Ladakh is located on the highest plateau of the Indian state of Kashmir, much of it being over 3,000 m (9,800 ft). It is located at the point where the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges meet along the upper Indus River valley. Primarily Buddhist, the region is famous for its dramatic vistas of high mountain deserts, ancient monasteries and stark landscape populated by explosions of greenery made possible through ingenious irrigation channels.
The capital Leh is a thriving and bustling town which tourists from across India and the world visit every year mostly between the months of June and September.
An exploration of Ladakh can take a lifetime but if you have only a week or two to stay, it’s as good a time as any to begin that journey.
Raft down the Zanskar and Indus, take a mountain bike trip up to the Khardung La, trek the Markha Valley, climb any one of the hundreds of peaks of the East Karakoram mountain range and spend time in the ancient monasteries which are priceless repositories of Tibetan Buddhist knowledge and wisdom.
And when you come once, we hope you will come back again and again.
Julley.
Activities
While runners train for their races, family members and friends have the opportunity to explore the area around Leh and participate in a variety of activities including rafting, trekking, mountain biking and cultural sightseeing.
Trekking
Trekking is a popular activity with some treks lasting up to three weeks. There are, however, many opportunities to conduct short three to five day treks in and around Leh in the Zanskar, Nubra and Markha valleys. Photos »
Rafting
There are numerous opportunities for day trips to do whitewater rafting on the Indus and Zanskar rivers. For beginners and families with children older than 5 years there there is always the popular stretch on the Indus River from Phey to Nimo with easy class 2+ rapids. Photos »
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in and around Leh including a trip up to the Khardung La pass or one of the many monasteries around the town is a wonderful way to spend the day and get some excercise. Mountain bikes are available for daily and weekly rentals at certain outfitters. Photos »
Cultural Tours and Sightseeing
Ladakh is a place where Tibetan Buddhism has thrived for centuries and is rich with ancient monasteries and palaces and a paradise for those who like cultural tours. Monasteries such as the Thiksey, Matho and Spituk monastery are within easy driving distance of Leh. Photos »
For More Information
For more information about Ladakh and to take part in any of these activities, visit the following websites:
