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Around
Himachal |
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Leh Hill Station in Kashmir
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Facts &
Figures of Leh
Location -
Northern Most Part Of J&K.
Altitude -
11,000 m.
Best Time -
May to October
Introduction :
Leh is a
hill resort with several attractions. The capital of Ladakh
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been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist
Culture since long. Its colorful gompas attract the devout Buddhists from far
and away. Leh also is a favorite hiking locale that is
thronged by adventure seekers.
Location
The hill resort of Leh is the administrative capital of the
Ladakh district. It lies in the eastern part of the northern
Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Leh stands high at an
altitude of 3,505 m above sea level. The Zanskar River flows
through Leh.
Past
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.
Best Time To Visit
The lovely landscapes and the majestic mountains of Leh
attract adventurers and tourists alike. The best time to
visit Ladakh is in the summer months i.e. between the months
of June and August. The road is open thus the transportation
to and from Leh is easy in summers. In winters the
temperature at Leh goes below zero degrees often.
Sites in and around
One of the major landmarks of Leh worth visiting
is the Leh Palace. The Leh Palace is on the same lines as
the Potala in Lhasa. The 17th century royal residence is now
in ruins. Close to the Palace atop the Namgyal hill stands
the Victory Tower. The Tower was built to commemorate
Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early
16th century.
Then there is the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. The Gompa was built
way back in 1430. The major attractions in the Gompa are the
three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and
frescoes. You may catch some breathtakingly beautiful vistas
of Leh from here. |
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Then there is the tourist attraction of the Sankar Gompa.
The Gompa is renowned for the impressive impression of the
Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig with a
thousand arms and an equal number of heads.
Shanti Stupa is another must visit at Leh. The Stupa is a
vintage point to enjoy the wondrous views of the exotic
locales of Leh. |
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While at Leh you must also check out the Alchi Gompa. The
11th century gompa is located on the banks of the Indus
River. Alchi is one of the largest and the most famous
monasteries in Leh. You may check out the widely renowned
collection of paintings in the Gompa. The biggest Gompa of
Leh namely, Hemis is another site worth visiting. In fact
there are several gompas of the 16th and the 17th century,
in and around Leh that are of much interest to the
archeologists.
Leh along with Choglamsar is known for the Buddhist study
centers. In case you are holidaying at Leh and need
relaxation, try the summer meditation sessions at the
Mahabodhi Meditation Center on Changspa Lane.
What to Buy
For regular shopping Leh has several markets. For gift items
and souvenirs the tourists at Leh may check out the Ladakh
Art Place in the old town, the Ecology Center and some shops
behind the Main Bazaar road. If you happen to be in Leh
during the Ladakh festival then you must pick up the local
handicrafts and clothes from the captivating stalls. |
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Adventure Sports
Leh is indeed a trekker's paradise in North India. In case
adventure excites you then you must take up any of the many
treks offered from Leh. The trekking agencies in Leh offer
treks inclusive of guide, packhorses, food and supplies.
Polo is another popular activity you may indulge in at the
Polo ground of Leh. Polo matches and competitions are
regularly held in |
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Leh. For the archers the
National Archery Stadium is the place to be at in Leh. Then there is the
ravishing adventure sport of river rafting you may try in the Zanskar River. The period from the month of July to
September is ideal for river rafting in Leh.
Leh also offers mountain biking to the daring on the second
highest motor able road in the world. The adventure in
mountain biking from Leh lies in the most hostile terrains.
The entire stretch of 485 km between Leh and Manali offers a
challenge to mountain bikers who have the opportunity to cut
across the majestic Himalayan ranges through four mountains
passes. Adventurers need to push endurance to the limits to
accept the challenge offered by the dangerous high-altitude
trail from Leh. To the daring adventurers Leh-Manali highway
rewards spectacular and picturesque landscapes.
How to Reach
In terms of air transport Leh is well connected with the
other important places in India. Regular flights link Leh
with Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.
For road transport to Leh there are land routes connecting
Leh with 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.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options are easily available at Leh. Leh has
several hotels and guesthouses that mostly open in the peak
season from July to mid September. 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 wooden lodges may be mid-range or top-end
lodges offering comfortable stay at Leh.
Delicious and hygienic food is also available in plenty at
Leh. You may feast on a variety of cuisines in Leh. Indian
delicacies and especially the Kashmiri dishes are popular.
Tibetan as well as western cuisines are easily available.
During your stay in Leh the bakeries and their sweetmeats
are a must checkout.
Travel Information
It is noteworthy that the tourists must acclimatize to the
atmosphere at Leh. Otherwise the humans are likely to suffer
from acute mountain sickness or the AMS.
The tourists or the adventure seekers need to have permits
for entry in to the restricted areas in and around Leh.
Individual tourists are not permitted to visit the
entry-restricted areas.
Tourists or the adventurers are not allowed to stay for more
than seven days even after getting permits to the restricted
circuits.
The tourist or the adventure groups are to travel on
identified tour circuits only. |
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