A. Shey Palace
Historically the summer capital of Ladakh, Shey is located (15 km or 9.3 mi) south of Leh. The palace was built by the king of Ladakh, called Maryul, during the 10th century. During the Mughal invasion of Ladakh in the 15th century, noble Mirza Haidar Dughlat stayed here.
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B. Shanti Stupa
The Shanti Stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The Shanti Stupa houses relics of the Buddha enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa's location provides a beautiful view of the hilltop and surrounding areas in Chanspa, of the Leh district in Ladakh.
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C. Alchi Monastery
This monastery consists of a complex of temples in the Alchi village in the Leh District. According to local tradition, the monastic complex was built Guru Rinchen Zangpo somewhere between 958 and 1055. The wall paintings at these temples are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. Impressive statues of the Buddha and delicate wood carvings are also defining features of these ancient temples.
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D. Chemrey Monastery
The Chemrey Monastery was was founded in 1664 by the Lama Tagsang Raschen and dedicated to King Sengge Namgyal.
Located (40 km or 25 mi) east of Leh, it belongs to the Drukpa monastic order. Consisting of a number of shrines, assembly halls, and a temple, the most notable attraction is the large statue of Padmasambhava, an 8th century Buddhist guru. Every year, the monastery holds the Chemrey Angchok festival of sacred dances.
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E. Hemis Monastery
Located 45 km (or 28 mi) from Leh, the Hemis Monastery is of Drukpa Lineage. One of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, its central temple contains a large statue of the Buddha. A large library of important religious texts and multiple assembly halls are also located within the monastery. The annual Hemis festival is held in early June to honour Padmasambhava.
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F. Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru Monastery is on the Srinagar-Leh highway at a height of 3,510 metres (11,520 ft). Local history states that an Indian scholar, Naropa, caused a lake in the valley to dry up and founded the monastery. Many vibrant paintings depicting Buddhist symbols cover the walls, and some monks still reside and practice prayer here.
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G. Matho Monastery
Matho Monastery is located 26 km (or 16.1 mi) southeast of Leh, along the Indus River. Founded in 1410 by Lama Dugpa Dorje, it is the only monastery in ladakh that belongs to the Sakya Order. Matho Monastery hosts its annual Matho Nagrang Festival near the first half of March. Two monks become receptacles to oracles that allow them to predict the prospects of Matho and Ladakh.
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H. Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is located 19 kilometres from Leh, the capital town of Ladakh. It is situated on a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley with full view of the magnificent Stok range.