Trip to Ladakh

About Ladakh
Area: 98,000sq kmAltitude: 7,500m Max.Population: 250000Religion: Buddhism, Islam. HinduLocational Status: Cold Desert

There are few places left in the world like Ladakh. It lies in the Great Himalayan rain shadow, so receives no monsoon during the summer, but hefty snowfall throughout its long (November – Late May) winter. In summer it is a high, arid fortress surrounded by vast peaks and trisected by the swift, snow – laden Indus and Zanskar rivers.
The landscape resembles that of neighboring Tibet (This area is sometimes called “ Little Libet”) , as does the appearance of the people, their religion – devoutly Buddhist – and the magnificent monasteries perched imperiously on granite crags and steep hillsides. High and mighty though Ladakh is, it is easily approached either by flying directly to the capital Leh from Delhi (allow 3-4 days for acclimatization) or by road from Manali in Himachal Pradesh (a 02 days trip). Leh stands at 3,521m/ 11,552 ft. and the surrounding flat areas are on a par. It is warm in the sun but the temperature drops at night, even in midsummer.
Ladakh comprises three main regions. The first is Leh & Upper Indus Valley. This is the cultural heartland of Ladakh where many monasteries and palaces reflect the deep Buddhist heritage of the region. Leh has been the center of Tibetan-Buddhist culture since ages. The Zanskar Valley is the second region. It's a comparatively isolated valley to the south of Indus Valley and its high culture is also Buddhism. The third main region of Ladakh includes Kargil & Suru Valley, west of Leh down the Indus Valley. It supports an Islamic culture that can be traced back to the 15th century.
Broadest point. In winter, the lake freezes completely despite being salt water.Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road traverses the third-highest pass in the world, the Changla pass, where army sentries and a small teahouse greet visitors. The spectacular lakeside is open during the tourist season, from May to September. A special permit is required to visit the lake. Non Indian nationals need to be in a group of at least four. For security reasons, no boating is allowed.
Ladakh, a part of Jammu & Kashmir State in north of India consisting of two districts Leh and Kargil. Leh with an area of 45110 Sq Km makes it largest district in the country in terms of area. It lies between 32 to 36 degree North latitude and 75 degree to 80 degree East longitude. The district is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West and China in the north and eastern part and Lahul Spiti of Himachal Pardesh in South East.

Adventure in Ladakh
The two of the world’s most powerful mountain ranges – the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas – make Ladakh a much preferred adventure destination. The altitude in Ladakh ranges between 3505 m and 2750 m.
- Mountain Climbing - Cycling - Jeep Safari Tours
- Yak Safaris - Mountaineering - Ladakh Trekking

Monasteries in Ladakh
The historic monasteries, also known as gompas, are located in the hills and mountains. Buddhist monks and nuns live, study and practise their faith in these monasteries. The Buddhist art and architecture can well be experienced here.
- Thiksey Monastery - Alchi Gompa - Spituk Monastery
- Lamayuru Monastery - Phugtal Gompa - Sankar gompa


INDUS VALLEY
At an average elevation of 3500 m is sand-witched between the Zanskar Range on its South and the Ladakh Range on its North, This is the geographical backbone, and the historical heartland of Ladakh. All major sites connected with its dynastic history are here, starting with Leh, the capital city. The bulk of the population resides along the Indus. Its main attraction is the numerous Buddhist monasteries, quaint villages, fairs, festivals and bazars. Air and road communications converge at Leh.

ZANSKAR (LADAKH)
One of Ladakh’s remotest regions. A 300 km long valley ringed by mountains, only accessible by high passes. The Valley of Zanskar is situated in the inner Himalaya and is higher than most areas of Ladakh. The climate is very Harsh and receives very little rain fall. The twin peaks of Nun-Kun, its Monasteries and its extremely rugged, awe-aspiring landscape are its main attractions

KARGIL & SURU VALLEY (LADAKH)
This area lies just behind the Zoji La Pass, and the center is Kargil, a small town with cobbled streets surrounded by apricot groves. Good panoramas of the Himalaya can be obtained on 03-04 day treks from Sanko to Drass via Umba, and on the more demanding Sanko to Mulbek via the Wakka La Pass at 4,930m.