Leh, India

Leh, India

Leh India

Leh is a high desert city in the Himalayas and the capital of the Leh region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Originally a commercial caravan stop, it is renowned for its Buddhist sites and nearby hiking areas. The vast 17th‑century Leh Palace, modelled on the former home of the Dalai Lama (the Potala Palace in Tibet), overlooks the bazaar of the old town and its maze of narrow streets. With sweeping views from a hilltop above the city, Namgyal Tsemo is a monastery dating from around 1430 that houses a gold‑plated Buddha statue. Shanti Stupa, a modern Buddhist shrine with a white spire, is also celebrated for its views. Other monasteries in the area include Thikse, a complex of buildings set on different levels of the hillside, featuring Tibetan shrines, statues and other artworks. South of Leh, the Indus River and its tributary, the Zanskar River, are popular for white‑water rafting through dramatic gorges. Trekking expeditions reach great heights in the Indus Valley region, including the Khardung La Pass at 5,359 metres.
Recommended airport
Leh (IXL)
Nearby destinations
  • Stok Kangri a 22.21 km
  • Khardung La a 14.23 km
  • Alchi a 38.22 km