Shanti Stupa
The white-domed Buddhist peace stupa stands above Changspa in Leh. Its terraces combine painted Buddhist scenes with wide views over the town and surrounding mountains.
Leh
Ladakh, India
Leh is Ladakh’s high-altitude town in the Indus Valley, with mountain views, old lanes and a lively central bazaar. It is the starting and finishing point for both journeys.
Attractions in Leh
Leh Market
Leh’s main bazaar is a central shopping area with local shops, textiles and Ladakhi souvenirs. Both journeys leave time here for an unhurried stroll.
Shey Palace
The palace and monastery complex at Shey rises above the Indus Valley on a rocky hill. It preserves a chapter of Ladakh’s royal and Buddhist heritage, with views across fields and chortens.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey’s white and red monastery buildings climb a hill above the Indus Valley. The Buddhist complex is known for its prayer halls, artwork and commanding valley setting.
Stok Palace Museum
The museum inside Stok Palace introduces Ladakh’s royal heritage through objects preserved by the Namgyal family. The palace’s hillside setting looks out towards the Indus Valley.
Hall of Fame, Leh
This Indian Army museum and memorial honours soldiers who served in Ladakh. Its galleries present military history, equipment and accounts of life in the region’s demanding mountain conditions.
Kali Mata Temple, Spituk
The guardian chapel on the highest part of Spituk Monastery is commonly called Kali Mata Temple. It belongs to a living Buddhist complex; visitors should follow local worship and photography guidance.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
This Sikh shrine on the Leh–Nimmu road honours Guru Nanak and the sacred boulder associated with local tradition. It is a peaceful stop on the Lower Indus sightseeing route.
Magnetic Hill
A stretch of road near Leh creates the well-known impression of vehicles rolling uphill. The surrounding slopes and hidden horizon form the optical illusion at this roadside stop.
Indus–Zanskar Confluence
Near Nimmu, the Zanskar River meets the Indus amid stark mountain scenery. The viewpoint reveals the meeting channels and the contrasts between their water and the surrounding slopes.
Khardung La
Khardung La is the high mountain-road crossing used on the journey from Leh towards Nubra. The pass offers a dramatic transition from Leh’s mountain slopes to the valleys beyond.
Chang La
Chang La is the high road pass crossed on the return from Pangong Lake to Leh. Prayer flags and exposed mountain slopes frame this memorable section of the drive.
Druk Padma Karpo School
This working school in Shey is also known as the Druk White Lotus School and is associated with the film 3 Idiots. Its visitor centre introduces the campus and its distinctive sustainable architecture.
Sindhu Ghat
Sindhu Ghat is a riverside place beside the Indus near Shey. It is associated with Sindhu Darshan celebrations and provides a quiet stop along the valley route.