The Himalayas info - Ladakh

Ladakh is part of the north western Indian province of Jammu & Kashmir.

It is isolated from the rest of Kashmir. and the province of Himachal Pradesh by high mountain passes. Being closely linked culturally to neighbouring Tibet, Ladakh is dotted with Buddhist monasteries. As most monsoon rains don't reach the region, some of it looks like desert. The most important water supply is from glaciers and rivers. The Indus River cuts through the beautiful valley where the capital Leh is situated.

Lamayuru Monastery

Because of its relative isolation Ladakh has managed to maintain a way of life which has been lost elsewhere. Of course it does not have the strong influence of the Chinese, like Tibet. The modern world is slowly finding its way into this region and some problems have arisen recently with the influx of people from Kashmir. Because of the political problems there. People come looking for jobs in the tourist business in Ladakh during the summer season. Kashmir belongs to India, but most of the Muslim inhabitants would rather be part of Pakistan or still better, be independent. The peaceful Buddhist people of Ladakh want to stay clear of the tensions between Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri.

To travel to Ladakh is still very much a trip back in time, the way Tibet used to be. Joining an early morning service in the Tikse Monastery with the low hum of the chanting monks while sampling a cup of butter tea is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the Himalayas. If you travel north from Delhi you pass the holy places of Hardwar and Rishikesh. On the banks of the river Ganges you'll see hundreds of pilgrims taking a ritual bath in the holy river. From here the road goes north to the foothills of the Himalaya. Shimla used to be a hill station where the British escaped the summer heat of the plains, it's a nice place to spend some time en route to Manali. From Manali, a holiday resort in alpine surroundings, an arduous bus trip over some of the world's highest motorable passes finally leads to Leh.

Alternatively you can catch a flight form Delhi to Leh. I'd recommend on doing one way overland, then flying back. When in Ladakh be sure to visit the fascinating monasteries of the region like Tikse, Hemis, Alchi and Lamayuru.

serving Chang, local beer at a festival, Leh

 

click the image to see a map of the region


click here for a Ladakh image gallery

much more can be found at the World2C Himalayas CD ROM

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all images on this site are available from: www.travel-pictures-gallery.com

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text and photo's by Willem Proos - the Netherlands ©

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