Ladakh is on the western edge of the Tibetan plateau, bordered by the Himalayan Range to the south and the Karakoram to the north. Razor sharp peaks criss-cross the sun-baked landscape and glacial melt irrigates precious crops during the brief growing season. Ladakh has been a repository of Vajrayana Buddhism for the last 1000 years and its tremendous natural beauty is complemented by magnificent medieval monasteries, white washed chortens, and brightly colored prayer flags. Since 1834 when the Maharajah of Kashmir annexed Ladakh it has been politically a part of India but it's language, religion, and customs are closely related to those of central Tibet.

A typical trek starts from the capital of Leh on to Likhir, Alchi, and Basgo through remote villages to Tingsmogang. Along the way there is the opportunity to meditate at historic sites, stay in local guesthouses, and trek through some of Asia's most breathtaking scenery. After the first two weeks in central Ladakh, it is best to continue on to the recently opened areas of Changtang and Nubra in northern Ladakh.

Ladakh located in the rain - shade of the Himalaya, is arctic, high altitude, mountainous desert. It has beautiful wild flowers, a wide range of mountain animals, hundered of species of resident and migratory birds, and hospitable, hardy, cheerful and courteous people. The people are an amalgam of the Tibetan, Balti, Dard and Aryan ethnic strains. Isolated regions of Zanskar foster the non-Monogoloid Drogpa tribe in the Indus valley between Khalsi and Battalik, and the Changpa nomadic shepherds of the Eastern plains are some of the most attractive and fruitful subjects of study.

Itinerary