Ladakh is a part of the Jammu and Kashmir state in the north India, consisting of two district one is Leh and another one is Kargil.The district is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the west and the China in the north and eastern part and Lahul spite of Himachalchal Pradesh in the south east.
The land of monasteries and high mountains Ladakh,literally means “Land of high passes” located between the Karakoram in the north and mains great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by the people of Indo-Aryan and the Tibetan descent,the Indus river enter into Ladakh from east in the region of changthang where nomads locally called Changpa lives with their flock of yak, sheep, and goat,Rupshu valley lies the south east linked with Markha valley to the south in the Zanskar valley and Nubra valley to the north over khardang La is on the trans of ancient silk rout where as valley to the same is located in the in the hearth of the Ladakh,contemporary Ladakh boarders Tibet to the east, is renowned forest remote mountains, beauty and its authentic culture,It is sometimes called “little Tibet” due to its strong influence of the Tibetan culture in the part and at present as well.The biggest town the capital of Ladakh is Leh.A majority of ladakhis are Tibetan Buddhist and rest are mostly Shia Muslims.
Ladakh offers many opportunities for the travelers. It is rich Buddhists, culture, sky touching snowcapped mountains, thousand year old Buddhist Monasteries monk performs Champs a highly choreographed sacred dance drama are the major attractions of the land.
Place of interest:-The main attractive features of the landscape of the Ladakh are the Buddhist monasteries situated on the isolated hillocks in the vicinity of the villages, these architectonically interesting monasteries provide the focuses for the faith of the highly religious Buddhists people. The monasteries are the place of worshiped, isolated meditation and the religious instructions for the young. Many monasteries celebrates their annual festivals in winter in which are marked by e.g. gay mask dance.The historical monasteries such as Lamayuru.its oldest religious centre of theLadakh, Alchi offers of the highest rewards,Hemis monastery celebrates the annual summer festival,Thiksay monasteries rate in high in term of architectural impact and Likir and Phyang with their proximity to the Leh are great attractions in their favour while the Shey spirit and the Sankar monastery make their suitable for the tourists .
How to reach:
By Air:-Indian Airline and Jet Airway cater to the need of world class air service for the tourists and visitors.Leh the principal town of Ladakh has now become gateway to the world by any connecting to the flight from Delhi,and one can fly from abroad in a day as well.All through the year there is air service from Delhi,Chandigarh,Jammu and Srinagar.
By Road:-The mains overland approach to Ladakh is from the Kashmir valley via the 434-km,Srinagar-Leh road, which is remains open from early June-to November.The rest domestics part of this road journey is the ascent up the 11,500ft[3505m] high Zoji-La,the pass in the Great Himalayan Wall that serve as the gateway to the Ladakh.The J&k State Road Trasport Corporation operate regular deluxe and ordinary bus service between Srinagar-Leh on this rout with an overnight halt at Kargil.Taxis[car&jeeps]are also available at Srinagar for the journey since 1989,the 473-km Manali-Leh road,has been serving as the second land approach to Ladakh.The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hoursor two days with an overnight halt in camp at Serchu and Pang. Gypsy and Jeep taxis are also available both at Manali and Lel.
Where to stay:-Leh offers variety accommodation, most hotels are family run-establishments and the services are more personalized than professional. Hotels are classified into A,B,C and Secondary category while guesthouses fall under Upper Medium and Economy class.The guesthouses is a less formal facility offering rooms is a part of a residential houses or its annex where guest can share the family kitchen for meals.The guesthouse system also provides an opportunity for the tourists to see and experience Ladaki life from the inside.
The State Tourism Development has started the development of accommodation facilities like Tourist Complexes and Hiker’s hut at Tanse,Spangmik Sakti,Rumtse etc.Tourist also can seek accommodation as paying guests in a few selected homes in these places.
There are also some Government run Tourist Bungalows located mainly the Srinagar-Leh road. During the peak tourist season yearly June to mid-September, it’s advisable to book hotel rooms in advance. It is here to be mentioned that, by the late September as the tourist rush start to decline, advance booking is not necessary as available of the accommodation rather easy.
It may here to be mentioned that, tourists planning to winter trips may have to book accommodation in advance so as to ensure provision of heating arrangements during the periods of their stay.