Deep within the folds of the Karakoram mountain ranges, is the remote, fascinating land of Ladakh, also known as the land of passes. For centuries, it had been closed to the outside world, due to its inaccessibility. The sheer, stark landscape, comprising of aloof mountains, dramatic ridges, and valleys, leaves an indelible imprint on the visitor's mind.

For those evincing an interest in Tibetology and Buddhism, Ladakh is like a dream come true. The land of lamaseries, lamaism being a peculiar feature of the Buddhist social structure, here, which stresses on celibacy for males, and monastic existence for the women. The Ladakhi people are devout Buddhists, famous for their integrity, and innate humaneness. Mask and scarf dances, flutes, cymbals and percussion instruments accompany the festivities on special days. Leh, the nerve - centre of the region, and the low - profile Kargil are the two main districts of Ladakh.

Festivals

The festivals celebrated in Ladakh, include the Hemis festival, held in June to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava; Losar, which is held in the eleventh month of the Buddhist year, and the Ladakh festival held in August, which is primarily organized by the District Tourist Office, for the tourists.

Access

By air: Ladakh is connected by Indian Airlines to Chandigarh, Delhi, and Srinagar.

By rail: The nearest railhead is Jammu (690 km), which is linked to the rest of the country by express trains.

By road: Ladakh can be reached on a state highway, from Srinagar ( 387 kms).