The land of jagged peaks, high passes and barren landscape, alluring and awe-inspiring. Bordered by the Karakoram chain of mountains in the north; and in the south, marks the boundary between the peaks of the western Himalayas and the vast Tibetan Plateau, with the great Indus flowing right through it. Ladakh is one of the most remote regions of India.

Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding façade, is an ancient civilization and captivating people. Beyond the old frontiers lies the land of wilderness, with its unaltered character and overwhelming natural beauty.

The high culture of Ladakh is Buddhist, with its close cultural and trading connections with Tibet. Particularly evident in the most populated region of Leh and the Indus Valley, with its many whitewashed gompas (monasteries) and forts perched on top of Sugarloaf Mountains.

The capital of the Ladakh district, Leh is towards the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Located in a small valley just to the north of the Indus Valley, at a height of 3,505 m above sea level. The region is watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below.

Centuries ago, Leh was an important stop on the old caravan silk route from China. And until 1947 it had close trading relations with Central Asia, with yak trains setting off from the Leh bazaar to complete the stages over the Karakoram Pass to Yarkand and Kashgar.

Festivals are an integral part of Ladakhi religion and agriculture, usually coinciding with the commemoration of religious events, and the end of the harvest. Regular large, colourful displays of dancing, sports, ceremonies and exhibitions are held throughout Ladakh.

Copyright © 2001 Joe Corner. All rights reserved.
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