LADAKH
A favourite among adventure-sport enthusiasts in general and trekkers in particular, Ladakh, at a lofty height of 7940 metres offers a surreal combination of arid, windswept mountains, enchanting valleys and beautiful lakes.

Where is it?
Jammu and Kashmir.

Best time t o travel?
From May to November.

Ladakh is distinct in its seclusion. Located to the east of the Trans-Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, it is virtually shut off from the rest of the world.

The Indus, which has seen ancient civilisations rise, flourish and die out along its fertile banks, rises in the interior of Tibet, flows through the centre of Ladakh, and makes its way further on to the western part of Pakistan.

Despite its remote setting, Ladakh has fascinated and inspired people for ages, what with its stark and barren landscapes juxtaposed alongside lush green fields, its gompas (monasteries) perched precariously on perilously sloping mountain sides, and even its indigenous Amchi system of medicine.

An intriguing amalgam of cultures Tibetan and Indian, Leh, the present capital of Ladakh, was once the rendezvous point for trade caravans from Central Asia and the plains of India.

One of the most visible features of the rich heritage of Ladakh has got to be its' ancient Gompas. Most of these are built on sheer-faced cliffs and are still active centres of worship.

Air
If you plan to return to Delhi by air, it would be a good idea to purchase your return ticket while in Delhi. Tickets bought in Leh are not confirmed (although this may change) and so you will in essence be competing with other travellers armed with unconfirmed tickets who will also be waiting for the next flight back to Delhi. Depending on weather conditions, your flight will most certainly be cancelled, thus lending credence to the old adage.

Indian Airlines operates to and from Ladakh.
The following is their schedule:

Delhi - Leh
Departure: 6:20 am / Arrival: 7:35 am
Departure: 11:10 am / Arrival: 12:25 am
(Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) Fare: Rs 3140

Chandigarh - Leh
Departure: 9:40 am / Arrival: 10:35 am
Departure: 8:10 am / Arrival: 9:05 am
(Wednesdays) Fare: Rs 2065.

Most tourists prefer to get to Leh by air. The twin peaks of Nun and Kun stand out high over the level of most other ranges. The Tso-Moriri Lake is discernible as an intensely blue body of water; in stark contrast to the bare brown of the surrounding hills. The flight path will take you directly above the Zanskar Valley, with its villages and Gompas barely visible as dots in the landscape. Further off to the north-west, the mighty Karakoram dominates the landscape.

To see around the town of Ladakh, you can hire a taxi. These cost Rs 1,000. Again, you can share the cost with other fellow wayfarers. In order to visit the newly opened areas of Nubra, Chang Thang and Dha-Hanu, you will have to engage the services of a registered and recognised travel agency for making all the requisite arrangements including internal transport. Detailed information about bus schedules, taxi tariff, travel agencies may be obtained from the following address:

For further details:
Travel Agents Association of Ladakh,
White House,
Fort Road, Leh.
Tel: 01982-53048, 53348.
Fax: 52735.

Altitude: 3500 m.
Tourist Information Bureau Near the airport.
Tel: 01982-52297.
Timing: 10 am to 4 pm.

Visa and Permits
Permits are required for all foreigners for the following four restricted areas in Ladakh:
The Nubra Valley
Pangong Tso
Tso Moriri
Dha-Hanu - inhabited by the last Dards of the Indus.
Chang Thang

Although the requirement of visas in these areas fluctuates, these parts of Ladakh remain sensitive parts of India and therefore, security levels remain high. Once obtained, these permits are valid for only about four days. You will have to fill out the applications at your nearest travel agency, and mind you; the form will be long and exhaustive.

Footage Courtesy