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State: Jammu and Kashmir
District: Leh
Famous for/as: Trekking, Scenic
Languages: Hindi, English
Best Season: Jun - Sep
Weather: Summer 5 to 40°C, Winter -14 to 24°C
Altitude: 3500 m
Pincode: 194xxx
STD code: 01982
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Embodiment of natural beauty Leh, picturesquely nestled by Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, is the headquarters of Leh District in Jammu and Kashmir. Perfectly located on the banks of the renowned Indus River with all its majesty and amazing sceneries, Leh valley attracts tourists from all over the world to its lap all through the year. The major part of the Leh city is covered by ancient Buddhist monuments, Mosques dating back to 16th and 17th centuries and a nine storied palace Sengge Namgyal constructed in Tibetan architectural style.
Leh is the land of Lamas, the Buddhist Monks and is mainly populated by Buddhists and Hindus. Leh houses numerous Buddhist monuments, monasteries and study centers, Shanti stupa and Sankar Gompa are some of them.
Leh has grown to a best trade centre in Central Asia, with many trading opportunities for the motivated and dedicated young traders and achievers. Shopping is an experience in Leh. One can spot many traders in the city selling out spectacular Tibetan motifs and jewellery, winter woolen clothes and decorated world famous carpets.
Visiting Leh-Ladakh with Kids
The mesmerizing Leh can be inhospitable for kids and tourists should be wary of all the conditions that they need to take care of before planning a trip with kids. It is advisable for tourists to not take children below the age of 5 years, as they may face acclimatization issues.
For tourists, the best route is Manali-Leh as it takes lesser time and allows the tourists to enjoy some of the most mesmerizing sceneries.
Leh & Ladakh – Precautions and Measures
- For tourists travelling directly by air to Leh, acclimatization to the high altitude may take time, around 48 hours, for even adults. To counter, please drink as well as carry plenty of water. It is advisable to carry Diomax and Disprin as a backup.
- Alcohol and tobacco should be completely avoided, as the low level of oxygen makes it very difficult to come out of a hangover and you don’t want to lose the sightseeing time, sitting in a hotel. Alcohol and coffee should also be avoided if you are in Leh on a trekking expedition. Tea, which is available in plenty, can be consumed.
- Breathlessness due to low level of oxygen is common, so one should carry energy bars to keep boosting the system. Power cuts are very frequent in Leh and Ladakh and tourists are advised to good stock of batteries.
- Carry your own water bottles and make sure that you use only double boiled water for drinking. Mineral water too is not sold to avoid the menace of plastic garbage. Many shops are available selling double boiled water and ask the locals for the same. Don’t miss carrying a sanitizer as hygiene can be a concern in Leh and Ladakh.
- Plastic is banned in Leh and Ladakh, so instead use biodegradable bags. Take permissions before taking a photograph of any local.
- During trekking do not litter the area and while touring a national park, make sure that you do not disturb the animals.
Feasting of the eyes is assured in Leh with the imposing pristine beauty of the snow capped Himalayan ranges in the backdrop. Tourists throng to this place during the month of August when the annual tourist festival is conducted. The festival is an eye catching and breathe taking event. The adventurous tourists are invited to take up trekking in the challenging undulated Himalayan terrains.
Many tourist attractions are nearby, Jama Masjid – the ancient historical mosque built during the Mughal Dynasty and the summer palace Shey of Ladhakhi kings with a massive Buddha Statue are among them. This is a place not to be missed by any traveling enthusiast.
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History
Leh is known to have been a part of Greater Ladakh. Not much information is available in terms of history of Leh. However, certain historical documents pertaining to the neighbouring areas claim a fierce battle to have taken place between the Chinese and the Tibet in the 7th century.
In the 8th century, Arab too joined the war, changing their sides from China to Tibet. They conquered Kashghar and established their rule in Central Asia. This led to creation of a buffer state between China and Tibet, thus narrowing the conflict between them.
The ancient inhabitants of Ladakh were Dards. During the 10th century, the Tibetan prince Skyid lde Nyima Gon captured Western Tibet and built various castles and several towns. It was during the time of the Kashmiri Nawab,Delegs Namgyal, that various incidence led to the construction of the first Sunni mosque in Leh.
Leh, has been a spot which has seen the convergence of various trade routes. The first royal family to have resided in Ladakh was of King Tashi Namgyal. The famous royal palace of Leh was built by King Sengge Namgayal.
Travel within city
Leh is a very small town and you can walk around the entire region easily without much of a sweat. However, Leh also has some other travel options that can help you reach certain parts of the city when you are in need of urgent travel. Taxis, tongas and trucks can help you in this regard.
Taxi
Although every notable destination in Leh is located at an accessible distance, the airport is quite far off. For this reason, in case you are reaching Leh through air, you can take a taxi once you’re outside the airport. Taxis in Leh do not cost much and they will charge you only around Rs 100 to 150. There are no separate night fares for taxis and these are a safe mode of travel, although Leh is a very safe town. Taxis will be available from all major regions of the town.
Tonga
Tongas can also help you travel locally, and these horse drawn carriages will charge you around Rs 10 to 15.
On Foot
Tourists mainly walk to all the places in Leh because the town is a very small one. You can take a walk down the tree line roads and peaceful surroundings in order to reach your destination.
Hotels
You can find 34 hotels in Leh under following categories:
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