Old Town Leh
Situated behind Leh's main market, the Old Town lies spread across the southern slope of the hill with Lechen Pelkhar (the Leh Palace) at the top and extends as far as the Polo Ground to the south, the Balti bakeries in Chutay Ranthak in the west and the motor able road going up to the Palace in the east. The area is connected by a labyrinth of narrow, winding pathways that meander past homes, some that are over 400 years old and built in a vernacular style. Located within this area are some of the most important historical buildings including Lechen Pelkhar, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery and Tishas Soma Garden, home to the oldest public mosque in Leh.
Exploring this Old Town, one encounters the ruins of the old walled city of Leh, quiet passages that once coursed under imposing homes, and a bustling market place that reflects the area's diversity and socio-economic importance. Once the heart of Ladakh's cultural, economic and political world, part of the town stood witness to the developments and cross cultural influences taking place in Ladakh. Wars, mighty rulers, celebrations and festivities, music and dance, artisans, craftspeople, traders, and goods came from as far as the plains of India to China and Central Asia. Walking around here will transport you to another time, the ruins of still-standing walls echo the sounds that once filled the grand homes and each lane holds a story of a time long forgotten.
For some, the history of the Old Town begins with the establishment of the Palace in the early 17th century, built by one of the most powerful Kings of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. For others, this town is much older; probably an early settlement already existed prior to the Palace's construction. The most notable being the 600 year old Namgyal Tsemo monastery which is perched above the Palace. Most of the residents of the old Town lived here by virtue of their affinity to the king — his ministers, secretary, horseman, tailors, jewellers, musicians and artisans, and more — all had accommodation of varying sizes and types depending upon their rank in the area below the palace. The Old Town was fortified with a thick masonry wall and five gates, the remnants of some, which still can be seen.
For some, the history of the Old Town begins with the establishment of the Palace in the early 17th century, built by one of the most powerful Kings of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. For others, this town is much older; probably an early settlement already existed prior to the Palace's construction. The most notable being the 600 year old Namgyal Tsemo monastery which is perched above the Palace. Most of the residents of the old Town lived here by virtue of their affinity to the king — his ministers, secretary, horseman, tailors, jewellers, musicians and artisans, and more — all had accommodation of varying sizes and types depending upon their rank in the area below the palace. The Old Town was fortified with a thick masonry wall and five gates, the remnants of some, which still can be seen.
Over the years, the Old Town has been threatened by decay and redevelopment. In 2008, Old Town was declared an endangered site and included on the World Monuments Watch List. Inspite of the odds, Old Town Leh continues to survive, a testimony to the grandeur of the artistic heritage and cultural legacy that once exemplified Ladakh. As you walk, try and reminisce about a time before technology and cars.
Duration of walk:
2 hours
Meeting Point:
Jama Masjid and walk up to LAMO, exploring Old Town along the way
or
Leh Palace, for those who may find it difficult to walk up, exploring Leh Town along the way, ending at Lamo.
Cost:
Rates on request
(Will include walk through Old Town Leh, visit and tour of LAMO Centre including viewing of current exhibition)
*Preferred group size is 15 people. All walks are available for any size of groups and individuals.
If you are interested in going for a walk please view our contact page
Kindly carry a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes for walking, a hat if you feel you need it.
Situated behind Leh's main market, the Old Town lies spread across the southern slope of the hill with Lechen Pelkhar (the Leh Palace) at the top and extends as far as the Polo Ground to the south, the Balti bakeries in Chutay Ranthak in the west and the motor able road going up to the Palace in the east. The area is connected by a labyrinth of narrow, winding pathways that meander past homes, some that are over 400 years old and built in a vernacular style. Located within this area are some of the most important historical buildings including Lechen Pelkhar, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery and Tishas Soma Garden, home to the oldest public mosque in Leh.
Exploring this Old Town, one encounters the ruins of the old walled city of Leh, quiet passages that once coursed under imposing homes, and a bustling market place that reflects the area's diversity and socio-economic importance. Once the heart of Ladakh's cultural, economic and political world, part of the town stood witness to the developments and cross cultural influences taking place in Ladakh. Wars, mighty rulers, celebrations and festivities, music and dance, artisans, craftspeople, traders, and goods came from as far as the plains of India to China and Central Asia. Walking around here will transport you to another time, the ruins of still-standing walls echo the sounds that once filled the grand homes and each lane holds a story of a time long forgotten.
For some, the history of the Old Town begins with the establishment of the Palace in the early 17th century, built by one of the most powerful Kings of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. For others, this town is much older; probably an early settlement already existed prior to the Palace's construction. The most notable being the 600 year old Namgyal Tsemo monastery which is perched above the Palace. Most of the residents of the old Town lived here by virtue of their affinity to the king — his ministers, secretary, horseman, tailors, jewellers, musicians and artisans, and more — all had accommodation of varying sizes and types depending upon their rank in the area below the palace. The Old Town was fortified with a thick masonry wall and five gates, the remnants of some, which still can be seen.
Over the years, the Old Town has been threatened by decay and redevelopment. In 2008, Old Town was declared an endangered site and included on the World Monuments Watch List. Inspite of the odds, Old Town Leh continues to survive, a testimony to the grandeur of the artistic heritage and cultural legacy that once exemplified Ladakh. As you walk, try and reminisce about a time before technology and cars.
Duration of walk:
2 hours
Meeting Point:
Jama Masjid and walk up to LAMO, exploring Old Town along the way
or
Leh Palace, for those who may find it difficult to walk up, exploring Leh Town along the way, ending at Lamo.
Cost:
Rates on request
(Will include walk through Old Town Leh, visit and tour of LAMO Centre including viewing of current exhibition)
*Preferred group size is 15 people. All walks are available for any size of groups and individuals.
If you are interested in going for a walk please view our contact page
Kindly carry a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes for walking, a hat if you feel you need it.