About Ladakh
Ladakh – a word which means “land of high passes”, is a region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir of Northern India sandwiched between the Karakoram mountain range to the north and the Himalayas to the south. It is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India. Historically, the region included the Indus Valley, the remote Zanskar to the south, and Nubra valleys to the north over Khardung La in the Ladakh mountain range. Ladakh borders Tibet to the east, the Lahul and Spiti to the south, Kashmir to the west, and Central Asia to the north. Ladakh is open for tourist throughout the year, while the best period for tour and trek is from June to October. Most of the trekking routes are closed after November due to heavy snowfall at high passes except the Liker to Kahltsey (Sham) trek. The best period for Chadar trek is from January to Mid-March. In the Leh-Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti region, where monsoon does not have much effect, one can trek from the middle of June to the beginning of October. First week of May to end June is the pre-monsoon season. Passes below 4300 mts. are generally open for trekking from early June while the passes above 4300 mts. are negotiable only after monsoon rains are over.
Clothing:
In Zanskar, the days are pretty warm and hot and the evenings are quite chilly thus requiring additional clothing. It is advisable to be prepared for this situation with shirt and shorts during the daytime and Jacket and pullover in the evening. A big, all sided hat is recommended along with a good quality sun-screen lotion. While trekking above 4000 m, you need warm clothes. Fleece jackets, Down jackets with hood, thermals, etc are required while on a trek to beat the cold. Sometimes there is a rain or snow in early June therefore you need Rain Jackets or raincoat. Other essential items include a good sleeping bag, and a pair of woolen socks or some thick cotton socks. Good waterproof shoes are needed while trekking and extra pair of shoes and Sandal is always handy. It is also essential to bring a quality tent or a warm sleeping Bag if the intention is to travel or trek around on your own, and a good quality rucksack for back packing. It is also important to carry your provisions from Srinagar or Kargil, if a longer tour of the adjoining villages is intended.
Languages Spoken:
Boti is the main language of Ladakh; other languages spoken are Balti, Shina, Brokshat and Changshat. In schools, offices and restaurants English and Hindi are also used.
How to reach:
By Road: Travel by road gives you an advantage over flying into Leh as it enables you to acclimatize easily. As Leh is situated on a high altitude plateau and if one books the journey with Indo Vacations and travelling by Jeep or car will give you the flexibility of stopping to see the several sights on the way. Srinagar – Leh road (434 km) is the main route with an over night halt at Kargil. The road is open between mid June and November. The Manali-Leh highway is a spectacular journey with an over night halt at tented camps at Sarchu or Pang. Kargil is situated on the main highway between Srinagar and Leh. The road from Kargil into the Suru and Zanskar valleys is open only between July and October. By Air: Leh is the main airport for this area. Direct flights link it to Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu.
