One of the largest provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is the most sparsely populated and remote area of India. A high altitude desert of snow nestled by the Great Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, the area has slowly become a Mecca for trekking and for enthusiasts of adventure sports since the area opened up to tourism in the 1970s. Sometimes called "Little Tibet" Ladakh is one of the last enclaves of Mahayana Buddism, a religion that has been brutally suppressed by the Chinese in its native Tibet. Signs of Buddhism are everywhere with strings of multicoloured prayer flags, prayer wheels and chortens (stupas) in every settlement.

There are many medieval monasteries, or gompas, perched on rocky ridges and hilltops or precipitously clinging to cliff faces that are still centres of worship today.

The climate is inhospitable with scant rainfall and temperatures that fall below zero degrees for eight months of the year and that can rise to over 30 degrees during remaining four months. The way of life is simple and the people are hardworking and cheerful.

Leh is the capital of the region and is an atmospheric friendly town surrounded by spectacular landscapes. Originally a staging post on the old Silk Route it is now the first port of call for travellers to the region and a place to stop and acclimatise to the high altitude. It is an ideal base for trekking and as such is packed with hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. For more information and details of how to visit this fantastic region, please see our Leh Ladakh packages section.