Leh is the capital city of the union territory of Ladakh, which used to be home to the historical royalty of Ladakh. Nestled in between the lofty Himalayas, Leh is a traveller’s delight. The rugged mountainous terrain attracts adventurers who are up for a challenging trek and revel in the beauty of the small town and its uninhibited surroundings. Riddled with passes and tricky landscapes, Ladakh is famous among the biker circuit in India, as it is home to three of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world.
Best time to visit Leh
Leh is one of the coldest places in India. Visit Leh during the summers to catch a break from the sultry heat in the rest of India. The months of April to July have temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. A breakdown of the different seasonal conditions in Leh will help you plan the best time for you to visit.
Most spoken languages in Leh
How to reach Leh
Unless you are riding your motorcycle up to Ladakh, here is how you can reach Leh.
Built approximately around the 1600s, Leh Palace is one of the reminiscent traces of the Royal family of Leh. The lofty palace has stood the test of time and is now a museum, which houses an elegant collection of royal antiques and jewellery. The palace is open to visitors. The exquisite and beauty of the palace is mesmerising. It is also one of the most significant historical landmarks in Leh.
In the middle of nowhere in Leh lies an uphill road with the sign, ‘Magnetic Hill’. This place is a place of scientific miracle and one which intrigues visitors in Leh. When you park your vehicle near the signboard, the car starts moving up on its own against the natural course of gravity. This extraordinary place defies the laws of gravity and boggles the mind!
This is one of the monasteries in Leh built by the royalty around 1430. A three-story statue of Lord Buddha, which is made of gold, stands tall at the monastery. It is a very clear sight amidst the clear skies and unpopulated stretch of area in Leh.
The place is called the valley of flowers in the Tibetan dialect. The area is a scenic sight that gets imprinted in the memory of tourists. It is the confluence point of the Shyok River and the Nubra River. You have to travel through the Khardung La Pass to reach this enthralling place.
The Tibetan Buddhist monastery is one of the grandest monasteries in Leh. Located on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, this is one of the most famous monasteries in the region. Enjoy great views and learn a lot about the local Buddhist culture when you visit Lamayuru. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity along with the freshness of the mountain winds.
The cuisine in Ladakh is very similar to the cuisine of Tibet. It warms the soul along with the body in the frosty weather of Leh. Enjoy piping hot thukpa, momo, skyu and butter tea, among various other local culinary delights. These are some of the best places to grab a bite in Leh.
When visiting Leh, it is imperative to head back home with a souvenir or the beautiful handicrafts of the area. Rugs, shawls, exquisite stones, fresh fruit preserves and much more; Leh is an excellent place for visitors who would like to indulge in shopping.
Enjoy a luxurious stay and enjoy majestic views from some of the best hotels in Leh.
Sitting at 14,270 feet above sea level, Pangong Lake is a breath-taking sight. The lake is frozen with a thick sheet of ice on top. You will go through the Chang La Pass to reach the lake, which borders China. The pristine clear water can be seen through the ice. Migratory birds visit this mesmerising place, and chameleons are often found wandering in the vicinity.
Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure chest of Himalayan flora and fauna. Snow leopards, Ibexes, Ladakh Urial and White Rumped Shama, are just a few of the numerous animal and bird species which can be spotted in the sanctuary. You can explore the sanctuary by taking a jeep safari. The sanctuary protects a lot of endangered Himalayan animals and birds.
This old monastery was established in 1430 and houses various ancient shrines. Located towards the north of the Indus River, this monastery stands on top of a hill. The Gustor ritual is a very famous festival held in this monastery, which is an intriguing experience.
The Department of Tourism organises a seven-day festival called Ladakh Festival every year. The primary aim of the festival is to boost tourism and takes place in September to extend the lean tourist season in the region and therefore represents the area's rich cultural heritage.
Domestic flight booking from IndiGo is a great way to avail excellent offers on the Leh flight tickets.