Leh

Perched high in the lap of the Himalayas, Leh is the crown jewel of Ladakh — a high-altitude desert town where stark natural beauty meets deep-rooted spirituality and rugged adventure. Its dramatic landscape of barren mountains, turquoise rivers, and crystal-clear skies draws travellers seeking both serenity and adrenaline. Leh is steeped in Tibetan-Buddhist culture, evident in its centuries-old monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis, and Spituk. These monastic complexes echo with chants, fluttering prayer flags, and timeless rituals. Overlooking the town is the 17th-century Leh Palace, offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley, while the white-domed Shanti Stupa glows ethereally at sunset. For adventure seekers, Leh opens up a world of trekking trails through the Markha Valley, thrilling drives across high-altitude passes like Khardung La, and rafting expeditions down the icy Zanskar River. The vibrant Leh Market is perfect for picking up pashmina shawls, Tibetan jewellery, and local handicrafts. Time your visit with the Hemis Festival to witness Ladakh’s colourful culture in full bloom — with masked dances, music, and ancient customs on display. The cuisine here is simple, hearty, and comforting — warm up with a bowl of thukpa, feast on steaming momos, or sip on traditional butter tea. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is pleasant and most routes are accessible. A journey to Leh is more than a holiday — it’s an immersion into the raw, spiritual, and spellbinding soul of the Himalayas.