Khardongla: visit the white Sand Dunes, Camels & Diskit Monastery, Samstanling Monastery.
Excursion to  PANGONG LAKE (280 KMS - To & Fro.)

angong Lake is biggest natural brackish lakes in Asia located on the Indo China border.