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Ladakh

Leh

Ladakh’s capital — monasteries, a walkable old town, and the base for everything beyond.

Best time: May to September Altitude: 3,500 m 420 km (about 12 hours by road) from Srinagar
Leh sits at 3,500 m, which means your first day belongs to acclimatisation and nothing else. That is not a wasted day: the old town below Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa at sunset and the market are all within walking distance.

From Leh, the standard runs are Nubra over Khardung La, Pangong to the east, and the monastery circuit down the Indus at Thiksey, Hemis and Alchi.

Main attractions

  • Leh Palace
  • Shanti Stupa
  • Thiksey Monastery
  • Hemis Monastery
  • Magnetic Hill
  • Sangam of Indus & Zanskar
  • Leh Market

Things to do

  • Acclimatise for a full day on arrival
  • Walk the old town and palace
  • Watch morning prayers at Thiksey
  • Ride the Indus valley monastery circuit

Trips that include it

Leh tour packages

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Nearby

More in Ladakh

Nubra Valley, Ladakh Ladakh Nubra Valley Cold desert dunes, double-humped camels and the green ribbon of the Shyok river. Explore Pangong Lake, Ladakh Ladakh Pangong Lake A 134 km high-altitude lake that changes colour through the day. Explore Khardung La, Ladakh Ladakh Khardung La One of the world’s highest motorable passes, on the road from Leh to Nubra. Explore Tso Moriri, Ladakh Ladakh Tso Moriri A quieter, higher lake in the Changthang plateau, well away from the crowds. Explore