Ladakh – (meaning “land of high mountain passes”) is a mountainous region in North India. Leh, the capital city is situated at 3500m above sea level nestled in the great Himalayan, Karakoram, Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. Ladakh is known for remote mountain beauty, area 98000 square km, studded with monasteries & stupas. Ladakh is often referred as “Little Tibet” due to its geographical proximity & strong links to Tibetan culture.
Altitude: altitude ranges from 2750m at Kargil to 7672m at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram
Languages: Ladakhi, Zanskari, Tibetan, English and Hindi. The predominant language is Ladakhi, it is closely related to Tibetan though is not mutually intelligible with it. A Ladakhi phrasebook “Getting Started in Ladakhi” by Melong publication is available in bookstores.
Population: 250 000 out of which 23 000 live in Leh
Religion: Buddhist (77.3%), Muslim (13.8%), Hindu (8.6%)

Climate – Ladakh is a rain shadow region of the Himalayas, the annual average rainfall in Leh is 100 mm. In summer, temperature reaches 25°C and it drops down to -15°C in winter. The high passes are closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.

History – The first inhabitants of Ladakh were nomads who came with their yaks during the Neolithic period. Later, Buddhist pilgrims travelling from India to Mount Kailash in Tibet settled permanently in the Indus valley and brought Buddhism which emerged as the main religion in the region. Over the centuries, the kings of Ladakh established a kingdom going from Kashmir to Tibet, guarded by forts and large monasteries. Ladakh was frequently attacked from the west by Muslim armies (16th century) and from the east by Tibetan armies (17th century). The kingdom revived under the Namgyal dynasty who extended the realm as far as Nepal and built a new capital at Leh. During the 19th century, Ladakh was invaded by the Dogra army from Jammu and became part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. On 31st October 2019, Ladakh was separated from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir and became an independent state (Union Territory). Ladakh is divided into 2 districts: Leh district and Kargil district (which includes Zanskar).

Acclimatization – Leh is at 3500m above sea level so acclimatization can get difficult because of high altitude. It is advisable to spend at least two days to acclimatize before you set out for your adventures. Drink plenty of water or other fluids such as soup, tea and juice.

Kargil – portion of the western Ladakh union territory, northwestern India, formerly part of northwestern Jammu & Kashmir state. The sector, centered on the town of Kargil, lies in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas and abuts the line of control between the portions of the Kashmir region administered by India and Pakistan. Kargil town, located roughly equidistant between Srinagar (southwest) and Leh (southeast), is considered the gateway to Ladakh. Kargil’s landscape is mountainous, rugged, and high, the minimum elevation being some 8,000 feet (2,440 metres). The climate is cold and dry, with scanty precipitation that falls mainly as snow in winter. One locality, Dras (Drass), is reputed to be one of the world’s coldest permanently inhabited places, with winter temperatures falling to as low as −40 °F (−40 °C) or colder. Vegetation, mainly grasses and shrubs, is largely confined to river valleys at lower elevations, as the higher places are rocky and largely barren. Most of the residents of Kargil are of Balti origin, and the large majority are Shiʿi Muslims. Because of its close proximity to the line of control, Kargil has often been the site of border conflicts between India and Pakistan. The largest and deadliest of these clashes was the Kargil War, which took place in May–July 1999. In early May the Indian military learned that Pakistani fighters had infiltrated Indian-administered territory. The intrusion triggered intense fighting between the two sides that lasted more than two months. The Indian army reclaimed most of the area on the Indian side that had been occupied by the infiltrators, and hostilities finally ended in July when the remaining Pakistani fighters retreated from the Indian zone. Several hundred combatants were killed on each side during the conflict.

Alchi monastery – Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa (monastery and temple complex) lies about 65 km from Leh on the banks of the Indus River. Alchi is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centres in Ladakh and also as one of the monastic jewels of Ladakh. The Alchi Monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years and so the effect of the Tibetan influence can be seen in the local culture. There are five shrines in the Choskor Temple Complex which has some splendid wall paintings. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay painted brightly are its focal attraction. No longer an active religious centre, it is looked after by monks from the Likir Monastery. Since the last 500 years, religion is not practiced in the Alchi Monastery. Over a period of time the Yellow Hat sect (Gelugpa) shifted their religious activities to another place which is 30 kms away, known as Likir. The surroundings of Alchi Gompa offers a very friendly atmosphere for visitors as there are small restaurants, tea stalls and souvenir shops welcoming tourists.

Magnetic hill – is positioned on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway, about 30 km from Leh, it is famously known as the Gravity Hill. The hill possesses magnetic properties strong enough to pull heavy vehicles uphill. Because of the anti-gravity mechanisms the site has become a popular tourist attraction.

Shanti Stupa – in Leh is a magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument located atop a steep hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet. It is a religious place for the Buddhists as it holds the relics of Buddha, consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. It is also popular amongst tourists as it offers a sweeping view of Leh and the nearby Changspa village. Shanti Stupa looks exceptionally beautiful during the full moon night when it is naturally illuminated by the moonlight. Shanti Stupa was constructed in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The construction was jointly done by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace. It is a part of the peace pagoda mission, which aims to spread peace through the preaching of Buddha. Shanti Stupa is a perfect getaway for both- those looking to obtain peace from offering prayers to God and those waiting to be mesmerized by nature’s wondrous beauty.

