The Palace, also known as the Lachen Paklar Palace, marked Leh\u2019s position as the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh<\/strong>. It towers up to a whopping nine stories and is situated at a height, giving you quite the commanding view of the land unfolding below it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Palace is a wonderful yet decaying remnant of medieval Tibetan architecture that even today boasts some interesting features.<\/strong> Once there, play a game of \u2018I spy with my little eye\u2019, and spot the Namgyal Stupa, the Chandazik Gompa (a room of learning) with its many murals, and the remnants of medieval murals in the Chamba Lhakhang Temple. Inside the palace, stroll through the museum that houses artifacts dating back to over 450 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re bound to feel like a mini Indiana Jones<\/strong>, making your way through the many narrow passages that wind their way up and down the massive structure. Simply head to one of the broad balconies to get that perfect pic for your story, and show off to your pals who\u2019ve missed out on this gem. While you explore, put off the temptation to play hide and seek in the Palace, and get a good look at the land below you. Several narrow alleyways interspersed with 200 odd houses made of timber, stone, and mud – that is what first meets the eye.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But this seemingly ordinary sight is actually one of the last surviving examples of an intact Tibeto-Himalayan urban settlement. This is the Leh Old Town, dating back to the 17th century. The few people who still call it home keep it alive, and The Archaeological Survey of India is coming to its rescue. <\/strong>The Tibetan architecture here bears interesting central Asian influences that traveled here along the ancient trade routes. It just goes to show that the most ordinary-looking spectacle can have roots so much older than we imagine.<\/strong> Make sure you put your Insta-skills to use – the town and palace are deserving and worthy of more attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask anyone who has been here and they\u2019ll tell you the same thing. Leh has a way of cutting through the noise and excitement,<\/strong> giving you a true sense of peace and tranquility<\/strong>. The best way to find this tranquility? Heading to the Shanti Stupa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, a place with the word Peace in it is bound to bring you some peace! A 15 minute drive gets you to the base of a hill, from where a climb up some stairs gets you to the Stupa. This is where you forget all the puffing and panting from your climb to first feel a sense of awe. The white dome towering up against the backdrop of high mountains and the sky<\/strong>, cool wind blowing all around you, snow capped peaks in the distance – it feels like something out of a dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Stupa was built in 1991 as a joint effort between Japanese and Tibetan Buddhist monks, and even today is a symbol of healthy ties between Japan and Ladakh<\/strong>. We\u2019d normally ask you to soak in the peace before turning into the shutterbugs you are, but at the Stupa, it won\u2019t be necessary. We\u2019re sure that the views that surround you will leave you enthralled enough to forget your cameras and phones for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to visit the Shanti Stupa is in the summer months, at any time of the day. But follow our advice and head there in the wee hours of the morning. <\/strong>One coffee or ten, chug them if it\u2019ll help! Trust us, once you see the white dome against the hues of the morning sky, you\u2019ll forget about the sleep you lost. Plus, you can live out your filmy daydream of pretending you’re in a movie while gazing dramatically at the scenery, hair flying in the wind and all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other locations that ooze serenity are the 14th-century Spituk Gompa <\/strong>and its daughter establishment, Sankar Gompa<\/strong>, both located in Leh itself. Needless to say, making a ruckus and being loud will disturb any peace the Stupa has to offer, so be mindful when you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s not pretend otherwise – we know you\u2019ve really had your mind on this section of the blog all along<\/strong>! It\u2019s not surprising, considering the mouthwatering food you can dig into in Leh. We mentioned the architecture, but even the food in Leh carries quite a prominent Tibetan influence<\/strong>. If you\u2019ve ever wondered why, simply turn to the pages of history \u2013 the Kingdom of Ladakh at one point ruled over most of Western Tibet, and trade routes that passed through Ladakh enabled the exchange of culture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We included that factoid just so you can remember to thank history when digging into plate after plate of momos.