Explore Leh Ladakh city and its best places to visit

A surreal landscape surrounded by the sky-piercing peaks of the snow-capped Himalayan, Zanskar and Karakoram ranges, and adorned with crystal waters of the Shyok, Zanskar and Indus rivers, Leh, in Jammu and Kashmir, is the main city in the Ladakh region, one of the coldest deserts in the world. Perched at a height of over 11,000 ft above sea level, the city of Leh is a haven of adventure sports. Its rugged terrain and gushing rivers provide ripe opportunities for activities like trekking, river rafting, camping, mountain climbing and biking. As the winter months approach, the city is enveloped in a blanket of snow, making it a paradisiacal setting for winter sports. The renowned Chadar Trek starts from the village of Chilling, 66 km away, and mostly covers the frozen area of River Zanskar. Throughout the adventure, trekkers are walking on precarious icy formations, staying in caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and encountering other snowy landscape.


Leh is surrounded by three gorgeous high-altitude lakes, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar and Pangong Tso that look like sapphires embedded in the ground. A natural wonder that leaves tourists in awe is the Magnetic Hill on the outskirts of the city. It is said to defy gravity as it tends to pull vehicles upwards. Leh is a prominent Buddhist centre and is dotted with several important monasteries. Tourists can set on a monastery trail and admire the ancient cultures of the region come alive in various paintings adorning the walls while indulging in meditation and other therapeutic and spiritual activities.
Leh was the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Ladakh and boasts a legacy that is reflective of its rich history. With the 17th-century Leh Palace at its heart, which is a great example of medieval Tibetan architecture, the city enjoys a smattering of heritage sites that stand tall to this day. One of the best ways to experience the culture of Leh is to check into a homestay where the host will leave no stone unturned in immersing guests in Ladakhi culture. Another great way to “taste” the region is by way of its fresh produce: apricots, apples, and other fruits and vegetables that can be found in its orchards and markets.

Immersive Experience

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Zanskar Valley

Zanskar Valley

Perched at a height of 13,154 ft, Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid...

Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri

A sapphire set amidst a stark scenery, the gorgeous Tso Moriri Lake...

Tso Kar Lake

Tso Kar Lake

The smallest of the three high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, the remote...

Trekking

Trekking

Leh-Ladakh's diverse terrain includes mountains, valleys, and rivers,...

Trekking in Markha Valley

Trekking in Markha Valley

The best season to embark on the Markha Valley trek is from June to...

The Ladakh Festival

The Ladakh Festival

Held across the region of Ladakh in the month of September every...

Suru Valley

Suru Valley

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers and verdant...

Stok Palace

Stok Palace

Situated on the banks of the River Indus, on the outskirts of the...

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa

Set amidst craggy and stark mountains, the pristine white edifice of...

River Rafting

River Rafting

Due to the presence of two prominent rivers ,the Indus and the...

Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso

A mosaic of myriad shades of blue, the pristine Pangong Lake is...

Nyoma

Nyoma

Nyoma is a cold and temperate village in the Leh district of Jammu...

Mountain Climbing

Mountain Climbing

Since the region of Leh-Ladakh is blessed with the towering Himalayas...

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

There are several mountain biking trails across Leh-Ladakh....

Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya Buddha

One of the most prominent features of Ladakh region, the statue of...

Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill

Perched at an altitude of 14,000 ft, Magnetic Hill is one of the most...

Leh Palace

Leh Palace

Also referred to as the Lhachen Palkhar, Leh Palace was built by King...

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery is located about 127 km west of Leh. In the 11th...

Ladakh

Ladakh

Ladakh is perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring places in India,...

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is located at the heart of Leh's bazaar and is said...

Homestay Experience

Homestay Experience

One of the best ways to experience the traditional culture and way of...

Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary

Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary

Named after the Hemis Monastery, Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary is spread...

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

An important stopover on the tourist circuit, the Hall of Fame...

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Located in the periphery of Leh, on the Leh-Kargil road, is the...

Dzongkhul

Dzongkhul

Founded by Mahasiddha Naropa, an Indian Buddhist, Dzongkhul Monastery...

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery

Diskit is the administrative centre of Nubra valley and is popular...

Dah-Hanu Villages

Dah-Hanu Villages

The quaint villages of Dha (or Dah) and Hanu are among the few...

Choglamsar

Choglamsar

Choglamsar is a Tibetan settlement located on the outskirts of Leh....

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to a diversity of flora and fauna and is...

Chang La Pass

Chang La Pass

Widely believed to be the second-highest motorable road in the world,...

Chadar Trek

Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek can only be enjoyed during the winter months in...

Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery

The largest gompa built by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator of Sanskrit...

Gulmarg

Gulmarg

With rolling green meadows carpeted by bushes of wild flowers...

Manali

Manali

The magnetic town of Manali beckons to the soul of adventurers,...

srinagar

srinagar

Picturesque and enchanting, Srinagar is cradled high in the lofty...

jammu and Kashmir

jammu and Kashmir

Nestled on the banks of the pristine Tapi river, the winter capital...