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City in Ladakh, Indian-administered Kashmir
Photo: (WT-en) Sting at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Home for helpless donkeys
Just off the road leading to Khardung-La. The public is encouraged to visit the sanctuary and friendly signs will direct you to the sanctuary from the centre of Leh. It is no more than a pleasant 5 to 10 minute stroll from the main road to the Sanctuary and the artistic surprise awaiting you is well worth the effort. It is open to the public throughout the day and donations and juicy carrots are most welcome and used exclusively for improving the lives and welfare of these wonderful animals.
Built by a Japanese Buddhist group. This modern stupa is somewhat kitschy, but still worth a visit.
Very notably it thrones above the city.
Monastery in the Karma Kagyu tradition. Not much to see here, unless you are interested in Buddhism, but it is opposite the street of one of the Dalai Lama residencies.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Above the Palace, built 1430.
Soma Gompa
Just around the corner from Main Bazaar, it's a large modern gompa. It's also the location of the Ladakhi Buddhist Association, a conservative political organisation with ties to Hindutva groups.
War Museum
Fascinating place run by the Indian Army showcasing the history, glory and the equipment related to army operations in some of the most hostile terrain in the world. It also has a fascinating display on the Siachen battlefield, the highest and one of the more arduous battlefield in the world.
This is easy to find, as the water of Zanskar is brown, whilst that of the Indus is a little pink.
This Gurudwara houses a rock with the imprint of a Sikh that supposedly prayed here and was supposed to be crushed by the rock, but miraculously survived.
Supposedly, the largest monastery of Ladakh with at least 150 lamas, but it doesn't look that way. Also notable for a huge painting of the Buddha, which is displayed to the public only once every 12 years - next time will be 2028. The entrance is probably mostly for the museum, but the monastery itself is not special and does not allow for any spectacular pictures. It feels more like a tourist trap, considering the amount of taxis with tourists that ply here—probably their way of paying tribute (and cash) to this monastery.
If you are already here anyway and still don't want to go empty-handed, take the service road around the Hemis monastery (avoiding the ticket stand), and head up to Gotsang Monastery in the hills behind—it is a steep 2 km walk.
A supposed optical illusion, where it seems cars rolling down the hill but actually go up. It might not be as impressive as hyped.
former royal palace
The palace is the most noticeable building in Leh district; built in the 17th century, and now undergoing restoration. There's not much to see inside the palace, but there are good views outside.
It contains numerous sacred shrines inside the monastery, frescoes dating from the royal period.
Shey Gompa
Shey was once the ancient capital of Ladakh and is now just a rural village. The village is surrounded by spectacular mountains, a breathtaking view by day, and a great place to experience Ladakh. A 500 m walk up from the village to the palace will be rewarded with a fantastic view of one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ladakh.
Stok Gompa
A pleasant village across the Indus with this monastery well worth visiting.
Thiksey Gompa
Much more worth it than Hemis, this is an excellent place to visit, a well maintained, active and interesting Geluk (the sect headed by the Dali Lama) Monastery. The two-storey-tall Matreya statue is stunning.
4,133 m
A 2-hr hike (3 km) with a great view of Leh and the valley. The trail starts in the very north of Leh.
4,050 m
Another 2-hr hike, which give you a view of the airport of Leh, the valley, and the Stok mountain and its range around. The trail starts east of Leh center, slightly north.
Gyamche La Pass, 4,810 m
If you take an early morning bus (8AM?) to Phyang village (3,600 m) in the parallel valley west of Leh, this trail leads you by the Gyamche La Pass and back into Leh from the north. This is a proper full day hike of 20 km, and considering its 1,200 m altitude gain, it will require some time. On the way, you can also visit Phyang Monastery.
This is an easy full day hike of 12 km (loop) going from 3,500–3,950 m just west of Stok.
4,846 m
12.5 km (one-way), 1,200 m altitude gain—it's the pass that leads to Markha Valley. You might be able to do it in one day from Stok if you are fit, otherwise you might have to camp along the way. Note, people say that this is proper mountaineering and you will need some experience.
6,140 m
A proper mountain for a 2-3 days hike from Stok. You should have some mountaineering experience if you do this peak. Since the peak is officially closed (for commercial tours), there are no camps along the way and you will have to bring your own tent and food. In case anyone asks, just say you are heading to Stok La.
Inexpensive mutton chowmein, tupka and momos. No chai, just coffee.
Another mutton place popular with locals serving thali style dishes and chai.
As everywhere in India, the Gurudwara serves mostly rice and dal throughout the day, but often chai is served as well.
Besides what the name of the place indicates, this is one of the most delicious and inexpensive dosa places, probably in the whole of India. If visiting Hemis or are on the way to Pangong Lake, you must have a stop here.
This Gurudwara has one of the better Langars in India, delicious curry with Pakora or tofu. And outside you can enjoy chai watching the bustle with tourists, army and truckers alike.
His chai (milk tea) has a special delicious taste, try finding out why.
A very friendly atmosphere.
Quite a different place built for sustainability. They only have double rooms, which can be kind of nice compared to regular hostels. Toilets and restaurant are in different buildings, and the place gets quite hot and dry (literally) during the day.
An inexpensive, clean and recommended hostel, a little off the center though, but great location for exploring places outside of Leh.
Home stay in beautiful surroundings.
A clean hostel with proper facilities very far away from the center, but great for getting out of Leh.
Often full.
Run by a very hospitable Ladakhi family. Quiet place with a nice courtyard. Food is made of fresh vegetables, grown in the courtyard garden.
A little ahead of Zeepata Guest House, Most rooms have a great view either of the Shanti Stupa or of the Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. 24 hr hot water, Good value for money.
Run by a very friendly Ladakhi family, some rooms with good views of Shanti Stupa and offers tasty homemade food and desserts. 24 hrs hot water, Good value for money.
One of the few hotels open during winter. Has reliable, satellite backed WiFi, even when snowfall brings down the LTE and overland connections.
The Gurudwara also offers a free sleeping hall, in case you want to try this unique experience. It is a good idea in case you want to head to Alchi or further west in the morning and not just want to torture yourself getting out of Leh first.
By bus
The local buses get exceptionally crowded, times of departure fluctuate greatly, and there is no ticket office (just board the bus, and pay to the conductor).
By road
There are two roads into Leh—both equally spectacular in different ways, and time-consuming with winding, narrow roads and numerous military checkpoints:
By taxi
The fastest way to get to Leh from Manali is by tempo traveller or taxi van, sometimes by 4WD. Shared taxis do the trip in one long day (of about 14 hr).
By thumb
Many locals and trucks ply both highways into Leh, some willing to take you the full distance, some just to the next village.
By motorbike
The Manali-Leh Highway is very popular with Indians to go on a motorbike. Bikes are available for rent at Manali.
By bus
Also local public buses call at the main bus station of Leh—the airport and close by destinations like Choglamsar or Spituk go for ₹20. Here are some connections (as of Sep 2023):
By motorbike
Various places on main Bazaar and Changsp Rd rent motorbikes. But Leh, Phyang and Choglamsar are the only places with petrol stations.
By taxi
They have fixed prices (updated every 2 years) and can be arranged from the taxi stand along Fort Rd. When available, you may also purchase a copy of the fare-booklet for ₹20.
By tour
Many travel agents in Leh will offer several day tours to the nearby tourists sites, stating in their shop windows that they just need one or two more people to get the car full.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Leh · Regional · IXL
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