Ladakh is sometime called 'Little Tibet'. It has a similar landscape and culture that bears this comparison. The Ladakh range starts from the Indus-Shyok confluence and the Zanskar range is the dividing line between the Indus and Zanskar valleys. The Great Himalayan range in its S demarcates Ladakh from the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh. Two main districts comprise Ladakh: Leh and Kargil. Leh can be subdivided into Indus Valley, Nubra Valley, Shyok Valley and Markha Valley. The main rivers are Indus, Zanskar and Shyok; like the mountain ranges these rivers run roughly E to W.
Ladakh today is one of the most remarkable adventure travel destinations and its can be divided into three main areas for trekking: Zanskar, with Padum as its central point; the area around Leh; and the Nubra/Shyok Valleys of the Eastern Karakoram. Most trails that commence from adjoining Himachal Pradesh, especially from Manali, converge by different routes at Padum. Then Leh is approached by different routes form Padum.
Today Ladakh is open to outsiders, or at least as open as its geography permits. No special permission is needed to enter Ladakh and within the region you can travel around with relative freedom. Ladakh is full of amazing sights- strange Gompas perched on soaring hilltops, dwarfed by snowcapped mountain; the barren, shattered looking landscapes splashed with small but brilliant patches of green; ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls. But most of all it is notable for its delightful people- friendly as only Tibetans can be and immensely colorful. It's an amazing place.
The road journeys to Ladakh. Starting at Manali is a un forgetful experience; crossing over a series of high passes, topped by the 5360 m high Tanglang-la - it is an adventure, offering spectacular scenery.
Ladakh offers numerous high altitude treks, wild jeep safaris, white water rafting, mountain biking and mountain climbing. Meeting its colorful people and participating in their festivals are experiences to remember. Tours to monasteries are soul enriching and awe-inspiring.
