A journey through time and history!
A journey through time and history!
Experience the centuries old heritage of Ladakh!
Why this experience is unique?
Discover the timeless charm of Old Leh on this guided heritage walk through its historic center. Once a vital stop on the ancient Silk Route, Old Leh was a crossroads of trade, culture and community life. As you explore winding lanes lined with traditional Ladakhi homes, ancient shrines and centuries-old architecture, you’ll get a rare glimpse into the city’s rich past. Along the way, enjoy local street snacks, fresh traditional breads and tucked-away cafés offering both views and stories. This walk is more than just a tour — it’s a journey into the cultural soul of Ladakh. It offers an engaging glimpse into Leh’s cultural legacy and historical significance.
Start your walk from the iconic Jama Masjid and explore the winding lanes of Old Leh. As you make your way toward the Leh Palace from Main Market, you’ll pass through the charming Baker’s Street—famous for its traditional Ladakhi bakeries and breads. Enjoy the aroma of fresh bread, try local biscuits and get a real taste of Ladakh’s everyday food culture.
Continue your walk with a visit to the Central Asian Museum in Leh — a perfect introduction to the region’s rich past. Spread across multiple levels, the museum takes you through the cultures that shaped Ladakh and its role in ancient trade routes like the Silk Road. Explore old photographs, rare artifacts and handwritten manuscripts, all housed in a beautiful traditional Ladakhi-style building. Each floor tells the story of a different culture and its influence on the region, making it a great way to connect with Ladakh’s deep-rooted history.
Just a short walk from Central Asian Museum, Gurudwara Shri Datun Sahib is a quiet and meaningful place. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this spot during his travels in the 16th century. He is said to have planted a meswak tree (datun) here, which still stands today. The tree is a symbol of his visit and blessings, and the site offers a peaceful break from the busy streets of Leh.
Take a walk through the heart of Leh’s history, known as Khar-yog — the Old Town located just below the 17th-century Leh Palace. Once a key stop along the ancient Silk Route, this area was the center of trade, politics and daily life in the region.
After a brief stop at the peaceful Datun Sahib Gurudwara, we’ll continue our walk through the old west gate — the same entryway used in the past to access the town. Along the way, you’ll discover stories, old houses and community spaces that still carry the charm of old Ladakh.
Just past the West Gate near Leh’s Jama Masjid, Choskor House is a beautifully restored traditional Ladakhi home that once belonged to a well-known trader family. The family was part of the historic Lopchak trade missions to Lhasa.
Today, the house has a new purpose — it’s a vibrant space for art conservation and exhibitions. Locals, especially young people, have come together to turn it into a place where Ladakh’s cultural and architectural heritage is preserved and celebrated. From ancient thangkas to traditional designs, every corner of Choskor House tells a story of the region’s rich past.
As the final stop on your journey, visit LAMO (Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation), a vibrant centre for art, culture and community. Located in two beautifully restored 17th-century buildings—Munshi House and Gyaoo House—LAMO is more than just a museum.
You can explore its art galleries, library and peaceful garden spaces. LAMO regularly hosts exhibitions, film screenings and cultural events that showcase the talent and stories of Ladakhi artists. It’s a great place to learn how traditional architecture and contemporary creativity come together.
LAMO was honoured with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2018, a testament to its role in preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural identity.
We end the day with a warm visit to the oldest Café, tucked away in the heart of Leh’s Old Town. This cozy café is set inside a beautifully restored heritage building, just below Leh Palace. Known as one of the oldest cafés in Ladakh, it’s a perfect spot to relax over a cup of traditional Ladakhi butter tea and homemade cookies.
But the Café is more than just a place to eat. It doubles as an art gallery that showcases the work of both Ladakhi and international artists. From traditional thangka paintings to contemporary pieces and photography, the café celebrates creativity and culture in every corner. It also hosts occasional talks, music events and workshops, making it a vibrant space for locals and travelers alike.
Low wooden ceilings, Ladakhi carpets and historic architecture add to the charm, making this visit a quiet yet memorable cultural stop.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
