The Old Town of Leh is near the 17th century Leh Palace, an exclusive heritage site in the rapidly urbanising Leh city. The walk begins from the top of Chutay Ranthak, where the traditional water mills were located. This site supplied flour to the residents of Leh town including the bakeries. Bakers’ Street holds the west entrance gate of the Old Town of Leh, called Sta-go. As you walk under the stupa that adorns the gate and enter the Old Town, you will step back into the past. The scene changes vividly as you walk through labyrinthine narrow pathways, passing old houses with intricate woodwork, places of worship and forgotten ruins. Each space has an interesting narrative from the past as well as an account of its contemporary usage.
Myths, folklore and music once reverberated in the Old Town, sharing stories of which will make the walk more interesting and alive. There are also stories about important and colourful personalities who lived in the Old Town, and their contributions to Ladakh.
This guided tour is free.
