Ladakh, a land which can be described only in speculative expanse. Geographical, historical and human factors have endowed this region, known earlier as Manyul - the land of men - with its unique character and place in the World.

Wild flowers bring colour to this valley as spring takes over Ladakh has often changed names, all of which give a good description of the conditions prevailing in the region: Ladwags-land below the mountain passes; Bladwags: land of the lama; Maryul: the red country; Muah Ris bSsor Gsum: land to the west of Tibet. In the West it is sometimes referred to as Moon country and Little Tibet. Rather a long list of names for an area of 59,000 square kilometres having one of the lowest population densities in the world: 2 inhabitants per kilometer, 59,000 square kilometres of rocky desert, apparently inhospitable mountains, a world of bewitching silence, framed in a parallel fashion by two of the most imposing mountain ranges, the Karakoram to the North, the Himalayas to the South.

If you fly from Srinagar, Delhi or even Jammu, you discern, hidden in this bewildering corridor of immensity, some green patches, some clusters of life. They seem to have been placed near young and powerful rivers, the Shayok, Siachen, Zanskar and Indus, to contrast harmoniously with the austere magnificence of the Ladakhi landscapes.

Getting down at Leh, the capital, stretching out its human canvas between the Indus and the mountains, or while crossing Zoji La on the road from Srinagar, the traveler is primarily moved by a single emotion. Yes, his eyes, he feels, are much too small; the altitude combined with the absolute purity of the air, the mountains of varied colours, seeming to be covered with a sheet of steel, cut through a blue of an intensity dreamt up by a serene goddess. A world before which one has to relearn how to look k, with the large wide-eyed gaze of a wonder-struck child.

Before 1974, the only caravans crossing through Ladakh were those travelling along the Silk Road. Today, other groups are discovering the infinity of these high lands, for less commercial reasons. These are the tourists.

Some figures of the Ladakhi pantheon are to be encountered during the Dur mdrod (festival) of the gompas. The most famous is the one at Hemis. During 2 to 3 days, the monks are transformed into gods and goddesses, wearing the mask s which represent these divinities. They teach generations of lamas, and since the last 30 years, every Ladakhi, the celestial life.

No journey to Ladakh would be complete without a respectful visit to one of these Himalayan cathedrals dedicated to the gods of the upper plateau. An atmosphere of peace pervades the being, a serene calm invades it. Then the frescos, the Thankas can truly move us, much more intensely than if they were in the midst of other treasures within a museum, or in a city drawing room.

Getting there LEH
By Air:
From June to September, everyday flights Delhi-Leh. Reservation should be made well in advance. It is a most beautiful flight above the Himalayas.

By Road:
The Manali-Leh road is open in summer. A long but magnificent (2 days) one.

Accommodation:
Hotels of all categories with basic amenities are available in Leh. Do not expect a lot of luxury in Ladakh.

History

Geography

Health and Safety

FAQs

Contact Details: Delhi :
H-5, Kailash Colony,
New Delhi - 110048
Ph: +91 11 29236993 / 41634118
Fax: +91 11 41634118


Leh :
Shanti Stupa Road,
Changspa, Leh - Ladakh
Telfax: +91 1982-253588,
Mob: 09419658777

E-mail: wisdomadventures@vsnl.net, wisdomadventure@airtelmail.in

Meet us at: http://www.himalayas-travel.com