Ladakh
The Land of High Passes
Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory and constitutes an eastern portion of the larger Kashmir region that has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947 and India and China since 1959.
About Ladakh
Overview
Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory and constitutes an eastern portion of the larger Kashmir region that has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947 and India and China since 1959. Ladakh is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakoram Pass in the far north. It extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range to the north to the main Great Himalayas to the south. The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, but has been under Chinese control since 1962.
- Alchi
- Kargil
- Leh
- Leh–Manali Highway
- Nubra Valley
- Zanskar
Top Destinations in Ladakh
View All DestinationsCulture & Heritage
Ladakh culture and history are closely tied to Tibet. The region is home to a Shia Muslim majority (46%) and a large Tibetan Buddhist population (40%), with monasteries (gompas) central to its identity. Ladakhis are a distinct ethnic group, separate from Kashmiris.
- Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) culture
- Changpa nomadic pastoral communities
- Distinct Ladakhi ethnic identity
Food of Ladakh
- MomosSteamed dumplings served with spicy chutney, a Ladakhi favourite.
- ThukpaLadakh staple noodle soup with mutton and boiled vegetables.
- SkyuA heavy pasta dish cooked with root vegetables.
- TsampaRoasted barley flour, a staple trekking food, often mixed with salt tea.
Travel Information
How to Reach
- Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh is the main gateway, connected to Delhi and other cities.
- The Leh-Manali Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway are the main road routes, both closed by snow for much of the year.
Travel Tips
- Acclimatize for at least a day or two on arrival. Ladakh sits above 3,000m and altitude sickness is a real risk.
- Inner Line Permits are required to visit border areas like Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley.
- Road routes are open roughly May to September only; flights run year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leh is the capital of Ladakh.
Ladakh is generally best visited from October to March.