Nubra Valley – A tri-armed valley that is separated by Nubra (Siachan) River and Shyok River, Nubra Valley in Ladakh is popular for its cold desert and picturesque landscape. The valley is connected to Leh with Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Nubra valley is amongst the top tourist attractions in Ladakh and its Diskit Monastery and Hunder Village are a must-visit. Nubra Valley’s Hunder Village is known for its cold desert and the opportunity of camping and riding on Bactrian Camel (double-humped camel). The Diskit Monastery in the largest town of Nubra Valley is the oldest and largest one in the region and is also a must-see. However, the main attraction here is the 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha which is hard to miss out due to its size. Turtuk, an offbeat village has been made accessible for the tourists since 2010. Here, tourists have the chance to enjoy tribal tourism; interact with the locals and learn and understand about their culture and lifestyle. There’s also the opportunity for enjoy eco-friendly camping at Turtuk. Other than this, Nubra Valley has many other remote villages and monasteries to see. The hot spring at Panamik Village is one of the best places to see. For adventure lovers, it is the best destination in Ladakh for trekking, mountain biking and motor biking tours. With our authentic Nubra Valley travel guide, find all the information on planning your Nubra trip. Get insights on best places to visit, things to do, top places to stay and season to visit along with best way to reach along with best Nubra Valley tour packages.

Wonderland of Turtuk – an unknown little hamlet, flanked by Nubra on one side and Baltistan on the other, lies along the shores of Shyok River. An enigma in itself, this curious little settlement of ~4000 people is the last northernmost village before Pakistan – Occupied Kashmir. Let me share with you a complete Turtuk travel guide. While time has not touched the exquisiteness of this place, the friendly nature of its residents is hard to miss. Turtuk has a history as colorful as the apricot plantations one sees all around the region. therefore, it is an amalgamation of all the cultures that have lived here. Known as village devided by a border, Turtuk has many stories to tell. Thanks to a petition by locals to connect with the world, Turtuk opened its doors to inquisitive souls in 2010. Turtuk was part of Pakistan – Occupied Kashmir up until 1971 when Major Chewang Rinchen got the village under India’s commands. However, initially, villagers were skeptical of India, and their trust in India n Army was non-existent. As many residents served in the Pakistan Army, naturally, their allegiance to alter immediately was unrealistic. Of course, for many born before 1947, they went from being Indians to Pakistanis to Indians again. For many, Pakistan was their only home. Thus, adjusting to a new life where the “enemy” now defined their identity was not an easy shift. Consequently, of 300 families that call Turtuk home, many have relatives on the other side. However, the Indian Army has kept its promise, keeping villagers safe & bringing about multiple reforms while encouraging growth and prosperity. Yes, Turtuk has been a secluded region, thanks to both geopolitical uncertainties of recent times and its exceptionally daunting geography. Cradled by Karakoram ranges, it is one of only four villages in India that lies in the Baltistan region. But, its history boasts of strategic importance as a gateway to the Silk Route. Unquestionably, this is true and supported in the plethora of cultural consolidations that have led to Turtuk’s unique ancestry. As you pass by the green patches. Baltistan was a separate kingdom far before the era of war glorifications that have defined the region in recent times. The Yagbo dynasty, a Central Asian empire, with monarchs from Turkistan ruled the region from 800 to 1800 AD. Of course, as with Ladakh, Baltistan was a predominantly Buddhist region up till the 13th century. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, an Iranian poet and prominent Islam scholar, brought about cultural changes in the region. Thus, they began settlements and unions of cultures. So much so, that one spots beautiful Gompas in this predominantly Muslim region. Turtuk’s Mosque reflects a delicate coming together of Swastikas, Buddhist patterns, and Iranian designs. Here, the residents are extremely friendly and cherish the visitors to their lands. But, no matter how uncertain they might be of governments and politics, one thing is for certain – most credit development of the region to budding tourism. Though wildly (and unjustifiably) unknown, Turtuk is a must-visit place when in Ladakh. Because no other place can teach an appreciation of stillness in time and beauty of living as humans not defined by borders. Since Turtuk is at the height of 3,001 mtr., it is far friendlier than the surrounding ranges. And it is one of the gateways to Siachen Glacier, making it a strategically important location. Also, Turtuk lies on the bank of Shyok River, ~205 KM from Leh.

Changla La – is the third highest motorable pass in the world and serves as a gateway to the famous Pangong Tso Lake. The arid landscape, snow-capped peaks and panoramic views of rolling valleys are the scenic attractions of this place. The site is situated at an altitude of 5,360 m (17,590 ft). above sea level and tourists can only stop long enough to have a hot cup of tea.

Khardunga La – Famously known as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the highest motorable pass in the world. It is filled with tourists crossing over from Leh and stopping long enough to click some photographs. Adventure bikers from all parts of our country and across the world visit this mountain pass on their motorcycles for an adventure soaked experience. Khardung La Pass is positioned on the Ladakh range, which is 40 km from Leh, at an altitude of 5,359 m (17,582 ft).