Ladakh, “the land of high passes”, is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is set deep in the Indian Himalayas on the Western edge of the Tibetan plateau. This high altitude desert is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. Its ethnic composition consisted of Mongoloid and a mixed Indo-Aryan population of Mons and Dards. Ladakh is sometimes called ‘Little Tibet’ due to strong cultural and geographical similarities with Tibet.
Made up of two administrative districts – Leh and Kargil Ladakh’s largest town is Leh. Buddhism is the religion of the majority of Leh District’s population. The most attractive features of the Landscape of Leh are the Buddhists Monasteries where monks and nuns live, study and practise their faith. The Buddhist art and architecture are evident here.
Leh town is dominated by the Namgyal Tsemo (Victory Peak) built by King Tashi Namgyal as a royal residence and the nine-storey Namgyal Palace built by King Sengge Namgyal. There is a Mosque right below the palace reflecting a rare combination of Islamic and Tibetan architecture and it can accommodate more than 500 people.
The Nubra Valley (means the Valley of Flowers) is situated in the north of Leh. The main attraction of the Nubra valley is Bactarian Camels (double hump Camel). Grains and fruits like peaches are the main cultivation here.
Ladakh has got two most beautiful lakes Pangong and Tsomoriri which are known for their breathtaking natural beauty.
Ladakh offers great scope for undertaking adventure activities like trekking, river rafting and mountaineering. The two of the world’s most powerful mountain ranges – the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas – make Ladakh a much favourite adventure destination. The best time to visit Ladakh is during the summers.
Leh can be reached by overnight VOLVO from Delhi to Manaliand further Manali to Leh in two days. Regular flight is there from Delhi to Leh and return (One hour only).
Tags: india, ladakh, tourism, travel