Shanti Stupa in Leh with mountains in the background, India

Things to do in  Leh

India’s little Tibet

It’s a cliche to say that India is a land of contrasts, but however you arrive in Leh—whether by air from Delhi or overland from Manali or Srinagar—you’ll see how true this is. Leh is largely Buddhist, and the ruins of the 17th-century Tibetan-style palace dominate the cityscape. Many people arrive here and acclimatize to the 11,562-foot (3,542-meter) altitude before heading deeper and higher into Ladakh, but there are a few things to do in Leh. Wander the Old Town, shop for Tibetan trinkets in the market, and rest up while you plan your grand Ladakh adventure.

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Explore Leh by interest

Top activities in Leh

Ladakh 6 Days and 5 Nights

Ladakh 6 Days and 5 Nights

star-5
96
From
$600.00
Chadar Trek (Frozen Zanskar River)

Chadar Trek (Frozen Zanskar River)

star-3
1
From
$477.56
3 Hours Private Food Tasting in Tukcha

3 Hours Private Food Tasting in Tukcha

From
$31.90
6 Day Private Wonders of Ladakh Tour

6 Day Private Wonders of Ladakh Tour

From
$699.00
LEH LADAKH TOUR (5 Nights /6 Days)

LEH LADAKH TOUR (5 Nights /6 Days)

star-5
2
From
$468.00
Private Custom Excursion Tour to Likir from Leh with Guide

Private Custom Excursion Tour to Likir from Leh with Guide

From
$73.60
Enchanting Ladakh Tour

Enchanting Ladakh Tour

From
$966.67
Wonders of Ladakh

Wonders of Ladakh

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21
From
$800.34
8 Days Markha Valley Trek: Shared Tour with Meals Included

8 Days Markha Valley Trek: Shared Tour with Meals Included

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2
From
$1,408.42
A Rustic Week in Ladakh

A Rustic Week in Ladakh

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3
From
$530.92
Mountain Homestays - Journey to Siachen Valley

Mountain Homestays - Journey to Siachen Valley

star-5
1
From
$745.59
6 Days Leh Nubra Pangong Tour

6 Days Leh Nubra Pangong Tour

From
$920.00
Likir Pottery Experience

Likir Pottery Experience

From
$39.33
Likir and Alchi Monastry Tour from Leh

Likir and Alchi Monastry Tour from Leh

From
$96.00
Great Himalayas Motorbike Tours

Great Himalayas Motorbike Tours

From
$3,350.00
Mountain Homestays - Unravel Ladakh’s Buddhist Heritage, Ladakh

Mountain Homestays - Unravel Ladakh’s Buddhist Heritage, Ladakh

From
$667.34
Ladakh Sham Valley Trek

Ladakh Sham Valley Trek

star-5
5
From
$400.00
Leh- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing

Leh- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing

star-5
1
From
$243.00
Ladakh Private Tours

Ladakh Private Tours

star-5
35
From
$2,250.00
per group
Stargazing and Cultural Experience at Cosmohub

Stargazing and Cultural Experience at Cosmohub

star-5
1
From
$36.87
See all Leh tours

All about Leh

When to visit

Summer is by far the most popular time to visit Leh—and the most comfortable. Between June and September it’s warm and clear (although nights are cool), and access by road is possible. To visit in spring and autumn you’ll need to fly from Delhi. Be prepared for cold temperatures and for many businesses and attractions to be closed. Winters are bitterly cold and snowy; expect nighttime temperatures of 5°F (-15°C)—not many people visit, but flights from Delhi still operate.

Getting around

Leh is quite small and is easily navigable on foot. But travelers who are used to turning up at bus stations in India and immediately jumping on the next bus to their destination will find things different in Leh. Ladakh is sparsely populated and buses to many places, even popular tourist destinations, aren’t that frequent. Some routes only depart a few times a month. If you want to explore beyond Leh, it’s usually necessary to book a private car and driver or join a small-group tour.

Traveler tips

While the easiest way of reaching Leh is by air from Delhi, travelers with more time and a generous sense of adventure should consider taking the overland route from Manali. This is only possible between June and September, depending on snowfall, but it’s a spectacular journey from the lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh, through Lahaul and Spiti, to the western edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It’s at least a 15-hour journey in a minibus and not always comfortable, but you (probably) won’t regret it.

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People Also Ask

How many days should I spend in Leh?

Three days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Leh, but you may want to take an extra day to acclimatize. Leh sits at 11,562 feet (3,542 meters) and most parts of Ladakh are even higher. With 2–3 days in Leh, you can take it easy and visit the palace, Shanti Stupa, market, and some nearby monasteries.

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How do I spend a day in Leh?

If you only have one day to spend in Leh, check out the almost-ruined 17th-century Leh Palace on a hill overlooking the town for great views. Also check out the Shanti Stupa, which has views from the other side of town. Note that the walk to both places might be tiring if you haven’t yet acclimatized so take it easy.

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What is Leh, Ladakh famous for?

Leh is famous for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, its arid mountainous landscape on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and for being one of the highest towns in the world, at 11,562 feet (3,542 meters). Leh is especially popular in the Indian summer when the mild climate provides an escape from the intense heat of the North Indian plains.

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Is Leh, Ladakh worth visiting?

Yes, Leh is worth visiting. Most travelers to Ladakh will need to pass through the small town anyway, and it’s worth spending a couple of days here to check out the castle, markets, and nearby monasteries. It’s also worth staying here to acclimatize before visiting higher parts of Ladakh.

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Is Leh, Ladakh safe for women?

Yes, Leh is generally very safe for women. It’s one of the safest places in India and many women travel here, either solo or with others. With a population of only around 30,000 people, it has a relaxed atmosphere. Like anywhere, women may prefer to avoid walking alone at night in dark parts of Leh.

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Can you drink alcohol in Leh, Ladakh?

Yes, drinking alcohol is permitted in Leh and Ladakh more broadly, although the sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain Buddhist holidays. It’s a good idea to take it easy though, especially if you’ve just arrived in Ladakh, because the high altitude can intensify alcohol’s effects on the body.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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