Leh - Overview
Leh is a backpacker's haven with numerous trekking trails, valleys, and picturesque lakes. Renowned as the land of monks and monasteries there is lots to see in this amazing piece of land.
There are three sub divisions of Leh with 7 different tour circuits identified for international tourists in Leh with breathtaking Himalayan panorama.
Leh - The land of Monks and Monasteries
Leh the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Ladakh is now a dream destination of many and the Mecca of adventure enthusiasts! Leh, one of the coldest deserts in the world is located at a distance of 434 Kms from Srinagar and 474 Kms from Manali (Himachal Pradesh).
At the time of reorganization of districts in 1979 Ladakh was divided into Leh and Kargil and now Leh district is synonymous with Ladakh and vice-versa!
Built by the kings of Ladakh in 1553 the Leh Palace was once the world’s highest building. The primary attraction within the Leh city, Leh palace now only has the palace prayer room which lives up to the sense of former grandeur of Leh Palace.
There are two routes by road that one could take to reach Leh.
The Srinagar - Kargil - Drass - Leh route is less demanding than the Manali - Rohtang - Sarchu - Leh route however the landscape that Manali route takes you through is breathtaking.
Indian nationals DO NOT need any inner line permits to visit Leh - Ladakh region. This rule is effective from 1st May 2014. A Indian national only need to present a valid Photo ID Proof at the ITBP/Army check-posts. ID Proofs such as Driving License PAN Card, etc will suffice to visit any unrestricted region in Leh Ladakh like Pangong Tso Nubra Valley (up to Panamik) Hanu Villages, Tso Moriri etc.
To help you plan a short trip to Leh Ladakh we have put together a 7 day 'Glimpse of Leh' itenerary. It is important to prioritize what to see in this vast amazing land if you are short on time. Also do check out the must see in Kadakh section of this website
Suru and Zanskar valley is one of the most remotest and least visited areas in leh Ladakh region. Suru and Zanskar is a part of Kargil and Pensi la pass almost midway between Padum and Rangdum separates Zanskar from the Suru valley.