Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, Ladakh lies at attitudes ranging from about 9000 feet (2750m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. This remote region of India lies tucked away amongst some of the world’s highest peaks and remains snow laden for most of the year. Between June and September, when the rest of India is in the grip of the South-West monsoon, this high-attitude desert region comes alive with the re-opening of the several mountain passes that surround the capital city, Leh. For the first time traveler to this part of India, Ladakh is full of surprises. Exquisitely lovely and relatively unspoilt, Ladakh guarantees an experience one will not forget. Amidst the backdrop of barren and snow laden mountains, one comes across a gompa (Tibetan monastery) that is perilously perched on the hill side, clinging on seemingly through sheer will power. |
