Leh is located at the height of 3,505m above sea level and the most accessible place in Ladakh. It is the common entry and acclimatization point and most of the tourists spend some time here wandering round the bustling bazaar and monasteries. Leh also a base point of starting many trekking and mountaineering expeditions. The stark beauty of the place with snow clad mountains under a crystal blue sky is absolutely stunning. Leh town is a very small and tourist can take rented motorcycle or public bus to venture for a day trips to nearby villages and medieval monasteries. The gompas in the remote villages are desolate and open for visitors from sunrise to sunset, but one has to seek a monk to open the doors.

Spituk

Spituk can be reached via Kargil road. It is very near to Leh airport and famous for Spituk Gompa. The Gompa was built in the 15th century by the Gelukpa order. The prayer halls are huge and feature exquisite murals and impressive statues of protective deities such as Vajrabhairava and bul headed Yamantaka. Every year in the month of January Spituk monastery organize Gu-stor festival and Chaam dances are held in the courtyard. Spituk is also the beginning of seven day Markha valley trek to Hemis.

Phyang

A picturesque Phyang Gompa is located 5km north of Spituk. It is founded in 16th century. It is not such huge as Spituk but revered among Buddhist. The main chamber has impressive statues of Avalokitesvara and Amitabha, while the smaller Gokhang contains statues of Mahakala and other protector deities. In the month of July and August monastery organize Tsedup festival when a giant thangka is uncovered. In the middle of Phyang a delightful guest house known as Hidden North is placed. One can stroll to village farms and orchards and absorb the serenity.

Choglamsar

Choglamsar is home to thousands of Tibetan refugees and a official residence of Dalai Lama is here. On the main road Karma Dupgyud Choeling Gompa is situated on the main road along with refugee camp. There are amchi clinic and a center for Buddhist studies. Mahbodhi Meditation Centre offer a residential crash course on vipassana meditation.

Shey

Shey was once the summer capital of Ladakh and situated about 15km southeast of Leh. The prime attraction of Shey is fractured Royal Palace, which is still a place of worship and the prayer room preserve a two storey gilded copper statue of Sakyamuni (Buddha), installed in 17th century. Shey Fort is another place from where one can view an astounding scenery of vast Indus Valley. Tiny Shey Gompa is located at the east of Shey Palace. One can board at Besthang Guest House, which has a nominal rent and extremely well hospitality.

Thiksey Gompa

Thiksey Gompa is situated 2km south of Shey. It is not just a monastery but a small town where hundreds of monks live and work in the whitewashed huts that cover the hillside. It is famous for 14m high statue of Maitreya(future Buddha). The rear chamber house number of murals of skinned human beings and treasures dating back to the founding of the Gompa in the 15th century.

Stok

Stok is the official home of Ladakhi royal family. Stok palace preserve some royal family treasures lie ceremonial robes, jewellery, votive objects, thangkas, photos and the royal tea service. Stok hold the famous guru Tse-Chu festival in the month of February/ March.

Matho

Matho Gompa is situated high on the rocky buttress, 10km southeast of Stok. One can view the whole valley from the top of the Gompa. This is the only monastery in Ladakh that worship the obscure Sakya sect. The prayer room is adorned with striking murals and statues of Sakyamuni, Avolokitesvara and Maitreya. Nagrang festival occurs in every year in the month of February and March.

Stakna

Stakna Gompa was founded by a Lama from Bhutan and Bhutanese influence is clearly visible in the murals and paintings. There are three interlinked prayer rooms and frescoes dating back to 16th century.

Hemis Gompa

It is one of the most revered gompa in Ladakh. It is also one of the largest and grandest gompas in Ladakh, which is blocked by a narrow gorge. In the month of June and July Tse-Chu festival is celebrated with much fanfare. Every 12 years, the largest thangka in Ladakh- a massive 12 m wide and four storeys high is unfurled from the top of the monastery.