Leh the capital of Ladakh which by virtue of being situated at 3,500 Mts. above sea level, becomes one of the highest valleys in the World. The three-letter word “ Leh” which appears prominently in all maps of the area means “oasis”. The crest of the Great Himalayan Range to the South and South West of Ladakh prevents the monsoon from entering it and leaves the Valley Absolutely arid. The snowline is higher here then most of the comparable places and the greater portion of the land remain uncultivated. But in spite of the dryness, the land being stony, some cultivation of wheat and barley is done. Tamarisks, Poplars, elaeagnus and Junipers are grown here. The main street of Leh is the new Bazar, which was laid out by captain Trench in 1897. Shops on both sides of the street sell the general merchandise which one finds in any bazaar in India.
Leh town, an oasis in the cold desert extending over hundreds of kilometers, is a strange mixture of old and new structures and clusters of Chhortens (Stupa’s), Massive Mane Wheels (Buddhist prayer wheels) in the middle of the path. Its most impressive sight is a massive stone castle rising almost vertically into the air. This was the seat of the rulers of Ladakh. Towards the end of the bazaar, there are pavement vegetable sellers, the carrots; Jumbo sized cabbages, turnips, radishes and cauliflowers. The tomatoes too are usually large. In olden days, this was a very popular bazaar where people used to buy and sell their wares. And also a place where many races met. Tibetans came from Lahsa, after a three-month journey. People from Peshawar, Baltistan and Kashgar also visit Leh quite frequently during the Silk Route days. Polo, the popular game was regularly played in the bazaar every afternoon. It was a practice, which continued till as late as the 1950’s, when all the shops closed every afternoon to enable people to participate in the polo match. Still at certain occasions including the Ladakh festival in September, the polo match is played here in a traditional style.
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