Quick Facts
- Capital: Leh
- Largest City: Leh
- Official Languages: Hindi, English, Ladakhi
- Formation: Became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019
- Nicknames: “Land of High Passes”
- Famous For: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Buddhist monasteries
Contents
History & Heritage
Ladakh has a rich history of Tibetan Buddhism, ancient trade routes, and unique Himalayan culture.
- Leh Palace: A 17th-century royal residence.
- Buddhist Influence: Monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Alchi.
- Modern Era: UT status since 2019.
Geography & Climate
Located in the Trans-Himalayan region, Ladakh features cold deserts, high passes, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Rivers: Indus, Zanskar.
- Climate: Cold desert, extreme winters, mild summers.
Top Places to Visit
- Leh: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace.
- Pangong Lake: Famous for its changing colors.
- Nubra Valley: Bactrian camels, sand dunes.
- Zanskar: Trekking, river rafting.
- Magnetic Hill: Optical illusion spot.
Monasteries
- Hemis Monastery: Largest and most famous.
- Thiksey Monastery: Known for its architecture.
- Diskit Monastery: Iconic Buddha statue.
Festivals
- Hemis Festival: Colorful mask dances.
- Losar: Tibetan New Year celebrations.
- Ladakh Festival: Cultural showcases and fairs.
Cuisine
Ladakhi cuisine reflects Tibetan influences with hearty, warm dishes.
- Staples: Thukpa, momos, skyu.
- Drinks: Butter tea, barley beer (Chang).
Adventure & Wildlife
- Chadar trek on frozen Zanskar River.
- Motorbike trips to Khardung La & Chang La.
- Wildlife spotting in Hemis National Park (snow leopards).
How to Reach
- By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh).
- By Road: Via Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways (summer only).
Best Time to Visit
May to September is the best time to explore Ladakh.
Sample Itineraries
6 Days – Leh & Nubra
- Day 1: Arrive in Leh & acclimatize.
- Day 2: Explore Leh (Shanti Stupa, Palace).
- Day 3: Leh → Nubra via Khardung La.
- Day 4: Nubra → Pangong Lake.
- Day 5: Pangong → Leh.
- Day 6: Departure.