Leh — high-altitude desert of the Himalayas
Buddhist monasteries, moonscapes and epic mountain roads
Himalayan desert · Best Jun–Sep
Verified by editor · 12 Jun 2026
Leh, Ladakh's capital, sits at over 3,500m in a cold high-altitude desert ringed by the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. Whitewashed monasteries cling to hillsides above turquoise lakes and moonscape valleys, making it one of India's most otherworldly destinations.
Travel scores
Who it's for
High altitude and long drives are demanding for young children; better suited to older kids.
Dramatic landscapes and remote monasteries make for an unforgettable shared adventure.
A major draw for solo travellers and bikers, with an established backpacker scene in Leh town.
Guesthouses and shared taxis keep costs reasonable once you're there, despite the remote location.
High altitude poses real health risk — only for seniors in good health with a cautious, acclimatised itinerary.
Best time to visit
June to September is the main season, when the Leh-Manali and Srinagar-Leh highways are open and days are mild. May and October are quieter shoulder months with a real chance of road closures. The region is snowbound and largely cut off October to May except by (expensive) flights.
Major attractions
- Thiksey Monastery — A striking hillside gompa often compared to Lhasa's Potala Palace, with dawn prayers open to visitors.
- Pangong Lake — A vast, colour-shifting high-altitude lake straddling the India-China border, a full-day trip from Leh.
- Nubra Valley — A desert valley over Khardung La, with sand dunes, double-humped camels and monasteries.
- Leh Palace — A 17th-century royal palace overlooking the old town, similar in style to Lhasa's Potala.
- Magnetic Hill & Sangam — An optical-illusion hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 1
Acclimatise in Leh
A slow first day walking Leh Palace and the old town — critical for adjusting to the altitude.
- 2
Nubra Valley
Cross Khardung La to Nubra Valley for sand dunes, camels and monasteries, overnighting there.
- 3
Pangong Lake
Drive to Pangong Lake for its shifting blues, then return to Leh or continue your onward route.
Food & drink
Ladakhi food shows strong Tibetan influence — thukpa (noodle soup), momos and butter tea, alongside apricots for which the region is famous.
Shopping
Leh's main bazaar sells pashmina, prayer flags, singing bowls, apricots and Tibetan handicrafts.
Local etiquette & customs
Ladakh is a devout Buddhist region — remove shoes and keep quiet in monasteries, walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels, and dress conservatively given the area's traditional, high-altitude communities.
- Walk clockwise around stupas, chortens and mani walls, and spin prayer wheels clockwise.
- Ask before photographing monks or ceremonies, especially during prayers.
- Dress modestly, particularly inside monasteries.
Festivals & events
Ladakh's largest festival, with masked cham dances at Hemis Monastery.
A cultural showcase of archery, polo and folk dance across Leh.
Getting there & around
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has direct flights from Delhi year-round. The Leh-Manali and Srinagar-Leh highways are open roughly June–October. Hired taxis are the standard way to reach Pangong, Nubra and other sights.
Good to know
- Spend at least a full day acclimatising in Leh before going higher — altitude sickness is a real risk.
- Inner Line Permits are required for Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and other border areas — arrange via your hotel or a local agent.
- Flights are the reliable year-round access point; road access depends on season.
- Carry cash — ATMs are limited and can run out, especially in Nubra and Pangong.
Packing list
Practical info
What it costs
A mid-budget couple typically spends ₹3,000–5,500/day, with taxi hire for Pangong/Nubra trips a major cost driver.
Budget-level estimate for two sharing; excludes long-distance travel to reach Leh.
Safety & essentials
Real risk above 3,500m — rest on arrival, hydrate, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
High mountain passes have thin traffic and patchy phone signal — travel with a reliable driver.
Leh and surrounding areas are very safe from a crime perspective.
Frequently asked
Is altitude sickness a real concern in Leh?
Yes — Leh sits above 3,500m. Rest on arrival, hydrate well, and ascend to higher points gradually.
Do foreign SIM cards work in Ladakh?
No — only Indian postpaid or local Ladakh SIMs typically work due to the region's sensitive border status.
When is the Leh-Manali Highway open?
Usually June to October, weather permitting — check current conditions before planning a road trip.
