Ladakh
Ladakh, known as a high altitude ‘cold desert’ region of India, lies between Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range. It is a Tibet- like wide plateau, mountain peaks and passes surrounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges- the Greater Himalaya and the Karakoram. Its capital, Leh lies at the crossroads of ancient trading routes between Kashmir, Tibet, Central Asia and the Indian plains and has been a Buddhist centre since the 3 rd century AD.
Ladakh at a Glance:
Area: 97,000 sq km
Population: Approx. 2.40 lakh
Languages: Ladakhi, Balti, Purig, Shina or Dardic, Urdu & Hindi.
Ethnic composition: Mongoloid/Tibetan, Dardic and Indo-Aryan
Altitude: Leh 3505 m, Kargil 2750 m
Temperature: Maximum:- Summer 25 Degree C / 8 Degree C, Minimum :- Winter (-) 5 Degree C / (-) 20 Degree C
Rainfall: 15cm, 6" (annual average)
Clothing: Cotton & light woollens in summer and heavy woollens including down-filled wind proof upper garments in winter.
How To Reach:
The most convenient way to reach Ladakh from Kathmandu is by air. The capital city-Leh is connected by major Indian airlines operating daily to Delhi and from Delhi it is 1 hour flight to Leh. For details of schedules and fares, please contact us.
If you prefer a more adventurous way to travel from Kathmandu, you can make overland trip to Delhi via Varanasi and fly to Leh or keep continuing your overland journey to Srinagar (Kashmir). The distance from Delhi to Srinagar is 410 km and you need to cross over Zojila pass and Fotula (4080 m) the highest pass between Srinagar – Leh highway including villages en route.
The second route we recommend you is via Manali (Himachal Pradesh) from Delhi. Both the land routes are open between May to late September and easily accessible by private car or bus
Temperature and Weather Condition:
Most parts of Ladakh fall above 2,500 m, and the capital Leh is situated at 3,500 m. The summers are hot and the winters cold, with temperatures sometimes reach to 30 Degree C in summer and dropping as low as -25 Degree C in winter. So, you need to bring appropriate clothing for protecting yourself from varying weather conditions. Sometimes you can experience the occasional cool day even in summer. Please free to contact us if you need advice on what to bring