<\/strong> From fancy cafes to street vendors, you\u2019ll find these dumplings, fried and steamed, meat and veg, practically everywhere. Step out on a chilly evening to best enjoy some steaming hot thukpa<\/em><\/strong>, a soup served with noodles and either assorted veggies or minced meat. If you notice thentuk<\/em> and pakthuk<\/em> on menus, don\u2019t hesitate to give them a try as both are variations of thukpa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ladakh being the cold, barren land it is, local food has evolved to be rich and nutritious. A good example of this is chhutagi, literally translating to \u201cwater bread\u201d<\/strong> (\u201cchhu\u201d is water, tagi is \u201cbread\u201d.) Dough is flattened, rolled, and shaped into bow-ties, much like the shape of farfalle pasta. This is cooked and served in a rich broth of vegetables or meat. If you\u2019re headed on a trek, you\u2019ll likely be served the soupy skyu<\/em> <\/strong>at some point; dough kneaded into flattened balls are cooked and served up with vegetables or meat to make a soupy, nutritious concoction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Leh is not all filling, soupy meals; look out for tingmo<\/em>, a wonderfully soft and delicate bun<\/strong>, perfect to soak up curries and soups. Dig your teeth into chhurpe<\/em> (dried yak cheese) while sipping on some gur-gur chai (butter tea)<\/strong>, both of which are local staples. Finally, when the day ends and you\u2019re too full to eat any more, sip on some chhang<\/em>, the local brew<\/strong>. This beer is made from fermented barley and has an alcohol content of 5% to 7%. It is normally served with a smidge of butter on the rim of a cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The markets and bazaars of Leh are a colorful affair<\/strong>, with tons of things take back home. Would you rather sit in with room service instead of shop? Or are you a shopaholic through and through? Either way, the markets will have something to delight everyone. There\u2019s retail therapy to be found in spades, as you\u2019ll have a range of things to choose from, from prayer wheels and Buddhist relics to the famous pashmina shawls<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Main Bazaar Road in Leh is perfect for the smaller, touristy Tibetan handicrafts. This is also a good place to look out for pashmina shawls (perfect gifts for your mom, granny, and that annoying aunt<\/strong>), carpets, and rugs (perfect to have a piece of Ladakh splayed out in your room<\/strong>!) If you\u2019re looking to spend some big money on jewels, head to the aptly named Moti Bazaar to find gems and traditional turquoise Ladakhi jewelry<\/strong>. Finally, Changspa Road Market has tons of garments, clothes, and trinkets made of silver and copper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One last thing you should definitely buy when in Leh is apricot jam<\/strong>. The high altitudes are perfect for these tangy stone fruits, and there will be plenty of apricot jam being sold wherever you look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, there\u2019s plenty of food, tons of peace and serenity\u2026 and loads of thrilling adventure activities as well! Ladakh truly has a bit of everything for every kind of person, and visiting Leh without going on at least one adventure activity is the definition of an incomplete trip<\/strong>. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities to choose from depending on how much of an adrenaline junkie you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2019 saw the inauguration of the Ladakh Paragliding Company, the world\u2019s highest eco-friendly paragliding site<\/strong>. The site is located at Sakti-Tagar below the Changla Pass in Leh itself and is the first licensed Tandem Paragliding site in Ladakh. Paragliding at the world\u2019s highest site needs to go on your Leh bucket list ASAP, and make sure it gets ticked off as well! There’s an unbeatable rush as you zoom past rock cliffs, carried on the rough waters of a river while rafting<\/strong>. Head to the Indus River if you\u2019re a beginner since the river\u2019s flow is easy enough to handle. But if you\u2019re ready to up your river rafting experience, then the mighty Zanskar River awaits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for something that keeps you on land? Mountain biking may just be the perfect answer<\/strong>. The mountain bikes, built to perfectly navigate the rocky, uneven terrain, are a great way to explore the limitless beauty of Leh while getting your blood pumping. Bike along the shore of the famous Pangong lake, bike from Leh to Zingchen village (a few hours), or cycle your way to different gompas – the options are endless. You can also opt for the less exhilarating but equally rewarding treks<\/strong> that crawl across the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leh has a little something for everyone. Introvert souls who find tranquility in the company of nature? Head to its many natural wonders and stupas for that peace and quiet. Adrenaline junkies always looking for the next rush? Choose from a range of adventure activities. Interested in culture, or foodie through and through? There are generous helpings of both to be found in Leh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Leh bucket list will be filled with things