Ladakh Adventure
There are few places left in the world like
Ladakh. It lies in the Great Himalayan rain shadow, so receives
no monsoon during the summer, but hefty snowfall throughout its
long (November – Late May) winter. In summer it is a high,
arid fortress surrounded by vast peaks and trisected by the swift,
snow – laden Indus and Zanskar rivers.
The landscape resembles that of neighbouring Tibet (This area
is sometimes called “ Little Libet”) , as does the
appearance of the people, their religion – devoutly Buddhist
– and the magnificent monasteries perched imperiously on
granite crags and steep hillsides.
One of the most remote and mythical regions of
India, Ladakh is a landscape of unearthly beauty. Carved through
its center by the headwaters of the Indus River, Ladakh sits high
in a Himalayan valley between the Ladakh and Zaskar ranges, close
to the Chinese border. The wall of the Himalayas blocks precipitation,
and the resulting terrain is dry, barren, and poetically austere.
Life here has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
Ladakh's biggest attraction are its ancient gompas,
or Buddhist monasteries, which contain some of Asia's greatest
wonders of gold and tapestry work. It is possible to stay overnight
in some, making a trek in Ladakh curiously like a sort of pilgrimage.
The people of Ladakh, many of whom are Tibetan refugees, are famous
for their friendliness and hospitality.
Ladakhis are predominantly Buddhist, except in
the Kargil and Suru Valley, where there is a shia muslim population.
The outward symbols of Buddhism are every where - Hilltop medevial
monasteries, gompas with art treasures, giant prayer wheels, Buddhist
thangkas, antique manuscripts, weird musical instruments, paintings
of Tantric divinities, fluttering prayer flags, and white washed
chortens.
The road journeys to Ladakh. Starting at Manali
is an unforgetful experience; crossing over a series of high passes,
topped by the 5360 m high Tanglang-la - it is an adventure, offering
spectacular scenery .
Ladakh offers numerous high altitude treks, wild
jeep safaris, white water rafting, mountain biking and mountain
climbing. Meeting its colorful people, and participating in their
festivals are experiences to remember. Tours to monasteries are
soul enriching and awe-inspiring.
Ladakh comprises of the Indus Valley, Nubra Valley,
Changthang, and the Rupshu.
