Top Historical Places in Leh

Are you looking to explore the history of Leh through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Leh including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Leh. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Leh ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Leh, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Leh for a great trip!

Let's witness the history of Leh with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:

  1. Leh Palace

    4.3 (6219 Votes)
    Leh Palace

    Palace, Architecture

    A lonely, proud structure, the Leh Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal of Tibet in the 17th century. Once, it was the world’s highest building; now it’s in abandoned disrepair. It’s nine floors, once exotically furnished and decorated are now a dark maze that you must navigate to reach the top. The upper stories were used as the residence for the royal families and were ex...Read more
  2. Alchi Monastery

    4.5 (188 Votes)
    Alchi Monastery

    Religious Site, Monument, Monastery

    Locals say Buddhist leader Guru Rinchen Zangpo built the monastery in the 11th century, but the monuments record Tibetan Kal-dan Shes-rab doing so in the 12th. This is not any one building but a complex of structures, of which the main ones are: The Dukhang (Assembly and worship hall): See the frescoes of 1000 buddhas in the main passage, the paintings of Buddhas and other divinities, and the ...Read more
  3. Stok Palace Museum

    Museum, Palace, Specialty Museum

    Home to the erstwhile Royal Family of Ladakh, the structure has been extensively renovated and extended to suit its new function as a museum of royal history. Artefacts crowns, photos, coins, official articles and jewelry are exhibited. Thankas (Buddhist paintings on silk), representing the teachings and ideologies of Buddha, are also displayed. The palace boasts exquisite gardens within the pr...Read more
  4. Jama Masjid

    4.5 (5060 Votes)
    Jama Masjid

    Mosque, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    Over three hundred years old and patronized primarily by the Sunni Muslims, the Jama Masjid of Leh is the largest, and most visited mosque in the region. Carved out of stone, it is revered as a temple of ancient heritage, which once welcomed the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who directed its construction in collaboration with King Deldan Namgyal of Ladakh. This was done as a symbol of the agreement...Read more
  5. Spituk Monastery

    4.5 (137 Votes)
    Spituk Monastery

    Religious Site, Historical Site, Statue, Monastery

    Founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, in the 11th century, this monastery is the home of the Tsonkhapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is famous for the giant statue it has of the Goddess Kali. The structure rises on a hill overlooking the Indus river, making for some great views. Getting around the complex involves climbing between terraced landings. Make sure to visit th...Read more
  6. Basgo Monastery

    4.5 (67 Votes)
    Basgo Monastery

    Religious Site, Historical Site, Monastery

    Though the temple itself was only built in the second half of the 17th century, the Basgo area has been culturally significant for hundreds of years and even longer. The town is now in ruins, and only the monastery remains looking over it. Technically the structure was built as a mud fortress by Namgyal rulers to protect against invaders. Highlights of the monastery are the huge statue Golden M...Read more
  7. Matho Monastery

    Statue, Monastery

    Matho means ‘lots of happiness’. The gompa is on a hill overlooking the Matho village, inside a gorge reaching out from inside the Zanskar Mountains. It was established in 1410, and most of the buildings seem to be in ruins, but the main hall, which is brightly painted and has a Sakyamuni Buddha statue, has been renovated. Look for the frescoed chapel at the top, and the adjoining e...Read more
  8. General Zorawar's Fort

    4 (20 Votes)
    General Zorawar's Fort

    Historical Site, Fort

    Apparently this ruined fort lies above Leh Palace. It was built in the 19th century by Dogra Warrior General Zarowar Singh, famous for his battles against Chinese forces. There is a small exhibit on coins and stamps inside the fort premises now, leftovers of the Dogra dynasty. There is also a mosque, a temple, a spring and a garden. It’s a nice spot for some landscape photography.
  9. Kargil War Memorial

    Landmark, War Memorial

    Kargil war memorial is known for the sandstone wall that contains pictures and names of the war heroes who have given their life for safeguarding the nation during the 1999 LOC War. The place is definitely going to inspire its visitors with the war museum that showcases memorabilia, pictures and firearm models. The peaks that are captured by Indian army from Pakistan are also visible from this ...Read more