| Leh |
| Population 27,513 Altitude 3505 m Area 45,110 square km Languages English, Hindi, Ladakhi, Purig and Tibetan |
| Leh city, situated at a height of 3505 m, is the capital of Ladakh. Leh city gained prominence under the rule of King Sengge Namgyal (17th century). He shifted his court from Shey to Leh and the city became the regional capital of Ladakh. In fact, the town's prosperity grew so much that it became one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. However, with the closure of the Chinese border in 1950's, the city's prosperity came to a sudden halt. But, after two wars in quick succession with Pakistan, Leh's strategic value increased. Today, the army soldiers and their families from the nearby military and air force bases are the main support of the local economy, along with tourism. Leh was opened to the foreign tourists in 1974. Since then Leh has become one of the favorite tourist destinations in the northernmost parts of the country. Leh has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture since ages. Its colorful gompas have attracted devout Buddhists from all over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale and is known for some of the best hikes in the country. Tourism in Leh holds many attractions for its visitors. Age-old monasteries, quaint lanes, colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh a fascinating destination. You can go trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, enjoy a game of polo in a high altitude arena or watch an archery contest where local residents compete in a contest that remains unchanged by time. Mountaineering, white water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of Leh. Though the weather can be freezing cold, the smiles on the faces of the Ladakhi people are sure to warm your heart. Banks and Internet There are plenty of banks in leh where you can change money and travelers cheques. There are also several ATMs that accept international cards. There are numerous internet cafes in town but prices can be higher than elsewhere in india, around Rs 100 per hour. |