A distinctive region in the Jammu & Kashmir state, Ladakh is a vast high land desert lying between the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. Once a feudal kingdom of federated clans, ruled from Leh-the capital of the kingdom - by a line which claims descent from the kings of Lhasa, the region is now organised into two districts: Leh and Kargil. Leh district is inhabited predominantly by the Buddhists and, accordingly, it is the centre of Buddhist culture. Leh is the major town in the region, and centuries ago it was an important stop on the old caravan silk route from China. Today it's more renowned as a military base and tourist centre, It's scenically located in a fertile valley 10km north of the Indus River. A popular day trip from Leh is the 17 kms excursion to the Tikse Gompa, which is picturesquely sited on a hilltop overlooking the Indus River. It has an important collection of Tibetal-style books and some excellent artwork. It's also a good place to watch religious ceremonies. The Hemis Gompa, 45 kms from Leh, is the largest and most important in Ladakh. It is famous for its Hemis Festival, which usually takes palce in the second half of June or in errly July. It features two days of elaborate masked dances watched by crowds of eager spectators. for the those who haven't pumped enough adrenalin simply getting to Ladakh. White-water rafting trips on the Indus River can be organised through several agencies operating from Leh, and there are trekking opportunities in the Markha and Indus valleys.

Ladakh-The Little Tibet, 'the Moonland' and 'the last Shangri-la' are names that have been applied to Ladakh, a barren high-altitude plateau situated north of the Himalaya, geographically in Tibet. This is an otherwordly place of strange gompas perched on hilltops, ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls, and shattered-looking landscapes spalshed with small but brilliant patches of green

ACCESS:

By Air: Leh is connected with Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar during the season, usually from June to August. Airport is 7 km from Leh.

By Road:
From Srinagar:
Road is usually open from the end of May to October. 434km from Srinagar .

From Manali:
Road is usually open from mid-July to end-september. 437 km from Manali.

Festivals:
Ladakh Festival: September

Temperature:
Max. Min.
Summer 25oC 8oC
Winter (-) 5oC (-) 20oC

Clothing :
Summer: Cotton & light woollens
Winter: Heavy woollens including down-filled wind proof upper garments in winter.

Languages:
Ladakhi including Balti / Purgi, Shina or Dardic, Urdu / Hindi.

Suggested Itinerary: