Ladakh India

Introducing Ladakh
'The Moonland, 'Little Tibet', and 'the last Shangri La' are the names which have been applied to Ladakh over the centuries. Situated in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is a miniature version of Tibet. Ladakh is also called Lama Land as the place holds great significance for Buddhists. The landscape of Ladakh is in sharp contrast to that of rest of Kashmir. Of course, Kashmir is lapped in the snow -covered fringes of Himalayas, but Ladakh with its jagged peaks and barren landscape looks equally attractive.
Ladakh is located in varying altitudes, ranging between 9,000 feet and 25,170 feet. Ladakh is bounded by two of the highest mountain ranges, Himalayas and Karakoram. In fact, it is said that Ladakh's landscape is similar to that of the moon. When the moon rays fall on the barren landscape, Ladakh looks like an alien land. Only in the mid 1970s, Ladakh was opened for outside visitors.

KIf you are visiting Kashmir don't fail to make the trip to beautiful land of Ladakh. Truly with its ancient gompas perched on soaring hill-tops, shattered looking landscapes splashed with marvellous patches of green, ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls, Ladakh offers a heaven like look. Besides, the delightful and immensely colourful Ladakhi people will make your holiday a memorable experience.
Climate of Ladakh
The climate of Ladakh can only be described as unusual. This is one place where one can suffer from sun burn and frostbite both at the same time. The day temperature remains high but falls very drastically at night. In summer, the temperature ranges from 30oC to -3oC while in winter it ranges from 15oC to -20oC. Ladakh receives an annual rainfall of 50 mm.

How to Reach
By Air : Leh is the major airport in Ladakh. Direct flights to Leh are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar and Jammu.

By Road : The main road-route to Ladakh is the Leh - Srinagar highway open between mid June and November. Another option to reach Ladakh is the picturesque Manali-Leh highway. Apart from buses of Jammu and Kashmir government, private taxis can also be hired for a fascinating trip to Ladakh.

Places Where You Can Stay
Good accommodation is available in Ladakh for different class groups. It is advisable to go in for advance booking during the peak season. Some of the best hotels in the top end category are Dragon, Shambha La, Laser Mo, Lotus, Mandala and Mahay. You may also stay at the Buddhist monasteries of Leh-Ladakh.

Shopping in Ladakh
Ladakh is popular for exquisitely made Tibetan handicraft items. Small decorative pieces associated with Buddhism can also be purchased. You may also buy chang and tea vessels, cups and butter churns, knitted carpets with Tibetan motifs, Tibetan jewelleries etc.

Attractions in Ladakh
The Hemis Monastery : One of the largest and most important monasteries of Ladakh, Hemis is 45 kms away from Leh. The claim to fame of the Hemis monastery is a huge painting of Lord Buddha which is displayed to public only once in 11 years. Hemis Monastery is also renowned for its Hemis Festival which usally falls in June - July.

The Thikse Monastery : Considered as an architectural wonder, the Thikse Monastery is located about 17 kms from Leh. A picturesque monastery, Thikse is superbly sited on a hilltop overlooking the village and the Indus. The beautiful monastery has a huge gold-plated copper statue of Lord Buddha. Besides, it has an important collection of Tibetan style books in its library and some excellent artwork.

Sankar Gompa : Located some 3 kms away from the city centre, Sankar Gompa is another eye-catching monastery of Ladakh. Known for its excellent architecture, the gompa houses an impressive representation of Avalokitesvara complete with 1000 arms and 1000 heads. It is regarded as the most accessible monastery of Ladakh.

Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary : The Hemis High Altitude National Park is one of India's highest wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary is located in a most picturesque location. It sprawls over an area of 600-sq-km and is home to some animal and bird species that can survive easily in high and difficult terrain.

Nubra Valley : Visiting Nubra valley is quite an exhilarating experience. With breathtaking sceneries and hospitable people, Nubra Valley offers a wonderful vacationing experience. Nubra has only recently been opened for tourists.

Ladakh Lakes : The lakes of Ladakh are also unique in the sense that they look quite different from a typical lake due to the peculiar terrain of Ladakh. Tso Morari, the largest of the Ladakh lakes almost looks like an inland sea. Flowing at an altitude of 4,500 meters, Pangong Tso lake is only 8-km wide at its broadest but is 134-km long. Kyaghr lake is another beautiful lake of Ladakh and Kyaghr banks are a popular halting place for trekkers.