Leh

Fast Facts

Population : 15000
Best time to visit May to October
Languages : Ladakhi, Purig, Tibetan, Hindi, English
STD Code : 01982

Introduction : Leh is a hill resort with several attractions. The capital of Ladakh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture since long. Its colorful gompas attract the devout Buddhists from far and away. Leh also is a favorite hiking locale that is thronged by adventure seekers.

Location : The hill resort of Leh is the administrative capital of the Ladakh district. It lies in the eastern part of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Leh stands high at an altitude of 3,505 m above sea level. The Zanskar River flows through Leh.

Past : Leh became the regional capital in the 17th century, when King Sengge Namgyal shifted his court here from Shey (15 km southeast) to be closer to the head of the Khardung La-Karakoram corridor into China. Very soon, the town blossomed into one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. It was in 1974 that Leh was opened up for tourists.

Best Time To Visit : The lovely landscapes and the majestic mountains of Leh attract adventurers and tourists alike. The best time to visit Ladakh is in the summer months i.e. between the months of June and August. The road is open thus the transportation to and from Leh is easy in summers. In winters the temperature at Leh goes below zero degrees often.

Sites in and around : The hill resort of Leh is dotted with sites of tourist interest.
One of the major landmarks of Leh worth visiting is the Leh Palace. The Leh Palace is on the same lines as the Potala in Lhasa. The 17th century royal residence is now in ruins. Close to the Palace atop the Namgyal hill stands the Victory Tower. The Tower was built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.

Sankar Gompha, LehThen there is the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. The Gompa was built way back in 1430. The major attractions in the Gompa are the three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. You may catch some breathtakingly beautiful vistas of Leh from here.

Then there is the tourist attraction of the Sankar Gompa. The Gompa is renowned for the impressive impression of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig with a thousand arms and an equal number of heads.

Shanti Stupa is another must visit at Leh. The Stupa is a vintage point to enjoy the wondrous views of the exotic locales of Leh.
While at Leh you must also check out the Alchi Gompa. The 11th century gompa is located on the banks of the Indus River. Alchi is one of the largest and the most famous monasteries in Leh. You may check out the widely renowned collection of paintings in the Gompa. The biggest Gompa of Leh namely, Hemis is another site worth visiting. In fact there are several gompas of the 16th and the 17th century, in and around Leh that are of much interest to the archeologists.

Leh along with Choglamsar is known for the Buddhist study centers. In case you are holidaying at Leh and need relaxation, try the summer meditation sessions at the Mahabodhi Meditation Center on Changspa Lane.

What to Buy : For regular shopping Leh has several markets. For gift items and souvenirs the tourists at Leh may check out the Ladakh Art Place in the old town, the Ecology Center and some shops behind the Main Bazaar road. If you happen to be in Leh during the Ladakh festival then you must pick up the local handicrafts and clothes from the captivating stalls.

Adventure Sports : Leh is indeed a trekker's paradise in North India. In case adventure excites you then you must take up any of the many treks offered from Leh. The trekking agencies in Leh offer treks inclusive of guide, packhorses, food and supplies.
Polo is another popular activity you may indulge in at the Polo ground of Leh. Polo matches and competitions are regularly held in Leh. For the archers the National Archery Stadium is the place to be at in Leh. Then there is the ravishing adventure sport of river rafting you may try in the Zanskar River. The period from the month of July to September is ideal for river rafting in Leh.
Leh also offers mountain biking to the daring on the second highest motor able road in the world. The adventure in mountain biking from Leh lies in the most hostile terrains. The entire stretch of 485 km between Leh and Manali offers a challenge to mountain bikers who have the opportunity to cut across the majestic Himalayan ranges through four mountains passes. Adventurers need to push endurance to the limits to accept the challenge offered by the dangerous high-altitude trail from Leh. To the daring adventurers Leh-Manali highway rewards spectacular and picturesque landscapes.

How to Reach : In terms of air transport Leh is well connected with the other important places in India. Regular flights link Leh with Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.
For road transport to Leh there are land routes connecting Leh with Srinagar and Manali. The Leh-Srinagar road is usually open from June to October, while the Leh-Manali route is open from July to September.

Where to Stay : Accommodation options are easily available at Leh. Leh has several hotels and guesthouses that mostly open in the peak season from July to mid September. Budget lodging is available in three main areas: the old town, the newer areas along the Fort Road, and within the peaceful village of Changspa. The wooden lodges may be mid-range or top-end lodges offering comfortable stay at Leh.

Delicious and hygienic food is also available in plenty at Leh. You may feast on a variety of cuisines in Leh. Indian delicacies and especially the Kashmiri dishes are popular. Tibetan as well as western cuisines are easily available. During your stay in Leh the bakeries and their sweetmeats are a must checkout.
Travel Information :
* It is noteworthy that the tourists must acclimatize to the atmosphere at Leh. Otherwise the humans are likely to suffer from acute mountain sickness or the AMS.
* The tourists or the adventure seekers need to have permits for entry in to the restricted areas in and around Leh.
* Individual tourists are not permitted to visit the entry-restricted areas.
* Tourists or the adventurers are not allowed to stay for more than seven days even after getting permits to the restricted circuits.
* The tourist or the adventure groups are to travel on identified tour circuits only.