Leh (लेह) is a district in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India, in the high-altitude trans-Himalayan region. Its administrative centre is Leh town, in the Indus valley. The district is known for dramatic mountain landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, cold-desert conditions and a history linked to trade routes across Central Asia.
Ladakhi traditions shape local life, with Buddhist and Muslim communities contributing to its cultural heritage. Tourism, government services, agriculture, livestock rearing and trade support livelihoods. Barley cultivation and pastoralism remain important in rural areas. Prominent landmarks include Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis. Seasonal festivals, monastic celebrations and local crafts draw visitors.
Residents commonly focus on reliable water supplies, waste management, healthcare, education and year-round transport. Tourism growth brings jobs but also pressure on housing, roads and fragile ecosystems. Other civic concerns include glacier retreat, disaster preparedness, employment opportunities, and public participation in decisions about land, development and governance.