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Ladakh is a part of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It consists of two districts – Leh and Kargil. Leh is at an altitude of around 3505 m while Kargil is roughly at an altitude of 2750 m. Due to the strong influence of Tibetan culture on it, Ladakh is often called ‘Little Tibet’.
Ladakh has sparse vegetation. Fauna is generally similar to that found in the Central Asia, exception being the migratory birds coming from the warmer parts of India during the summer.
Many of the villages in Ladakh have a Gompa or monastery. Many annual festivals take place in the Gompas during the winter. Dance dramas are performed in the courtyards. Lamas in colorful robes and masks perform mimes. The Buddhist Gompas are the main attractions in Ladakh. Historic monuments in the place also attract tourists on Ladakh travel.
In Ladakh trekking, mountaineering and river rafting are the options for travelers fond of adventure tourism. The normal trekking season in Ladakh is from June to mid-October. Trekking options are quite a few. It can be a day-long walk up the mountain slopes, a walk to the local monuments or monasteries or weeks of mountain treks. For the mountaineers, the season for climbing is between mid-May and mid-October. A booking fee is charged by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for such expeditions. Ladakh offers rafting options on the river Indus and its tributaries. Many travel agencies here offer rafting packages to tourists.
In Ladakh Hotel accommodation is available in deluxe as well budget hotels. Many of the hotels are located close to the airport. Mildly flavored Ladakhi food is a favorite among the tourists. However, some restaurants in Leh serve international meals also.
Curios and souvenirs can be purchased from the bazaars at Leh, while on a trip to Ladakh. Shawls, stoles and woolen garments are also available here.
Leh Airport provides access to Ladakh to the air travelers. Ladakh can also be reached from Srinagar, Manali, Delhi and other important places of the country through roadways.
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