Leh - page 2 Also read the previous page Once in Leh, travelers are advised to rest for a day or more toallow time for acclimatization. That is, to get used to therarefied air in the region. As one emerges from near sea levelcabin pressure of the aircraft to 11,000 ft, the difference isquite significant. The seriousness can be gauged by the factthat non-acclimatization could lead to an attack of highaltitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO), which is fatal unless treatedimmediately.

Herd of Kyang in the distance Credit: Karamjeet Singh

In earlier days one had to be flown outimmediately, but for the last two decades the Military Hospitalhas been equipped with decompression chambers, where you arekept till the lungs are clear of fluid. It is in this hospitalthat the Indian soldiers stationed at the highest battlefieldon earth -- the Siachen Glacier -- are treated when they toosuffer from high altitude sickness.

Leh can be approached by road in two ways. The first route is a500 km drive in from Srinagar via the Zoji La pass and Kargil.The other route starts from Manali and travels another 500 kmvia high passes like the Rohtang Pass (13,600 ft), Baralacha la(16,400 ft) and the Tanglang la (17,200 ft). The route takesyou through a fantasy landscape in western Lahaul. Further on,before the Tanglang la, are the More plains -- a 100 plus kmstretch of absolutely level grassland at nearly 17,000 feet.Here one can often spot a herd of Kyang -- the Ladakhi wildass.

Vegetable sellers on the streets of Leh. Credit: Discover India

Being situated beyond the main Himalayan mountain wall, Leh hasa typical Tibetan type of climate. The temperature drops to farbelow freezing point in winter, and heavy snowfalls occur. Theaverage maximum temperature is about 20 C. Days are warm butnights become very cold even in the summer months.

Rainfall is restricted to sparse, scanty showers usuallybetween July and September. Snowfall is very frequent in winterand the first snowfall may occur as early as in October. Theair is generally dry and cold winds blow almost all through theyear.

There is a sleepy bazar in Leh where curios, mementos andsouvenirs can be bought. Accommodation is available in resthouses, hotels and inns. Leh has become an important touristdestination in recent times.