Monasteries are the historic Gompas, where the Buddhist monks and nuns reside and gain education. These monasteries are located on the basis of scenic beauty, which possess rich collections of Buddhist paintings, arts and artifacts. These monasteries are open to tourists to relish the architecture and art collections.

Alchi Gompa
The Gompa is situated on the banks of the river Indus constructed on a flat ground. It was founded by a great translator named as Rinchen Zangpo. This monastery displays Kashmiri architecture and paintings. This Gompa is now looked after by the monks of the Likir monastery.

Sankar Gompa
The Sankar Gompa is located towards the north of the town centre. This monastery has an impression of the Buddhist deity, Avalokiteshwara Padmahari, consisting of thousand arms and the same number of heads.

Shanti Stupa
The Shanti stupa is a Japanese stupa, opened by Dalai Lama in 1985. It provides views from exotic sites nearby. It is a white domed structure, in Chandspa illuminated at night beautifully.

Spituk Monastery
The Spituk monastery is situated on a high hill overlooking the river Indus around 18 km from Ladakh. This monastery was built by Rinchen Zangpo. This monastery displays the collections of Buddhist artifacts, masks, arms, icons and several thankas.

Cave Monastery
The cave monastery is a small monastery with elegant frescoes. A minor glimpse can be seen in the middle of the mountain. This structure emerges as an object of curiosity among the people.

Stok Palace
The Stok Palace is located over pebbles, overlooking the fields of barley on mountain terraces. It is a four storied tall building with the residence of the royal family of Ladakh.

Shey Monastery
The main attraction of the Shey monastery is the Sakhyamuni Buddha statue built by Deldan Namgyal. This status is the largest in the region which attracts devotees from across the world.

Phugtal Gompa
The Phugtal Gompa emerges out of the mouth of a cave. It is an isolated structure dating back to the 12th century. This Gompa displays frescoes and ceiling decorations depicting strong Indian artistic influence. It is inhabited by forty monks.

Zongkhul Monastery
This is a symbolic cave monsastery situated towards 20 kms south of Rangdum. It is located between the Zanskar valley. It is used for solitary meditation by the Yogis.

Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey is an exquisite monastery depicting finest architecture of Ladakh. It is situated on the top of a hill. It contains statues, stupas, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with Buddha’s teachings.

Namgyal Tsemo
The Namgyal Tsemo has a three-storey high Buddha image and antique manuscripts. It was built in the year 1430.

Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru is a magnificent monastery founded in the 10th century. This monastery was originally a lake blessed by a Lama. Later this lake receded up to the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built.

Moving on to the alluring and addictive shopping experience which is an important part of travel for every tourist, there are various shopping alleys found in Leh Ladakh. Every destination has distinguished apparels, footwear and other fashion goods. The hot-selling goods of Leh are warm Pashmina shawls, designer ethnic jewellery, handicrafts and woolen clothes.

Some of the major shopping centers in Leh are Ladakh art palace, Tibetan Handicraft Emporium, Ladakh Environment and Health Organization, Cottage Industries Exposition, Ecology centre and Women’s Alliance. Tibetan Market and Moti Market is the street markets of Leh.