Leh
Leh (/ˈleɪ/) is a city in the Indian Union territory of Ladakh. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh. Leh, located in the Leh district, was also the historical capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh. The seat of the kingdom, Leh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh, was built in the same style and about the same time as the Potala Palace in Tibet. Since they were both constructed in a similar style and at roughly the same time, the Potala Palace in Tibet and Leh Palace, the royal residence, are frequently contrasted. Leh is at an altitude of 3,524 m (11,562 ft), and is connected via National Highway 1 to Srinagar in the southwest and to Manali in the south via the Leh-Manali Highway (part of National Highway 3).
Leh | |
|---|---|
City administered by India | |
From the top clockwise: Leh city aerial view, Sankar Monastery, Leh Palace, Old city, Shanti Stupa, Spring in Leh | |
Interactive map of Leh | |
| Coordinates: 34°09′51″N 77°35′05″E | |
| Administering country | India |
| Region of administration | Union Territory of Ladakh |
| District | Leh |
| Government | |
| • Type | Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9.15 km2 (3.53 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 3,500 m (11,500 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 30,870 |
| • Density | 3,400/km2 (8,700/sq mi) |
| Demographics | |
| • Languages | Ladakhi, Balti, Hindi, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Vehicle registration | LA 02 |
| Website | leh |