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Ladakh Travel Guide |
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Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zan skar range.
In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water.
Yes, water! Today, a high -altitude desert, sheltered from the rain-bearing clouds of the Indian monsoon by the barrier of the Great Himalaya, Ladakh was once covered by an extensive lake system, the vestiges of which still exist on its south -east plateaux of Rupshu and Chushul - in drainage basins with evocative names like Tso-moriri, Tsokar,a nd grandest of all, Pangong-tso. Occasionally, some stray monsoon cluds do find their way over the Himalaya, and lately this seems to be happening with increasing frequency.
But the main source of water remains the winter snowfall. Dras, Zanskar and the Suru Valley on the Himalaya's northern flank receive heavy snow in winter; this feeds the glaciers whose meltwater, carried down by streams, irrigates the fields in summer. For the rest of the region, the snow on the peaks is virutally the only source of water. As the crops grow, the villagers pray not for rain, but for sun to melt the glaciers and liberate their water. Usually their prayers are answered, for the skies are clear and the sun shines for over 300 days in the year.
Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed about 27 degree celcuis in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20 degree celcuis even in Leh. Surprisingly, though, the thin air makes the heat ofthe sun even more intense than at lower altitudes; it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time! 
Religion and Culture : This is perhaps what keeps going an ordinary Ladakhi in most inhospitable conditions. At a place where the mercury plummets below zero degrees celsius in winters and the rainfall during the year is as scant as 50 mm, one needs to be little more than fit to lead a healthy life. Buddhism is the way of life in Ladakh, though there are people of other faiths in Ladakh who live in harmony with each other. Since Ladakh is part of Jammu and Kashmir, 11 per cent of the population is Muslim here. No wonder then, the Buddhist monasteries dot the Ladakh landscape and are the center of attraction during the various fairs and festivals.
Life Style : implicity is the way of life in Ladakh, as the modernity has not touched the town as it has happened in other cities and towns of India. Cut-off from rest of the world, Ladakh is barren yet beautiful. Ladakh comes alive during the fairs and festivals as one can see Ladakhi people in their traditional dress. Ladakhis are the brave people who are industrious and cheerful. Perak, the headgear worn by traditional Ladakhi women is the striking feature of womenfolk of Ladakh. This is a common sight during the festivals. The other feature that strikes are the precious stones that adorn a woman's neck in Ladakh.
Monasteries : Monasteries in Ladakh either belong to Mahayana or Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Hemis is one of the largest and most popular monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is quiet popular among tourists and most travelers to Ladakh visit the monastery. The Hemis is center of action during the annual Hemis festival that takes place in June-July. The festival is held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. This is the best time to see the cultural side of Ladakh. During the festival, locals from remote corners of Ladakh converge on the Hemis monastery.
Social Structure : Ladakhis follow a patriarchal society where the elder son inherits all the property. He is the one who shoulders the responsibility of the family. But when it comes to younger son or sons, the Ladakhi society permits him to become a lama if he wants. He can also remain in the family. Lamas are devoted to God and remain detach from world affairs. There are about 500 Lamas in Ladakh. Even Hemis Monastery can accommodate up to 150 Lamas.
Buddhism : Buddhism is the dominant religion in Ladakh and one can find its stamp all over in Ladakh. Be it monasteries, music or simple of way of life, Buddhism is essence of Ladakh. One can find 'tangkhas', masks, musical instruments and precious items in the Gompas in Lad akh. A huge painting of the Buddha inside the Hemis Monastery is the biggest draw. Thikse and Shey monasteries are the classic architectural wonder in the region. No matter which part of Ladakh you travel, the smiling Buddha and His followers greet you in smile.
Reaching Ladakh : Leh is the nearest airport, which is connected to Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar. The nearest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu. From Jammu you can head to Srinagar by road and then to Ladakh, which is some 434 kilometers away. It is about a two-day journey from Srinagar with a night halt at Kargil. On the road from Srinagar to Leh you will cross the high Zoji La Pass, and travel past Mulbek where there is a giant image of the Maitreya Buddha. The Namika La and Fotu La Passes and the Spituk Gompa are scenic attractions on the road from Srinagar to Leh. You can also approach Leh Ladakh from Manali. On the road from Manali you will cross the Rohtang Pass and the Baralacha La Pass. Stop overnight at Sarchu Serai and on the next day travel through Tanglang La and Lachang La passes to Upshi and onward to Leh. Along the way you will see many ancient monasteries and Buddhist structures. Leh Ladakh India provides complete information on a tour to Leh Ladakh. You can book your tour to Leh Ladakh online. Discover a new way of life and culture in the Himalayas with Leh Ladakh India.
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