Experiences
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Leh Old Town Heritage Walk
Inquire Now
by
Urbanaut
Multiple Dates
INR 2700.00
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Eat / Drink
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Lala’s Art Café
by
Upamanyu Malik
A dusty alley. Locals chattering about without a care in the world. A giant Buddha stele at the doorstep. These are the components of the art café that brings you a lot closer to Ladakhi lokal. There’s a simple but delicious menu. The khambir(Ladakhi bread) served with butter and their melt in the mouth cakes are a must try (there are usually just two available) with a side of their coffee or mint lassi.
LEHVENDA CAFE
by
Upamanyu Malik
Imagine a café with the smell of coffee floating in the air. Imagine good views. Imagine great food. This café has it all. In a very short span these guys have made a name for themselves thanks to their exceptional food.
Central Asian Museum
by
Upamanyu Malik
The Central Asian Museum Leh has a rich collection of artefacts and manuscripts collected from Central Asia, Tibet and Kashmir. Some date back further, but most are from 18th and 19th centuries. The museum looks at Leh's role in Silk Road trade, with rooms focused on Ladakh, Chinese Turkestan and Tibet. The tapered four-storey stone tower is a modern construction based on a historic Lhasa mansion and built on the site of an old caravan camp. The museum hides in a courtyard that also contains Leh's oldest mosque and a traditionally styled Ladakhi show-kitchen where you can order lunch. Access is via the lane next to the SBI Bank ATM on Main Bazaar.
Schoko Monk Chocolates
by
Prachi Jetley
Handcrafted chocolates & confectionary! Stop by to have some great coffee & artisanal chocolates with local produce such as seabuckthorn.
Bon Appetit
by
Gulzar Hussain
Go to Bon Appetit for early dinner since it has outdoor seating, which means you can take in some stunning views with your meal. The food is very good and it’s one of a few places that actually serves alcohol. Ideal for a celebration, it’s the kind of restaurant where a lot of little things make the evening special.
Dzomsa
by
Upamanyu Malik
For long staying visitors, Dzomsa’s environmentally friendly laundry service (₹95 a kilo) is a boon. The café is a great pit stop for juices (apricot and seabuckthorn) and local eats. There’s also a second hand bookstore within the space. If your travels take you to Upper Changpsa, there’s a second outpost there as well.
Namza Dining
by
Upamanyu Malik
Both a café and a boutique, Namza Dining serves delicious traditional Ladakhi food. The boutique alongside has clothes made by local artisans and is a must-visit. The ingredients are all organically grown and it’s truly a delight to look around the beautifully-designed restaurant while you enjoy traditional Ladakhi food. The restaurant is based on the concept of sustainable agriculture with a private kitchen garden in the cafe yard. Their menu is a tribute to the long forgotten tradition of preparing a hearty feast for weary silk route travellers. They also retain existing traditional cuisines and restore lost and undocumented Ladakhi recipes. That includes travel to remote areas of the region to talk to the locals and document the recipes.
Lehchen Restaurant and Bar
by
Prachi Jetley
This place can get loud and unruly - but that’s what you’re here for? If you love a good bar for a fun night out in the cold - Lehchen is the spot.
De Khambir
by
Urbanaut
Khambir is a traditional Ladhaki bread, and De Khambir is a cafe in Leh’s Main Bazaar that has taken khambirs to a whole new level. There’s a variety of stuffed khambirs on the menu but we highly recommend going for the simple yet soulful combination of khambir and butter tea. The interiors are cosy and typical to a mountain cafe, and the folks helming this establishment are dedicated to giving traditional Ladkahi recipes the prominence they deserve. Try the dasthuk (savoury rice porridge) & the skyu, a local stew of wheat dough and some vegetables. Before leaving, remember to pick up a jar or two of their delicious, house made condiments.
