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.
We were lucky to stay at the Astrostays at Pangong Lake. The house is overlooking the lake. The rooms are very comfortable and the bathroom is essential but perfectly functional. The living room is in the traditional Ladakhi style. The family running the homestay (brother and two sisters) is so nice that we regretted staying only for one night. We absolutely recommend this place.
Lovely Family and Lovely Home. We stayed at Thiksey Eco Homestay for one night as the Thiksey Monastery is close by. The whole family is very welcoming. The two daughters are engineers, son is very knowledgeable, friendly and a passionate photographer besides being a Trip Host. The mother is a nice lady and cooks delicious momos and cookies. The father is very warm and down to earth. We enjoyed a very homely stay. The hosts are requested to provide a little hard bed and provide some cloth hanging strip in the bathroom. If a hand wash bottle could also be kept. The hosts are superb.
Clean place, welcoming and accommodative hosts, provide help and guidance to prehistoric sites on Indus River. Provided lunch and dinner in pure Ladhaki style that was delicious at Domkhar Eco Homestay. Would highly recommend this serene location by an absolutely pure glacier fed mountain stream. Enjoy the tall peaks for a perfect R&R.
What a lovely family, we absolutely loved our stay at Padum Eco Homestay! Everyone was so warm and welcoming, it truly felt like home. The food was delicious and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Perfect location with beautiful views. Great value for money and very family-friendly. Highly recommend!
The Sakti Eco Homestay is run by an Army veteran and his wife , helped by their daughter when she is with them.
They are very kind and hospitable, we have very tasty yet homely food made by them that was very soothing after a long trip of eating outside food. The house the surrounded by garden / vegetation and is in the middle of a farm with lovely views of the mountains around.
A memorable stay I must say !
