Leh

A building in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture said to have inspired from the famous Potala in Lhasa, which was built half a century later. The palace was built in the 17th century and had nine storeys , but it is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls and other artefacts. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation.

Kargil

Kargil is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh, situated at the height of 2704 meters and is the middle point on the Srinagar and Leh Highway. Around 204 kms from Srinagar and 234 kms from Leh, Kargil once served as an important trade and transit centre in the Pan-Asian trade network.  With a population of 140,000 Kargil is the only Muslim majority district in Ladakh. Of total population, 85% are Muslim, of which 73% follow Shia Islam. Most of the district's Muslims are found in Kargil town, Drass, Wakha and the lower Suru valley. The remainder 14% are followers of Tibetan Buddhism and Bön, mostly found in Zanskar with small populations in the upper Suru valley (Rangdum) and around Shergol and Mulbekh. Torurists travelling between Zangskar, Leh and Srinagar have to make a night halt here, before starting for the second day of their journey.

Zanskar

Zanskar is a small town, spread over an area of 7000 sq. km, at an altitude ranging from 3500 m to 7000 m above sea level. Zanskar definitely is one of the remotest regions in the world to reach and the fact becomes more prominent as it remains virtually inaccessible for 8 months due to bitter cold and heavy snowfall.  Zanskar is a semi desert that is surrounded by mountains from all sides and is cut through by Zanskar river which is the reason many people come to Zanskar braving all the adversities. Zanskar River is one of the best places in the world where you can indulge in river rafting. All the high passes are close in the winter and the river freeze on the surface. People of Zanskar walk along the frozen river to reach the Indus River in Nimoo village, which is known as the Chadar trek.

Nubra valley

Nubra Valley is situated about 150 km north of Leh. The Nubra Valley means Ldumra (the valley of flowers), The route from Leh takes the traveler over the Khardung-la, the highest motorable road in the world (18,380 feet// 5,578 m) above sea level feet. To enter the Nubra valley, one must cross over the Shyok River via a small bridge and pass through a military checkpoint. Tourist require an "Inner Line" permit (easily obtained in Leh town) to pass.

Monasteries

There are about 35 Buddhist Monasteries or Gompas spread across the entire region. The central area of Ladakh has the greatest concentration of major Gompas. Of the 13 major monasteries situated on or near the Indus, the oldest is that of Lamayuru, which is believed to have been a sacred site for the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. The monasteries of Phyang, Hemis and Chemrey were all founded under the direct patronage of members of the ruling Namgyal dynasty. Hemis monastery, together with that of Hanle was established at the instance of King Singge Namgyal, while his widow founded Chemrey as a posthumous act of merit for him. Stakna, dating from a slightly earlier period, was endowed by the Namgyal Kings at various times. All these belong to the Red Hat (Kargyu-pa) sect of Tibetan Monastic Order.

Lakes

• Pangong Lake
• Tsomoriri Lake
• Salty Tso Kar  (White Lake)