Dolkhar Resort
by
Urbanaut
Built on ancestral property with painstaking efforts to preserve the local while offering a contemporary experience, The Dolkhar consists of 7 villas set around an apricot and apple orchard. Equipped with all the mod-cons including a smart TV (which you hopefully don’t need), this boutique resort is tasteful and pays homage to Ladakh’s heritage and ties with the land. Their plant-based restaurant, Tsas, offers a seasonal and local menu with a twist (and a cocktail bar will soon open). All in all, visit for a culinary experience if you can’t stay - but you would be wise to choose to spend a couple of nights here too.
Do
explore all >>
Lala’s Art Café
by
Upamanyu Malik
A dusty alley. Locals chattering about without a care in the world. A giant Buddha stele at the doorstep. These are the components of the art café that brings you a lot closer to Ladakhi lokal. There’s a simple but delicious menu. The khambir(Ladakhi bread) served with butter and their melt in the mouth cakes are a must try (there are usually just two available) with a side of their coffee or mint lassi.
Central Asian Museum
by
Upamanyu Malik
The Central Asian Museum Leh has a rich collection of artefacts and manuscripts collected from Central Asia, Tibet and Kashmir. Some date back further, but most are from 18th and 19th centuries. The museum looks at Leh's role in Silk Road trade, with rooms focused on Ladakh, Chinese Turkestan and Tibet. The tapered four-storey stone tower is a modern construction based on a historic Lhasa mansion and built on the site of an old caravan camp. The museum hides in a courtyard that also contains Leh's oldest mosque and a traditionally styled Ladakhi show-kitchen where you can order lunch. Access is via the lane next to the SBI Bank ATM on Main Bazaar.
Dzomsa
by
Upamanyu Malik
For long staying visitors, Dzomsa’s environmentally friendly laundry service (₹95 a kilo) is a boon. The café is a great pit stop for juices (apricot and seabuckthorn) and local eats. There’s also a second hand bookstore within the space. If your travels take you to Upper Changpsa, there’s a second outpost there as well.
Alchi Monastery - Choskhor
by
Upamanyu Malik
Imagine walking down a beautiful pathway lined with apricot trees in full bloom with their blossoms falling on your head. Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa will make that a reality. The Buddhist monastery, is part of the Choskor temple complex in Alchi village. The monastery complex was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. However, inscriptions in the preserved monuments ascribe it to a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-rab later in the 11th century. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and the Hindu kings of the time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh and happen to be eye-catching too.
Leh Palace
by
Upamanyu Malik
Yes! This is that monumental structure you see in all tourism pamphlets. It can also sometimes feel like it is the first place everyone visits when they reach Leh. It might be a touristy spot but then there’s also more to it that meets the eye. Similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured edifice is Leh's dominant structure and architectural icon. It took shape under 17th-century king Singge Namgyal but has been essentially unoccupied since the Ladakhi royals were stripped of power and shuffled off to Stok in 1846. Today the sturdy walls enclose some photo exhibition spaces and a small prayer room, but the most enjoyable part of a visit is venturing to the highest rooftops for the view. Go well hydrated and carry snacks. Avoid the crowd by going in the morning as soon as it opens.
Kyagar Tso
by
Urbanaut
Undiscovered, hidden and abundantly beautiful can all be used to describe Kyagar Tso. Most tourists make their way to Tso Moriri without realising that this gem is right on the way, and some say, more beautiful. The lake may be way smaller than the others, but its surrounding mountains and salt pans make this one an absolute game changer.
Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation
by
Urbanaut
Newly restored, this building houses Monisha Ahmed’s collection of Ladakhi textiles and hosts events in its space. Made up of two houses, it’s a must visit.
