Why Go
Leh, India is the gateway to the region's most desolate, remote, and beautiful valleys. An old city established in the early eighth century, Leh balances its close proximity to natural wonders by offering visitors vibrant and lively sights around every corner. Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh is full of everything a traveler could want. Essentially a Buddhist city, visitors will find streets lined with bustling shops selling Tibetan jewelry and Buddhist paintings around the corner from eateries packed with backpackers and thrill-seekers. From Leh's Royal Palace to the remote monasteries, those who aren't up for tackling nature will find plenty of other stunning pursuits for their free time. The real appeal for hikers and athletic-types is the opportunity to tackle one of the highest passes in the world, though with all that clean, fresh air and the deep blue sky, the surroundings are fantastic enough to inspire even more leisurely travelers to take action. From small roadside chai stands to fancy restaurants in the city center, unwinding at the end of the day is easy, too.
Insider Tips
- You need a visa to visit India. Contact the embassy in your country for the specifics, but be sure to make arrangements well in advance of one's arrival date.
- You need local permits to travel to various passes and valleys around Leh. These can be obtained from the District Commissioner’s office in the city, though responsible adventurers might want to call ahead to double-check that they will be able to arrange everything upon arrival.
- The nearest airport is about three miles from the city center. Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport is a domestic airport, but is well connected to New Delhi International Airport. You won’t encounter any traffic snarls in the city except for in the center, where the streets are narrow and packed with vendors, who are often sitting in the way of automobiles.
- Leh is inaccessible during winters (October to March) via roads due to heavy snow cover. The only way to access the city during the chilly months is by air, and checking ahead to ensure weather conditions are fit for travel is essential. During summers (April to September) the city is accessible by roads either via Srinagar or Manali.
- Summers are pleasant with average day temperature ranging from 15 C° to 25 C°. Winters can be extremely cold, with temperature falling as low as -20 C°. Regardless of the season, it’s a good idea to carry a warm sweatshirt or pullover, as it gets a little chilly as sun goes down.
- Leh is great for those who want to walk, since many of the main sights are close together.
- The city is full of tourists from all around the world. Thus, locals are used to shorts, skirts, and other westernized clothes, so aside from religious sites where dressing modestly is important, feel free to come as you usually are.
- Do carry suntan lotion along; at such a high altitude, the air is thin and the sun is really harsh on the skin. Also carrying a pair of sunglasses is a good idea, since it gets quite bright, regardless of the season.
- Avoid drinking any tap water. If you are prone to infections, use only bottled water for bathroom needs–even to brush your teeth.
- Motorbikes can be hired from different places in the city, with rates averaging between six and 10 USD a day. Be sure to take a test ride for comfort and also to inspect the bike before hiring. If there is a breakdown, it might leave you stranded miles away from help, which isn't very much fun!
- All the required sports and safety equipment can be hired from various shops in the city for a nominal rental charges. These places also lend oxygen cylinders if one plans to climb up to the high passes.
Where to Stay
For those who want to be right in the heart of things, expect to pay a bit more for a room in Leh. Most of the good hotels are a little outside the central hub but still within reasonable walking distance. A double room can be rented from 10 USD a night, with rates going higher the closer one is to the heart of the city center.
Travelers who want comfort and convenience would do well to choose The Namgyal Palace right in the city center. With contemporary decor and an attentive staff who will go as far as arranging pick-up from the airport, anyone who wants a seamless transition to staying in Leh will be delighted at how easy picking a room here makes that happen. With rooms boasting some of the most beautiful views around and a serene, secluded vibe to all of the facilities, it's the perfect place for adventurers who want to feel a bit pampered upon waking and turning in for the evening.
A two-minute walk from the city's bustling market, Hotel Singge Palace is another excellent choice for those who want a pleasant atmosphere with views of rugged nature. With a doctor on call in case of any trouble, high-speed Wi-Fi, and other touches of home, it's an excellent bet for travelers who want to retire to a clean, comfortable room after a day of hiking and sightseeing.
Where to Eat
Picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike will be thrilled with the vast array of options available in Leh. The most common cuisine is Tibetian, though other popular styles of cooking in the city include Indian, Italian, Israeli, and even Mexican. And with the different varieties of dishes come a number of different ambiances, too. Choose one of the many open-air restaurants with a log fire going all night or pick one of the rooftop restaurants, where it's possible to peek over at the bustle of the town below. One thing for those on a budget to remember is that the food in Leh is inexpensive regardless of the cuisine. A pizza in an Italian restaurant would cost you around 5 USD and a burger is around 1 USD. It's possible to have a delicious dinner for 15 USD. Of course, don’t forget to try the local cuisine, especially Thukpa, a delicious soupy noodle dish with chunks of chicken, beef, or pork along with veggies. Momos (steamed dumplings) are another must-sample delight–be sure to head to Amdo Food in the Main Baazar, where they're served up with some of the best garlic sauce in all of India.
