If you want to explore the true culture and lifestyle of Ladakh, then Leh is your place of interest. Leh is the most popular destination in the world which is there in everyone’s bucket list. Leh can be described as the land of several monasteries, captivating landscape, luxurious palaces, tranquil hamlets and rugged valleys. Being the main city of Ladakh and new union territory of India, Leh attracts millions of tourists every year. Not only for photographers and adventure seekers, Leh offers something unique and different for every type of traveler. It doesn’t matter if you are a photographer, naturalist, honeymooner, a historian or a pilgrim, every corner of Leh has something special coming for you!
Leh can be reached easily by air however, the best way to reach Leh is via road which is more fun! Leh is located at a distance of 430 kms from Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and 412 kms from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir). Leh is positioned at an impressive altitude of 11,490 feet above sea level and acted as a resting place for traders traveling on the ancient Silk route of India.
If you have keen interest in history then not to worry as Leh will be a surprise package for you! Leh has served many kingdoms and dynasties since centuries which can be seen in its vibrant culture and historical monuments. Leh saw its first ever residents who were Dard’s, people from the Indo-Aryan race. Followed by this, people from neighboring regions like Tibet and Skardo (now Pakistani occupied area) found their homes here. Later, when Buddhism was moving from Central India to Tibet, a large settlement flourished here. So due to such old settlements, Leh is heaven for history lovers which holds great cultural diversity. You will be amazed to explore some of the museums, ancient palaces and historical sites which hold fascinating history and tales.
Not only to historians, Leh is paradise for those who are looking for peace as the place is well-dotted with Buddhist monasteries, ancient temples and spiritual learning centers. These monasteries, temples and learning centers hold great collections of spiritual books, artifacts, religious texts and articles. Along with spiritual centers, Leh is heaven for adventure seekers as the place offers a wide range of adrenaline rushing activities like mountain biking, mountain climbing, trekking, river rafting, camping, nature trails and national parks. So, feel free to plan your next holidays with the Leh and Ladakh tour package as Leh has something for everyone!
Everyone loves traveling as you get a chance to explore new regions and cultures. Leh is one of the most loved destinations in the world which is a dream for everyone. So here we have good news for you! Now, you can explore Leh and nearby areas throughout the year. You can take a flight from IGI Airport, New Delhi and explore Leh and nearby areas. However, if you want to explore Leh by road then it is recommended to visit Leh before December as roads are usually blocked due to heavy snowfall. The best time to visit Leh is from May to October as the weather is pleasant and the real beauty of Leh can be seen at this time. Apart from this, from November to April the region is covered with dense snow due to which everything turns shining white and sometimes roads get blocked too.
We, at Custom Tours India would love to hear from you regarding your upcoming vacation in India where you can choose from our wide range of customized tours of Leh and Ladakh. You may go through our basic Leh Ladakh Itinerary which can be tailor-made to your taste. Below mentioned are the top sightseeing places to visit in Leh.
One of the most beautiful and most-visited tourist spots in Leh, Leh Palace sits proudly on Tsemo Hill. This palace was the former residence of the royal family which was established in the 17th century under the rule of Namgyal Dynasty. The palace is stationed on a hill which offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountain ranges. This beautiful palace is inspired by the Tibetan style of architecture made up of mud, wood, sand and stones.
If you are looking for peace then, Shanti Stupa is where you need to be! Shanti Stupa is a spiritual white dome which was built on the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism. This place holds great significance in Buddhism as it houses the final remains of Buddha. Shanti Stupa was built in order to promote peace in the world and as a center of meditation. Stationed on a hill, it offers a magnificent view of Leh and nearby valleys.
After the invasion of Dongra Forces in the 19th century, the royal family shifted their residence from Leh Palace to the Stok Palace. Stok Palace is the finest example of Ladakhi architectural style which was built in the year 1820. However, later with the time the royal family turned this palace into a luxurious heritage hotel and a museum. You may visit the museum which houses a massive collection of artefacts of Ladakh’s history, traditional attires, handloom and handicrafts, royal coins, jewelry and rare photographs.
Leh is a land of ancient monasteries in which the most beautiful one is – Thiksey Monastery. This 12-storey monastery is situated at a distance of 20 kms from Leh surrounded by Greenland, quaint colonies and majestic Himalayan mountains. Thiksey Monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh which is well-dotted with several statues, stupas and artefacts. The main attraction of this monastery is its unique colors which adds beauty to the surrounding vistas and a huge statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Bollywood’s favorite monastery, Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh which was built in 1055 AD. Alchi Monastery is the only single monastery which is built on a flat ground which makes it different from others. You will go fascinated with the wonderful colors painted on the walls and ceilings of this monastery. You can go through various articles and holy books telling stories about the history of Buddhism.
Situated at a distance of 45 kms from Leh in a remote village, Hemis Monastery is the most visited and richest monastery of India. This captivating piece of art was first built in the 11th century and later re-established in the year 1672. You will be astonished with the beauty and terrific architecture of this monastery. The main attraction of this monastery is the “Hemis Festival” which is organized every year where hundreds of monks perform prayers, holy rituals and religious masked dance. This monastery houses a great collection of gold statues, Tibetan books, precious stones, weapons and chortens.
Located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, Magnetic Hill is an amazing place where you can literally feel the gravitational force of Earth. Magnetic Hill is located on Leh-Kargil highway stationed at a distance of 28 kms from Leh. You will be amazed to see that your car will automatically move upwards even if your engine is turned off. You can stop here for a while and enjoy this rare phenomenon of nature.
Above mentioned are the top sightseeing places in and around Leh which you can explore with our tailor-made tours of Leh and Ladakh. If you are planning to come in a group, rest assured as Custom Tours India have custom made group tours of India. You choose your place, accommodation, type of vehicle and let Custom Tour India prepare a private-tour of India as per your taste.