Leh

Popularly known as a biker's paradise, Leh is one of the two capitals of Ladakh that has numerous passes linking various locations in the challenging terrain. The city is nestled in a valley at an elevation of around 3,520 m in the upper Indus River, enveloped by the colossal peaks of the Ladakh Range. Regardless of its harsh weather and difficult accessibility, Leh was once an essential stopover for vital trade routes that connected Tibet to the East, Kashmir to the West and India to China. Today, Leh is the best Himalayan town to find untouched natural beauty.

Most of the towns around Leh are said to have been founded by Nyima Gon. Many historical events led to the formation of today’s Leh, and the city captures its past through various exquisitely built monuments, palaces, mosques, monasteries, etc. Leh is famous for its high altitudes and has so much to offer, not only to young solo travelers & bikers but also to families and couples.

With a distinctive landscape, there is still so much of the city undiscovered. The neighbourhood of Leh is home to some breathtaking sights of the majestic Himalayas. Some of the main attractions include the Magnetic Hill, where the strange gravitational waves make vehicles go uphill, the Hall of Fame which commemorates the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers in the Indo-Pak war and the Khardung La Pass which happens to be the Highest Motorable Pass (at the height of 5,602m).

The cuisine of Leh is varied with influences from the countries that border it. Restaurants in and around Leh serve Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and even Korean food. Explore the city market for shopping for some beautiful handicrafts & souvenirs. Besides, you can get a glimpse of the local culture by visiting the fairs & festivals in the city. Notably, Leh also serves as a gateway to other spell-binding areas of Ladakh. There are buses, taxis, motorcycles and bicycles available for getting around Leh but beware of road closures and landslides in the mountainous terrain.