Discovering Ladakh's Significant Monuments

By: Tanvi S Bhat, 9B

 Leh Palace

Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the

town of Leh.
Built in the 17th
century, it was
the residence of
the royal family
of Ladakh until
the mid-19th
The palace is an century.
excellent example of
medieval Tibetan
architecture and is
one of the most
historically
significant
monuments in
Ladakh.
 Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist
stupa located on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh
district, Ladakh.
The stupa has two It was built in 1991
levels: the first level has by a Japanese
a Dharmachakra with Buddhist
golden images of Lord organization, The
Buddha and the second Japanese for World
level has relics Peace, to promote
enshrined from Japan, world peace and
Sri Lanka, and Thailand. prosperity.
The stupa offers a
The stupa is panoramic view of
illuminated every the surrounding
evening, and the landscape, including
view of the stupa the snow-capped
against the night sky Himalayas and the
is breathtaking. The stupa is a popular spot for Leh city.
tourists and locals alike, who
come here to meditate and offer
prayers.
 Magnetic Hill

This phenomenon has Located near Leh in Ladakh,

made Magnetic Hill a Magnetic Hill is a unique
popular tourist attraction natural wonder where vehicles
in Ladakh. appear to defy the laws of
Magnetic Hill is located gravity and move uphill on
at an altitude of 14,000 their own.
It is believed that the
feet above sea level. magnetic force of the hill is
so strong that it can pull cars
The hill is situated on the Leh- uphill without any external
Kargil-Srinagar highway, about force.
30 km from Leh.
The magnetic force of the hill is said
to be so strong that it can pull cars
uphill at a speed of about 20 km per
hour.
 Spituk Monastery

It is home to a
large statue of
Kali, the goddess
of war, and is
known for its
annual Gustor
Festival which
takes place in Located about 8 km
January or from Leh, Spituk
February. Monastery is a
famous Buddhist
monastery built in
the 11th century.
 Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is one of the most important and It was founded in the 17th century by Stag-
largest monasteries in Ladakh, located about 45 tsang-ras-pa under the patronage of King
km from Leh. Sengge Namgyal.
The monastery is The monastery is famous
home to a large for its annual Hemis
collection of ancient Festival which takes
relics, including place in June or July and
thangkas, murals, and attracts thousands of
statues, some of visitors from all over the
which are over 500 world.
years old.
The Hemis Museum, The festival is celebrated
located within the in honor of Guru
monastery complex, Padmasambhava, the
houses a unique founder of Tibetan
collection of artifacts The monastery also has a large library Buddhism, who is
related to the history and containing a vast collection of Buddhist believed to have
culture of Ladakh. scriptures and texts. introduced the religion to
Ladakh.
 Thiksey Monastery

Thiksey Monastery is one of the most It is located on top of a hill,

famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh. approximately 19 km east of Leh.

The main attraction of The monastery belongs

the monastery is the
Maitreya Temple, which
houses a 15-meter-high
statue of Maitreya
Buddha, the future
Buddha.
The statue is the largest of
its kind in Ladakh and
took four years to build.
Visitors can also witness
the morning prayers and The monastery also offers stunning views of
chanting by the monks,
which is a serene and
spiritual experience.
to the Gelugpa sect of
Tibetan Buddhism and
is home to around 80
monks.
Thiksey Monastery is
also known for its
resemblance to the
Potala Palace in Lhasa,
Tibet.
The monastery complex
consists of various
buildings, including a
the surrounding landscape, including the temple, assembly hall,
Indus Valley and the Himalayas. and several chambers for
the monks.
 Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located It was built in the 11th century and is one of the
in the Alchi village of Leh district in Ladakh. oldest monasteries in Ladakh.

The Sumtsek is a three- The monastery

storied structure with complex comprises of
an image of Maitreya three main shrines -
(the future Buddha) on the Dukhang
the ground floor, (Assembly hall), the
images of Sumtsek (Three-tiered
Avalokiteshvara (the temple), and the
Bodhisattva of Temple of Manjushri.
compassion) on the first The Dukhang houses a
floor, and images of large statue of
Manjushri (the Vairocana (the cosmic
Bodhisattva of wisdom) The Temple of Manjushri contains a statue of
Buddha) along with
on the second floor. the Bodhisattva with four heads and four arms,
other statues of
along with other images of deities and
Bodhisattvas,
mandalas.
goddesses, and
guardian deities.
 Phyang Monastery

The monastery houses Phyang Monastery is

a large collection of located approximately
ancient Buddhist 23 kilometers from Leh
artifacts, including and is one of the most
thangkas, murals, and important monasteries
statues. in Ladakh.
The annual Phyang It was built in the 16th
Tsedup festival is held century and has been an
here, which is a major important center for
attraction for tourists and Buddhist learning and
locals alike. practice ever since.

The monastery is known for its unique

architecture, which combines elements of
Tibetan and Ladakhi styles.
 Stok Palace

Stok Palace is a
royal palace located
in Stok, Ladakh. It
was built in the 19th
century by the
Namgyal dynasty
and is now a
The palace also museum,
offers a stunning showcasing the
view of the royal artifacts and
surrounding costumes.
landscape.
 Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame is a

museum dedicated to the
Indian Army's role in the
Kargil War.

The museum also has a

memorial section where
the names of all the
soldiers who lost their
lives in the war are
inscribed.
It showcases the history
and sacrifices made by
Indian soldiers during the
war.
Thank You