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Thiske Monastery, Leh

Visit Leh, India

Visit Leh, India

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Leh lies at some 3,500 metres above sea level and is the capital of Ladakh.

Trading routes

The town lies in the ancient Indus valley and has been a trading post for Himalayan peoples for centuries, with routes running up into the Nubra Valley to the Silk Route and over the high passes to Manali and the Indian plains toward to Tibetan Plateau.

Architecture

Its dilapidated palace makes for an interesting backdrop, it is described as a miniature version of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and is fine example of medieval Tibetan architecture and the central markets give the town life, they are well supplied from Kashmir.

Visiting Leh

Stupas and prayer flags at Thikse monasteryThe adventurous may choose to reach Leh by road to appreciate breathtaking scenery, or alternatively you may fly from Delhi. It makes a great base to visit the many monasteries, chortens and gompas in the surrounding area such as those at Lekir, Alchi, Stok and Thiksey.

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Suggested itinerary featuring Leh

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Leh, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Leh

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Leh

    Photos of Leh

    • Typical landscapes of Ladakh
      Typical landscapes of Ladakh
    • Leh Palace, Ladakh
      Leh Palace, Ladakh
    • The rooftops of Leh, Ladakh
      The rooftops of Leh, Ladakh
    • Royal Enfield
      Royal Enfield
    • Leh Palace
      Leh Palace
    • Approach to Lekir Monastery, Ladakh
      Approach to Lekir Monastery, Ladakh
    • Ladkahi images
      Ladkahi images
    • Thikse, Ladakh
      Thikse, Ladakh

    Our expert guides to exploring Leh

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Leh, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Leh at its best.

    • Summer in India: Ladakh
      Thiksey Monastery in Leh, Ladakh

      Summer in India: Ladakh

      Summer in India: Ladakh

      Considering India between June and September? India specialist James explains that, while much of the country is too hot or wet to visit, it’s the ideal time of year to explore mountainous Ladakh, a region of high-altitude deserts, Buddhist monasteries and sheer-sided mountains.

      9 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Leh

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Leh. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Leh

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Leh, and which use the best local guides.

    • Explore Around Leh
      Sarchu, trekking ponies, Manali to Leh Road

      Explore Around Leh

      Explore Around Leh

      Immerse yourself in the mountainous scenery of Leh and explore the gompas (Buddhist fortifications) statues and palaces that characterise this special area.

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