Leh
A former capital of a Himalayan kingdom
Once an important stopover on the trade routes between India, Tibet and China, Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Girdled on all sides by lofty Himalayan peaks, the town is dominated by the ruins of the ancient Leh Palace, with the Shanti Stupa and Stok Palace among other spectacular sights. Leh is a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars, and the road that passes through the town leads to the region’s many enchanting sights, from Buddhist monuments to ancient lakes, remnants of the Tethys Sea.