Though officially part of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh stands apart in both culture and spirit. While the majority in Jammu and Kashmir follow Islam, the people of Ladakh are predominantly Tibetan Buddhists, giving the region a distinct cultural identity.

Ladakh’s landscape is defined by an alpine desert climate, lying in the rain shadow of the Zanskar Range. Most precipitation comes in the form of snow, though climate patterns have begun shifting in recent years, echoing global trends.

Life in Isolation

For centuries, this remote region thrived through careful resource management. In winter, livestock are housed on the ground floors of homes, with their body heat warming the structure above. Traditional practices like polyandry helped control population growth, with many men joining monasteries. Agriculture was limited to subsistence, and the local diet remained simple and repetitive.

Change Since Tourism

Since opening to tourists in 1974, Ladakh—especially the Indus Valley—has experienced notable changes. Imported products, diverse foods, and modern lifestyles have gradually influenced local life. However, Ladakh’s core traditions still remain largely intact.

Leh, the capital situated at 3,500 meters, requires new visitors to rest and acclimatize for a few days—unless they arrive overland and are already adjusted to the altitude.