Ladakh and Zanskar

Ladakh "the land of high passes" is the boundary between the Western Himalaya and the Tibetan plateau. Ladakh was only opened up for tourism in 1974 as has been described as "Moon Land". This is the most remote part of India.

The culture is Buddhist and has close cultural and trading ties. This is evident in the most populated region of Leh and the Indus Valley which as many white washed monasteries and forts perched on top of the Sugarloaf Mountains.

Padum is the capital of the more remote Zanskar and also shares the Buddhist heritage.

Dont's:
When visiting mosques or temples shorts or sleeveless tops are not to be worn. Smoking and the holding of hands, the touching of carvings or statues and the touching of someone's head is not permitted. Removal of shoes prior to entry. These apply to both men and women. In some mosques you will be required to cover your head.

Never point the soles of your feet to another person or statue.

The right hand should be used for all occassions. The left is considered dirty.

When swimming nudity is not allowed, even in remote areas. Women should wear a sarong if they are in public view.

Some animals are considered sacred, please check with local authorities.

Extreme climate, warm inland from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September. The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.