Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, which is currently the Leh District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Specifically, the town is located in the valley of the Indus River at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashmir, Tibet and Kashgar, so it was once an important trading town, though its commercial prominence declined with the partition of British India that ended in 1962 with the closure of the border. However, since it opened its gates to tourists in 1974, it has revived itself as a bustling tourist destination, where huge numbers of Kashmiri traders operate.
The following are pieces of useful information that you can use for a holiday in this beautiful place.
Sightseeing Destinations in Leh
Though it is just a small town, Leh offers a lot of interesting places that you can reach by foot. You can easily go to the old town, where you can see a compact area of narrow lanes and mud brick houses, or to Changspa, which is the agricultural suburb that is located northwest of the center. However, you should take not that the main Bazaar in the old town is situated at a high elevation of 3,505 meters, so take it easy when getting there to avoid altitude sickness.
Top Tour Activities in Leh
Here are things to do to make your holiday in Leh more memorable:
- Trekking - Leh is one of the best places to experience trekking in Ladakh, with its numerous trekking routes.
- White-Water Rafting - You can do this activity on the Zaskar and Indus Rivers, though keep in mind that the Indus rafting route from Nimmu to the Pakistani border has rapids of increasing severity, which means that you should prepare for a wild ride.
- Camping - This town offers many camping opportunities, such as those at the Pangong Lake and the Nubra Valley. Here you will find several mid and high-end camps.
- Cycling - You can also do some cycling, with the option to book with an operator or just rent a bicycle and do it individually.
- Home Stays - You can arrange a home stay in Leh, which is a great way to explore the town’s local culture and interact with the locals. A good place to do this is Turtuk in the Nubra Valley.
Top Tour Attractions in Leh
Among the many attractions in this town, it is recommended to check these out first:
Palace of Ladakh - This is probably the most noticeable building in Leh, which was constructed in the 17th century. While here, do not miss exploring the only furnished room at the centre of the palace.
Old Town - This place is great for photo opportunities, as it seems to be a spot where time has been forgotten, with structures built in the traditional way.
Pangong Tso - This is a beautiful high-altitude lake with deep blue waters, surrounded by tall mountain peaks. There is also a small camp along the way, where you can experience a yak safari.
Leh Sightseeing Tours and Activities
To get the most out of this town on your holiday, check out all Leh sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel.