Ladakh, a region of eastern Kashmir, is situated in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent and is a part of
Jammu and Kashmir.
Ladakh, being one of the most elevated regions of the world, is at a height of 3,505 m. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Greater Himalayas and the
Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh Range and the
Zanskar Range. This is the highest inhabited region in India and the Indus River with its tributaries, slice their way through the ranges.
Ladakh is known by many epithets. In the west it is referred to as Moon country and Little Tibet. It is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Ladakh offers an excellent opportunity for tourism which includes options of trekking, mountaineering, camping, water rafting and trips to Buddhist monasteries. Attractions in and around the town include the Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. Pangong Lake and Tso Morari Lake are the major lakes in Ladakh. Pilgrim spots connected with Ladakh are Zanskar,
Padum,
Stongdey and
Zangla. The best time to visit is from June to the end of September.
Ladakh is accessible by air as well as by road. The nearest airport is Leh Airport. By road, there are two overland routes - Srinagar - Leh road and Manali - Leh road, which remains open from mid June to early October. Taxi services are also available from Leh, Manali and Srinagar.