Ladakh– India's last Shangri-la and the only cold desert with towering peaks, all above 3000m, almost touching the sky, makes for a magnificent kaleidoscopic vignette. Out here it’s a rarefied world; population is sparse and the climate is extremely harsh, especially in the winters ( -20Degree Celsius).
Some of the world’s highest mountain passes are located here and the world’s highest saltwater lake – the breathtaking Pangong Lake offers stunningimalayan vistas. This land never ceases to amaze you – frozen lakes, the world’s highest battlefield (Siachen Glacier), aweinspiring terrains ideal for treks – Stock Kangri, Nubra Valley, Stock Kangri and some of the highest Buddhist monastries in the world where sacredness finds fulfillment.
Ladakh is one of the last remaining regions on Planet Earth where journeys are authentic, community centric and purposeful. Here, the combination of high altitude adventure along with cultural immersions makes tourism both sustainable and a powerful catalyst for peace in today’s discontented world.
Out here a silent revolution is on. From Mountain Rallies on some of the world’s highest and toughest terrains to meditating in some of the world’s highest monasteries; combating the impacts of Climate Change with resilient sustainable tourism practices; monitoring glacial meltdowns to promoting wildlife conservation through respectful wildlife encounters.....
Leh – Picturesque and Zen Vibes:
Hatts off to whosoever coined the phrase “Life is either daring adventure or nothing at all.” Being a one time native of the Eastern Himalayas, I have been surrounded by mountains most of my life; yet, Leh was an extraordinary surprise - jaw dropping panorama and magical starlit nights. The old Leh neighbourhood in particular was truly an aesthetic delight, conspicuous by its distinctive Tibetan style edifices, lively bazzars and curio shops. Walking through the bridle pathways, you can’t stop raving about the beautiful Tibet-inspired Ladakhi homes.
Most visitors to Ladakh choose Leh for acclimatization and then make their forays to the higher and desolate regions where the air is rarefied.
In the days of yore, Leh used to be a trading hub with linkages with Central Asia and Tibet. Remnants of the past still exist, courtesy those rather broadened pavements paths for easy movement of horses and camels.
However, the cynosure of all eyes is the magnificent Leh Palace – all of nine storeys and built to perfection in much the same architectural pattern as the world famous Potala Palace of Lhasa – the seat of Tibetan Buddhism and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s winter retreat. This one-of-a-kind palace was built way back in 1630s by Sengge Namgyal, the erstwhile king of Ladakh
Slowing down and resetting your body’s rhythm occurs naturally. Leh offer a multitude of trekking options and the one which is much preferred by visitors is the trek to the mythical Yarab Tso lake where the ancient and sacred “Om” sound reverberates.
To deepen your connection with the spiritual energy of Ladakh, a visit to the Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries could be a very transformative, peaceful and restorative experience.
Hemis is amongst the very few monasteries where the “Dugpa Kargyutpa” sect of Buddhism or the “Red Hat” sect of Buddhism is practiced. The monastery has one of the richest collections of Thangka paintings anywhere in the world.
Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage is not just rich, but also one of the best places outside of Tibet to practise Buddhism. It has played the role of an “empathiser” to the greater Tibetan cause for centuries together and have a rich history of cultural exchanges from ancient times. Be it Ladakhi monks migrating to Tibet for education, the architectural similarities and finesse of monasteries or trade & commerce through the ancient Silk Route.
The Dalai Lama has an emotional connect with the people of Ladakh and he used to be a frequent visitor to Ladakh in the post COVID era. Now though, his visits are much restricted, due largely to his failing health and he is all of 90 years. Yet, The Dalai Lama is a spiritual messiah for the Ladakhi people and his most recent visit was on July 12, 2025, wherein he offered his blessings and message of compassion and peace.
The purest and most sublime forms of spiritual practices in Ladakh offers a message of hope for humanity; if only the human race tries to assimilate the qualities of love, compassion and kindness instead of greed, enmity and hatredness.
Posted 04/09/2025
