Around Leh and surroundings
Heart of Ladakh
For most tourists is Leh (3 520 m asl) gateway to interesting landscape called Ladakh. In order to gain acclimatization to even greater heights, it is certainly worth to explore not only the old town, but also the surrounding mountains. The main places of interest in Leh are monumental royal palace Little Potala, Namgyal Tsemo gompa or beautiful Shanti stupa. You can do a quick tour in one day, but if you want to walk around you can quietly count with five days
Day 1
Sightseeing in Leh
It is best to start the first day in Leh at the main bazaar and then ascend to the royal palace and then even higher to the monastery Namgyal Tsemo gompa. After lunch, ideally in a restaurant with a „roof top“ set out for the sunset to the next symbol of the town – Shanti stupa.
Historical centre of Leh
Tourist centerpiece of Ladakh
Under the royal palace and even higher located gompa of Namgyal Tsemo huddle bustling old town of Leh. Most tourists get here by air from Delhi, so for them it's really a gateway to Ladakh. The main boulevard full of jeeps of travel agencies and drinking water suppliers is lined with restaurants with nice outlook terraces and ubiquitous souvenir shops. Woman sell vegetables on the sidewalks and pack of dogs are chasing in the remote dusty streets. Most tourists accommodate in modern hotels in the northern green suburbs of Changspa, but it is far better to stay in small guesthouses right in the old town and enjoy the unique atmosphere while sitting on their rooftops. continue reading
Ascent to Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
The most favourite outlook to Leh
High above the old town and the royal palace towers the monastery of Namgyal Tsemo (3700 m asl). For most tourists arriving to Leh and beginning the trip in Ladakh it is also the first acclimatization ascent for the local altitude. Also for this reason it is better to ascent here on foot rather than take a taxi from the other side. In addition, the views from the top are fantastic, especially at sunset. continue reading
Walk to Shanti Stupa
Beautiful view of Leh
The ascent to one of the most famous landmarks of the Leh – Shanti stupa is beautiful at any time of day. But really ideal is for evening walk, because it is renowned beautiful place for watching the sunset over the crest of Stok Kangri. continue reading
Day 2
Monasteries in the Indus Valley
The next day, take a nice trip through picturesque monasteries in the Indus Valley. In addition, you will gradually pick up the necessary acclimatization to high altitude
Monasteries in Indus valley
Amazing example of Buddhism
During the visit of Ladakh, or rather Leh, it is definitely worth to set out for a day trip around the monasteries situated in the Indus valley to the southwest of the city and enjoy a genuine Buddhist atmosphere. The biggest magnet is very photogenic Thiksey monastery. Set out here as early as possible, ideally early in the morning, because you will then avoid the crowds of tourists and also see some ceremonies. An interesting stop is the monastery Stakna or large Hemis high above the valley. On the way back stop in the ruins Shey with a perfect view of the green valley of Indus. continue reading
3 and more days around Leh
Hikes around the city
- If you like hiking choose one of the trips around town, or within the quality of acclimatization walk here for the next three days
- The half-day trip may include driving to the high pass Khardung la, which you can then ride down on a bicycle. But most tourists, however, combine the ascent to the pass with several days lasting trip to the valley of Nubra.
Hiking around Leh
Barren surroundings of bustling city
If you arrive to Leh by air, it is ideal to acclimatize here to high altitude for at least two or three days. Moreover, in this case it is no loss of precious time, because the trips to the surroundings are very nice. You can also set out for perfect one-day more difficult hike from Leh. It is a good preparation for the forthcoming trekking in Ladakh. continue reading
Trip to Khardung la pass
Faked highest motorized pass in the world
Khardung la prides itself in all promotional materials as the highest motorized pass in the world. It works as a magnet for tourists, but it has long been known that the indicated altitude of 5 602 m asl is wrong, and it quite significantly, and the right altitude is „only“ 5,359 m asl. This was confirmed by several independent measurements and can be confirmed also by your GPS. Thus it is not the highest at all and you can find higher also here in Tibet or even in Ladakh. When exploring the area, you will find out that the declared height is valid rather for a small glacier towering on the eastern side of the pass. Anyway, the trip to the pass is worth it. If you borrow and take with you a bike, you can then also ride down or continue on to Nubra valley on the other side of the mountains. continue reading
Articles nearby
Article: The great circuit of Ladakh
Ladakh, located in the far north of India, attracts travelers not only with its mountainous landscape with great trekking… continue reading
