While there are many tourism hubs in Jammu and Kashmir, rarely does anyone manage to compete with the frenzy around Leh. This district in J&K was the seat of the royal family of Ladakh and the capital of the kingdom. Today, it features in the must visit destination on the list of any traveller. With its rugged, untouched landscape comprising hills, lakes, glacier-laden mountains, apricot orchards, Leh’s landscape is unique, with opportunity to give a traveller varied kinds of experiences.
History
The most prominent information about the region is found in the documents that are dated post the 10th century. Being in the middle of the trade route between India and China, this had great commercially strategic value. Being the seat of the old Ladakh kingdom, this city was at the center of several power struggles for taking control of this region.
What is it famous for?
Image Source- Wikimedia
Leh is an artist&39;s canvas come alive. Rugged mountains interrupted by green valleys, glaciers peeking from behind, clear blue sky, clearer blue lakes. Apricot orchards, little by-lanes, distinct culture, evocative architecture, spirituality, handicrafts and a world of its own. A visit is the only way to experience the awe-inspiring splendour of the place. Leh is famous for its almost untouched serene beauty. This place displays the quietness of the undisturbed nature. It is amongst the expanses most sought after places for the biking and road trip enthusiasts as there are vast expanses of undisturbed landscapes that make the trip and camping worth it.
Attractions
The major tourist attractions of Leh are the Leh Palace, which housed the royal family of Ladakh. The old town area has been put in the world’s 100 most endangered historical sites’ list, because of the need to protect this uniquely styled settlement.
How to reach
Leh is connected through the National Highway 1D passing through Srinagar and Kargil. The other route is the Leh-Manali Highway. NH-1D is usually preferred because of the absence of high passes and plateaus that are quite prominent on Leh-Manali Highway.
Presently there are no railway lines in Leh, but two link lines, namely Bilaspur-Mandi-Leh route and Srinagar-Kargil-Leh link route are proposed. Both the projects have been put on fast track completion to ensure connectivity of the region.
Leh has an airport by the name of Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. It is serviced mainly by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines. Go Air also offers flights in the peak time.
When to visit
The place is a picturesque experience for most of the time in the year. At the time of monsoon, between May and August, the place becomes unsuitable because of rain. And the winter season of mid-October to March cuts off the region from the rest of country, so travel here is not suggested.
Where To Stay-
