Leh – The Heart of Ladakh

Season: Both SUMMER & WINTER (best May–September; accessible by road only in summer, by air year-round)

Overview:

At 3,524 meters (11,562 ft) above sea level, Leh is the cultural, historical, and adventure capital of Ladakh. Nestled along the Indus River and surrounded by the Ladakh Range, Leh is a blend of ancient Buddhist heritage, rugged landscapes, and modern-day adventure tourism. About 1,000 km from Delhi and 434 km from Srinagar, it serves as the gateway to Ladakh’s most iconic destinations—Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Zanskar Valley, and beyond.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (well connected to Delhi, Srinagar, Chandigarh).

• By Road:

  • From Srinagar via Kargil (434 km / 2 days) – Open May–October.

  • From Manali via Rohtang & Leh–Manali Highway (470 km / 2 days) – Open June–September.

• By Rail: Jammu Tawi (700+ km) is the nearest major railhead.

Things to Do in Leh:

Adventure & Activities:

• Trekking (Summer Only) – Markha Valley, Sham Valley, and Stok Kangri treks.

• Mountain Biking & Road Trips – Leh–Manali, Leh–Srinagar, and Khardung La routes.

• River Rafting (Summer Only) – Indus and Zanskar Rivers.

• Camping (Summer Only) – Near riversides and monasteries.

• Cultural Tours (All Seasons) – Explore monasteries, markets, and heritage sites.

• Winter Activities – Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River (Jan–Feb).

Sightseeing (By Car / Local Transport):

• Leh Palace (17th century) – A nine-story palace overlooking Leh town.

• Shanti Stupa – A white-domed stupa offering panoramic views of Leh.

• Hall of Fame Museum – Indian Army museum honoring soldiers of Kargil & earlier wars.

• Main Bazaar (Leh Market) – Souvenirs, handicrafts, and local eateries.

• Sankar Monastery – A peaceful monastery close to town.

Sightseeing (Accessible by Walk / Short Treks):

• Namgyal Tsemo Monastery – Overlooking Leh with stunning views of the Indus Valley.

• Choglamsar Village – Known for Tibetan refugee settlements and cultural centers.

• Old Town Leh – Narrow alleys, mud-brick houses, and heritage sites.

Nearby Places to Visit

• Shey Palace & Monastery (15 km) – Ancient royal residence of Ladakh kings.

• Thiksey Monastery (20 km) – Majestic monastery resembling Tibet’s Potala Palace.

• Hemis Monastery (40 km) – Ladakh’s largest monastery, famous for Hemis Festival.

• Magnetic Hill (30 km) – Optical illusion spot on the Leh–Kargil highway.

• Sangam (Confluence of Indus & Zanskar, 35 km) – A natural wonder.

Special Note: At high altitude, travelers should acclimatize in Leh for 1–2 days before venturing to higher regions like Nubra, Pangong, or Zanskar.