Ladakh, IndiaLadakh is a region of Jammu and Kashmir India, bounded by Karakoram of the Himalayas and often referred to as Little Tibet due to the similarity in landscape and Tibet’s influence on its local culture. Ladakh is an ideal destination for world-class mountaineers and photographers who soak up the beauty of its brackish lakes at high altitudes, exotic mountain villages, wide meadows, high peaks, wildlife and remote monasteries. In recent years, it has developed as a destination for adventure sports such as rafting, trekking and mountain biking.

Best explored between May and October, you can get to Ladakh through Leh, its major city, which has flights coming in from Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar, making it a good addition to Indian holiday tours.

Aside from adventure sports, Ladakh offers an opportunity for cultural immersion. Ladakhis are predominantly Buddhist, and there are a number of monastic festivals throughout the year determined by the Tibetan calendar. The abundance of temples makes for great backdrops to photos with their ornate colorful details and may tempt you to snap away, but be mindful as some monasteries and monuments may not be photographed. The traditional sacred mask dances called Chhams are also a spectacle to watch.

Hemis FestivalYou can take back a piece of Ladakhi culture by purchasing arts and crafts from the region. Woolen boots, jackets, goncha (the Ladakhi dress), chogtse (low wooden table), shawls and carpets are available with basic designs that are distinctly rustic.

To really enjoy your trip to Ladakh, take note of these simple tips:

Get fit. The topography and access to the temples will require some trekking. The high altitude may also affect you, so it is advisable to rest for 12-24 hours after landing at Leh to get acclimatized.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and moisturizers. Also pack a little flashlight as lights may be dim at night.

Dress and act appropriately. This may be interpreted as wearing proper trekking gear to suit the weather and landscape— which should be done—but also take into consideration the ancient and conservative Buddhist culture of the region when deciding what to wear.

For your trip to Ladakh, call Griffin Sierra at 898-2451 to 57 or email traveldesk@ griffin-sierra.com.ph for the best itineraries and advice on other hot destinations!

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