Leh

Leh is the main town and joint capital of Ladakh, at about 3,500 m on the Indus plain. The nine-storey Leh Palace, built in the 17th century, and Namgyal Tsemo stand above the old bazaar. Shanti Stupa gives sunset views. Leh Main Bazaar, Jama Masjid and local cafes make it a good place to rest and shop for Ladakhi crafts. Day trips cover Thiksey, Shey, Hemis and Spituk monasteries, Magnetic Hill, the Indus-Zanskar confluence at Sangam and the Hall of Fame museum. Leh is also the launch point for Nubra over Khardung La and Pangong Tso over Chang La. Longer trips go to Tso Moriri and Turtuk. Because of the altitude, spend your first two days resting. Drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol before heading higher. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways are generally open from about June to October. Flights from Delhi operate year-round. Winters are very cold, and many guesthouses are closed.