Stunning views and delicious, hearty mains can both be found at Leh View Restaurant, which specializes in meaty curries and Kashmiri delights. One of the many restaurants in the heart of the city center with a rooftop dining area, the polite service and tasty, authentic dishes are just a couple of reasons that this place seems to win travelers over time and time again. It's also an excellent pick for budget travelers who want to enjoy some stunning scenery.
For a carb fix, you cannot miss the Pumpernickel German Bakery on Zangsti Rd. Situated in the heart of the city just below the awe inspiring Royal Palace, this place is always buzzing with tourists and locals alike. They serve some of the most delicious bakery products you will ever have. From almond quiche to strawberry pastry, there's something for every type of sweet tooth. The best part is that all the products are fresh, so get there early if there's a particular kind you've been dying to try–they do sell out of their most popular items.
What to See
Leh was established as a resting stop for the travelers on an ancient route that connected northern India with Afghanistan and China. The city served as a base camp for those who needed a quick rest before meeting the challenge of crossing the high mountain passes all around. And those mountain passes are still the biggest reason why travelers head to Leh in the first place. Those who are serious about an unforgettable adventure should plan far in advance exactly how to conquer Khardung La. The journey is pleasant and short and gives amazing views of the Leh Valley below. It takes about two hours to reach the summit, which includes a ride on the world's highest motorable road. Don’t forget to pack your oxygen cylinders, as you might need them up at the peak. If you are the adventurous and fit type, you may want to take a mountain bike on rent from the city center and ride up to the mountain yourself. Many spots in town also arrange for a drop to the top of the pass, wherein they will drive you and your mountain bikes up in a pickup truck and then you may ride down only, saving your lungs the pain of the ascent.
Those less interested in conquering nature can find a nice way to experience the region by visiting its gompas (monasteries) instead. A short drive from the city center is Hemis Monastery, one of the oldest in the region, which was first established in the 11th century and then reestablished in 1672. It was the biggest monastery in the region and is still is the home to over 300 monks who live, study and pray in the premises. Artists in particular should visit, since the walls of the prayer halls are covered with ancient intricate paintings depicting the Buddhist mythologies, ideologies, and Buddhist culture. The monastery also has a Buddhist museum with a huge collection of articles, which range from weapons and armor to delicate silk paintings. Another monastery to visit is Shey Monastery, which is located on the way to Hemis.
For sights within the city, don't miss the Royal Palace of Leh. Built in the first half of the 17th century, it was home to the royal family for a couple of hundred years. Now under restoration and open to tourists, it offers a breathtaking view of the city below. The beauty of the setting sun from the roof of the palace must be seen to be believed. After soaking in the beauty of the sunset, don’t forget to admire the night sky, since such clear and thin air brings a truly unbelievable chance to look at the stars. There is a nominal fee charged for visiting the palace by the monastery in charge of the renovation work.
The Sunni Mosque in the central market of the city is a great example it the influence of the Tibetan architecture on Islamic architecture. Built in around 1667 AD, it is the second most prominent building in the central city. The mosque can accommodate more than 500 people and is quite a buzzing place. Just in front of the mosque there is a square where artists perform and entertain, which is also a fun spot to visit. Equally impressive is the contemporary Buddhist temple Shanti Stupa, with its stunning architecture and unforgettable views.
The city is also known for the Tibetan Market in the central city. You will find the most unique and beautiful Tibetan art for sale here. Being home to the Zanskar painters, pieces produced here are unlike those anywhere else, at prices far lower than on the international market. The artifacts include different types of bells and god or goddess idols, locks, singing or meditation bowls, jewelry, stones, and prayer wheels.
Another major attraction are the different lakes in the region. The most popular are Pangong Tso (87 miles from Leh) and Tsomoriri Lake (150 miles from Leh). These are beautiful lakes with deep blue waters, surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Their unspoiled nature evokes a sense of calm, and chances are you'll want to stay and unwind for awhile. It is advisable to stay the night and enjoy the experience, though this requires packing one's own tent and food.
Photo Credit: PIXistenz, FalcoVanWeerd, Matthew Winterburn, hessi, McKaySavage, alles-schlumph, Sanish Suresh, anna t, jason unbound