Sankar Gompa
by
Upamanyu Malik
Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh. It is the residence of the Abbot of Spituk, the Venerable Kushok Bakula. The relatively modern, attractive cluster of buildings is set amongst trees above the town, in the pass behind Leh leading to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys. Climbing the steps one reaches the double doors leading into the du khang or assembly hall. Upstairs, in the inner sanctuary, there is an impressive figure here of Avalokiteśvara with 1,000 arms and 1,000 heads. The walls are painted with a Tibetan calendar, mandalas and rules for the monks. A lama from Sankar Monastery visits the mid-sixteenth century fort built by Tashi Namgyal at Namgyal Tsemo, the peak above Leh every morning and evening to maintain the temples associated with the fort and light the butter-lamps
Namgyal Tsemo monastery
by
Upamanyu Malik
Visible from virtually everywhere in Leh, the 16th-century Tsemo (Victory) Fort is a defining landmark that crowns the top of Palace Ridge, though there's little to see inside apart from a tiny Buddhist shrine. Directly beneath though, Tsemo Gompa consists of two little 15th-century temple buildings. One enshrines an awe inspiring 8m-tall gold-faced Maitreya. The other is an atmospheric gonkhang, home of protector deities. On foot, getting here takes around 15 minutes on a steep path from Leh Palace. Road access is by a 3km loop from the polo ground, then a 600m dead end spur off the Nubra Rd.
Spituk Gompa
by
Upamanyu Malik
A scenic 8 km drive from Leh will take you to this awe-inspiring monastery filled with large idols and a sweeping view of the stark mountains. Founded in the late 14th century as See-Thub (Exemplary) Monastery, Spituk Gompa surveys the Sengye Tsangpo (Indus) Valley, with surreal views of planes landing at Leh airport. It's worth climbing the exterior stairway to the three-tiered latho (spirit shrine) and gonkhang (protector chapel), which holds the monastery's guardian deities. However, note that women are not allowed inside. The main upper Jokhang has an ornate golden-crowned statue of Jowo Sakyamuni that was said to have been brought from Lhasa after the Chinese invasion.
Hunder Sand Dunes
by
Upamanyu Malik
Known for its sand dunes, a visit to Hunder is made for two reasons - the sand dunes and the Bactrian camels, known for its two humps. Ideal for a day trip or a night of camping, it’s a place with an otherworldly landscape - think sand dunes, a river running alongside and mountains as a back drop - that has to be seen first hand.
Hemis Gompa
by
Upamanyu Malik
One of the most well known monastery’s in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is located in the Shang Valley of the Stok Kangri range. The Hemis Monastery is the biggest and one of the most endowed monastery of Ladakh. It was built in 1630. The monastery is decorated on all four sides by colourful prayer flags which flutter in the breeze and send prayers to Lord Buddha. On the northern side are two assembly halls, and as with most of the monasteries, one can see the guardian deities and the Wheel of Life here. The Hemis Monastery also has an important library of Tibetan books and a very impressive and valuable collection of Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones.
Shey Palace
by
Upamanyu Malik
This monastery sits atop a lone hill in the village of Shey and has stunning views. Off the tourist trail, it’s a great place to strike up conversations with tour as you’ll get time to talk to lamas and the locals, all while understanding more about Buddhism.
Real local
explore all >>
Lala’s Art Café
by
Upamanyu Malik
A dusty alley. Locals chattering about without a care in the world. A giant Buddha stele at the doorstep. These are the components of the art café that brings you a lot closer to Ladakhi lokal. There’s a simple but delicious menu. The khambir(Ladakhi bread) served with butter and their melt in the mouth cakes are a must try (there are usually just two available) with a side of their coffee or mint lassi.
Central Asian Museum
by
Upamanyu Malik
The Central Asian Museum Leh has a rich collection of artefacts and manuscripts collected from Central Asia, Tibet and Kashmir. Some date back further, but most are from 18th and 19th centuries. The museum looks at Leh's role in Silk Road trade, with rooms focused on Ladakh, Chinese Turkestan and Tibet. The tapered four-storey stone tower is a modern construction based on a historic Lhasa mansion and built on the site of an old caravan camp. The museum hides in a courtyard that also contains Leh's oldest mosque and a traditionally styled Ladakhi show-kitchen where you can order lunch. Access is via the lane next to the SBI Bank ATM on Main Bazaar.
