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India is a country with diverse landscapes and is home to some of the most beautiful hill stations in the world. One such place is Leh, situated in the northernmost part of India. Leh is the largest town in Ladakh, and it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and meandering rivers. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of Leh Hill Stations and help you plan the perfect holiday.
The best time to visit Leh is from May to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you want to experience snowfall, then the winter months of December to February are ideal.
The easiest way to reach Leh is by air. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. If you prefer a road trip, then you can take the Leh-Manali Highway, which is open from May to November.
Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop in Chanspa. It was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist organization to promote world peace. The stupa offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Leh.
Leh Palace is a nine-story palace located on a hill in the center of the town. It was built in the 17th century and served as the residence of the royal family until the mid-19th century. The palace has now been converted into a museum that showcases the history and culture of Ladakh.
Nubra Valley is a tri-armed valley located to the north of Leh. It is famous for its sand dunes, double-humped camels, and hot springs. The valley is also home to several monasteries like Diskit Monastery and Hundar Monastery.
Pangong Tso Lake is a high-altitude lake located on the border between India and China. The lake is about 134 km long and extends from India to Tibet. It is famous for its crystal clear waters that change color throughout the day.
Leh offers several trekking trails for adventure enthusiasts. The most popular ones are the Markha Valley Trek, Chadar Trek, and the Stok Kangri Trek.
The Indus and Zanskar rivers offer excellent opportunities for river rafting. The best time for river rafting is from June to September.
The rugged terrain of Leh makes it a perfect destination for mountain biking. You can rent a bike and explore the town on your own.
Leh offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. You can choose from luxury hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. The luxury hotels in Leh offer world-class amenities like spas, restaurants, and swimming pools. The guesthouses and homestays provide a more local experience, and you can interact with the locals and learn about their culture.
Leh offers a unique cuisine that is a blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian flavors. Some of the must-try dishes are momos, thukpa, butter tea, and yak cheese. You can find these dishes at local restaurants and street food stalls.
Leh is famous for its handicrafts and souvenirs. You can buy traditional Ladakhi clothes, jewelry, carpets, and Pashmina shawls. The best places to shop are the Tibetan Market, Moti Market, and Main Bazaar.
Acclimatize yourself to the altitude before starting any physical activity
Carry warm clothes as the weather can be unpredictable
Carry a first aid kit and medicines for altitude sickness
Respect the local culture and traditions
Do not litter and maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings
Leh is well connected to major cities in India by road. The nearest bus stand to Leh is the Leh Bus Stand, which is located in the city center.
One of the popular routes to reach Leh is via the Manali-Leh Highway. This highway remains open from June to October and is a scenic route that passes through the high altitude passes of Rohtang and Baralacha La. The distance between Manali and Leh is around 478 km, and it takes around 2 days to cover this distance.
Another popular route is via the Srinagar-Leh Highway. This highway remains open from May to November and offers stunning views of the Zanskar Range and the Nubra Valley. The distance between Srinagar and Leh is around 424 km, and it takes around 2 days to cover this distance.
If you are traveling from Delhi, you can take a direct bus from Delhi to Leh, which is operated by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC). The distance between Delhi and Leh is around 1,000 km, and it takes around 2 days to cover this distance.
You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach Leh from nearby cities like Srinagar or Manali. However, it is important to note that the roads to Leh can be treacherous and require experienced drivers. It is advisable to hire a local driver who is familiar with the terrain and can navigate the narrow mountain roads safely.
Leh is not directly connected to the Indian railway network. The nearest railway station to Leh is Jammu Tawi railway station, which is located around 700 km away from Leh.
From Jammu Tawi railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Leh. The distance between Jammu Tawi railway station and Leh is around 700 km, and it takes around 2 days to cover this distance by road.
Alternatively, you can also take a train to Udhampur railway station, which is located around 650 km away from Leh. From Udhampur, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Leh. The distance between Udhampur railway station and Leh is around 650 km, and it takes around 2 days to cover this distance by road.
While traveling by train to reach Leh, it is important to note that the trains may not always run on time, and delays can occur due to weather conditions or other factors. It is advisable to check the train schedule and plan your journey well in advance.
The easiest and fastest way to reach Leh is by air. The nearest airport to Leh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is located around 3 km away from Leh town.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Jammu. Airlines like Air India, GoAir, and SpiceJet operate regular flights to Leh from these cities.
From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shared cab to reach your hotel or the Leh Bus Stand. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, and the fare is fixed by the taxi union.
It is important to note that the airport at Leh is situated at a high altitude of around 3,256 meters, and it can take some time to acclimatize to the high altitude. It is advisable to take adequate rest and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Is Leh safe for tourists?
Yes, Leh is a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines.
What is the currency used in Leh?
The currency used in Leh is Indian Rupee.
What is the average temperature in Leh?
The average temperature in Leh is around 20 degrees Celsius during the summer months and can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius in winters.
Is it necessary to carry oxygen cylinders while traveling to Leh?
It is not necessary to carry oxygen cylinders while traveling to Leh. However, it is advisable to carry a first aid kit and medicines for altitude sickness.
Can we visit Leh with family and kids?
Yes, Leh is a family-friendly destination, and there are several activities that kids can enjoy, like camel rides and sightseeing tours. However, it is important to take necessary precautions and acclimatize yourself and your family to the altitude before starting any physical activity.