by Andy Khong

Ladakh is a region located in the northern most part of the Indian sub-continent, nestled in the eastern part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is bordered by the Himalayas to the south and the Karakoram Range to the north, and shares its international boundaries with Tibet (China) to the east and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west.

Ladakh has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was an important part of the ancient Silk Route, connecting India with Central Asia. In the 9^th century, Ladakh was ruled by the Tibetan Empire. However, in the 10th century, the region gained independence and the first dynasty of Ladakh, the Namgyal dynasty, was established. Over the centuries, Ladakh came under the influence of various empires and kingdoms, including the Mongols and the Mughals.

In the 19^th century, the British established control over Ladakh, and it became part of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir under the Dogra rulers. After India gained independence in 1947, Ladakh became a part of the newly formed nation.

Ladakh is known for its stunning and rugged landscapes. The region is characterized by high mountains, deep valleys, and vast stretches of barren terrain. It is often referred to as the “Land of High Passes” due to its numerous mountain passes, which were historically important trade routes. Some prominent mountain passes in Ladakh include Khardung La*, Chang La, and Zoji La.

Khardung La Pass.

* Khardung La is often referred to as one of the highest^ motorable mountain passes in the world, but it is not the highest^. While it has gained popularity as a tourist attraction and is widely known for its high altitude, there are other mountain passes that surpass it in terms of elevation. It stands at an elevation of approximately 5,359 meters (17,582 feet) above sea level [local summit signs claim incorrectly that it is 5,602 meters (18,379 feet)]. The pass offers breathtaking views and is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and bikers. [^ It’s worth noting that the title of the “highest pass” can be subjective and may depend on various factors such as the definition of “motorable” and the specific route or measurement used].

Ladakh is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. Some of the must-visit places in Ladakh include:

1. Leh: The capital city of Ladakh, Leh, is a bustling town with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery. The Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the vibrant Leh Market are also popular attractions.
2. Pangong Lake: Located at an altitude of about 4,350 meters, Pangong Lake is a mesmerizing high-altitude lake. It stretches across the border of India and Tibet (China) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Nubra Valley: Situated in the northern part of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is known for its scenic beauty and unique landscapes. The valley is dotted with sand dunes, monasteries, and picturesque villages. Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dunes are popular attractions in this region.
4. Zanskar Valley: Zanskar Valley is a remote and isolated region in Ladakh, famous for its pristine beauty. The valley is home to ancient Buddhist monasteries, frozen rivers, and awe-inspiring trekking routes like the Chadar Trek.

Hemis Monastery.

Leh Palace.

Shanti Stupa.

Pangong Lake.

Nubra Valley.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.

Located in the Leh district of Ladakh is Sikh Temple, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. According to legend, it is believed that Guru Nanak (founder of Sikhism), visited this place during his journey to Tibet. The story goes that a demon, unhappy with Guru Nanak’s presence, tried to kill him by rolling a large boulder down a hill. However, the boulder turned soft on touching Guru Nanak, and he left an imprint of his body on the rock. This rock with the imprint can still be seen at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and is considered sacred by Sikhs.

To travel to Ladakh, and certain areas of Jammu & Kashmir, foreign tourists will need to obtain special permit(s). These permits are issued by the Indian government to regulate travel in the region due to security and border sensitivity. It is important to note that the permit requirements and regulations may change, so advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult with a travel agency for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Do journey to Ladakh, where enchanting landscapes and cultural marvels await

About Post Author

Andy Khong

Andy Khong has travelled with YPT on numerous trips. A few years ago, medical episodes forced him to recalibrate priorities in life and redefine spirituality. Nowadays he expands his horizons by believing that life should be lived with variety and experiences, plus continued learning to be a better person. Andy volunteers his time teaching complementary medicine, healing arts like Qi Gong, and contributes articles to spiritual magazines.

See author's posts