Leh has been a crucial part of trade routes connecting Tibet with Kashmir, Central Asia, and beyond. Once the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, it rose to prominence in the 17th century under King Sengge Namgyal, who built the iconic Leh Palace. Over the centuries, Leh evolved as a cultural crossroads for Buddhist and Central Asian influences. Even today, its historic monasteries and palaces reflect this rich blend of heritage and spirituality.