Ladakh2022-05-05T19:20:51+02:00

Ladakh

Dreamland of all Himalayan fans, a true alternative to the oppressed Tibet, because here people are free in their actions and thoughts. In the Buddhist monasteries, religion is not worn for show, but lived. And outside – on the way – you might meet soldiers and policemen (after all Ladakh is a sensitive border region) – but they are friendly towards western guests.

Ladakh is our home.

Here we feel most comfortable. Here we are absolute experts. We know our way around here better than anywhere else.

Facts and Figures

Ladakh is a simple travel destination in the far north of India, the people are friendly, the climate for us Westerners quite pleasant. Only the altitude of 3,500m on average makes some worry. The Himalayas and the culture of Tibetan Buddhism have always fascinated people. Ladakh combines both in a harmonious and carefree way.

Area: 59.000 km2
Capital: Leh
Population: 270.000
Religions: 40% Tibetan Buddhists (in Leh district 66%, in Kargil district 14%), 45% Muslims (in Leh district 14%, in Kargil district 77%), 15% other religions (mainly Hindus, some Sikhs, Jains and Christians)
Best time to visit: May-October (for trekking: June-September)
Climate: Ladakh is the only region in India not affected by the monsoon. Generally Ladakh is a dry area with low rainfall.
Daytime temperatures in summer: up to over 30 degrees Celsius.

Ladakh is located in the far north of India on the border with Pakistan and China. Politically it is a Union Territory, geographically the continuation of the Tibetan plateau. At altitudes ranging from 5,000 to over 7,000 meters, two of the mightiest mountain ranges meet: Himalaya and Karakorum.

This is also where Islam meets Tibetan Buddhism. The western part of Ladakh is inhabited by Muslims, the eastern part mainly by Tibetan Buddhists.

Ladakh is often called Little Tibet. In terms of size, the description may be true, but otherwise Ladakh does not have to hide behind its big brother. Many Tibet travellers appreciate Ladakh because of its living, active culture, which they just don’t find in Tibet anymore.

Here lives the Tibetan Buddhism.

So monasteries are at the top of the list ofattractions. And there are as many of themas villages, because ineach one there is at least one.

Thikse (one of the most beautiful), Hemis (the richest) and Alchi (one of the oldest) are the three monasteries that you should see as travellers to Ladakh.

Those interested in history will be fascinated by the palaces of the former kings, the ruined fortresses of the princes, rock drawings from long ago and the flair of the caravans of the past centuries, which can still be felt today at the bazaar of Leh.

Whoever hears high mountain desert assumes a dull land, whose barren images one has quickly seen enough of. Wrongly assumed. The intense sunlight creates color images even on bare rocks. Discreet but no less beautiful. Green oasis valleys between rugged mountain landscapes, wide plains of the high plateau of Changthang, turquoise-blue-green shimmering salt lakes at an altitude of over 4,000m, sand dune worlds with slowly trotting camels in northern Ladakh, in Nubra, and remote mountain villages in the legendary Zanskar. This and much more fascinates not only photographers from all over the world.

And then of course, there are the people of Ladakh.

Friendly, but not pushy, they are quiet, not shrill. Just like their land. In many instances, the hard life at high altitudes and under bulging suns has left a deep mark. The Ladakh like to laugh, even at work, of which there is plenty in the summer. Encounters with the people of Ladakh, are memories that remain.

All this can be discovered on foot, by jeep, motorcycle or bicycle, and right at the beginning, during the approach to the capital Leh. Only time is needed!

Experience Ladakh actively
Expeditions, trekking, sightseeing and more

Ladakh is a paradise for mountain lovers. Walking, hiking, mountaineering. Only on foot you can reach areas that otherwise remain inaccessible, remote mountain villages, passes with wildly waving prayer flags, monasteries that cling to the sheer rock like eagles’ nests.

With its diverse landscapes, Ladakh offers mountain experiences for just about everyone: easy, pleasant tours for beginners and strenuous, challenging treks for advanced hikers, something for leisurely hikers and something for adventurous mountaineers, for young and old, for those who love lonely places and those who prefer to hike from village to village.

Ladakh is also a great place for cycling – preferably by mountain bike. Hardy cyclists do this on the Manali-Leh highway over four 5,000-meter passes. For others, a tour in the Indus Valley or a descent from Khardong La, the pass north of Leh is a better alternative. For experienced mountain bikers, cycling tours along some trekking routes are also an option.

A little bit faster you can discover Ladakh on a motorcycle – very classic on an Enfield. With only 1 hp on a pony, on the back of a camel or in a rafting boat along the Indus and Zanskar rivers, exploration tours are also possible without exhaust fumes.

Ladakh can also be experienced in a more leisurely way: meditation, yoga or living and working with a Ladakhi family.

Trekking in Ladakh

Trekking & expeditions are our absolute hobbyhorse. We love the mountains and walking. Only there we feel really free and one with ourselves. We can’t imagine a more beautiful vacation and a better journey to ourselves.

Ladakh in pictures

Human
Nature
Animal
Culture

Blog Posts about Ladakh

Why is it called The Baby Trek, and why are there no babies in it?

Despite its name, the Ladakhi "Baby trek" is not a trail on which you can see little diaper-wearing babies hiking with miniature backpacks, quenching their thirst by drinking milk from feeding bottles, sitting by cozy streams and talking about the beauty of the Himalayas. But then, how the hell did this popular short trek in Sham come [...]

Ladakh for children

More and more often, parents are daring to travel to Ladakh with their children. And why not? The country has also plenty to offer to small guests. Children actually usually adapt better to the height than their parents - probably because the kids are not thinking about it. Here are some things that you should do with [...]

Ladakh for runners

Some people consider it madness. For others, its call is irresistible. The Ladakh Marathon is the ultimate challenge for runners. At such altitudes, achieving the same level of performance as one is used to back home is not an easy task. But with the proper preparation the task is both quite feasible and an unforgettable experience.   [...]

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