Leh

Leh is a town in the Ladakh region of northern India. It is the administrative capital of the union territory of Ladakh and the seat of Leh district. Located on the banks of the Indus River at an elevation of about 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), Leh is the largest settlement in Ladakh and serves as a major commercial and tourist hub.

Historically part of the Kingdom of Ladakh, Leh was a key stop on caravan routes linking India with Central Asia and has strong Tibetan Buddhist and Ladakhi cultural influences. Following the 2019 reorganization of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh became a separate union territory with Leh as its administrative capital.

Leh’s climate is a high-altitude cold desert, with long, cold winters and brief, warm summers. The town relies on tourism as a principal economic activity, with many monasteries and historical sites nearby. Notable landmarks include the Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and an array of monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, Spituk, and Stakna. The Indus Valley’s temples and markets reflect Tibetan-Buddhist and Ladakhi traditions, alongside Muslim and Hindu communities.

Transport in Leh centers on the domestic Kushok Bakula Rimpoche Airport, with flights to Delhi and other Indian cities, and road access via the Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highways. The latter two routes are seasonal, typically open in the summer months and closed during winter due to snow.

Leh is a gateway for treks and expeditions in Ladakh, including visits to Nubra Valley and higher passes such as Khardung La, and it hosts cultural festivals that attract visitors from around the world.