Tourist places in Leh, Leh Travel Info
LEH District is a high-altitude district located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, in northern India. Renowned for its dramatic Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture, Leh District is one of the most iconic and strategically important regions of the country. It forms a major part of the cold desert zone and lies at an average altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level.
Leh town serves as the district headquarters and is the main administrative, cultural, and tourism hub of Ladakh. The district has immense historical importance as a former stop on ancient trade routes connecting Central Asia, Tibet, and the Indian subcontinent. Monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey, and Alchi highlight the district’s spiritual and architectural heritage.
Geographically, Leh District is characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys, glaciers, and rivers like the Indus and Zanskar. Tourism, defense services, animal husbandry, and limited agriculture are the primary economic activities. Leh District is ideal for adventure travelers, spiritual seekers, photographers, bikers, trekkers, and visitors interested in high-altitude culture and landscapes.
Leh District experiences an extreme cold desert climate. Winters (November to March) are harsh, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and most roads remaining closed due to heavy snowfall. Summers (May to September) are short but pleasant, making this the main tourist season.
The peak season is during summer when roads from Manali and Srinagar are open and air connectivity is stable. Winters attract a small number of adventure travelers for activities like the Chadar Trek, but general tourism remains limited.
Leh District is accessible by air and road. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh provides regular flights to Delhi and other major cities. Road access is seasonal via the Manali–Leh Highway and Srinagar–Leh Highway, both of which remain open only during summer months.
Local transportation includes taxis, shared cabs, motorcycles, and buses operated by Ladakh Transport services. Due to long distances and high altitude, taxis are the most commonly used mode of transport for sightseeing.
Leh District offers access to some of the most spectacular high-altitude destinations in India. Many nearby attractions are popular as day trips or overnight excursions.