15

Historical Places in Ladakh

Situated in Alchi village of Leh district, Alchi monastery is the house of the world’s oldest and antique historical monuments in Ladakh. The detailed work of wood carvings and paintings of Kashmiri and Buddhist history is mesmerizingly portrayed here. Once you start to explore the beauty of the Alchi complex, you will fall in love with its unique sculptures and aesthetic vibe of classic architecture.

Besides pleasing your eyes with century-old paintings, the main attractions of this complex of historic sculptures include a tall Buddha statue, The dukhang, The Sumtseg, and Manjushri la-Khang.

Location: Alchi village, Leh district, Ladakh

Best time to visit: Weather around June to September is considered to be the best time to witness this glorious historical place of Leh Ladakh.

Planning a trip to Ladakh? Checkout: Ladakh Tour Packages

Founded around the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, this monastery is one of the largest and oldest historical places in Ladakh. Besides attracting history lovers with the ancient Maitreya Buddha statue, the holy place also offers a majestic panoramic view of Nubra Valley.

Also, if you want to witness the historical collections of murals and frescoes in Ladakh, Diskit Gompa can be the best place to witness the ethnicity.

Location: Diskit Village, Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Best time to visit: May to September is the best time to visit such a place as the weather around this time remains perfect to explore the beautiful sculptures. However, visiting the monastery during their Dosmoche festival will be a bonus for you.

Also Checkout: Srinagar to Leh Road Trip Guide

You Must Checkout: Ladakh Family Tour Packages

Want to please your eyes with supreme divinity and mesmerizing view of Indus valley? This hilltop monastery can be the next stop for you. Situated above 11,800ft from the mainland, Thiksey is one of the most famous historical places in Ladakh. The monastery perfectly portrays the serenity of Tibetan culture through the architecture and structures.

This 12 storey monastery in Ladakh is also the residence of several historical paintings, and sculptures of Buddhist history. Besides feeling the peace of this place, you can enjoy the majestic sights of the whole view of Ladakh valley.

Location: Leh Manali Highway, Thiksey village, Jammu and Kashmir

Best time to visit: May to November can be a great time to witness the beauty of this place. And if you want to be a part of their festivities, you should visit during October-November.

Planning Ladakh Bike Trip, Checkout:  Manali to Leh Bike Trip Package from Delhi

Also Checkout: Leh Ladakh Group Tour Packages

Featuring the world’s ancient architecture, Assembly Halls, caves, and the sacred throne of Dalai Lama, the monastery is the eye of historical spot lovers in Ladakh. Besides presenting the sacracy and divinity through their ancient paintings and statues, this place shelters 55 Lamas in Ladakh. Not only that, for centuries, the monastery has been protecting the holy book of Buddha’s teachings in 108 volumes, called Kashur.

So, if you are aiming to witness such majestic culture and tradition of Buddhism, Takthok Gompa should top your Ladakh bucket list.

Location: Sakti village, Ladakh

Best time to visit: it’s best to visit the place during summer time (May to September) as you would be able to witness the famous monastery festival that takes place around the 9th or 10th day of 6 months of the Tibetan calendar.

Click Here To Book: Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi

Must Read: Delhi to Leh Ladakh Guide

Significantly built in the form of a castle, this monastery is one of the most prominent historical places in Ladakh for its rich ancient architecture of the pre-Tibetan period. The walls are structured with plenty of Muras, describing the life of Padmasambhava. Kushan emperor Kanishka founded this monastery and is mentioned among one of the eighty sacred Buddhist places in the world.

If you are lucky to visit around the 6th month of the Tibetan calendar, you will be able to witness the sacred monument of Naropa which makes it one of the most important places to feature historical monuments in Ladakh.

Location: Sani village, Ladakh

Best time to visit: June to November is the best time to visit this holy place.

You Can Also Book: Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour

Checkout Here: Mumbai to Ladakh - A Detailed Travel Guide

This palace is a perfect example of a beautiful scenario with historical significance. Known as Lachen Palkhar, the place resembles another famous palace, Patola palace. Unlike any other regular palace, the Leh Palace is the house of hundreds of ancient paintings made from powdered gems and stones.

As a symbol of Buddhism, the palace features a large historical monument of Lord Budhha, making it one of the most prominent centers of attraction for tourists in Ladakh. Besides witnessing the royalty of Ladakh’s thousand years old history, you can experience the majestic view of the whole city of Leh and Namgyal hill.

Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Best time to visit: May to October

You Can Also Book: Leh Ladakh Package For Couple

You can Also Checkout: Ladakh Tour Packages From Kolkata

Stok Palace is the symbol of Ladakh’s divine royalty in a three-story structure, and a prominent place to explore historical significance in Ladakh. Constructed by King Tsepal Namgyal, the palace features all kinds of precious historical belongings of the royal family including Yub Jhur- the queen’s crown, King’s crown, jewelry, ancient portraits, and vibrant royal outfits.

If you are in search of Ladakh’s royal divinity, the palace makes your search end here. One might not always get the chance to experience the royal culture of Ladakh from the closest, hence, visiting this palace can be a wise choice for you.

Location: Stok, Ladakh

Best time to visit: June to September

Click Here To Book Now: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages From Pune
                                           Ladakh 5 Days Tour

Situated amidst one of the largest villages of Ladakh, the Castle of Tingmosgang was constructed during the period of Grappa Bum, younger brother of King Takspa Bum. None can deny the historical significance of this place as it has been a prominent symbol of the Ladakhi dynasty.

