Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

       Leh, situated at an altitude of 3,500 m, is in a fertile side valley of the Indus about 10 km from the river. Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, it developed as a trading post and market. It's population size is 90,000., while It receives annual rainfall of 1,780 mm. It's quite hot when sun is up but in the shade it can still be very cold. Leh has worldwide direct dial telephone facility. Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert with a low level of atmospheric oxygen.

Climate:
Summers: In summer maximum temperature can rise to 25 degree Celsius and minimum 12 degree. Protection against sunburn is required.

Winters: In winters maximum temperature hovers around 15 degree and minimum temperature can drop to -30 degree.

Important: Tourists reaching Leh from the plains of India by air are required to allow time for acclimatization before engaging in any physical activity. The S.N.M Hospital at Leh is fully equipped and staffed with a team of specialists to take care of any eventuality arising out of high altitude ailments caused by the rarified atmosphere of the area. 

Best time to visit: Period between March to April is best time to visit Leh.

How to reach there:
Air: Alliance Air (a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines) flights connect Leh with Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. The airport, with it's steeply sloping runway is several km out of town near Spitok Gompa. Indian Airlines office is near the Hotel Lha-ri-Mo, not far from the centre of town. 

Road: There are two overland routes into Leh, the road from Srinagar, and the road from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The Srinagar-Leh road usually open by beginning of June till October. The Manali-Leh road is openly from July to September. There is a extensive network around Leh of both state road transport and private buses. 

What to see:
Leh Palace: The palace was built in the 16th century and is now deserted and badly damaged. The roof of the palace offers good views of Zanskar mountains, across the Indus river. There's a nominal entry charge. 

Leh Mosque: This mosque in main bazaar is worth visiting and architecturally splendid. This Sunni Muslim mosque was constructed on land granted by King Deldan Namgyal in the 1960s. 

Leh & Tsemo Gompa: It stands high above the palace and houses manuscripts and paintings. The Red (Tsemo) Gompa, built in 1430, contains a fine 3 storey high seated Buddha image. It's open from 7 to 9 pm. 

Sankar Gompa: It is a couple of km north of the town centre. It's open from 7 to 10 am and from 5 to 7 pm, and  there's a Rs 10 entry fee. The gompa has an electric lightning. Upstairs is an impressive representation of Avalokitesvara complete with 1,000 arms and 1,000 heads. 

Some entertainment: The Cultural and Traditional Society puts on a cultural show each evening opposite the Hotel Yak Tail. 
The Mahabodi Society has a daily group meditation session at 5 pm and sometimes runs meditation courses at Choglamsar. 
At Ecological Development Centre, headquarters of the Ladakh Ecological Development Group, visitors are allowed to use library and the restaurant. Ecological Centre shows occasional films. 
Polo is popular in summer and is played in Polo ground beyond the main bus stand. In the nearby Archery Stadium, winter competition attracts large crowds. 
White water rafting and kayaking is possible on the Tsarap Chu and Zanskar rivers from mid-June.

What to shop:
It is good to shop for tea vessels, cups and butter churns, knitted carpets with Tibetan motifs, Tibetan jewellery from Leh. 

Tourists Info: The Tourist Office is located in the Tourist Reception Centre, on the road to airport. It is a good place to rent trekking equipment. 

• Asstt. Director Tourism,
  Tourist Reception Centre, Leh-194101, Ladakh.
  Tel :- (01982)-2497, 2295.

Around the city:
Spitok Gompa: It is 10 km from Leh, situated on a hilltop. The temple is about 1,000 years old. There is a nominal entry fee. 

Phyang:  About 24 km from Leh, on the road towards Srinagar, the gompa has 50 monks and the entry fee is Rs 10. There is an interesting village below the gompa.

Nubra Valley: Nubra Valley is one of the most recently opened areas of Ladakh. It was once on the trading route which connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the Karakoram Pass.Along the eastern ridge of the Karakoram range in northern Ladakh is the Nurba Valley comprising of the Upper Shayok and Nubra river valleys. The trekking route to this area is demanding and traverses the Kardung-la (18,380 ft) pass along the ancient trade route from Leh to Central Asia. It is the highest motorable road in the world! The breathtaking view from the pass surveys an entire length of the Indus Valley in the south and a magnificent panorama of snow clad peaks. The route follows the valley past attractive villages to Deskit, the largest village in the valley. Onwards to Hundar down the Shayok valley, the trail wanders past rolling sand dunes. There is a small population of double humpad Bactrian camels here and visitors can avail of a marvelous moonlight camel safari on the dunes. Another trekking route proceeds up the Nubra River past pretty villages and the monastery at Samstaling to Panamik the last village on the circuit. The natural hot springs here are a bonus after the trek. 

Panamik: It is 150 km from Leh. There are two self-help crafts centres in the village, one involved with weaving, the other woodcarving. The 250 year old Ensa Gompa is atleast 6 hour walk via Hargam. There is a small guest house with a camping ground here. 

Diskit: Diskit is in the Shyok Valley, and is the district headquarters. The accommodation is available at a Guest House. 

Choglamsar: The Tibetan refugee camp here has become an important centre for the study of Tibetan literature and history, and Buddhist philosophy. The temporary residence of Dalai Lama stands near the river. The Mahabodi society runs meditation courses at Rde-wa Chan near Choglamsar. 

Shey: This was old summer palace of the kings of Ladakh and was built 560 years ago. The Palace gompa has a 12 m high seated Buddha image. The entry fee is Rs 10 and the gompa is open from 7 to 9 pm and 5 to 6 pm. 

Tikse Gompa: It is 17 km from Leh. The monastery is very picturesque and sited on a hilltop. Beside the car park is the Zan-La Temple. It has an important collection of Tibetan style books in it's library and some excellent artwork. Entry fee is Rs 15. 

Hemis Gompa: Is one of the largest and most important gompas in Ladakh, is 45 km from Leh on the western side of Indus. It is famous for it's Hemis festival, celebrated in June-July. It has an extensive library, well preserved wall paintings and good Buddha figures. Entry Fee is Rs 15. A rest house is available for accommodation and also in local homes. 

Stok: The queen of Stok, wife of last king of Ladakh, lives in the 200 year old palace. Visitors are allowed to see palace's museum only. Entry fee is Rs 20 and it is open from 7 am to 7 pm. 

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