Leh Ladakh, Leh Travel Guide, Leh Tourism

Leh is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom Ladakh which is in the Indian state of Kashmir. Actually Leh is located in the crossroads of the old trading route of Tibet, Kashgar and Kashmir, which is in the Indus river valley. Leh was mainly popular because of trading, but after the partition of British India, the trading stopped and finally the borders were closed during the Sino-Indian  war in the year 1962. From the year 1974 Leh was bustling with the tourists, as it was the first time it was opened for all. But the Indian or rather the domestic tourists have stepped their foot in Ladakh, somewhat from 2000, their was a dramatic increase among the tourists in Ladakh after the release of an Indian movie 3 Idiots in 2010.

A part of Leh

Leh is a small town, and one can easily go around by your foot. The picture of old Leh town is somewhat like this, the place is quite compact, with houses made of mud and brick, and he narrow lanes which direct to the east of the main market. Another important place is Chanspa which is northwest of Leh is an agricultural suburb, and has many guest houses.

Chanspa

The elevation of the main market is almost 3524 meters, so first few days of your visit in Leh, you might suffer from altitude sickness.

Climate

  Leh has got cold desert type climate, with long and harsh winters starting from October to the beginning of March, with the minimum temperature dropping down below freezing point. Leh occasionally receives snowfall in winter. Apart from winter, other months in Leh are quite fine and day times are warm and pleasant. The average temperature in Leh ranges from -28 degree Celsius in winter to 33 degree Celsius in Summer. Average rainfall which Leh receives is around 102mm.

Places of interest

Palace of Ladakh

This former Palace of Ladakh was built in the 17th century, is now under construction. This building is one of the noticeable building in Leh. The corridors of the Palace is very dark and spooky, floors have holes. In few words this a great place to explore. A must see, is the most furnished room in the Palace. is the beautiful, mysterious Buddhist prayer room which is at the center of the Palace is worth to praise. The exterior view of this Palace is spectacular. The entry fee is Rs. 100 only.

Palace of Ladakh

Old Town

 The Old town in Leh, is one of the charming place, with old traditional touch in the architecture of the buildings standing still today. This place is seems to be forgotten by the world, a place can be called a hub for the photographers. The Old Town is just a walking distance from the Palace of Ladakh.

Old Town

  Buddhist Temples

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

This temple is above the Palace, was built during 1430, remains open during the morning puja from 7AM to 9 AM.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Soma Gompa

Soma Gompa, is one of the large modern Gompa, is around the Main Bazar. This place is also the location of  Ladakhi Buddhist Association, which is a political organization, and has a tie with Hindutva groups.

Soma Gompa

Karma Dupgyud Choeling

 This monastery follows the style of Karma Kagyu Style.

Shanti Stupa

This modern stupa, was built by Buddhist Japanese group. This stupa, has somewhat became a little worn out, but still a worth to visit.

Shanti Stupa

Pangong Tso

 Pangong Tso, is one of the charming lake, which is located at an altitude of 4350 meters. One will be blind to the awesomeness of the deep blue water of the lake, and the mighty tall mountain peak surrounding the lake like a guardian. The lake lies on on the boundary of Indo-China, with one-fourth part of the lake being in India. There is a road to this lake, which passes through Chang-la pass, which is said to be 5424 meters, almost 149 km from Leh. On this way to this place, is where a Yak safari is done. This passage is quite tough to cross by car. Bikers those who are experienced should have any problems.

Breathtaking Pangong

Pangong Tso surrounded by mountain

Monasteries in Ladakh

Most travelers, use Leh as the central point to visit all the most happening Buddhist monasteries and numerous Gompas in Ladakh.

Monastry in Leh

Transport

Road

 Leh is connected to the rest of India, by two high altitude national highways, both are subject to deep snows and is difficult to pass during winter. The National Highway 1D which passes from Srinagar via Kargil is open for longer period of time and Leh Manali highway, is tough route due to high passes and plateaus.

Leh-Manali Highway

Air

Leh's nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee  airport, where daily flights ply from Delhi, atleast on Kingfisher, Jet Airways or Indian airlines.

Another important thing in Leh, is their carnival, which is worth to enjoy, this carnival attracts tourists from all the corner of the globe.

Carnival of Ladakh

Leh is not only a haven for the trekkers or mountaineers but also a great place for honeymoon, a perfect place to bond with your partners among the mountains.