Introduction

They call it "Little Tibet", not just because of its geographical proximity to Tibet, but also because it plays host to several Tibetan cultural festivals. Ladakh might be India's most remote region, but its beauty is incomparable. Stark mountains dotted with colourful gompas (monasteries), fluttering prayer flags, rocky ridges, dry plains and tiny settlements. And adding to its beauty is the Indus River that seems to have a different shade for every season. During summer it turns grayish, owing to its silt deposits, occasionally turning a shade of violet. Autumn turns it the most beautiful - shades of aquamarine waters flowing through orange-flamed poplars and weeping willows. Of course, the weather might at times play havoc with your plans, but really, the aura of this land would leave you awestruck. More than sheer tourism, the years have witnessed Ladakh emerging as a highly acclaimed adventure ground. From options of high-altitude scenic treks to wild river rafting in the Indus and Zanskar River, the last Shangri La's remoteness is what creates the magic that drives tourists here.

Quick Facts:-

Climate:	Summer:- June-September, Intensive sunlight that can cause severe sunburn, strong and dry winds Temperatures - 20°C - 25°C Monsoons:- Ladakh is a high altitude desert since the Himalayas create a rain shadow, thus denying entry to the monsoon clouds. The main source of water is the snowfall on the mountains. Winter:- October-May, Extreme climates, frost-bites are extremely common. This low temperature is accompanied by heavy snowfall that virtually cuts it off from the rest of the country Temperatures - 2°C- -15°C
Local Languages:	The local language of the area is Ladhaki (a Tibetan dialect) and Pahari. If you learn one word, make it jule (pronounced joo-lay), which could mean 'hello', 'goodbye', 'please', and 'thank you'! Hindi and English are also understood.
Best Time to Visit:	Plan your trip between the summer months of early June - end September, before it starts snowing. Another reason to visit Ladakh during the summer months would be the several annual festivals organized by the Buddhist monasteries that render vibrancy to this otherwise bleak location.
Clothing:	Cotton and light woolen during summer and heavy woolens including down-filled wind proof jackets in winter. Stock your baggage with thick socks, gloves, scarves and sturdy boots. Carry ample supply of sunscreen, lip balms and goggles.
Moving Around:	Bus is the cheapest mode of transport no doubt, though hired taxis are the best way of exploring this area. For visiting the newly opened areas of Nubra, Dah-Hanu, Tsomoriri, Tsokar and Pangong Lakes, it is advisable to engage the services of a registered travel agency for making all required arrangements.
Permits:	You would require permits and special permissions to visit the Inerr Line areas of the Nubra Valley, Pangong-Tso, Tso-Moriri and the Dha-Hanu Valley. These are easily available for one-week with a single application made at the Collector's Office in Leh. Carry a number of photocopies of the permit, since these would have to be deposited at every check point en route.
Acclimatisation:	You would probably feel ill-at-ease for a day or two. This is normal till you get used to the sudden dip in the oxygen level. So take it easy for a couple of days. Rest well, drink a lot of water and avoid alcohol. In case the symptoms persist or get worse, consult a doctor immediately.
Tourist Offices:	Leh Tourist Office , Main Bazaar Road , Tel: 01982 - 2253462

For more information on Travel to Leh, please contact
Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samit office on 9999254446, 011-23562095, email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it