subject: Myriad facts about Leh [print this page] Myriad facts about Leh Myriad facts about Leh
One of the most sought after tourist destinations in India, Leh is a trekker's paradise! Situated at a height of about 3,500 meters from sea, the whole town is always quite cold with freezing winds blowing throughout. Among the various hill stations in Northern India, Leh is one of the best! The picturesque landscapes, panoramic snow clad mountains, the never ending valleys; all of them add to the beauty of this place. This whole article is not enough to list the interesting facts about Leh. Get ready to enrich yourself with the varied and interesting facts that will make you impatient to visit Leh.
Leh can be reached from two places primarily; Srinagar and Manali. There are quite a number of tourist spots to see around in Leh. Another interesting aspect about Leh is that trekkers and mountain climbers from all over the world come here to challenge themselves against the adversities of nature. The treacherous mountains offer for an exciting day of trekking. Another prime attraction is the Leh Palace, situated on the edge of the hill overseeing the town. Built in the 17th century, the palace now houses some Government offices. Some Stupas and Monasteries are also worth to have a look at.
Although Leh is open to tourists throughout the year, the best time to visit Leh is during the months from June to October. The winters are very severe and make the place inaccessible. The Hemis Festival in Leh, which goes for about 2 days, is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of a famous Buddhist guru, Padmasambhava. The harvest festival is celebrated in the month of September. Another interesting aspect about Leh is the food of this place. Lot of delicious food varieties are prepared by the locals here among which Thukpa, a thick soup, is quite famous here.
Tourists are required to get permission from the local authorities to visit some of the restricted areas around Leh. Another fascinating fact about Leh is that the Pangong Lake, situated at a height of about 14,256 feet, is the world's highest saltwater lake. The lake stretches up to a distance of about 150 km, though only about one third of it lies in India. The people of Leh are a bit on the silent side and they don't move around with the tourists much. The airport in Leh receives flights from Delhi and Srinagar. The nearest railway station is at Jammu.
