Ladakh, Mountainous territory in northern India.
Ladakh is a high mountain region in northern India that extends across multiple ranges with peaks and wide valleys. Roads wind through barren slopes and river basins surrounded by steep rock walls and ice-covered heights.
The area was an independent kingdom for centuries and served as a trade route linking India and Tibet. It was recently separated from the neighboring administrative unit and granted new official status.
Communities here practice Buddhist prayer rituals and follow Islamic traditions, with Tibetan customs visible in monastery festivals and daily routines. Prayer flags flutter above villages and roads, while life follows religious calendars and agricultural cycles.
Travelers should prepare for high elevations and plan a few days of acclimatization since the air is thin and breathing difficulties often occur. Many passes close during winter and temperatures drop sharply, limiting access.
There are two main towns serving as capitals, with Leh focusing on tourism and cultural matters while Kargil manages the western sector. This division reflects geographic and historical differences within the region.
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