Leh was once an important trading town serving the crossroads of Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Over time, its importance faded until it ended with the closure of the border in 1962. A little over a decade later, the city was brought back to life as a tourist town. Today it is bustling with travelers and Kashmiri traders. Incoming flights are accepted at
Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport, a convenient facility seeing as how coming in by road can take around a day. The airport is also the only way to reach Leh during the winter season.
Travelers to Leh come for the historic sites and the outdoor activities. The most notable and impressive of all is the
Palace of the King of Ladakh, an imposing 17th century structure that towers over the city. The Old Town can be visited on the way to the palace or on the way down. Either way, time spent strolling through this area is a walk through a time long forgotten and a photographer’s delight. There are a few Buddhist temples to check out in the city as well, including
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Soma Gompa, and Karma Dupgyud Choeling. For getting into the natural element, visit the lake of Pangong Tso or head to Nubra Valley where the Hundar Sand Dunes can be seen. White-water rafting the Indus or Zaskar rivers will appeal to the adventurous travelers while campsites at the lake or in the valley offer a great escape from the city life.
Find the most suitable accommodation for you by clicking on our interactive map and exploring Leh for hotels and must-see destinations.
