Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh for All Budgets

There are literally hundreds of places to stay in Leh, Ladakh. The number of guesthouses, homestays and hotels has exploded over recent years, making it a difficult decision to pick the right place.

Whether you’re a backpacker looking for somewhere cheap and convenient or happy to spend a bit more on a family-run guesthouse to get a local insight, I’m detailing my top picks for accommodation in Leh. After spending 12 weeks in total over two different trips to Ladakh, I’ve stayed at my fair share of places.

You’ll find suggestions below for budget, midrange and even luxury accommodation, so you can decide what suits you and your trip to the Land of High Passes in North India.

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Why Visit Leh, Ladakh?

If you’re reading this blog about the best accommodation in Leh, then I’m assuming that you’re already planning to travel to Ladakh. But if you need some more convincing; Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

With the contrast of arid desert-like slopes, soaring rugged peaks capped with snow, braided rivers carving out valleys and crumbling monasteries perched atop hilltops and on the side of cliffs, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

As one of the last places in India for true adventure, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Ladakh. From following the famous Silk Road to trekking in the otherworldy Himalayas, you can easily spend plenty of time there.

Read some of my in-depth blog posts on Ladakh:

• Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ladakh
• Best Things to Do in Leh, Ladakh
• Detailed 10 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary
• Best Cafes in Leh
• How to Get to Leh by Public Transport
• How to Explore Zanskar Valley
• A Guide to Hiking the Markha Valley Trek

When to Visit Leh, Ladakh

High season runs from June until September in Ladakh as this is when the summer months bring the best weather and ideal conditions for exploring the surrounding peaks, valleys, towns and attractions.

Outside of these months, the temperatures are colder, roads can be blocked due to landslides or snow and trekking becomes too dangerous. Generally, the roads are open from May until October, although it’s possible to fly into Leh at any time of year.

Unless you’re planning on snow leopard tracking, winter is a very harsh time in Ladakh and not recommended unless you’re well prepared. In fact, most accommodation closes down for the winter, so you’d have to plan well in advance.

Best Places to Stay in Leh, Ladakh for Every Budget

No matter whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget to Ladakh or looking for a more comfortable stay, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from.

With Leh being the main town and hub of the region, this is where most of the accommodation is found and also where most people base themselves for their trip. So, below I’m outlining my top picks for backpackers, budget adventurers, midrange and luxury travellers in Leh.

Backpacker

There are more and more hostels popping up in Leh now. You’ll find a couple of the main Indian hostel chains like GoStops and Zostel, but also some independent ones too. Here’s my favourite hostel in Leh:

Raybo Hostel

Distance from Leh market: 1.2 km

Definitely the best hostel in Leh, Raybo Hostel is a great place to stay near town to meet people from all over the world. Located in the Chubi area, it’s a quiet spot away from the hustle of the market but also a short 15min walk if you want to head in for food.

The dorm beds were really comfortable, with personal charging points and lamps and ensuite bathrooms. There’s a nice common area downstairs where a filling breakfast was served every morning. Plus, there was space in the garden to relax and meet new friends.

Staff were really friendly, even helping us check in at midnight despite not having a booking. I’d definitely head there again for a budget stay.

Price: From 450 INR (AU$9) per night

Budget

There is an endless supply of budget accommodation in Leh. There are hundreds of guest houses, mostly family run, which charge a reasonable price for private rooms. They’re usually small scale places tucked down back streets, but with very welcoming hosts.

Here are my top picks:

Peace Guest House

Distance from Leh market: 250

I stumbled upon this guesthouse when I was looking for a place to stay on my recent trip to Leh. Tucked down a side street off Upper Tukcha Road, you can’t get much closer to Leh market than this. I found it was super convenient with everything so close.

The property is basic but the rooms were large, clean and comfortable for the relatively cheap pricetag. It has a lovely garden area to sit as well, with strong WiFi.

They offer some basic food and drinks onsite, but there’s so many places to eat nearby that I never ate there. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I was happy enough to stay there again.

Price: From 800 INR (AU$16) per night

Chandan Guest House

Distance from Leh market: 1 km

Located down Upper Tukcha Road, this guest house has a very nice homely feel and is run by a very caring and helpful lady. It’s a family guesthouse, so it feels almost like a homestay, offering an insight into the local people.

They have some older rooms above the family home, as well as the newer building with large double rooms and private balconies (it’s worth spending the extra couple of dollars for the newer rooms). It’s just a short 15 minute walk to the main market, or just a 7 minute walk to Changspa Road for restaurants and cafes.

Some of the rooms have exceptional mountain views, plus there’s a nice little garden with outdoor furniture to relax in, if you don’t get a balcony room.

Price: From 1500 INR (AU$30) per night

Mid-range

There’s often not too much difference in room quality when it comes to midrange guesthouses compared to more budget places. But you can expect better service, a restaurant onsite or breakfast included, and nicer facilities. However, these mid-range options are still family run and smaller scale to more upmarket hotels.

Rock Castle Residency

Distance from Leh market: 800m

A place that feels like home to me now. I stayed here for nearly a month on my last trip and I can’t speak highly enough of Gonbo and his family guest-house. Located in Chubi, just a short walk up from the main market, it’s a beautiful place to stay with huge rooms, featuring big double beds (probably the comfiest I’ve had in India!), private bathrooms, and some with balconies.

The garden area outside is a great place to relax amongst the flowers, plus the organic vegetables and herbs are picked fresh every day and served in their onsite restaurant. Gonbo and his manager Rigzin, plus all the staff, do everything to make your stay as comofortable as possible.

Plus, Gonbo has over 25 years experience in adventure tourism, so they can easily arrange tours and treks for you too.

Price: From 3000 INR (AU$60) per night

Raku Guesthouse

Distance from Leh market: 1 km

A longstanding family guesthouse on Upper Tukcha Road, this is a great place to be shown the local hospitality. The family take care of each guest like their own family member, offering their recommendations for things to do and able to organise tours as well.

The rooms have comfortable beds with private bathrooms, along with a communal dining area and lounge with traditional floor seating. There’s also a large garden, where you can relax amongst the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Price: From 3000 INR (AU$60) per night

Gomang Boutique Hotel

Distance from Leh market: 1.2 km

Located north-west of town on Upper Changsha Road, this small but friendly hotel is a beautiful place to stay for those looking for a combination between a personal guesthouse experience and more luxury hotel stay.

It features large double rooms, each with private bathrooms, lounges, electric kettle, and cable TV. Plus, there’s large indoor and outdoor dining areas, a garden and common lounge to enjoy during your stay.

Price: From 6000 INR (AU$120) per night

Luxury

Luxury accommodation used to be much more limited in Leh. However, in recent years, new places have sprung up offering 5 star service. These are usually large hotels that are outside of the main centre and with less personal touch, but with all the facilities you would expect from an upscale hotel.

The Grand Dragon

Distance from Leh market: 1.2 km

The first and most famous luxury 5 star hotel in Leh, The Grand Dragon has become a landmark in the town centre. It’s a large, multi-storey hotel built around a flat garden area, with outdoor seating and dining under umbrellas.

The onsite restaurant serves exceptional Ladakhi, Kashmiri, and Indian food, as well as other cuisines if you prefer. Plus, expect bonfires and cultural dances on in the evenings during high season.

The luxury double rooms have mountain views, separate lounge areas, Italian marble bathrooms with a bath, along with traditional textiles and art throughout.

Price: From 15,000 INR (AU$290) per night

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

Distance from Leh market: 15 km

If you want a truly special and unique place to stay in Ladakh, then you can’t go past the Stok Palace Heritage Hotel. Housed inside the former royal family’s last palace in Stok village, this magnificent landmark has been turned into a heritage hotel.

Blending old world legacy with upscale luxury, the rooms are decorated in a very traditional Ladakhi style, with four poster beds, Kashmiri rugs, intricately carved wooden windows and doors, and antique furniture.

While it’s 15km from Leh town, you’ll be able to experience traditional village life in Stok, plus enjoy the much quieter nature being away from the bustling centre.

Price: From 18,000 INR (AU$350) per night

Exploring More of North India?

• A Travel Guide to Spiti Valley
• 10 Best Things to Do in Srinagar
• A Travel Guide to Aru Valley in Kashmir

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