Dzomsa
by
Upamanyu Malik
For long staying visitors, Dzomsa’s environmentally friendly laundry service (₹95 a kilo) is a boon. The café is a great pit stop for juices (apricot and seabuckthorn) and local eats. There’s also a second hand bookstore within the space. If your travels take you to Upper Changpsa, there’s a second outpost there as well.
Namza Dining
by
Upamanyu Malik
Both a café and a boutique, Namza Dining serves delicious traditional Ladakhi food. The boutique alongside has clothes made by local artisans and is a must-visit. The ingredients are all organically grown and it’s truly a delight to look around the beautifully-designed restaurant while you enjoy traditional Ladakhi food. The restaurant is based on the concept of sustainable agriculture with a private kitchen garden in the cafe yard. Their menu is a tribute to the long forgotten tradition of preparing a hearty feast for weary silk route travellers. They also retain existing traditional cuisines and restore lost and undocumented Ladakhi recipes. That includes travel to remote areas of the region to talk to the locals and document the recipes.
De Khambir
by
Urbanaut
Khambir is a traditional Ladhaki bread, and De Khambir is a cafe in Leh’s Main Bazaar that has taken khambirs to a whole new level. There’s a variety of stuffed khambirs on the menu but we highly recommend going for the simple yet soulful combination of khambir and butter tea. The interiors are cosy and typical to a mountain cafe, and the folks helming this establishment are dedicated to giving traditional Ladkahi recipes the prominence they deserve. Try the dasthuk (savoury rice porridge) & the skyu, a local stew of wheat dough and some vegetables. Before leaving, remember to pick up a jar or two of their delicious, house made condiments.
Alchi Monastery - Choskhor
by
Upamanyu Malik
Imagine walking down a beautiful pathway lined with apricot trees in full bloom with their blossoms falling on your head. Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa will make that a reality. The Buddhist monastery, is part of the Choskor temple complex in Alchi village. The monastery complex was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. However, inscriptions in the preserved monuments ascribe it to a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-rab later in the 11th century. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and the Hindu kings of the time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh and happen to be eye-catching too.
Leh Palace
by
Upamanyu Malik
Yes! This is that monumental structure you see in all tourism pamphlets. It can also sometimes feel like it is the first place everyone visits when they reach Leh. It might be a touristy spot but then there’s also more to it that meets the eye. Similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured edifice is Leh's dominant structure and architectural icon. It took shape under 17th-century king Singge Namgyal but has been essentially unoccupied since the Ladakhi royals were stripped of power and shuffled off to Stok in 1846. Today the sturdy walls enclose some photo exhibition spaces and a small prayer room, but the most enjoyable part of a visit is venturing to the highest rooftops for the view. Go well hydrated and carry snacks. Avoid the crowd by going in the morning as soon as it opens.
Sankar Gompa
by
Upamanyu Malik
Sankar Gompa is a Buddhist monastery within an easy half-hour walk from Leh. It is the residence of the Abbot of Spituk, the Venerable Kushok Bakula. The relatively modern, attractive cluster of buildings is set amongst trees above the town, in the pass behind Leh leading to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys. Climbing the steps one reaches the double doors leading into the du khang or assembly hall. Upstairs, in the inner sanctuary, there is an impressive figure here of Avalokiteśvara with 1,000 arms and 1,000 heads. The walls are painted with a Tibetan calendar, mandalas and rules for the monks. A lama from Sankar Monastery visits the mid-sixteenth century fort built by Tashi Namgyal at Namgyal Tsemo, the peak above Leh every morning and evening to maintain the temples associated with the fort and light the butter-lamps
Namgyal Tsemo monastery
by
Upamanyu Malik
Visible from virtually everywhere in Leh, the 16th-century Tsemo (Victory) Fort is a defining landmark that crowns the top of Palace Ridge, though there's little to see inside apart from a tiny Buddhist shrine. Directly beneath though, Tsemo Gompa consists of two little 15th-century temple buildings. One enshrines an awe inspiring 8m-tall gold-faced Maitreya. The other is an atmospheric gonkhang, home of protector deities. On foot, getting here takes around 15 minutes on a steep path from Leh Palace. Road access is by a 3km loop from the polo ground, then a 600m dead end spur off the Nubra Rd.
