Ladakh ·
Leh
Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh.
Leh at a Glance
Why Leh?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Leh Palace
- Sankar Monastery
- Shanti Stupa
- Zorawar Fort
- Spituk Monastery
- Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Leh at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Leh before planning your visit.
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Explore Leh
Places to Visit
- Leh Palace: Leh Palace, also known as Lachen Palkar Palace, is a former royal palace overlooking the city of Leh in Ladakh, India. It was constructed circa 1600 AD by Sengge Namgyal.
- Sankar Monastery: Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh in Ladakh, northern India.
- Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed Stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in north India. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura.
- Zorawar Fort: Zorawar Fort is a fort in Leh, Ladakh, India built in 1836 by Zorawar Singh, a general of Dogra ruler Gulab Singh. Zorawar Singh led the Dogra invasion of Ladakh and built the fort at Leh after deposing the last Gyalpo of Ladakh.
- Spituk Monastery: Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery in Spituk, Leh district, Ladakh, 8 km from Leh. The site of Spituk was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung.
- Namgyal Tsemo Monastery: Namgyal Tsemo Monastery or Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Leh city of Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. Founded by King Tashi Namgyal (1555-1575) of Ladakh, it has a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
Things to Do
- Chhamkang Ri: A 2-hr hike (3 km) with a great view of Leh and the valley. The trail starts in the very north of Leh.
- Unnamed Peak: Another 2-hr hike, which give you a view of the airport of Leh, the valley, and the Stok mountain and its range around. The trail starts east of Leh center, slightly north.
- Phyang-Leh: If you take an early morning bus (8AM?) to Phyang village (3,600 m) in the parallel valley west of Leh, this trail leads you by the Gyamche La Pass and back into Leh from the north.
- Stok Gompa Hike: This is an easy full day hike of 12 km (loop) going from 3,500–3,950 m just west of Stok.
- Stok La (pass): 12.5 km (one-way), 1,200 m altitude gain—it's the pass that leads to Markha Valley. You might be able to do it in one day from Stok if you are fit, otherwise you might have to camp along the way.
- Stok Kangri: A proper mountain for a 2-3 days hike from Stok. You should have some mountaineering experience if you do this peak.
Sightseeing Places
- Leh Palace: Leh Palace, also known as Lachen Palkar Palace, is a former royal palace overlooking the city of Leh in Ladakh, India. It was constructed circa 1600 AD by Sengge Namgyal.
- Sankar Monastery: Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh in Ladakh, northern India.
- Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed Stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in north India. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura.
- Zorawar Fort: Zorawar Fort is a fort in Leh, Ladakh, India built in 1836 by Zorawar Singh, a general of Dogra ruler Gulab Singh. Zorawar Singh led the Dogra invasion of Ladakh and built the fort at Leh after deposing the last Gyalpo of Ladakh.
- Spituk Monastery: Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery in Spituk, Leh district, Ladakh, 8 km from Leh. The site of Spituk was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung.
- Namgyal Tsemo Monastery: Namgyal Tsemo Monastery or Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Leh city of Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. Founded by King Tashi Namgyal (1555-1575) of Ladakh, it has a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
Places That Define Leh
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace, also known as Lachen Palkar Palace, is a former royal palace overlooking the city of Leh in Ladakh, India. It was constructed circa 1600 AD by Sengge Namgyal.
Sankar Monastery
Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh in Ladakh, northern India.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed Stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in north India. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura.
Zorawar Fort
Zorawar Fort is a fort in Leh, Ladakh, India built in 1836 by Zorawar Singh, a general of Dogra ruler Gulab Singh. Zorawar Singh led the Dogra invasion of Ladakh and built the fort at Leh after deposing the last Gyalpo of Ladakh.
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa or Pethup Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery in Spituk, Leh district, Ladakh, 8 km from Leh. The site of Spituk was blessed by the Arhat Nyimagung.
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery or Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Leh city of Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. Founded by King Tashi Namgyal (1555-1575) of Ladakh, it has a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
Phyang Monastery
Phyang Monastery, Phyang (or Phiyang) Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Fiang village, just 15 or 16 kilometres west of Leh in Ladakh, northern India. It was established in 1515.
Donkey Sanctuary
Just off the road leading to Khardung-La. The public is encouraged to visit the sanctuary and friendly signs will direct you to the sanctuary from the centre of Leh.
Magnetic Hill
A supposed optical illusion, where it seems cars rolling down the hill but actually go up. It might not be as impressive as hyped.
Soma Monastery
Just around the corner from Main Bazaar, it's a large modern gompa. It's also the location of the Ladakhi Buddhist Association, a conservative political organisation with ties to Hindutva groups.
