The capital of the Ladakh district, Leh is towards the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below. The Stok mountain range lies just south of Leh, while towards the north one can find the snow-capped Ladakh range. In the winters, it is freezing cold with temperatures going below 0�C.
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History

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.
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A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions here. The palace was built in the 17th century and is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.
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The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, contains a three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.
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Sankar gompa

The Sankar gompa is located a couple of kilometers north of the town center. The gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and has an impressive impression of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig, with 1,000 arms and an equal number of heads.
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Shanti Stupa

The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road.
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Hemis

Hemis, one of the biggest gompas in Ladakh was built in 1630. It belongs to the red sect, Brokpa. It lies at a distance of 45 km south of Leh.

There are many Gompas in and around Leh which are erected during the 16th and 17th Century and are of archeological significance.
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Trekking at Leh

Leh is a trekker's favorite spot in North India. The treks from Spituk to the Markha valley and Lamayuru gompa to Chiling village alongside the Zanskar River are the most popular treks of the region. Another trek path is from Likir to Temisgam. Treks can be completed from the end of June until the middle of October. Proper acclimatization is necessary as many of the passes are as high as 5,000 m in altitude. Many trekking agencies in Leh offer inclusive treks with a guide, packhorses, food and supplies.
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Besides trekking, polo is also a popular pastime in Leh. During summers, one can play polo on Tuesdays and Saturdays on the Polo ground. Regular matches and competitions are held during the Ladakh festival.

Archery competitions are held at the National Archery Stadium.
From July to September, one might also indulge in rafting in the Zanskar River.

Buddhist study centers have been set up at both Leh and Choglamsar. Summer meditation sessions are held at the Mahabodhi Meditation Center on Changspa Lane.
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Prices are quite high at Leh. The places for local goods are the Ladakh Art Place in the old town, the Ecology Center and some shops behind the Main Bazaar road. During the Ladakh festival there are many stalls selling local handicrafts and clothes.
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There are regular flights from Delhi to Leh that are run by the Indian Airlines. There are direct flights once a week from Leh to Srinagar and twice a week to Jammu. The Delhi flights are overbooked throughout the year.

There are two overland routes to Leh-the roads from Srinagar and Manali. The Leh-Srinagar road is usually open from June to October, while the Leh-Manali route is open from July to September.
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There are a large number of hotels and guesthouses in Leh and they are mostly open in the peak season (July-mid-September). Local tourist authorities decide the price of accommodation. Budget lodging is available in three main areas: the old town, the newer areas along the Fort Road, and within the peaceful village of Changspa. The lodges can be very romantic, being made of wood. There are many mid-range and top-end lodges as well.

There is no shortage of eating joints in Leh, and one can enjoy many different cuisines here. Indian cuisine, especially Kashmiri, is cheap and delicious. Tibetan cuisine is also very popular. Western food can be obtained in the hotels along the Fort Road. Leh is also famous for its bakeries and their sweetmeats.

There are a couple of bars as well.
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