When you’re looking for that peace and calm. A place far from hustle-bustle of the city. A pristine paradise which will connect you to nature and where you can experience tranquility and serenity. Leh it is!
A one-time highly flourishing trade center along the historic Silk Route, Leh has forever been romancing with awe and mystery. This city spins a web of attractions that you would seldom find anywhere else. It is here that you will break your shackles from the outside world and become a wanderlust meanderer.
We bring to you all that you need to know for a vacation in Leh and a virtual experience of the city and its attraction.
Getting Around Leh isn’t a place that’s big enough to make you dependent on transport facilities. You can easily trek your way around most of the attractions at a leisurely pace. In fact, people enjoy trekking rather than hopping on any possible transport vehicle, which is why taxis are available only for the purpose of traveling to the airport.
Tourist Traps in the City
The city has its fair share of tourist traps and it owes its prevalence to the growing influx of visitors every year.
Kashmiri shops and shopkeepers are the ones you need to be careful about. You are likely to be quoted steep prices for any commodity that you see there, including Pashmina shawls and blankets. Don’t hesitate to bargain aggressively. Beware of fake Thangkas as well. For antique and original ones, try the Tibetan art centers.
When hiring taxis to nearby places of attraction like Nubra Valley, Sumur, Panamik and Diskit, make yourself very clear about what you want. Some drivers would promise a comfortable ride with a maximum of five people but would cram up about 10 in the vehicle. Talk to the taxi stand operator and reach a mutual agreement before starting.
Local Custom
People in Leh are a very peaceful lot and sensitive to cultural and religious issues. Try not to hurt their sentiments by doing something that they disapprove of. Always take prior permission before you click pictures of people, especially monks and lamas.
Ladakhi people are known for their hospitality. Accept whatever they offer on your home stays so you don’t hurt their feelings.
Shopping
If you love collecting souvenirs, Leh has much to offer. There are numerous shops sprawled throughout the Main Bazaar, which have a huge collection of Tibetan curios.
Interestingly, books are also aplenty and available at around six decently stocked bookshops. Ranging from travel guides to Buddhist philosophies, these books are sought after by tourists who visit Leh.
Since Leh can be really cold in the evenings, you can check out the second hand clothes bazaar that’s located near the taxi/jeep stand and buy some handy warm clothes at throwaway prices.
Visit the Kashmiri shops if you are looking for Pashmina shawls, blankets and even heavy woolen socks, although you will need to bargain a lot to refrain from being cheated.
Communications
Leh is decently connected to the rest of the world through fixed phone lines and even mobile phone network services. BSNL and Airtel offer cell phone services although the coverage may be shaky at times.
Internet Access – There are several internet cafes, some of which still use the dial-up connection, which can not only be expensive but frustrating too. Step into the satellite operated internet cafes instead to enjoy uninterrupted communication.
Restaurants
Indian
Badshah Inn, Summer Harvest, Ibex Restaurant, Dreamland Restaurant
Chinese
Amdo Restaurant, Dreamland Restaurant, Penguin Garden Restaurant
Continental/European
La Pizzeria, German Bakery, Penguin Garden Restaurant, Pumpernickle
Regional
Tibetan Kitchen, Leh View, Summer Harvest, Zomsa
Weather
Leh stands at a lofty height of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) with a coordinate of 34°10' 12' N 77°34' 48 E. It is bound by Ghanche District to the north, Aksai Chin and Tibet to the east, Kargil district to the west and Lahaul and Spiti to the south.
As a city with a cold and arid climate, characterized through long, hard winters, the winter temperature can very well dip to -28 °C (-18.4°F). Snowfall is common in winters and paralyzes its link with the rest of India by road. Summers are usually pleasant with the maximum temperature rising to as much as 33 °C (91.4°F).
Surface
Leh can be reached either through Manali in the south or Srinagar in the west, both of which are uniquely adventurous. The road from Srinagar to Leh is around 434 kilometers (270 miles) and smoother because of the lower (safer) altitude. State transport operated ordinary and deluxe buses ply through this route, stopping overnight at Kargil and charge anywhere between rupees 370 to rupees 470. The ride from Manali to Leh, which also takes two days, stopping overnight at Keylong for a tent stay is more adventurous. With tent stay, dinner and breakfast included in the cost, HPTDC operated deluxe buses will charge you around rupees 1800, stopping momentarily at various passes so you can enjoy the scintillating views.
Alternatively, shared taxis and jeeps can also be hired from Manali and will cost you around rupees 1000, although the continuous ride of almost 24 hours will wear you out. From Srinagar taxis/jeeps will take you till Kargil for rupees 500 and you will have to stay overnight there. From Kargil you can take another jeep/taxi to Leh for rupees 400.
For the more adventurous travelers, bikes are available on rent and will cost you anywhere between rupees 500 a day for an Enfield to rupees 350 for others like Yamaha and Bajaj Pulsar. Check out the garages and around the main bazaar for these bikes.
Train
The nearest railhead from Leh is at Udhampur. Jammu and Pathankot are other options. Regular train services from Delhi and many other cities to these stations are easily available. However, it will easily take more than a couple of days to reach Leh from any of the two stations by road.
Air
Air India, Kingfisher and Jet Airways connect the Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport with Delhi and most cities of India. Although the flight services are regular, the unpredictable weather conditions, especially around winters can give way to delayed and cancelled flights.
