Ladakh

Ladakh is devoid of greenery, but looks stunning in the backdrop of snow-capped strings of mountains. Green is scant, though the place steals the charm with its uncanny appeal that attracts tourist to visit the land time and again. Strewn with Buddhist monasteries (Gumphas), the place exudes a spiritual charm that is hard to avoid. It has earned the title “Little Tibet”, for its profound influence by the Tibetan culture. Though, the Indian Government has continued an uninterrupted struggle to encourage tourism, but the place still remains the most disputed territory between India and Pakistan and India and China.    Despite so much of regional clashes, Ladakh is doing a handsome job in the tourism arena.

Demographics

The 260,000 inhabitants is a combination of different races that mostly include the Mons, Tibetans and Dards. The principal language is Ladhakhis, which is a Tibetan dialect. However, the speaking dialect has changed to mostly Hindi and Urdu. The educated classes mostly speak English. Religion plays a mixed role here with Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.

Geography

Ladakh lies at an altitude of 3,000 m and is the highest plateau of Kashmir spanning over an area of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges including the upper Indus valley. The entire Ladakh range looks simply stunning, though it sports no major peaks. The place is viewed as the highest altitude of desert that bars the monsoon clouds from entering the region. The regions towards the north of the Himalayas include the Dras, the Suru valley and Zangskar. These regions experience heavy rainfall.

Climate

Ladakh remains plunged in freezing cold for most part of the year, since it stands at a height of 9000 feet and the summer sun is hardly fierce over the region. The temperature remains maximum at 27 degrees in summer and in winter, the temperature plummets to -20 degree C. Since the region is snow covered for major part of the year, it becomes difficult to dodge the snowy boulders. So the best part of the year to visit the region is from the end of June to the end of September. Since the monsoon clouds cannot make a clear way to the region, therefore the place remains relatively dry during this time of the year.

Flora and fauna

The lack of vegetation therefore the lavish growth of flora and fauna is missing here. The birds are mostly migratory birds from the warmer parts of India to spend the summer here. A total record 225 species of birds have been recorded. Robins, Finches, Redstarts and Hoopoe are most common here. Some other rare species of birds include Brown-headed Gull, Brahminy duck, Red-billed Chough, and much more. The Bharal sheep is found here.

Major attractions

The major places to see here include Kargil, Drass, Sani, Phugthal, Rangdum, Sankoo, Suru Valley, Zongkhul and many more. Of all, Kargil is the most famous zone, which served as the seat of trade and transit center. Besides, you will find each place very fascinating and intriguingly secretive.

Tips

- Only some antique shops accept credit cards
- Telephone and fax facilities are available at Padum, Kargil, Nubra valley and Leh
- Plastic bags are banned in Ladakh
- Make minimum possible use of vehicles, and try to take a walk or take a ride