Leh

Introduction and history: Situated at a height of 3505 meters, Leh, the capital of Ladakh is towards the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. During the olden days, Leh was an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east, Kashmir to the west and ultimately between India and China. In the 17th century, King Sengge Namgyal, who ruled Ladakh, shifted his court from Shey to Leh. Leh became the regional capital and very soon the town blossomed into one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. Besides its history, Leh, today, is a favourite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in the country. Its colourful gompas (meditation halls) have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the world.

What to see and when to go: Leh is full of interest and dominated by the semi-ruined Royal Palace. The old town is a maze of narrow streets, temples and bazaars and is a great place to explore. Attending Leh festival in June/July is the most enthralling experience for tourists. This is ideal to visit during the summer months from June to September.

Things to do: Leh Palace is an imposing palace towering over Leh town - it’s also a nine storey high empty shell - but a beautiful one. It was built in the 16th century by King Singe Namgyal and it still belongs to the royal family, who doesn’t live there anyway. The Palace, often locked, has a museum with some tangkhas and paintings. However this is not what makes your visit worthwhile: the highlight is the view you get over Leh town - which is particularly suggestive at dusk. The lane that leads you up there starts from Main Bazaar - just ask around for its precise starting point.

Accommodation: There are lot of hotels available depending on the budget. The hotels are spread well across the city and one can suite themselves as per one’s preferred style of accommodation.

Hotel Shambha-La ***
Leh Ladakh
Leh - 194101
Phone : +91 -1982-52067, 52607

Pangong Hotel
Chulung, Leh 194101 Ladakh, India
Phone - 91+1982+254655, 253123
Fax - 91+1982+252414

(From April to October)
Hotel Shambhala
Leh - 194 101,
Ladakh (India).
Ph : 0091-1982-251100, 253500
Mobile : 0941917 7900,
09419179769
09810035145

Mode of transport: Multiple domestic operates regular scheduled flights to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. The 434 kilometres Srinagar-Leh road, which remains open for traffic from early June to November is the main land route to Ladakh. It is recommended to hire taxis for local transport for tourists.

Related links:
• Official Website: http://leh.nic.in

See also (nearby places): Spituk Gompa, Thikse gompa, Stakna, Stok gompa, Lamayuru monastery, Likir monastery, Phyang gompa, Bagso gompa, Chernry gompa, Mulbekh gompa, Thak Thog gompa and the town of Choglamsar, the Matho gompa, Alchi Gompa, Palace Monastery of Shey Gompa, statue of Maitreya Buddha , Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Bara Lachha Pass , Zanskar Range, Upshi .