or Leh, the capital of Ladak, in Central Asia, is situated in a narrow sandy plain between the right bank of the Upper Indus, and a chain of mountains which rise on the N. to about 2000 feet; N. Lat. 34° 10', E. Long. 77° 38'. It is 10,000 or 11,000 feet above the level of the sea, and is surrounded by a wall with towers, extending on either side to the summit of the neighbouring hills. The streets are narrow and irregular, and in some cases covered over to protect passengers from the sun's rays. The houses are from one to three storeys in height, built partly of stone and partly of unburnt brick. There are no chimneys, and the furniture is very rude and scanty. The only conspicuous building in the town is the mahal's palace, a square massive edifice, several storeys in height. Le is the seat of an active trade. Pop. about 4000.