Leh: More Than Just a Pitstop - Part 1 | Places in Leh

Leh might be a place on your travel radar. It is often seen as a rest stop on the way to higher Himalayan destinations within Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir. Leh itself is a vibrant tapestry woven with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Forget the quick pitstop mentality! In this blog series, we'll delve into the heart of Leh, exploring its ancient palaces, serene monasteries, and bustling markets. We'll also venture beyond the town limits, journeying into dramatic valleys and encountering the warmth of the Ladakhi people. Buckle up and get ready to discover why Leh is a destination that deserves your time and attention.

In our previous post of our Ladakh series, we discussed the need for acclamatization in Leh, before beginning your journey. Taking that into consideration, we spent our first day in Leh, taking complete rest at the comfort of our hotel, Hotel Jeevanam Villa. We were advised not to take bath on the first day, eat light food and avoid venturing out. 

On the second day however, following a wise suggestion from our tour manager and hotel staff, we embarked on a relaxed itinerary to acclimatize ourselves to the high altitude. Buckle up for a comfortable journey through some of Leh's architectural gems and bustling marketplaces.

A Gentle Exploration of Places in Leh

Our second day in Leh began with a delightful breakfast at our hotel that fueled us for the day's explorations. Following the previous day’s rest, we felt energized and ready to delve into the unique sights Leh has to offer. This day's itinerary was designed to be less strenuous, allowing our bodies to adjust to the high altitude.

1. Unveiling the Majesty of Leh Palace

Our first stop was the imposing Leh Palace, a magnificent structure that once served as the royal residence of the former Kings of Ladakh. This nine-storeyed Palace built using mud, stone and wood, draws inspiration from the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama’s residence. Once the residence of the royal family, parts of the palace have now been converted into a museum showcasing artifacts that provide  glimpse to Ladakhi royal life and the regions rich history. The panoramic views of the surrounding town from the palace were simply breathtaking.

2. A Glimpse into Namgyal Monastery

A short drive from Leh Palace took us to Namgyal Monastery, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery houses a three-story gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The intricate murals and thangkas (religious tapestries) that adorned the monastery walls offered a glimpse into the vibrant spiritual heritage of Ladakh. Namgyal Monastery holds a special significance. Not only is it an important religious center but it also served as the official winter residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries, until their exile to India.

3. A Culinary Adventure at Gesmo

After immersing ourselves in history and culture, it was time to tantalize our taste buds. We ventured into the bustling Leh Market and made our way to Gesmo, a popular restaurant known for its delectable Ladakhi cuisine. Here, we savored a delicious lunch, indulging in local specialties like momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), and Tingmo (steamed bread). We also tried their extremely delicious Yak Cheese Pizza, made with Churpi, a local cheese made from Yak milk. The warm and comforting flavors were the perfect way to refuel after our morning explorations.

4. Finding Inner Peace at Shanti Stupa

Following lunch, we sought serenity at the Shanti Stupa, a gleaming white Buddhist stupa situated atop a hill on the outskirts of Leh. Built to promote world peace, the stupa offered a sense of tranquility amidst the vibrant energy of the town. The Shanti Stupa isn't just a religious monument; it's a photographer's paradise. Perched atop a hill, the stupa offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect spot to capture stunning Himalayan vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light paints the sky in magical hues.

5. Shopping Spree at Leh Market

We returned back to Leh market in order to pick up new SIM cards from Airtel or Jio to stay connected throughout our Ladakhi adventure. Prepaid numbers from other states are not operational in Ladakh. Only Postpaid sims are operational. Depending on which region of Ladakh you are in, you might get all or any one of the following networks available - Jio, BSNL and Airtel. 

Later, we strolled through the narrow lanes, browsing through colorful pashmina shawls, intricately carved wooden statues, and unique silver jewelry. After picking up some keepsakes, we decided to recharge with a cup of coffee at the ever-popular German Bakery, a perfect spot to people-watch and observe the lively market scene.

6. Winding Down and Soaking in the Vibe

After a fulfilling day of exploring Leh's architectural wonders, indulging in its culinary delights, and experiencing the local shopping scene, we returned to our comfortable haven at Jeevanam Villa. The rest of the evening was spent unwinding and sharing stories about our day's adventures. As we settled in for the night, we felt a growing sense of excitement for the captivating experiences that awaited us in the coming days.

Leh's relaxed yet enriching second day allowed us to acclimatize to the high altitude while introducing us to its rich culture, architectural marvels, and vibrant markets. This gentle exploration left us feeling energized and prepared for the more adventurous excursions that awaited us in the heart of the Himalayas. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we embark on a bike ride to explore all the wonderful spots around Leh.

Until the, don't forget to Dream, Eat, Visit !