The fortress features various sculptures, ancient architectures, and the three-story image of Buddha Maitreya that are enough to describe its’ majestic history. However, if you keep the historical part aside, the castle is a great place to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the whole village of Temisgam. Hence, not including this spot in your Ladakh bucket list will be a choice of regret.

Location: 92 km west of Leh, Temisgam Village, Ladakh

Best time to visit: June to September

Click Here To Book: Leh Ladakh Tour Package from Bangalore
                                   9 Days Ladakh Tour

As the name suggests, this place symbolizes the inner peace of human beings. Due to its massive popularity, Shanti stupa has become one of the most visited historical places in Ladakh. Structured in a form of white-dome, Shanti stupa is situated 11841 feet above sea level. The Buddhist significance of this place can not be ignored.

The stupa was founded by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu and Gyomyo Nakamura in 1991. However, besides having such rich religious importance, the white-dome is famous for its hilltop location from where you can witness the beauty of Changspa village and serenic view of traditional ladakhi houses.

Location: Shanti Stupa Rd, Leh, Jammu, and Kashmir

Best time to visit: May to September

If you are Planning to Rent a Bike in Ladakh, Checkout: Leh Ladakh Bike Rentals

Also Book: Ladakh Tour Packages From Ahmedabad

Built around 1655, Shey Palace is a remarkable symbol of the Namgyal dynasty. Though some parts of the palace have almost got ruined, you still can’t take your eyes off its’ beautiful architectural designs. The palace features a 10 meters tall Copper statue of Lord Sakhyamuni Budhha, making it one of the prominent places to feature historical monuments in Ladakh.

Once the capital of summer, the lower floor of this palace lets you get the chance to witness the ancient belongings of the royal families.

Location: Leh Manali Highway, Shey, Ladakh

Best time to visit: Visiting the place during Shey Loo Doo and Shey Rupla festival can be lucky for you. Besides, July to September is also a perfect time to visit the palace.

 Planning a Trip to Ladakh Checkout: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Packages

Must Checkout: Ladakh Tour Packages From Chennai

The number of religious significance this place holds is unimaginable. You’d be surprised to see the vastness of this monastery. House of numerous ancient Buddhist items, Hemis monastery is one of the most beautiful historical places situated in Ladakh.

The beauty of its unique sculptures and architecture will wow you from every angle. Besides experiencing the majestic sights of historical aesthetics, you will get to view the huge monuments of Lord Budhha and Guru Rinpoche placed inside the vast area of Hemis monastery. Besides, another major attraction of this place is Hemis festival, held every year to pay tribute to Padmasambhava.

Location: Hemis, Ladakh

Best time to visit: perfect time to visit this place is during the Hemis festival which occurs around the month of June. Apart from that, you can try visiting around June to September.

Also Checkout: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi
                           Leh Ladakh Tour Packages From Nagpur

Situated amidst the splendid valley of the Himalayan region, Drass is the home to beautiful tourist spots in Ladakh. However, besides offering such serene beauty of the hill station, Drass is also becoming a prominent tourist spot for historical monument lovers in Ladakh.

The place features a well-crafted series of amazing rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist figures including the famous rock cut sculpture of Maitreya Budhaa at Karte Khar. You’d be amazed to know the fact that, besides being heavily influenced by Buddhist culture, the place features famous Hindu sculptures as well. The rock sculpture situated around 5km away from the Drass valley is recognized as the solidified body of Bhima, known as Bhimbat.

Location: Drass valley, Ladakh

Best time to visit: it is better to visit the place around the period of June to September when the sky remains clear.

You Can Also Checkout: Manali to Leh Ladakh Road Trip Packages
                                           Ladakh Tour Packages From Hyderabad

The fame of Mulbekh is mainly around the 30ft tall ancient rock-cut sculpture of the standing Maitreya Buddha. It is believed that the sculpture was probably made around the first century and is one of the most iconic historical monuments in Ladakh.

Though the sculpture is way too old, you still can observe the beautiful and accurate carvings of the sculpture very clearly. On the top of this sculpture, many monasteries have found their place to be founded. Overall, the place has become a prime symbol of Buddhist culture and religious importance.

However, while exploring the fascinating tourist spots of Ladakh, if you pass the National Highway 1D, the sculpture might catch your attention with its unique carvings and vastness.

Location: Mulbekh village, Ladakh

Best time to visit: June to September

Click Here To Book: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages from Delhi

Constructed around the 11th century, the Likir monastery is one of the ancient places to visit in Ladakh. The prominent attraction of this place is the huge golden 25 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. The inside walls of the monastery are beautifully crafted with pictures of divine Buddhist figures, murals, and thangkas.

Along with these historical creations, the place is also known for its famous Likir monastery festival, where you can witness the traditional Cham dance and music. Isn’t it fascinating?

Location: Likir village, leh district, Ladakh

Best time to visit: if you are willing to visit the monastery during the annual festival, February is the month for you. Also, May to September is considered to be the best time to visit Likir monastery

Read More: Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Road Guide

You can Also Checkout: Ladakh Tour Packages From Surat

Let’s pay a visit to Ladakh’s oldest and largest monastery! Yes, located above 11,520ft from the sea level, Lamayuru was built around the 11th century. House to 400 monks, the place is filled with beautiful murals, pictures, frescoes, and sculptures of Buddhism. Keeping its’ historical significance aside, this monastery is a perfect spot to enjoy a serene panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.

So, if you are planning to visit maximum of the historical places existing in Ladakh, Lamayuru should be there on your list as a top preferred spot.

Location: B.P.O Khaltse, Ladakh, Leh, Jammu, and Kashmir

Best time to visit: April to August

Read Also: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide