Ladakh was an important stop on the old silk route caravan from China . But wandering the winding back streets of the town is still fascinating. It's about 10 kilometers north east of the Indus River in a fertile valley.Leh is small enough to make finding your way around very easy. There's one main street with the Leh Palace rising up at the end of it. Looking for all the world like a miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa , Tibet , the palace was built in the 16th century. The main reason for making the climb up to the palace is for the superb views from the roof top.
The Zanskar range, across the River Indus, looks close enough to touch. The Leh Gompa stands high above the palace and houses manuscripts and paintings. The Red Gompa, built in 1430, contains a fine three storey-high seated Buddha image.
Sankar Gompa it's an easy stroll, a couple of kilometres north of the town centre. Upstairs is an impressive representation of Avalokitesvara complete with 1000 arms and 1000 heads. The Mahaboli Society has a daily group meditation session at 5 pm and sometimes runs meditation courses at Choglamsar.
Special tours, Jeep Safaris and special excursions are carried out by competent travel agents.
