Ladakh is an absolutely stunning northern province of India Spanning a breathtaking area of approximately 60,000 square miles (150,000 sq. km). It’s a wondrous region comprising two remarkable districts—Kargil and Leh—and is home to around 300,000 welcoming residents. Nestled between some of the planet’s highest mountain ranges, the majestic Himalayan Range gracefully separates it from the enchanting Vale of Kashmir. The rich tapestry of Ladakh's history is fascinating! The first inhabitants were a harmonious blend of nomadic herdsmen from the Tibetan Plateau and early Buddhist refugees known as the Mons. In the 4th or 5th century, the vibrant Dards, an Indo-Aryan tribe, joined them, bringing irrigation techniques and agriculture to the land. Ladakh saw the rise of its first independent kingdom in the 9th century, thanks to the visionary Nyima Gon, following the collapse of the Guge Empire. The region flourished as Buddhism spread, largely influenced by remarkable figures such as Padmasambhava and Rinchen Zangpo, who established many beautiful monasteries. In the 14th century, a shift occurred as leaders moved from Indian to Tibetan Buddhism, embracing Tantric practices. However, under the strong leadership of Tashi Namgyal (1555-1570) and later Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, Ladakh emerged as a significant regional power. Though the landscape changed with subsequent challenges, including defeats by the Mughal-Balti army and the annexation by Dogra general Zorawar Singh in 1834, the charm of Ladakh remains undiminished. The royal family continues to reside in the picturesque Stok Palace. We’re excited to offer an array of tour packages, but our specialty lies in crafting custom itineraries tailored just for your unforgettable journey to Ladakh and Kashmir. Plus, our resources cover everything you need to know, from weather and travel information to an insightful Ladakh calendar of festivals, geography, and history!
