Leh District is the largest district in India in terms of area. It is the home to about 117,637 people. Leh shares its boundary with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) in the west, China in the north, and
Lahul and Spiti District of
Himachal Pardesh in the south-east.
Leh has both arctic and desert climate. From November to May it remains cut off from the other parts of Kashmir owing to heavy snowfall.
Majority of the people follow
Buddhism. Muslims and Hindus are in minority. Cultivation and animal husbandry are the main occupations of the people. Barley, vegetables, and fruits such as apple and apricot are the main crops. Leh abounds in medicinal herbs. Also, Leh is rich in water resources.
The Buddhist 'gumpas' (monastries) at Hemis, Tsemo, Mashro, Chemre Gompa, Alchie,
Lomayuru,
Likir, Spituk, Thiksay and Sankar, the town of Leh, Stock Palace Museum and Leh palace are some of the important places of tourist interest.