Karma Dupgyud Choeling
Monastery in the Karma Kagyu tradition. Not much to see here, unless you are interested in Buddhism, but it is opposite the street of one of the Dalai Lama residencies.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
This Gurudwara houses a rock with the imprint of a Sikh that supposedly prayed here and was supposed to be crushed by the rock, but miraculously survived.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Leh on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Leh: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Leh: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), about 3 km from Leh.
- By Road: The local buses get exceptionally crowded, times of departure fluctuate greatly, and there is no ticket office (just board the bus, and pay to the conductor).
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Leh (Apr, May, Jun) averages 2–13°C with about 40 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Leh (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 10–21°C with about 49 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Leh (Oct, Nov) averages -2–8°C with about 7 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Leh (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages -11–-1°C with about 16 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C.
- Winter: Average highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: Leh is one of the safest places in India. Carry a torch at night, as there is next to no street lighting, and there are some very deep drainage ditches.
- Climate: Leh has a cold desert climate with long, cold winters from late November to early March, with minimum temperatures well below freezing for most of the winter. The city gets occasional snowfall during winter, which is very cold by Indian standards, mainly due to its high elevation.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 22°C in August; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are July; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Local Transport
- On foot: Leh is so small that you can cover enough places with the town by just walking.
- By bus: Also local public buses call at the main bus station of Leh—the airport and close by destinations like Choglamsar or Spituk go for ₹20.
- By motorbike: Various places on main Bazaar and Changsp Rd rent motorbikes. But Leh, Phyang and Choglamsar are the only places with petrol stations.
- By taxi: They have fixed prices (updated every 2 years) and can be arranged from the taxi stand along Fort Rd. When available, you may also purchase a copy of the fare-booklet for ₹20.
- By tour: Many travel agents in Leh will offer several day tours to the nearby tourists sites, stating in their shop windows that they just need one or two more people to get the car full. That is BS and a way to lull you in, just to sell you an overpriced tour that is simply a taxi ride around the region.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Leh trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh.
- Overview: Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh. Leh, located in the Leh district, has been the capital of Ladakh since the medieval period and was historically capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh.
- Ancient History: Leh was for centuries an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet, Kashmir, India and China. The main goods carried were salt, grain, pashm or cashmere wool, charas or cannabis resin from the Tarim Basin, indigo, silk yarn and Banaras brocade. Although there are a few indications that the Chinese knew of a trade route through Ladakh to India as early as the Kushan period (1st to 3rd centuries AD), and certainly by the Tang dynasty, little is actually known of the history of the region before the end of the 10th century, when Tibetan prince Skyid lde nyima gon (or Kyide Nyimagon), a
Festivals
- Overview: Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh. Leh, located in the Leh district, has been the capital of Ladakh since the medieval period and was historically capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh.
- Best Festival Time: The most comfortable months are January, February, March, April and May.
Religious Significance
- Summary: Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh.
- Famous For: Known for Leh Palace, Sankar Monastery and Shanti Stupa.
- Overview: Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh. Leh, located in the Leh district, has been the capital of Ladakh since the medieval period and was historically capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Leh is a city in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh. Leh, located in the Leh district, has been the capital of Ladakh since the medieval period and was historically capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh.
- Accommodation: Leh has a large selection of mid-range accommodation, with some offering decent value. Most of the guest houses are located in Leh's northern suburbs in Changspa, Karzoo and surrounding areas, a 5–30-min walk from the centre. Listed options include Eagle Guest House, Ecology Hostel and Himalayan Bunker.
The Sacred Heart of Leh
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Buddhism is the largest religion in Leh City, followed by over 43% of people. Hinduism is the second-largest religion with 35% adherents.
Spiritual Significance
Buddhism is the largest religion in Leh City, followed by over 43% of people. Hinduism is the second-largest religion with 35% adherents.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Leh was for centuries an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet, Kashmir, India and China. The main goods carried were salt, grain, pashm or cashmere wool, charas or cannabis resin from the Tarim Basin, indigo, silk yarn and Banaras brocade.
Sacred Heritage
There is a pass that links Leh directly to Khotan. The city's importance as a trading town slowed down with the partition of India, and ended with the closure of the border in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leh is most comfortable in January, February, March, April and May, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is August (average high 22°C) and the wettest months are July.
The nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), about 3 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Leh Palace, Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Zorawar Fort, Spituk Monastery and Namgyal Tsemo Monastery.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from -2°C to 22°C over the year, with about 359 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Leh
Your Leh Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.