Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory and constitutes a part of the larger Jammu Kashmir region, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. The union territory was established on 31 October 2019, following the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Ladakh includes the regions f Leh, Kargil AksaiChin, and is one of the least populated areas of India. The Ladakh region is known for its extremely cold temperature, dry weather, and lack of oxygen that makes breathing a difficult task for those coming from outside, necessitating a 1 or 2-day rest for acclimatization.
The region is noted for its remoteness , inhospitable terrain, and stunning locations making it a photographers delight. The Ladakh region also includes Saichen Glacier, the worlds highest battle zone. China slowly started to encroach into Aksai Chin since early 1950s and since 1962war China has gained illegal control of over 38000 sq. km area of Aksai Chin. Ladakh is most famous for breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, the crystal clear skies, some of the highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist Monasteries and festivals. Ladakh gains a lot of popularity for being the only colddesert in India apart from bordering the World’s highest saltwater lake of PangongTso.
This makes Ladakh a perfect destination for honeymoon. couples as well as adventure seekers. June to September is the best time to visit Ladakh. Predominantly Buddhist Ladakh follows a pattern that are similar to Tbetan Buddhism with DalaiLama being their spiritual leader. Ladakh is open to tourist but while Indian can visit freely certain areas are off-limits for foreigners. Ladakh gained importance from being a strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes the ancient silkroute. As Ladakh is a part of the strategically important region, the Indian military maintains a strong presence in the region.
The region is cut off from the rest of India during winter due to snowfall that covers all mountain passes and airtravel being the only mode of communication. The capital #Leh is the only access point for the region by air and road. Road access depends upon open mountapass in the summer season. Leh is the most important town in the Leh district and contains the Indus, Shyok, and Nubra river valleys. The Kargil district contains the Suru, Dras, and Zanskar river valleys.
The region has been ruled by many Tibetan rulers, there have been several hodynasties in the past and the Sikh empire gained control over vast stretch of the areas through military expeditions by Zorawar Singh Kahuria, a Rajput general of Sikh empire and later became part of princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Vegetation is extremely sparse in Ladakh except along streambeds and wetlands, on high slopes, and irrigated places. About 1250 plant species, including crops, are reportedly seen in Ladakh. Vegetation is extremely sparse in Ladakh except along streambeds and wetlands, on high slopes, and irrigated places.
tourism is the biggest money spinner and important for economy of Ladakh Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngampe (roasted barley flour). Edible without cooking, tsampa makes useful trekking food. Strictly Ladakhi dishes include skyu and chutagi, both heavy and rich soup pasta dishes, skyu being made with root vegetables and meat, and chutagi with leafy greens and vegetables. There are several hotels, lodges that provide accommodation to tourist. Ladakh is a must visit destination for anyone interested in peace and tranquil nature, and stunning landscape.
