LehIndia

Hillside monasteries, beautiful temples, an ancient palace and snow-capped mountains; Leh is a place of outdoor adventures and historical and cultural wonders. This captivating town is the former capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh and is located high up in the Himalayas. Spend days trekking through mountains and valleys, tour temples and historical sites and go on a spiritual retreat.

Stroll through the meandering alleys of the old town, past mud brick homes, stupas, Buddhist temples and mosques. Visit the magnificent nine-story Leh Palace, a former royal palace that overlooks the town and dates back to the middle of the 16th century. Glean insights into the region's royal heritage at the Stok Palace Museum. Browse regal costumes, royal seals, coins and other artifacts related to the old monarchy. There is also a collection of weaponry that includes bows, arrows, swords and shields.

Embark on a spiritual retreat amid the picturesque surroundings of the Mahabodhi Sambodhi Retreat Center and try meditation at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Center.

Take advantage of Leh's awesome mountainous scenery for a range of exciting outdoor adventures. Enjoy short or several day-long treks through the mountains, stopping by isolated villages and Buddhist monasteries. Spot local wildlife during your hikes, such as gazelles, yaks and snow leopards. Go rafting on the Indus River and its tributaries and mountain bike through the Ladakh region. If you are into rock climbing, scale Stok Kangri massif in the Zanskar Range, the closest climbing area to the Himalayan town.

To get to Leh, take an internal flight from New Delhi, approximately 772 miles (1,243 kilometers) away. Alternatively, you can travel the long distance by road. Most tourists come from June to September because of the extreme cold during the long winter.

Due to Leh's high altitude, give yourself time to acclimate before touring ancient buildings or doing any energetic outdoor activities in the rugged landscape.