15/12/2017
Ladakh
Ladakh literally means 'Land of the high passes'.
Vastness, isolation, rigor, hospitality, spirituality, traditions and splendor are some of the words one can use to sum up Ladakh.
Ladakh moves you, no matter where you look. And if you come here, it will open your heart.
Traveling to Ladakh, you are consumed with a vast serenity and a quiet sense of peace. Despite this, the military presence here reminds us that we are on a strategic land disputed by India, China and Pakistan.
In the north the Nubra Valley lies resplendent, irrigated by the waters from the Karakoram glaciers. The sediments of the largest continental glaciers of the world have formed sand dunes which camels call home.
No one can feel indifferent when discovering peaceful villages tucked away in such an isolated valley of the world.
In East Ladakh, the narrow valleys open up and spread out as mountain lakes turn into flooded plains at over 4500 meters. You will be awestruck by the majestic beauty of Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar.
In the South and the West, the chain of Zanskar, one of the largest mountain chains with peaks reaching above 6000 m, will reveal all the secrets of the Himalayan geology before your eyes and expose the many animal and plant species in the region.
The elusive snow leopard can be seen in the Hemis National Park.
In the heart of Ladakh is the Indus Valley. The valley is only accessible by crossing passes over 5000 m. In fact, this is the meaning of Ladakh, “The land of high passes”.
Ladakh also houses the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the world. Despite the arid landscapes of the Indus and its tributaries, every village and monastery appears as an oasis, as the villagers and monks organize their land into fertile terraces by channeling the flowing torrents of glacial water towards their land.
Ladakh Geography
Ladakh is an Indian territory in North West Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It has a distinct culture born out of relative geographic isolation over centuries.
The landscape is described as a moonscape and a cold desert. There is very little water as the rain clouds cannot cross the high mountains of the Himalayas.
It is relatively sparsely populated with a few small towns and villages. There are several Buddhist monasteries.
Ladakh is bordered by the Nubra valley to the North, Zanskar to the west, Himachal to the south and Tibet to the East.
Traveling in Ladakh is a unique experience as one travels in a desolate landscape interspersed with a few villages. It is more like a cold desert.
There are several fresh water lakes created from the melting of the snows.
Ladakh is a picturesque place with unique landscape, hospitable people, and a rich Buddhist culture.
Ladakh India map
Ladakh India map is shown below. Note it is not to scale.
Ladakh India map
Ladakh tourism
Ladakh tourism is well-developed. It is possible to have a comfortable tour of Ladakh while experiencing the raw beauty of Ladakh and meeting its hospitable people.
There are several low and high altitude treks which combine true adventure and complete safety.
Choose from our Safari, varied or adventure experience.
Ladakh Weather
Ladakh weather is warm with plenty of sunshine in the summer. However it can get very cold and dip below freezing in the higher reaches of Ladakh even during the day in summer. Prepare for extremes of weather.
Best time to go to Ladakh is from June to mid-July and then from September to October. Ladakh does have a short season.
Avoid the monsoon as the roads are closed due to landslides. Avoid the winter as it is very cold and the roads are blocked due to the snow.
Ladakh tour packages
Ladakh tour packages offered by us cover the whole of Ladakh and the neighbouring Nubra valley, Zanskar, Lahaul Spiti and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP).
Custom tours can also be arranged.
Buddhism tours combine visits to Dharamshala - the seat of His Royal Holiness The Dalai Lama- and the Buddhist monastries of Ladakh.
Lake tours cover the high altitude deep blue lakes of Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso lakes.
Trekking in Ladakh
Trekking in Ladakh is possible and there are several routes from a day trip to several days long.
The famous Stok Kangri trek involves trek to 6000m (19000ft) high trekking peak Stok Kangri. One does not need any permit or mountaineering or climbing knowledge but one has to be very fit.
Our Adventure experience involves jeep safari to origin of our trek and then one or several days trek to absolutely incredible places isolated from everything.
Treks in the green Himalayas are possible in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP).
Leh Ladakh
Leh is the capital of Ladakh. It is accessible by air as well as road. The airport is open all year around.
Leh is also the summer home of the Royal family of Ladakh. The Leh palace is worth seeing for its location.
Leh is like any medium sized city. It has all the modern facilities one would expect - banks, hotels, hospitals. Leh serves as an excellent base for further trips to the Nubra valley, and the Hemis and Lamayuru monastry.
