Our grading system explained
Leh
Leh Palace
Situated just to the north of the Indus Valley, high in the arid heart of the great Karakoram Mountain range, Leh sits at the crossroads of High Asia. For centuries it looked to the north, towards Tibet and Central Asia, for its influences and from the town's main bazaar, yak trains would set out over the Karakoram La to Yarkand and Kashgar. In recent years, as a part of India, its focus has shifted from that of trade to a military nature, sitting as it now does close to the borders of Pakistan and China. The town itself is dominated by the nine-storey Leh Palace, ancient home to the Ladakhi royal family, beneath which twist and turn a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Beyond that to the south lies modern Leh. From the Padma Guesthouse - a lovely family run hotel at which all WF tours stay - there are many lovely walks to nearby stupas and palaces, curiosity shops or to watch a game of polo.