Charming Indian Himalayan City You Must Add To Your Bucket List 

When most people imagine India, they probably aren’t picturing a charming Himalayan town tucked away between towering peaks in the far north. You might not expect to find a city that feels small enough to recognize familiar faces after just a few days, yet lively enough to keep you engaged.

A place that radiates peace, surrounded by timeless villages, monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. Welcome to Ladakh, a union territory in northern India that shares borders with Pakistan and China, and home to one of the country’s most captivating state capitals: Leh.

This mountain city deserves a spot on your travel list for countless reasons. And if you’re still not convinced, keep reading. I’ll share everything that makes Leh so special, plus all the practical information you’ll want to know before your visit.

City of Leh

Let’s talk about the city of Leh and its culture. Because Ladakh is so close to the borders of China and Pakistan, its cultural and religious makeup is quite different from most of India.

Many of the locals are Tibetan, whose families came from the autonomous region of Tibet many years ago and brought their traditions with them. As a result, Buddhism is the dominant religion here, followed by Islam, with Hinduism and other faiths making up the minority.

Walking around the city, you’ll notice the Tibetan influence right away. Prayer flags hang everywhere, restaurants serve Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa, and the markets are full of jewelry, clothing, and handicrafts with a unique Himalayan and Tibetan style.

Even the people look different from what many imagine when they think of India. The locals resemble Central Asians or Tibetans more than South Indians.

You’ll also notice the mix of people who pass through Leh. Along with the Indian and Tibetan locals, there are many Kashmiri merchants, a big community of Israeli tourists, and smaller numbers of travelers from Europe and North America. It gives the city a unique and fascinating blend of cultures.

Buddhist and Tibetan symbols are found all over, painted on houses, carved into fences, or decorating shops.

And all of this sits against the most incredible backdrop. Leh is surrounded on all sides by mountains. Some of them dry, barren, and rugged, others snowcapped and glowing in the distance. It truly feels like a magical place.

The Vibe

The vibe of Leh is laid back and relaxed, especially when compared to many other cities in India. There’s a peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere here, which is one of the reasons it has become so popular with backpackers and adventure travelers in recent years.

As more high mountain passes have opened and backpacking culture has spread, Leh has grown into a hub for those looking to experience both tradition and adventure.

What makes it so special is the balance between Ladakhi traditional life and modern backpacking culture. The main bazaar is the heart of the city, filled with shops, stalls, and the constant backdrop of prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.

From almost anywhere, you can catch a view of the surrounding peaks, making even a simple walk feel unforgettable. Rooftop cafés and restaurants are everywhere, perfect spots to slow down, sip tea, and take in the Himalayas at your own pace.

The people of Leh add to this atmosphere in a big way. Locals are known for being incredibly friendly and helpful, carrying the warm and welcoming energy rooted in their Buddhist traditions.

Combined with the safety and calm of the city, this makes Leh not only enjoyable to visit, but a place where you’ll feel comfortable lingering.

Altitude

One of the most important things to understand before traveling to Ladakh is the altitude. The city of Leh sits at around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), which is extremely high and requires time and planning to adjust to.

There are a few ways to reach Leh. You can fly in from cities like Delhi or Srinagar, or you can make the journey overland via the Manali–Leh Highway or the Srinagar–Leh Highway. Keep in mind, though, that these road routes are highly seasonal.

Heavy rains and snowfall often trigger landslides, so road conditions depend heavily on the time of year. Flying is the quickest and most common option, but no matter how you arrive, you’ll need to take time to acclimatize.

At such a high elevation, the air is thinner and harder to breathe. If you push yourself too soon, you risk altitude sickness, which can range from mild symptoms like headaches and nausea to much more serious health concerns.

That’s why it’s recommended to spend at least a day or two resting before attempting any strenuous activities. Drink plenty of water, eat nourishing foods, and most importantly, listen to your body.

Many travelers feel lightheaded or unwell upon landing in Leh, even before doing anything active. Having basic medicines on hand can help, but prevention is key. Avoid alcohol, smoking, heavy exercise, or anything that strains your body until you’ve adjusted.

Once you’re acclimatized, you’ll be ready to enjoy the many adventures Leh and Ladakh have to offer, many of which take you to even higher altitudes than the city itself.

What to Do in Leh?

Within the city of Leh and the nearby surrounding areas, there are plenty of things to do before you head out on bigger adventures further into Ladakh.

So, let’s start with what to do in Leh: