Valued for its cultural uniqueness, Leh is the capital of the Ladakh region of India’s Jammu and Kashmir state, which is home to the Tibetan-influenced Buddhist Ladakhis in the agricultural hinterland, and Muslim and Hindu Kashmiri shop owners and restaurateurs. The views up here are breathtaking, even before considering the town’s elevation of 3,500 metres. Indeed, acclimatising is a must. The effort is more than worth it, as the area is dotted with wonderful monasteries, oft perched on hilltops.