A one-time highly flourishing trade center along the historic Silk Route, Leh has forever been romancing with awe and mystery. This city spins a web of attractions that you would seldom find anywhere else. It is here that you will break your shackles from the outside world and become a wanderlust meanderer.
We bring to you all that you need to know for a vacation in Leh and a virtual experience of the city and its attraction.
Getting Around Leh isn’t a place that’s big enough to make you dependent on transport facilities. You can easily trek your way around most of the attractions at a leisurely pace. In fact, people enjoy trekking rather than hopping on any possible transport vehicle, which is why taxis are available only for the purpose of traveling to the airport.
Tourist Traps in the City
The city has its fair share of tourist traps and it owes its prevalence to the growing influx of visitors every year.
Kashmiri shops and shopkeepers are the ones you need to be careful about. You are likely to be quoted steep prices for any commodity that you see there, including Pashmina shawls and blankets. Don’t hesitate to bargain aggressively. Beware of fake Thangkas as well. For antique and original ones, try the Tibetan art centers.
When hiring taxis to nearby places of attraction like Nubra Valley, Sumur, Panamik and Diskit, make yourself very clear about what you want. Some drivers would promise a comfortable ride with a maximum of five people but would cram up about 10 in the vehicle. Talk to the taxi stand operator and reach a mutual agreement before starting.
Local Custom
People in Leh are a very peaceful lot and sensitive to cultural and religious issues. Try not to hurt their sentiments by doing something that they disapprove of. Always take prior permission before you click pictures of people, especially monks and lamas.
Ladakhi people are known for their hospitality. Accept whatever they offer on your home stays so you don’t hurt their feelings.
Shopping
If you love collecting souvenirs, Leh has much to offer. There are numerous shops sprawled throughout the Main Bazaar, which have a huge collection of Tibetan curios.
Interestingly, books are also aplenty and available at around six decently stocked bookshops. Ranging from travel guides to Buddhist philosophies, these books are sought after by tourists who visit Leh.
Since Leh can be really cold in the evenings, you can check out the second hand clothes bazaar that’s located near the taxi/jeep stand and buy some handy warm clothes at throwaway prices.
Visit the Kashmiri shops if you are looking for Pashmina shawls, blankets and even heavy woolen socks, although you will need to bargain a lot to refrain from being cheated.
Communications
Leh is decently connected to the rest of the world through fixed phone lines and even mobile phone network services. BSNL and Airtel offer cell phone services although the coverage may be shaky at times.
Internet Access – There are several internet cafes, some of which still use the dial-up connection, which can not only be expensive but frustrating too. Step into the satellite operated internet cafes instead to enjoy uninterrupted communication.
Restaurants
Indian
Badshah Inn, Summer Harvest, Ibex Restaurant, Dreamland Restaurant
Chinese
Amdo Restaurant, Dreamland Restaurant, Penguin Garden Restaurant
Continental/European
La Pizzeria, German Bakery, Penguin Garden Restaurant, Pumpernickle
Regional
Tibetan Kitchen, Leh View, Summer Harvest, Zomsa
Weather
Leh stands at a lofty height of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) with a coordinate of 34°10' 12' N 77°34' 48 E. It is bound by Ghanche District to the north, Aksai Chin and Tibet to the east, Kargil district to the west and Lahaul and Spiti to the south.
As a city with a cold and arid climate, characterized through long, hard winters, the winter temperature can very well dip to -28 °C (-18.4°F). Snowfall is common in winters and paralyzes its link with the rest of India by road. Summers are usually pleasant with the maximum temperature rising to as much as 33 °C (91.4°F).
Surface
Leh can be reached either through Manali in the south or Srinagar in the west, both of which are uniquely adventurous. The road from Srinagar to Leh is around 434 kilometers (270 miles) and smoother because of the lower (safer) altitude. State transport operated ordinary and deluxe buses ply through this route, stopping overnight at Kargil and charge anywhere between rupees 370 to rupees 470. The ride from Manali to Leh, which also takes two days, stopping overnight at Keylong for a tent stay is more adventurous. With tent stay, dinner and breakfast included in the cost, HPTDC operated deluxe buses will charge you around rupees 1800, stopping momentarily at various passes so you can enjoy the scintillating views.
Alternatively, shared taxis and jeeps can also be hired from Manali and will cost you around rupees 1000, although the continuous ride of almost 24 hours will wear you out. From Srinagar taxis/jeeps will take you till Kargil for rupees 500 and you will have to stay overnight there. From Kargil you can take another jeep/taxi to Leh for rupees 400.
For the more adventurous travelers, bikes are available on rent and will cost you anywhere between rupees 500 a day for an Enfield to rupees 350 for others like Yamaha and Bajaj Pulsar. Check out the garages and around the main bazaar for these bikes.
Train
The nearest railhead from Leh is at Udhampur. Jammu and Pathankot are other options. Regular train services from Delhi and many other cities to these stations are easily available. However, it will easily take more than a couple of days to reach Leh from any of the two stations by road.
Air
Air India, Kingfisher and Jet Airways connect the Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport with Delhi and most cities of India. Although the flight services are regular, the unpredictable weather conditions, especially around winters can give way to delayed and cancelled flights.
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