Course Introduction

Leh Palace

• AM 9:30~

It is located on the top of the deserted Tsemo Hill, Leh Palace is also known as Lhachen Palkhar. The former palace of the royal family of Leh, it was erected in the 17th century. The place was one of the tallest structures with 9 storyes during its heydays. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Leh. Leh Palace was constructed by Tsewang Namgyal the founder of the Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh, way back in the year 1553.

Shanti Stupa

• AM 10:45~

Built on a hilltop in Changspa region of Leh at an altitude of about 14K feet (4267 Mtrs), Shanti Stupa was built in 1999. It is one of the most favorite tourist destinations among other places in Leh local sightseeing plan. The visit to Shanti Stupa would greet you with a wide panoramic view of entire Leh town in the foreground and with breath-taking landscapes in the background.
You can reach it using a drivable road all the way almost to top, or you can choose to ascend about 500-600 stairs.

Spituk Monastery

• PM 1:15~

Spituk Monastery is situated on the hilltop; it was established in the 11th Century by Od-De. The word 'Spitok' means exemplary. Spituk Gompa belonged to the Kadampa School and with the passage of time it came under Dharmaraja Takspa Bum - Lde Lama Lhawang Lotus, who introduced the stainless order of Tsongkhapa there. Today it is the home of 100 monks and an awe inspiring image of Mahakaal, the face of this image is kept covered and is unveiled at the annual festival of Spituk in January. This Monastery's museum has a rich collection of ancient masks, antique arms, other icons and numerous Thangkas.

Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh

• PM 3:45~

Thiksey monastery is a gompa of Tibetan Buddhism religion. It is located on the top of the hill. It is very famous for its similarity with Potala Palace of Lhasa. This monastery is famous for pilgrim activities, architectural elements, sightseeing and exploration. The monastery has an interesting anecdote of how it was built in this exact location. It is said that when two Buddhist monks offered prayers and rituals at the Yellow Temple and were about to through a cake (offering to God) into the valley, a crow took away the cake and place it on a hilltop. They assumed this a divine order and built a monastery here.