Leh

The dominant feature of Ladakh's capital, Leh, is Sengge Namgyal's nine-storey Palace. Built in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture, the palace is said to be the inspiration for the famous Potala in Lhasa, which was built 50 years later. Sengge Namgyal himself was the king when the kingdom of Ladakh had reached the zenith of its political fortunes in the early 17th century.

Above the palace, on the Namgyal Tsemo peak overlooking Leh, are ruins of the town's earliest royal residence a fort built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century. In contrast to the ruins of a bygone age, down in the bazaar Leh throbs with life. Both the local and the visitor are captivated by the atmosphere of a varied crowd, and the curio shops presenting their wares.

Further below one can bargain for pearls, turquoise, coral, malachite, lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones and jewellery.

ACCESS

There are regular flights to Leh from New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar and the nearest railhead is Jammu, 724 km away, which is connected to all parts of India by express trains.

Leh is also approachable on a national highway from Srinagar (officially opens from 15th May to 15th November every year), 43 km away. For road conditions information, contact Traffic Police Headquarters, Maulana Azad Road, Srinagar.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Jo-khang - a modern ecumenical Buddhist temple; Leh mosque - an imposing structure and dating from late 17th century; Shanti Stupa- a stunning sight in the evening.

In addition, archery festivals and polo contests add colour and excitement to the summer in Leh.

Leh Khar Palace, Leh Monastery, Tsemo Gompa, Stok Palace Museum.

EXCURSIONS

There are several attractive destinations even within a 10 km radius of Leh:

Sabu - a charming village with a small gompa (monastery).

Choglamsar - Tibetan refugee settlement, including a children's village, a handicrafts centre devoted largely to carpet-weaving, and the Dalai Lama's prayer ground, Jiva -tsal.

Spituk Gompa - one of its main features is the chapel dedicated to the Goddess Tara, with twenty-three images.

Other are Hemis High Altitude National Park (35 km); Hemis Gompa (89 km); Lamayura believed to have been a sacred site for the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon.

Achi Gompa (135 km), Choglamsar, Likir Gompa, Phiyang Gompa, Samkar Gompa, Shey Palace and Monastery (15 km), Spituk Monastery (8 km) Stakhna Monastery, Thiksey Monastery (19 km)

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels are classified into A,B,C and Economy categories while Guest Houses fall under Upper, Medium and Economy class. The Guest House system provides an opportunity for the tourists to see and experience Ladakhi life from the inside.