Leh

The northernmost region of India, Leh is a very popular tourist destination. Other than its frosty mountains and climate, Leh is famous for various things. They are as follows:

Monasteries - Leh is the house of Buddhism in India and it is home to many beautiful Buddist monasteries. Among the various Monasteries, Spitul Gompa is the most famous monastery.

Valley - With the world-famous Zanskar valley which neighbours the Pakistani Kashmir and the Nubra Valley which is famous for its white-flat ground, the various valleys of Leh are very popular.

Bike Riding - The highest motorable pass in the world is located in this region. Leh houses some of the finest roads for a bike trip. The snow-clad Himalayas mark the perfect route for a bike trip.

Lakes and Camping - Camping beside the Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso lake is one of the best experiences in Leh. With stars and above and the shining water of the lakes, this would be a once in a lifetime experience

Given its harsh weather, the best time to visit Leh is during summers most specifically from April to June. The temperature during these months is moderate.

• Summer (April-June): Leh is relatively warm during this time and the weather is comfortable for travel.
• Monsoon (July-August): Monsoon descends on Leh from July-August. Landslides and cloudburst are common during this time.
• Winter: (September-February): Winter starts around September, but the time from November to February is particularly unbearable in Leh.

Yes, Leh is safe to visit. Taking into consideration the various climate conditions and abrupt climate changes, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance.

Leh can be accessed by Air, Road, Bus and Train

Air: Flights to Leh can be booked year round, even in Winters. The Leh Airport is not a private airport but rather a military one. So, the security checks are stricter that you are used to. Make sure you have all your travel document ready before you reach the airport. Once you exit the airport, you can hire a private cab that will take you to your hotel.

Bus: There are direct buses to Leh from Jammu and Kashmir and Manali. If you are planning on taking a bus, be sure to prepare for a bumpy and adventurous ride. If you are starting from Delhi, the journey will take 4 whole days and is suffice to a will become a journey of a lifetime.

Train: The railway station closest to Leh are Pathankot and Chandigarh. Even if you take a train to either of these cities, Leh is still a 3-day ride away. This is the least preferred route by travellers to Leh.

Road/Self Drive: For most travellers and adventure seekers, a road trip to Leh is the most preferred option to travel to this beautiful and breath-taking location. Although a bike road trip is often the most common choice amongst travellers, many even opt for SUV’s for a more comfortable road trip. But the ultimate adventure seekers have known to bike this rugged terrain.  There are two accessible roads to Leh, a lower road from Jammu and Kashmir and the higher road from Rohtang La via Keylong and Sarchu.

The parts and regions of Leh which are located above the height of 10,000 feet can have oxygen problems as acclimatization can be really difficult. The continuous flow of cold winds and frequent blizzards can cause problems like dizziness, headaches, AMS (acute mountain sickness) or even vomiting. Although the main parts of Leh do not have any oxygen problems, the higher regions are frequently met with oxygen issues. 

There is an endless list of places to visit in Leh and really shortlisting the Top 10 is an impossible task. So here is a list of all the places worth visiting in Leh. Remember that Leh is not a location you travel to frequently so try and cover most if not all.

• Pangong Lake
• Shanti Stupa
• Tso Moriri Lake
• Leh Palace
• Khardung La Pass
• Magnetic Hill
• Nubra Valley
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
• Spituk Monastery
• Hall of Fame Museum
• Chantang Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tso Kar Lake
• Stok Palace
• Zanskar Valley
• Nyoma
• Phutkal Monastery, Zanskar
• Chemrey Monastery
• Diskit Monastery, Lachung Temple and Hundur Monastery
• Dah Hanu
• Alchi
• Kargil
• Likir Monastery
• Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary, Hemis
• Hemis Monastery
• Panamik Village, Nubra Valley
• Sanskar Gompa
• Yarab Tso, Sumur
• Lamayuru Town
• Moonland, Lamayuru
• Maitreya Buddha, Nubra Valley
• Samstanling Monastery, Nubra Valley
• Wanla Gompa, Lamayuru
• Lamayuru Monastery, Lamayuru
• Gotsang Gompa, Hemis
• Stakna Gompa, Hemis
• Shang Gompa, Hemis

Leh is a dream destination for thrill seekers, but there are many activities for someone looking to connect with the divine and soak up the rich culture of this magnificent place.

Here is a list of some of the best activities to do in Leh

• White River rafting on Indus river
• Camel Safari
• Trekking
• Jeep Safari
• Mountain Biking
• Visit to Pangong Tso Lake
• Visit to Tso Moriri Lake
• Drive or trek to Khardung La Pass
• Visit the Hemis Monastery

Yes, rented bikes from outside of Leh are allowed in Leh. Also, private bikes are allowed in Leh. Only in the Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, you cannot take a bike rented from outside Leh. In those areas, only rented bikes from Leh are allowed. 

