LEH
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Andrew Harvey wrote “There is nothing whatever to do. That’s is Leh’s charm... nothing to do but slow down, relax, laze, to become one vast transparent eye.”

Leh the capital of Ladakh, lies nestled among low hills on the north side of the Indus valley, between Stok Mountains and the Ladakh range. For centuries it has been a place where travelers of different origin have rested before continuing over the mountains along ancient trade routes that radiate from the city. Today, Leh is popular with a different kind of mountain wanderer and makes an ideal base for travels in Ladakh.

Since the Chinese closure of trade routes in 1949, Leh’s economic base has shifted. It has come face to face with a world with which it had little previous contact, a world in which technological advances and economic gain are driving forces. Leh is adopting this inappropriate model of development and
is beginning to suffer from corresponding environmental and social problems. Thankfully, the changes brought about are recent and not irreversible. People seem to have realised this. Local communities along with dedicated grass-root organizations are making efforts to stem this tide and adopt a more sustainable and appropriate way forward for this fascinating city.





Interesting town walks

Main Bazaar: the large main bazaar with its broad kerbs was clearly designed to facilitate passage of horses, mules and camels and to provide
room for display and storage of merchandise.

Leh Palace: the town is dominated by the nine-storeyed Leh Palace. It is undergoing renovation at the moment.

Old town: it is a fascinating walk with its maze of narrow alleys dotted with Chorten and Mani walls, and its cluster of flat-roofed houses constructed of sun baked bricks.

Namgyal Tsemo: on the peak above the town are the small fort and monastery complex of Namgyal Tsemo, believed to be the earliest royal residence in Leh. Next to it is now the ruined fort of Gonkhang (Temple of the Guardian deities).

Shanti Stupa: the gleaming white peace pagoda founded in the 1980’s under the sponsorship of Japanese Buddhists, is situated on the hill-top west
of the city.

Shankar monastery: for its impressive images of Avalokiteshvara and of Vajra-Bhairav, Guardian of the Gelugpa order.

Ecological Centre: located at the western edge of Leh, it runs development projects in agriculture, solar energy, health and environmental awareness
in several surrounding villages. The centre also houses a library and a shop selling local handicrafts.

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