LEH

town, eastern Jammu and Kashmir state, in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is located in the Indian-held sector of the state. Built as a terminus for caravans from Asia, Leh is reached only by one main highway, the Treaty Road, which connects it to Srinagar to the west and to Demchok (Pa-li-chia-ssu), Tibet, to the southeast. The town is located in the lofty, mountainous region known as the roof of the world, at an elevation of 11,550 feet (3,520 m). Surrounding it is a ring of mountains of a still greater elevation. Leh is one of the highest permanently inhabited towns in the world. The economy mainly relies on trade, but fruit growing and agriculture are also important. An old palace of the Ladakhi kings, as well as the Sankar monastery, overlook the town. Pop. (1981) 8,718.