Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

[475 kms / 36 hrs Road Drive from Srinagar]

Situated at a height of 3505 meters, capital of Ladakh, Leh is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture for ages. Located at the easternmost parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh will be a miniature of Tibet for you. Devout Buddhists from all over the globe, comes here to visit its colorful gompas. With a population of 10,000 people, Leh is one heavenly place for all the adventure enthusiasts. This favorite hiking destination is known for some of the best hiking trails in the country. On your tour to Leh you will come across one of the most amazing ancient civilizations of the world.
Popular Tourist Attractions in/ around Leh
Leh with a relaxing spell has many attractions which allures tourists from all over the globe.

Leh Palace (Built in 16th century by King Singe Namgyal)
This nine storeys building is still owned by the royal family. One part of the palace has been transformed into a museum. This grand palace is said to have inspired the famous Potala of Lahasa, which is built half a century later.

Highlights: Medieval Tibetan architecture, museum, inclined buttressed walls, protruding wooden balconies etc



Stok Palace (Dating from the 1840s)
This Palace is located just 15 Kms South of Leh at the West Bank of river Indus. It has 80 magnificent rooms and one museum which exhibit the royal thankas (many 400 years old), crown jewels, dresses, coins, perak etc.

Highlights: many 400 years old thankas, museum,’s teacup holder, the queen\'s turquoise headdress etc.

Shey Palace (Built by Deldon Namgyal in 1645)
Around 12 kms south of Leh, Shey Palace was previously the summer palace of the Ladakhi kings. This place is open for visitors. You can also visit Gurphuk Gompa which is a branch of Spituk Monastery.

Highlights: Guru Tsechu, chortens, picturesque backdrop, three-story statue of Buddha Shakyamuni etc.

Thiksey Monastery (Built by Paldan Sherab)
In south of Leh this one of the most beautiful monasteries of Leh is located. Here at present you will find around 80 residing monk. This monastery is 12 storeys high and has many statues of Buddha.

Highlights: Thiksey festival, Shakyamuni and Maitriya Buddha statues, Chamkhang

Popular Excursions from Leh
Leh offers some of the outstanding and scenic excursion experiences. Visit one of the largest and most famous monasteries, Hemis, it is around 45 Km south of Leh. Around 125 kms west of Leh, Lamayuru Monastery is waiting for you with its impressive rock building. About 53 kms west of Leh, Likir monastery is located which is belonging to Gelukspa Order.

Popular Shopping Items/ Shopping Centres in Leh
For the normal regular shopping you can go to the local market or street shops. But for the exquisite gift items and souvenirs you can shop from the Ladakh Art Place in the old town and the Ecology in the Main Bazaar road. If you are visiting Leh during the Ladakh festival, then you can pick things from the local handicrafts and clothes shops which open only for this occasion.

Leh Travel Information
Closest Airport: Kushok Bakula Airport (7kms from the city centre)

Closest Railway Station: Jammu Railway station. (739kms from the city centre)

Bus Stand: Leh Bus Stand

Road Link: National Highway 1

Local Transport in Leh
For the local transport, J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services. They are most comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. If you want to experience real luxury then travel by taxis, cars, and Gypsy. They are available for hire. For the excursions or and kind of adventure it’s recommended to engage the services of a registered travel agency.