The mountainous region of Ladakh in the North Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, is like NO other place in the World. Because of it's unusual terrain and barren landscape it's sometimes referred to as 'Moonland'. Set high up in the Himalaya's at 3,000 m (9,800 ft) Ladakh is a plateau in the Indus Valley between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. Strongly influenced by Tibet and largely inhabited by people of Tibetan descent, Ladakh is also known as 'Little Tibet'. It is not only home to some of the most beautiful and serene monasteries you'll ever see, but it also a land of rich natural beauty - and it's this natural beauty that hits you so hard, because it's a barren beauty. The enormous mass of the Himalayas creates a rain shadow, denying entry to the moisture-laden clouds of the Indian monsoon. Ladakh is thus, a high altitude desert. Many travelers find themselves at loss to understand how something so barren can yet be so beautiful. Its landscape, sky, shooting stars, silence, wizened faces, rosy cheeks, dragons and Zen - everything makes Ladakh a quite place to visit. This ethereal cold desert that goes by names such as 'The Last Shangrila', Moonscape, Little Tibet and so many others - all of which ring true, is a land that seldom fails to baffle or surprise. Ladakh, the land of jagged peaks and barren landscape is alluring and awe-inspiring. Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding façade is an ancient civilization and captivating people. Beyond the old frontiers lies the land of wilderness with its unaltered character and overwhelming natural beauty beckoning the more intense and adventurous of travelers. we talk of adventure in Ladakh, jeep safari happens to be one of the finest options to explore the landscape wonders and the remote areas of Ladakh. The trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh offers both moderate and tough terrain. Depending on your capability, you can go for a jeep safari option you want or that suits you best. The driving experience on the rough roads of Ladakh adds the tinge of adventure in the jeep safari in Ladakh. One of the most exciting jeep safaris in the Himalayas is through Ladakh. In Ladakh Tsmori-Ri, Nubra and Dah Hanu offer the toughest and most terrific Jeep safari in the Himalayas. Crossing the Khardungla pass, considered to be one of the highest motor able roads in the world is an experience in itself. Each day of the Ladakh itinerary offers an opportunity to explore this land of barren wilderness. The culturally diverse people add to the charm of the jeep safari in Ladakh. The desolate mountains of this high altitude desert and deep ravines reveal the natural beauty of Ladakh. Also known as the " Ship of desert" , Camel has been the major mode of transportation in deserts. They are known as the lifeline for the desert people. Camel Safari has been a experience that is happening since the ancient times, when no other modern means of communications were developed by man and animals were the sole transport used for communication. To the surprise of many people who are aware of camel Safari in the hot deserts of Rajasthan only, will be surprised to know that camel safari is carried out in the cold deserts of Ladakh also. Tourists can enjoy the soft adventure of camel safari in Ladakh in the months of July, August and September. As one explores the rugged mountain terrain on a camel back, one feels far removed from the earth. A real memorable experience. An experience that one won't be able to forget whole of life. Reason being that beside the savage and extreme image of this cold desert lies the adventure of exploring the beahtiful . . landscape and passage through remote villages. How about camping in tents, experience spending the night under the stars. However,one needs to learn the balancing act and get used to the movements of camel, while one is on a camel ride. Real travellers are always in search of real life experiences. While in Ladakh, enjoying a safari on a yak brings you closer to local culture and lifestyle that locals lead in Ladakh. Yak, or dong as Ladakhis call it, happens to be the largest animal in the cold deserts of trans-Himalayan Ladakh. First described only a century ago by the famous Russian naturalist-cum-explorer, N. M. Przewalski, the wild yak is definitely more impressive in appearance than its domestic counterpart.Immensely shaggy and weighing about a ton it has curved horns whose tips can be as wide apart as 90 cm. and measure 76 cm. over the curves. It can easily be distinguished by its long black hair, which is tinged with gray at the muzzle. Spending its summers at a height above 6,000 meters, in winter it moves in herds to the lakes, marshes and lower valleys. It is this highly insulated shaggy coat which helps Yak to survive in such extreme cold. The animal species of Ladakh have shown an excellent ecological adaptation and flourished at an altitude where men can hardly breathe. Travellers find the wildlife of Ladakh interesting both in terms of ecological specialisation and their occurrence in the remote regions of rugged Ladakh. Ladakh possesses virtually no natural forests, though along riverbanks and valleys some greenery does exist. The lower mountain slopes are sparse but higher up, near the snow line, wild rose, willow and herbaceous plants have successfully colonized the slopes. This is the alpine zone. While soil, wind, precipitation and exposure are important determinants in the arrangement of specific life, the temperature differential due to altitude is by far the most important factor. Because of the decrease in the temperature, vegetation becomes more sparse and stunted as one ascends the slopes. Ladakh has three major rivers, where you can undertake this adventurous Sport. Indus in Leh region, Shayok in Nubra and Zanskar river in Zanskar. A range of rafting options are available on these rivers. A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The scene is still in its infancy,Ladakh and adventure go hand in hand. And when but floating downstream in a rugged and beautiful landscape is a real thrill. Two different stretches of the river are used: from Spitok to the Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimmu, and from Nimmu to the ancient temple complex at Alchi. Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khalsi, which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla. The best stretch for professionally guided is between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organization. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive rafting packages. Tourist Office at Leh. Provides details of rafting options and also some rafts on hire.
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