Travel Leh

Leh is a hill resort with several attractions. The capital of Ladakh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture since long. Its colorful gompas attract the devout Buddhists from far and away. Leh also is a favorite hiking locale that is thronged by adventure seekers.

The main attractions of this area include the Leh Khar Palace, Leh Monastery, Leh Mosque, Tsemo Gompa and the Stok Palace Museum. The Leh Khar Palace, dating back to the 16th century, is hewn into a rock-face. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls and other artefacts. The Leh Monastery looms over its surroundings, housing a solid gold statue of the Buddha, and ancient manuscripts among other articles.

The Leh Mosque, built by Single Namgyal, sports a unique blend of Turkish-Iranian architecture. The royal monastery, better known as Tsemo Gompa, has an impressive two - storeyed image of Chamb Buddha. The Stok Palace Museum has on display the royal crown, `tankas', coins and other invaluable items.

¤ Location
Leh, located at a height of 3500 metres in the Karakoram mountains, is 434 kms from Srinagar.

¤ Best Time to Visit Leh
The lovely landscapes and the majestic mountains of Leh attract adventurers and tourists alike. The best time to visit Ladakh is in the summer months i.e. between the months of June and August. The road is open thus the transportation to and from Leh is easy in summers. In winters the temperature at Leh goes below zero degrees often.

¤ Adventure Sports in Leh
Leh is indeed a trekker's paradise in North India. In case adventure excites you then you must take up any of the many treks offered from Leh. The trekking agencies in Leh offer treks inclusive of guide, packhorses, food and supplies.

Leh also offers mountain biking to the daring on the second highest motor able road in the world. The adventure in mountain biking from Leh lies in the most hostile terrains. The entire stretch of 485 km between Leh and Manali offers a challenge to mountain bikers who have the opportunity to cut across the majestic Himalayan ranges through four mountains passes.

Adventurers need to push endurance to the limits to accept the challenge offered by the dangerous high-altitude trail from Leh. To the daring adventurers Leh-Manali highway rewards spectacular and picturesque landscapes.

¤ Places to Stay in Leh
Accommodation options are easily available at Leh. Leh has several hotels and guesthouses that mostly open in the peak season from July to mid September. Budget lodging is available in three main areas - the old town, the newer areas along the Fort Road, and within the peaceful village of Changspa. The wooden lodges may be mid-range or top-end lodges offering comfortable stay at Leh.

Delicious and hygienic food is also available in plenty at Leh. You may feast on a variety of cuisines in Leh. Indian delicacies and especially the Kashmiri dishes are popular. Tibetan as well as western cuisines are easily available. During your stay in Leh the bakeries and their sweetmeats are a must checkout.

¤ Shopping in Leh
For regular shopping Leh has several markets. For gift items and souvenirs the tourists at Leh may check out the Ladakh Art Place in the old town, the Ecology Center and some shops behind the Main Bazaar road. If you happen to be in Leh during the Ladakh festival then you must pick up the local handicrafts and clothes from the captivating stalls.

¤ How to Get there
.. By Air
In terms of air transport Leh is well connected with the other important places in India. Regular flights link Leh with Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.

.. By Road
For road transport to Leh there are land routes connecting Leh with Srinagar and Manali. The Leh-Srinagar road is usually open from June to October, while the Leh-Manali route is open from July to September.

.. By Local Transport
Local transportation in places in and around Leh is not a problem. You may go in for buses for hire jeeps for commuting and sightseeing.