Leh
The base for every Ladakh trip — an old town, a palace and monasteries, and the place to acclimatise before going higher.
Leh
Leh is the capital of the district and the practical centre of Ladakh: the airport, hotels, taxi unions and onward routes are all here. It is also where your body has to catch up with the altitude.
Explore Leh on the map
City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.
What Leh is for
Leh rewards a slow first two days, which is exactly what acclimatisation needs.
Within easy reach of town
- The old town and the palace above it — a walkable first outing once you have rested.
- Shanti Stupa — a hilltop stupa with views over town, best at the ends of the day.
- Nearby monasteries such as Thiksey and Hemis are day trips by road; confirm opening and any dress rules locally.
How long to give it
Rest
Arrive, rest, hydrate. Short evening walk only.
Town and nearby
Old town, palace and a nearby monastery — staying low enough to keep acclimatising.
Go higher
Only now head for Nubra or Pangong.
Arriving & getting around
Most visitors fly in. Hire a car with a driver for anything beyond town.
Getting there
- Leh (IXL) has direct flights from Delhi that take about an hour, per the Leh administration.
- By road: Srinagar–Leh is 434 km and Manali–Leh 473 km. The first is open May to November/December and the second May/June to September/October.
Before you go
- Domestic visitors pay the Leh administration's environmental (green) fee, which includes a Red Cross fund and wildlife fee, online at lahdclehpermit.in and carry the receipt. The administration's 2021 notice put the green fee at Rs 400 per person; check the portal for the current amount.
When to visit
Leh is a high-altitude desert: dry, bright and cold at night.
Both highways open; days rarely above 30 C and nights around 12 C, per the Leh administration.
Roads begin closing and nights get very cold; check what is open.
Night temperatures can fall to around minus 30 C. Only for well-prepared visitors.
How to be a good guest
A Buddhist region with living monasteries.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly in monasteries, ask before photographing inside, and walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
Insider tips
- Do not skip the rest days. They are a rule here, not a suggestion.
- Carry the fee receipt and ID; check the portal for current requirements.
- Book the car with the route and rest days agreed before you leave Leh.
Related to Leh
Journeys that include Leh — each one visits the city as part of its itinerary.
Common questions
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