Leh is an attractive tourist destination and offers a number of sightseeing options. Leh is famous for its nine-storey palace built by King Singge Namgyal in Tibetan architectural style. This inspired the building of Potala Palace in Lhasa about half a century later. Leh was the royal capital of the Old Kingdom .

The remains of the earliest royal residency of King Tashi Namgyal in the 16 th century can be seen on the Namgyal Tsemo hill. The Jo-khang, a Buddhist temple and opposite to it a mosque built in the late 17 th century are both of historic importance and attract tourist attention.

Leh is also known for its main bazaar where one can see a line of women sitting on the edge of the footpath selling fresh vegetables. Leh has a number of jewelry shops. Behind the busy main bazaar, is the Chang Gali having small shops selling curios and jewelry. There are Tibetan markets where one can find beautiful semi-precious stones such as pearls, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, etc. These markets also sell carved yak-horn boxes, quaint brass locks, china or metal bowls and other curios. The bazaar area is also known for its restaurants serving local, Indian, Tibetan and Continental food.

The Ladakh Ecological Centre is near Zangsti and the Morovian Church and their work in applying folk technology to meet the demands of modern life in Ladakh should be appreciated. A half an hour walk away is the Sankar Gompa where one can enjoy the calmness and peace after a busy day. Changspa is another attractive suburb of Leh , lying below the hill on which stands the imposing Ladakh Shanti Stupa. The earthen fortifications of the Zorawar Singh's forts can be seen from the Fort Road to Skara, another suburb of Leh. This road continues to meet the main highway where the roads from Srinagar and Manali meet.

Leh offers beautiful sightseeing and walking destinations within a 10 kilometer radius. Sabu is a nearby village nestling between the two minor spurs of the Ladakh range. Choglamsar is a nearby town where one can see the Tibetan refugee settlement, a handicrafts centre and the Da