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Leh, the largest town of the Ladakh region, lies in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by different boundaries, it reflects a mixed culture of the Hindu, Islam and the Tibetan religions. The city has an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters above sea level and is dominated by the Leh palace, which was previously home to the royal family of Ladakh.
Lying in the northern region of the country, Leh houses a number of temples, mosques and monasteries. While roaming here, the travellers can experience mixed lifestyles of the local and the Tibetan population. Leh, with its mixed blend of cultures, makes visit here an interesting and amusing activity. Nearby pilgrim places, Hindu temples and close association to the Tibetans altogether make this place rich, even in spirituality. This combination in culture and lifestyle make it a unique experience for people visiting here.
History
The roots of the city of Leh date back to the 17th century, when the town was dominated by the royal family of Ladakh, who lived in the Leh Palace. The place was later abducted by the Kashmiri forces in the 19th century and the family relocated to Stok Palace. Till date, this nine-storyed palace holds great importance in Leh city and is regarded as a valuable structure. In 1661, Aurangzeb, the then Mughal Emperor, ordered a mosque to be built below the palace, which still exists there and reflects a blend of the Tibetan and Islamic culture. Leh has also served as an important stopover for trade routes between India and China.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this place is from June to September
Location
State: Jammu and Kashmir
District: Leh
Distance from nearest cities: Srinagar and Manali are the closest cities from Leh, which are 434 km and 473 km away respectively.
How to reach
Nearest airport: Leh is the main airport located at a distance of 8 km from the city.
Nearest railway stations: The nearest railway station is at Jammu, approximately 620 km from Leh.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Leh can be approached via the Kashmir valley which is open for travel between June and November.
Tourism Department
Leh
Deputy Director Tourism,
Leh-(Ladakh) 194101
Tel: 01982-252297, 252095
Climatic Conditions
Leh experiences dry cold during winters and is quite warm during summers.
Clothing
Light woollen clothes in summers and heavy woollen clothes in winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Leh
- Leh Palace: The town was dominated by the royal family of Ladakh, who lived in the Leh Palace. The place was later abducted by the Kashmiri forces in the 19th century. This nine-storied palace holds great importance in Leh city and is regarded as a valuable structure.
- Leh Monastery and Gompa: It is located 8 kilometres from Leh and exhibits a collection of ancient arms and masks from the 15th century.
- Shanti Stupa: This structure was built in 1985, by the Japanese who wanted to spread Buddhism and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama, the great Tibetan leader.
- Shey Gompa: It is located 15 kilometres from Leh and is supposed to be “the seat of power’ of the Tibetan kings.
- Soma Gompa (Jokhang): The Ladakh Buddhist Association built the small Gonpa in 1957 which contains a statue of Buddha, in crown.
- Stok Palace Museum: It is located 17 kilometres from Leh and exhibits ancient artefacts of the Tibetan kings.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon and edited by Prerna.
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