Hunder Sand Dunes
by
Upamanyu Malik
Known for its sand dunes, a visit to Hunder is made for two reasons - the sand dunes and the Bactrian camels, known for its two humps. Ideal for a day trip or a night of camping, it’s a place with an otherworldly landscape - think sand dunes, a river running alongside and mountains as a back drop - that has to be seen first hand.
Hemis Gompa
by
Upamanyu Malik
One of the most well known monastery’s in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is located in the Shang Valley of the Stok Kangri range. The Hemis Monastery is the biggest and one of the most endowed monastery of Ladakh. It was built in 1630. The monastery is decorated on all four sides by colourful prayer flags which flutter in the breeze and send prayers to Lord Buddha. On the northern side are two assembly halls, and as with most of the monasteries, one can see the guardian deities and the Wheel of Life here. The Hemis Monastery also has an important library of Tibetan books and a very impressive and valuable collection of Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones.
Shey Palace
by
Upamanyu Malik
This monastery sits atop a lone hill in the village of Shey and has stunning views. Off the tourist trail, it’s a great place to strike up conversations with tour as you’ll get time to talk to lamas and the locals, all while understanding more about Buddhism.
Buy
explore all >>
Central Asian Museum
by
Upamanyu Malik
The Central Asian Museum Leh has a rich collection of artefacts and manuscripts collected from Central Asia, Tibet and Kashmir. Some date back further, but most are from 18th and 19th centuries. The museum looks at Leh's role in Silk Road trade, with rooms focused on Ladakh, Chinese Turkestan and Tibet. The tapered four-storey stone tower is a modern construction based on a historic Lhasa mansion and built on the site of an old caravan camp. The museum hides in a courtyard that also contains Leh's oldest mosque and a traditionally styled Ladakhi show-kitchen where you can order lunch. Access is via the lane next to the SBI Bank ATM on Main Bazaar.
Dzomsa
by
Upamanyu Malik
For long staying visitors, Dzomsa’s environmentally friendly laundry service (₹95 a kilo) is a boon. The café is a great pit stop for juices (apricot and seabuckthorn) and local eats. There’s also a second hand bookstore within the space. If your travels take you to Upper Changpsa, there’s a second outpost there as well.
Alchi Monastery - Choskhor
by
Upamanyu Malik
Imagine walking down a beautiful pathway lined with apricot trees in full bloom with their blossoms falling on your head. Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa will make that a reality. The Buddhist monastery, is part of the Choskor temple complex in Alchi village. The monastery complex was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. However, inscriptions in the preserved monuments ascribe it to a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-rab later in the 11th century. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and the Hindu kings of the time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh and happen to be eye-catching too.
ZILZOM DESIGN STUDIO
by
Urbanaut
Established by Stanzin Palmo, Zilzom is a fashion label where the NIFT graduate creates contemporary, eco-friendly summer clothing. The approach is slow and deliberate with motifs that draw from local inspiration. With a men’s and women’s line, it’s worth making a stop.
Looms Of Ladakh | Pashmina Yak Camel Wool Women Cooperative
by
Gulzar Hussain
This is one of the few stores owned by a cooperative, and as a result, all profits go towards enriching the members. On the shelves you’ll find everything from winter caps to gorgeous dresses. Everything is hand spun or hand woven and naturally dyed. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this is the kind of shop that you can spend hours in, poring over the details and doing some shopping.
Stay
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Dolkhar Resort
by
Urbanaut
Built on ancestral property with painstaking efforts to preserve the local while offering a contemporary experience, The Dolkhar consists of 7 villas set around an apricot and apple orchard. Equipped with all the mod-cons including a smart TV (which you hopefully don’t need), this boutique resort is tasteful and pays homage to Ladakh’s heritage and ties with the land. Their plant-based restaurant, Tsas, offers a seasonal and local menu with a twist (and a cocktail bar will soon open). All in all, visit for a culinary experience if you can’t stay - but you would be wise to choose to spend a couple of nights here too.
