One of the most promising towns of old Ladakh, Leh is both traveller friendly and hassle free.

Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir . Even the cheapest of the backpacker hostels are situated in traditionally styled buildings, set with ornate wooden window frames.  The old town remains with its mud brick houses and stupas dotted around, and the outer areas are crossed with green, irrigated barley fields that have pretty old houses, guesthouses and babbling streams.

Very picturesque and easy to fall in love with, you will enjoy every moment of your tour to Leh.

Tourism in Leh

In the old town of Leh things have been changing recently, having been added to the world monuments funds list of 100 most endangered sites due to increased rainfall from climate change, neglect and changing settlement patterns have threatened the long term preservation of this site.

Leh Palace

The town of Leh is still dominated by the Leh Palace which is now ruined. It was the former home of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and at about the same time as the Potala Palace.  Shey which is just 15 km to the east of modern Leh, was the ancient seat of the Ladakhi kings.  The Leh Palace is nine storeys high with the upper floors having accommodated the royal family and the stables and store rooms were located on the lower floors. The palace was abandoned when Kashmiri forces besieged it in the mid-19th century. The royal family moved their premises south to their current home in Stok Palace on the southern bank of the Indus.

Leh - An old trade capital

Located at the crossroads of old trading routes from Kashgar, Kashmir and Tibet the importance of this trading town diminished when the British partitioned India and from then it ended completely with the closure of the border in 1962.  Since the development of the Leh - Manali highway however it has become a busy tourist town with a large number of Kashmiri traders.

Walking Around Leh

Leh is a small town and it easy to get to most places by foot, the only notable exception to this rule is the airport. The old town is compact and easy to explore with mud brick houses and narrow lanes. 

Leh has been the capital of this region since the 17^th century but the ruins and remains of previous capitals can all be reached from Leh, which is a brilliant place to base or start of on treks.  Be sure to visit the many places within a day of Leh that will enhance the historical significance for any traveller.

Avoid Altitude Sickness in Leh

At an elevation of approximately 3555 meters is possible to get altitude sickness here so it is advisable for tourists to take it easy on their first few days even if they do not have experience in high altitudes. It is advisable to allow time for acclimatisation before heading further up into the mountains to avoid altitude sickness, as the only cure for this is to turn back.