Mesmerizing exquisite place also favorite biking destination of all time. Leh- Ladakh is a place desired by every age group. Highest inhabited elevated town in world Leh is unmissable. It’s an adventurous destination for trekking, biking and river rafting. A surreal landscape to amaze you with its panoramic beauty Leh doesn’t require any introduction. Situated amidst the epic snow-covered Himalayan range, located on the banks of In...
Mesmerizing exquisite place also favorite biking destination of all time. Leh- Ladakh is a place desired by every age group. Highest inhabited elevated town in world Leh is unmissable. It’s an adventurous destination for trekking, biking and river rafting. A surreal landscape to amaze you with its panoramic beauty Leh doesn’t require any introduction. Situated amidst the epic snow-covered Himalayan range, located on the banks of Indus, it is a slice of heaven on earth. Inhabiting Buddhism practices and famous stupas in world. Leh is on everybody's bucket list.
In 2019 it was declared a union territory. Leh and Ladakh has its imprints from the 10th century where it was a trade-pass among Tibet, India, China and Kashmir. For centuries Leh was ruled by Tibetans kings leaving there inscriptions in city. Tibetan king Nyama Gon conquered and founded many towns in western Tibet then. Apparently Gon ordered construction of Shey located in Leh. Shey was the ancient palace for Ladakhi kings. Kashmir was ruled by Mughal dynasty which invaded and led to Tibet-Mughal war. Mughals built a mosque in Leh. Buddhism traveled across Leh to Tibet leaving their imprints and descendants in the region. Leh is a concord cultural blend.
Things to do in Leh
There are various things to do in Leh which travellers reach here from across the country like trekking, and motor biking that makes Leh an adventurous place for the younger generation.
Trekking is one tourist adventures here and most preferred thing to do in Leh. The Markha Valley, Nubra Valley trek, Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek, Sham Valley trek, Spituk to stok Trek and five other are the popular trekking range. Exploring Himalayan range crossing multiple passes trekkers take days to discover these bewildering mountains.
Biking is mostly desired way to explore this city and another popular thing to do in Leh. Biking on high mountain ranges bike enthusiast have a love for this place.
River rafting and Camping is another sports attraction and adventurous things to do in Leh. Splashes of cold water on you face amidst scenic gorges and ravines, you can’t miss on river rafting adventures. There are many rafting and camping options in the city.
Nature-rich and pollution-free destination now is also an astronomical tourist place. Where you can star gaze all night long. Away from hustle and bustle, telescopes are installed to explore the sky as we did in our childhood.
Shopping in Leh
Travel is incomplete without shopping. A glance on what you can buy here. Tibet handcrafts and wares, silver and stone jewellery, pashmina shawls, rugs and carpets, apricot and other souvenir. There are several street markets such as women’s alliance of Ladakh shopping hub (totally run by women in streets), Moti market, Main bazaar, Women alliance of ladakh and Tibetan handloom emporium are few places where you can shop.
Eating places in Leh
Sku and thukpa, pava, momos, butter tea, chhurpe, tingmo, khambir, apricot jam and many other local delicacies to satisfy your taste buds. Food tells you a lot about the culture a city inhabits. There are many quaint cafes and restaurants offering local delectable food:
Places to visit in Leh
- PANGONG LAKE which became famous right after 3 idiots, is famous for its color-changing ability. It is the highest altitude lake in the world, has saline water and one of the extremely popular places to visit in Leh. Pangong lake is a beauty to behold for a longer duration.
- LEH PALACE a nine-storey building which was built by Sengge Namgoyal as a royal residence and now an important places to visit in Leh. It’s a ramshackle palace still exhibiting jewellery.
- SHANTI STUPA as name says it’s a symbol of peace among people of India and Japan. It is a scenic and tranquil destination located in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh. It was built by Japanese bhudhism Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura.
- NAMGYAL TSEMO GOMPA is a Buddhism monastery which contains gold idol of Maitreya Budha. Breathtaking view and panoramic landscape, near Indus river makes it a photographic destination as well.
- ICE STUPA is a conical heaped artificial glacier made by grafting techniques, it is an intriguing places to visit in Leh. It is a way to preserve water for Summers. To overcome water scarcity for crops in summers this technique has proven helpful.
- ZORAWAR FORT was built by Zorawar Singh Kahluria a military general of dogra Rajput rulers Gulab Singh. It once preserved belongings of Zorawar dynasty. Now it has a museum of coins and stamps. It is again a major tourist destination and amazing places to visit in Leh for its breathtaking view.
- THIKSEY MONASTERY is the largest Buddhist monastery in Leh. It has 10 temples. Major attraction for this place is 14 feet long statue of Maitreya Budha.
- NIMMU VALLEY is a beautiful surreal valley that showcases the convergence of Zanskar and Indus river. This place is a magical landscape of nature and a beautiful places to visit in Leh.
- HALL OF FAME is a museum which describes the history of Leh and Ladakh. Also the remains of Kargil and Siachin war are preserved.
- HEMIS NATIONAL PARK is a high altitude National park which has snow leopards. It is believed that highest density of snow leopards are preserved.
- SAND DUNES LEISURE PARK is located in Nubra valley known for its silver sand dunes and among the popular places to visit in Leh.
You may run out of time but not places in this god’s land. Leh has much more to offer and explore. This is a reason why people keep coming back to this magnetic land.
How to reach Leh?
- AIRPORT: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is located in Leh itself. It is the easiest and safest mode to reach.
- RAILWAY: Kalka is the nearest railway station. You can hire a cab to reach Leh.
- ROADWAY: Leh links via Manani highway and Srinagar Highway. You can use a self driven car or a cab.
Best time to visit Leh
April to September is the best time to visit Leh. Major tourist attractions are open and snow doesn’t block roads.
- SUMMER: April to June temperature ranging from 15°c to 30°c (moderate summers)
- MONSOON: July to September temperature ranging from 17°c to 3°c (short rainfall)
- WINTER: October to March temperature ranging from 15°c to 0°c (snow fall)