Stone Hedge Hotel ladakh
by
Urbanaut
Hotel stone Hedge was specifically built keeping the environment in mind. Inspired by famous architect Lauri Baker and built with the intention to promote eco-tourism, this gorgeous stay is where guests can experience living in harmony with nature. Built using local, reusable materials, it’s still luxurious, with spacious rooms that feature king-size beds and large balconies. There’s also a scenic rooftop restaurant with surrounding views of the Nubra Valley!
Nubra Organic Retreat
by
Gulzar Hussain
Nearby Hunder can sometimes get too crowded since it is home to a lot of resorts. Organic Retreat is a great alternative, with villas that are dotted around its sprawling property. During meal time, produce comes from their organic farm, but it doesn’t compromise on flavour. As a result, it’s a great place to bed down for during a trip.
The Kyagar, Nubra
by
Urbanaut
An elegant, sustainable hotel built in the Nubra valley, The Kyagar’s owners come from a long line of Ladakhi hospitality. Indeed, the owner’s ancestors served silk-route traders and more recently, the family was the first to open hotels in Nubra and Leh in the 70s. Stay in mud-packed rooms (there are only 16) with sky lights to view the surreal night sky. The location is in one word - epic. Enjoy fresh meals from their organic garden and spend your time in bliss.
Jade House Ladakh
by
Prachi Jetley
A boutique homestay located in the heart of Leh town, offering plush accomodation, warm hospitality and sumptuous food. The house is relatively new but the land has a lot of history attached to it. There is a natural spring on site where back in the day people would come to bathe & wash their clothes. Wake up to the sound of glacial water and the view of the snow capped mountains in the backdrop!
Caravanistan
by
Knowhere Travel Co
Caravanistan offers an alternative and minimally-intrusive oasis from which to explore the areas in this village responsibly. Accessible for six months of the year, and located 5 hours from Leh, this homestay is in a tiny village that runs entirely on solar power. The water sources are from melting glaciers and are pure enough to drink directly from the streams. Tourism has been their main contact with the outside world, and we guarantee you can learn about slow living, Ladakhi-style, from them.
Holy Stoked
by
Knowhere Travel Co
This traditional Ladakhi home in Stok valley is run by an Indian and Japanese couple with a keen interest in sustainable living. The hosts grow their own veggies and buckwheat, while fields of barley and mustard stretch out below. Taste scrumptious Ladakhi cuisine with heavy Japanese influences. This picturesque and quaint village site is at the base of the mighty Stok range.
Nimmu House Ladakh
by
Urbanaut
Located about 45 mins away from Leh, this boutique hotel can be reached easily via taxi. A great location to relax, rejuvenate and recharge, it’s frequented by families, couples and solo travellers. Nimmu House has varied options for stay - including rooms and tents. Those looking for a wellness getaway can book their yoga retreat package.
The Indus River Camp
by
Urbanaut
On the banks of the Indus River surrounded by white-topped mountains, Indus River Camp makes for the perfect base from which to explore Ladakh. These river facing cottages are cosy, comfortable, and tastefully done up, and include a porch which would go great with a cup of coffee. They also curate a host of experiences and guides, both within the property and elsewhere — including yoga, hikes, rafting and more. Don’t worry about meal times because the food is delicious, health conscious, fresh and local.
Stok Palace Heritage Hotel
by
Urbanaut
A 195-year-old palace that still serves as the summer home for descendants of the Nemgyal dynasty, Stok Palace is now also a heritage hotel that allows guests to experience royal Ladhaki lifestyle. Built in 1820, this is one of Ladakh’s most prominent landmarks. Surrounded by apricot and willow trees, this gorgeous property combines traditional charm with modern comforts. Have breakfast against the backdrop of Ladakh’s majestic ranges for a start to the day that can’t be beaten.