Here is a list of the best places to eat in Leh. Each restaurant serves up local delicacies among other food items.

•   Bon Appetit
•   Food Planet
•   Wonderland Restaurant and Coffee Shop
•   Ladakh Café
•   Tibetan Kitchen
•   G-Kitchen
•   Lehchen 
•   Penguin Garden
•   Bob’s Café
•   Gesmo
•   Gohil’s Restaurant
•   II Forno
•   Café Jeevan
•   Hidden North Café
•   Neha Snacks
•   Chopsticks
•   Ladakhi Food
•   Bakery Shacks
•   Amigo
•   KH Restaurant
•   Spituk Gompa Canteen
•   Little Café

Here is our carefully compiled list of resorts in Leh. The offer luxurious stay at competitive prices and offer the ultimate Leh experience. You trip to Leh is incomplete without a stay at these outstanding resorts.

• The Zen Ladakh
• Ladakh Sarai Resort
• Qik Stay @ Royal Palace Leh
• Saser Camp
• The Last Resort – Ladakh
• Shey Bhumi, Leh
• Saboo Resorts
• Tsokar Eco Resort and Restaurant
• Hotel Shambhala
• Fana Resort

There aren’t any public busses in Leh. Just the Private or Haryana Tourism busses that ply from Manali and Jammu and Kashmir. So, the best way to get around Leh using public transport is by way of private cabs.

They are all run by locals and they offer packages to various tourist destination in Leh. You can compare and decide the best can service you would like to hire.

In addition to buying unique handicrafts in Leh, you can also stock up on some amazing winter wear made using the best local wool. And if you are in the mood to splurge a little you can even buy the famous Pashminas here.

Here is a list of some the famous shopping places in Leh.

• Ladakh Art Palace
• Tibetan Handicraft Emporium
• Ladakh Environment and Health Organization
• Tibetan Handicraft Community Showroom
• Cottage Industries Exposition
• Ecology Centre
• Women’s Alliance
• Tibetan Market
• Moti Market

Cycling tours are very popular in Leh. Here is a list of some of the tours available there.

Manali to Leh Cycling Tour

Cost: The tours cost approx. INR 32,591 or 500 USD Per Person

Duration: 12Days and 11 nights

Inclusions: Meals, Activities, Guide and Accommodation

A solo trip to Leh can be thrilling but it’s important to plan everything possible but remember to leave wiggle room because your plans can change once you arrive in Leh.

• It is important to confirm and book a few things especially with regards to transportation and accommodation.
• Make sure you have enough money in different forms such as cash, cards, travellers cheque etc. This way if you lose your belongings or god forbid are robbed, you will have access to resources.
• Don’t forget to  carry extra batteries and power banks as you may go days without access to charging points especially if you're camping and tracking.
• Plan the essentials and don’t worry too much about the day to day activity. There is a lot you will learn and discover once you reach Leh. So, make sure there is wiggle room in your travel plans.
• Make sure you travel during high season i.e. June to September. This way you will ensure your safety among other traveller and you may even meet other solo travellers.
• Make sure you have a taxi budget if you are planning on using private cabs to get around. Private Cabs are very expensive and travelling alone, that can be a huge expense.
• Keep sharing your location and plans with friend and family so they can contact or locate you in case of an emergency.
• Don’t pack too much, travel as light as possible.
• Carry at least two proofs of identifications.

Trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Leh and there are trekking options available. There vary in price, difficulty and duration, you can choose the one that suits you best.

Here is a list of some of the most popular and adventurous treks in Leh.

• Stok Kangri Expedition. The duration of the trek is 8 Nights/9 Days. It costs approx. 16,800 INR or 259 USD Per Person.
• Markha Valley Trek. The duration of the trek is 7 Nights/8 Days. It costs approx. 15,000 INR or 231 USD Per Person.
• Chadar Frozen River Trek. The duration of the trek is 8 Nights/9 Days. It costs approx. 21,500 INR or 331 USD Per Person.
• Lamayuru Chilling Trek. The duration of the trek is 4 Nights/5 Days. It costs approx. 17,000 INR or 259 USD Per Person.
• Kanamo Peak Trek. The duration of the trek is 2 Nights/3 Days. It costs approx. 4,500 INR or 69 USD Per Person.
• Spiti Valley Trek with Homestay. The duration of the trek is 5 Nights/6 Days. It costs approx. 9,200 INR or 141 USD Per Person.
• Parang La Trek. The duration of the trek is 8 Nights/9 Days. It costs approx. 23,000 INR or 354 USD Per Person.

Leh is a magical place and while it may seem like the ultimate adventure paradise, it is so much more. In fact, it is an ideal and unlikely Honeymoon destination with numerous activities for couple’s.

