Ladakh, often known as ‘the land of high passes’ is an extraordinary tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir that extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It is a sparsely populated region.
Leh is the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Ladakh. It is one of the coldest deserts in the world, located at a distance of 434 km from Srinagar, and 474 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Leh is also famous for the Leh Palace, the former mansion of the royal family of Ladakh.
Buddhist monasteries dominate the Ladakh landscape. Colourfully clad with flags and wheels, they have become popular tourist attractions.
The scenic beauty, the rugged terrain and the majestic mountains wrap this enchanting place. The road access requires crossing tortuous high passes, which close altogether from around October to May. Tourism is the main source of livelihood for Ladakhis. The Indian Army maintains a strong presence in Ladakh, due to its strategic location.
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