The major getaways from Leh are:
Stok Palace
The Stok Palace is located at a distance of around 17 kms from Leh. Positioned at the opposite side of Indus River, it is open daily in the months of May to October. The museum has an attention-grabbing assortment of thangkas, weapons, jewels and the queen's perak, which is a turquoise-studded headdress. The Stok Palace is located on a glacial deposit of pebbles and overlooks fields of barley grown on terraces on the mountains. Standing four storeys tall, the Stok Palace was the official residence of the royal family of Ladakh and was constructed in 1814 by Ladakh's last ruler. The museum at the Stok Palace has an intriguing collection of Buddhist art, weapons, jewelry and artifacts, including thangkas painted with colors derived from crushed precious stones. Also on display are the ceremonial headdresses or 'peraks' of the erstwhile rulers of Ladakh. These headdresses are decorated with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral and gold, making them an exotic sight.
Zanskar
A barren distinction to Leh’s verdant valleys is Zanskar's treeless stretch - a trekker's enchantment. Travelling to Zanskar is certainly not for the frail heart. Zansakar is located in the interior of Leh Ladakh region and is considered best destination for rafting, trekking and mountaineering. The snow-capped peaks are other attractions in Zanskar. Leh is the entry point to Zanskar and the most economical and convenient way to reach Leh is to take a flight to Leh. The Zanskar is the river that flows through the Zanskar valley. The river offers a wonderful opportunity for rafting. Zanskar is an ideal destination for adventure travelers. Rafting, mountaineering and trekking are some of the adventure sports that you can enjoy on your tour to Zanskar. Remala and Karsha Gompa near Padum offer excellent opportunity for river rafting on Zanskar River. You can also take various trekking trails in Zankar.
Tso Moriri
This clear lake surrounded by mountains is 217 km from Leh. The distance demands you stay overnight; accommodation is in tents and a few cottages. TourTso Moriri lake is situated in the middle of the elevated district of Rupso. It name is characteristic of its situation. Nestle in the midst of 20,000 feet, peals which completely shut the lake. A kilometre ahead is a picturesque village of Korzok consisting of about a hundred families. Visiting the monastery on the top of the village, belonging to the yellow sect and has about 35 resident monks.
Pangong Tso
Shared by India and China, this lake is 143 km away. There is no accommodation available. Situated at an altitude of 4350 Mtrs. Pangong Lake lies in the north east of Leh. This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/ 6 Kms wide and over 144 Kms long with half of it running the other side of the "INDO CHINA BORDER". The mountains around the Lake are of various shape and colors. Pangong Lake, Pangong Tso TourThe Lake with its color, an exquisite scintillating shade of blue, the orange and carmine tints of the sunset turn it into a wondrous work of nature. The villages, shepherd lands and the landscape en route to this lake are very interesting. This place may be approached by across the Changla pass (5486 Mtrs). Enjoy the inner secret and mysteries of the fascinating landscape.
