The mosque, city palace, the bazaar and the gompas, are all within walking distances of each other. Shey, Spituk and Phyang are quite close while Stok, Matho, Thiksey, Stakna, Chernrey, Hemis, Likir, Basgo and Alchi are all a day's touring distance. Rumbak and Markha offer exciting treks, while Stok Kangri is the best for a climb. Boating and river running too are possible on the Indus.

The beauty of Leh is that it introduces you best to Ladakh’s ways while you head out for short walks or drive around. Leh stands accessible, surrounded by the majesty of the Himalayan enclave. The experience can best be described as a peek into the delights that make up this ancient trade route.

History of Leh

Leh became the regional capital in the 17th century, when King Sengge Namgyal shifted his court here from Shey (15 km southeast) to be closer to the head of the Khardung La-Karakoram corridor into China. Very soon, the town blossomed into one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. It was in 1974 that Leh was opened up for tourists.