Hotels in Leh

Leh: Ladakh's High-Altitude Capital at 3,524 Metres

Leh sits at 3,524 m (11,562 ft) above sea level in the Indus Valley, Ladakh, northern India. The 17th-century Leh Palace — a nine-storey former royal residence — dominates the old town skyline, while Namgyal Tsemo Gompa crowns the ridge above it. The market street, Main Bazaar Road, connects Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to modern guesthouses within walking distance. Khardung La, at roughly 5,359 m, lies 39 km north and is one of the world's highest motorable passes, connecting Leh to the Nubra Valley.

Where to Stay in Leh

Accommodation clusters in three zones: the old town near Leh Palace, the Changspa neighbourhood west of the bazaar (quieter, with garden guesthouses), and the Skara area closer to Leh Airport. Properties range from mud-brick heritage homestays to modern 3-star hotels with heated rooms — essential from October through March when nights drop below −10 °C.

Practical Tips

• Altitude acclimatisation: Rest for 24–48 hours on arrival before trekking or driving to high passes.
• Best season: Mid-June to mid-September for road access; the Manali–Leh Highway typically opens in late May.
• Permits: The Inner Line Permit is required for Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri — obtain it online or at the DC office in Leh.
• Flights: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport operates year-round with connections to Delhi (1 hr 20 min).