Leh offers you a location that is not very crowded even during peak season. Hence making it ideal for couples to spend some quality time and not having to worry about crowded tourist attraction. In addition to the numerous sightseeing options, you can also explore your wild side by taking you one the many popular adventure activities. And to top it all, Leh has some luxurious resorts that offer world class facilities, so if you don’t feel like sightseeing, you can enjoy at your resort with your partner. There are direct flights to Leh from Delhi, the travel time by air is just under 2 hours. So, if you have time restrictions you can always plan a quick getaway and return for a more wholesome experience.

You most likely will start your bike trip to Leh from Delhi, Manali or Srinagar. But once in Leh these are the places ideal for a bike ride.

• Nubra Valley
• Pangong Tso Lake
• Karu
• Sarchu

There are numerous monasteries in Leh and its hard to pick the best ones. It won’t be possible for you to visit them all, so, here’s a list of the 10 most spectacular monasteries in Leh.

• Hemis Monastery
• Thiksey Monastery
• Diskit Monastery
• Likir Monastery
• Spituk Monastery
• Stakna Monastery
• Alchi Monastery
• Phyang Monastery
• Takthok Monastery
• Sumda Chun Monastery

Here is a list of essentials to carry on your trip to Leh.

• Hat/Cap
• Sun-Screens
• Stole/something to protect you from the dust
• Warn Jackets
• Inner thermal suits
• Heavy woollens
• Sun glasses
• Water bottle
• Medicines
• Lip Balm
• Moisturizer as your skin can become very dry
• 2 proofs of identification

Pangong lake is located at a height of 4,250 meters in the barren land of Ladakh, it is 160 Km from Leh.The lake is a 5-hour drive from Leh. You will pass two villages names Shey and Gya and the Changla pass on your way to the lake.

The Zanskar river is a tributary of the ancient river Indus. The river lies in Zanskar which is a tehsil of the Kargil District. The river is a popular tourist spot for rafting.

Nubra valley is located 150 Km north of Leh. The valley can be accessed from the Khardung La Pass. Alternatively you can access the valley from Wari La Pass in Sakti, which is located east of the Khardung La Pass. The third access point connects the valley from Pangong Tso lake vial the villages of Shyok and Durbuk.

Leh has some unique wildlife specific to the region. To view the wildlife in the Leh region, head to one of the following parks or sanctuaries.

• Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hemis National Park
• Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
• Donkey Sanctuary

Khardung La is located at a distance of 39 km from Leh. Khardung La is pass that connects Leh to Shyok and Nubra Valley. It is famous as it acts a gateway between Leh and these locations. Historically, the route lies on a major Caravan route from Kashgar in Central Asia to Leh.

The best place for white water rafting would be in the one of the tributaries on the Indus River such as the Zanskar River.

Camping is a popular tourist activity in Leh. Following are the best places to go camping in Leh.

• Diskit in the Nubra Valley
• Pangong Lake
• Thiksey
• Tsermang

There are several places in Leh that offers the yak safari. There are many tour operators that organize these safari tours. Make sure you book in advance as this is an extremely popular tourist activity.

Here is a list of all the famous museums in Leh.

• Hall of Fame
• Stok Palace Museum
• The Little Paradise
• Ladakh rocks mineral museum

The best place for paragliding in Leh would be the Khardung La Pas.

Magnetic Hills or Gravity Hills are located 30km from Leh and our 14000 feet above sea level. In order to reach the magnetic hills, you must take the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National highway which will lead you straight to the hills.

There are many cultural festivals in Leh. Here’s a list with dates. So next time you plan a trip to Leh, you can do so keeping in mind the dates of the festivals.

• Deskit Gustor Festival: 17th October to 18th October
• Thiksey Gustor Festival: 6th November to 7th November
• Chemday Wangchok Festival, Padum: 16th November to 17th
• Galdan Namchot Festival: 12th December
• Losar Festival: 19th December
• Yargon Tungshak Festival: 19th February to 20th February
• Matho Nagrang Festival: 1st March to 2nd March
• Saka Dawa Festival: 29th May
• Yuru Kabgyat Festival: 12th June to 12th June
• Sindhu Darshan: 12th June to 14th June
• Hemis Festival: 23rd June to 24th June
• Stongday Gustor Festival: 1st July to 2nd July
• Karsha Gustor Festival: 11th July to 12th July

Skiing in Leh can be best experienced at Ladakh Himalayan Range ‘Zanskar’.

Although all of Leh is breath takingly Beautiful. But there are some places where the beauty just amplifies. Here a list of some of the places.

• Zanskar Valley
• Pangong Tso Lake
• Kargil
• Khardung La Pass
• Nubra Valley
• Magnetic Hills
• Spituk Gompa

There are numerous camping sites around the Pangong lake. Average price for camping varies from INR 2800 to INR 5500 Per Person. Click here for more info.