that are important to you, but in the bargain, make sure you have some warm company to exchange travel stories with. Drop the starchy hotels for an experience with fellow like-minded travelers at our GoSTOPS Hostel<\/strong>. We promise, the memories you make in Leh will last a lifetime, but there\u2019s nothing like forming a lifelong friendship with people to share them with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A holiday in Leh is generally on the slightly more expensive side. But luckily, there are so many options today that you can easily remain within budget. For one, head there by road instead of flight to cut down on transportation costs. More importantly, book a stay at a hostel; goSTOPS promises to be your best bet. This can drastically reduce accommodation costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of crime, you don\u2019t have much to worry about. But there are other things to keep in mind when in Leh. The roads in Leh are far from the best, made worse by the deep cliffs and hairpin bends. Avoid visiting in the monsoon, and never take weather warnings for granted. Landslides and avalanches are common in the winter, and both can be deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s tons of things to do in Ladakh, from adventure sports to sightseeing. Go paragliding and river rafting, visit the several monasteries, and camp under the stars. You can do this, and more, in Ladakh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The summer months are the best time to visit Leh, from April to July. Though it\u2019s summer, the high altitude ensures cool temperatures. You can also visit Leh in winter, however, keep in mind that temperatures dip to below freezing levels. You may have a hard time breathing due to the altitude. Keep your health in mind when planning a winter trip to Leh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter season is the coldest in Leh, from October to mid-March. Out of these months, January sees the mercury dip to its lowest point. Average high temperatures in January hover around -5\u00b0C, while low temperatures can drop to as low as -29\u00b0C.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Towering mountains capped with snow, air so cold it can cut like a knife, lakes that mirror the sky, temples that are stalwarts of culture\u2026 Leh is all of this and so much more. Making a trip to Leh is something that\u2019s on several people\u2019s bucket lists. If it isn\u2019t on yours, you have some […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"%%title%% %%page%% %%sep%% Travel to Leh with %%sitename%%","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A trip to Leh is incomplete if you don't experience all it has to offer. From food to adventure, here's all you need for your Leh bucket list.","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,5],"tags":[257,256,258],"class_list":["post-18261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-india-travel","category-travel-ideas","tag-leh-bucket-list","tag-things-to-do-in-leh","tag-traveling-to-leh"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18261"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18261\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18487,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18261\/revisions\/18487"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"the](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2524840585_4304fb9fd8_c.jpg\")
![\"Leh](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/vamsi-konduri-SqznY9fUV64-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\")
Find Your Peace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shanti Stupa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Shanti](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/sankalp-sharma-uZypmEKbxRw-unsplash-1-768x1024.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/sayan-nath-DYNR-2MG_yQ-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
Go On A Food Trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cuisine in Leh<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"cuisine](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/victor-mui-s3kjY-_bAA-unsplash-1024x716.jpg\")
Shop Till You Drop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Things to buy in Leh<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/julio-lopez-Iv9bn9PaEI8-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
Get An Adrenaline Rush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Adventure Activities In Leh Ladakh<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/harsh-patel-BegiBSaghPg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gostops.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/m.jpg\")
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Leh Expensive?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Leh Dangerous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Can We Do In Ladakh? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is The Best Time To Visit Leh?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which Is The Coldest Month Of Leh?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n