LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH

9th Edition – Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 “A Journey into the Heart of Zanskar: Celebrating Timeless Traditions Amidst Majestic Peaks” Nestled in the remote and serene landscapes of Ladakh, where the towering peaks of the Himalayas kiss the heavens, lies the mystical valley of Zanskar—a place where time seems to stand still, and ancient traditions are woven into the very fabric of life. It is in this breathtakingly beautiful region that we invite you to experience the 9th Edition of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024, a celebration that brings to life the rich cultural heritage of Zanskar in all its glory. The Spirit of Zanskar: Imagine a land where the […]

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Embarking on the Markha Valley Expedition Having previously ventured through the Sham Valley, I now turned my gaze towards one of Ladakh’s most storied paths: the Markha Valley Trek. Armed with my trusted camera, I was prepared to capture the essence of this renowned journey. Ladakh, cloaked in the natural fortifications of its rugged mountains and enduring the harsh grip of its winters, remains one of India’s most secluded terrains. Its spectacular vistas and the lure of the Himalayan peaks draw travelers, both local and international, to its summer embrace. The allure of Buddhist festivals and iconic sites like Pangong Tso—a high-altitude lake celebrated in the film “3 Idiots”—add to […]

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Aryan Valley Artifacts: The Valley of the Dards Revealed The road to the Aryan Valley is not marked on most maps, but it is etched in the memory of those who venture into its hidden depths. My journey began as most do in Ladakh—by air, descending into Leh’s thin air before moving onward to Nurla, a modest village with little fanfare. Nurla’s purpose was simple: to give me a place to catch my breath, both literally and metaphorically, before I plunged into the enigmatic world of the Brokpa Dards. The route to Dha, where the Brokpa dwell, follows the winding course of the Indus River. The river, ancient and unyielding, […]

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Nubra Valley journey: The road winds through the desolate heights, a ribbon of peril clinging to the mountainside, where stones the size of beasts tumble without warning, and the skeletal remains of vehicles long fallen dot the landscape, a silent testament to the dangers lurking in the shadows. There are no barriers here, nothing but the jagged edge of reality and the pull of the abyss below. In the front seat of our jeep, I feel the weight of each moment, every turn a gamble against the snow and ice that coat the Khardung La Pass. The air is thin, and time stretches, slowing down to a crawl as we […]

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Turtuk Village, in the shadow of the Ladakh mountains, is a land both silent and severe where time seems to be in no rush. Here, nestled close to the border of Pakistan, a quiet king oversees his domain. Yabgo Mohammad Khan Kacho, the last remnant of a once-great dynasty, speaks of his ancestors with a calm certainty. “For 2,000 years, my family has ruled these lands,” he remarks, his voice steady like the flow of the Shyok River that winds its way through the valley. The king’s realm is modest, its borders defined by fields of buckwheat and the rough-hewn stones of village paths. Turtuk, with its deep Muslim roots, […]

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Ladakhi Food Culture: The High-Altitude Flavors of Ladakh, India In the remote and often snowbound reaches of North India, where the land remains isolated for much of the year, there lies a hidden culinary tradition waiting to be discovered. Ladakh, a region more renowned for its rugged landscapes and treacherous mountain passes, offers a food culture as resilient and inventive as its people. Imagine biting into warm, stuffed flatbreads cooked over a flickering charcoal flame, sipping on the tart sweetness of freshly pressed apricot juice, or savoring handmade dumplings dipped in a tangy tomato chutney. These are just glimpses of the dishes that define Ladakh’s unique culinary identity—a narrative woven […]

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History of Ladakh whispers through the barren winds of its remote expanses, carrying tales of travelers who ventured into this unforgiving landscape with dreams of conquest and curiosity. For over a millennium, men and women, driven by ambition and necessity, have charted paths across its high-altitude deserts, scaling mountains that scrape the sky, and forging new trade routes through the vast unknown. Ladakh, perched at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, served not just as a waypoint but as a crucible where cultures collided, exchanged, and left indelible marks. The Silk Road, a web of routes that stretched across continents, wove its way through Ladakh, bestowing the region with a unique […]

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Encountering the Oracle in Ladakh’s Mystical Realm In the high reaches of Ladakh, where the air is thin and the horizon stretches endlessly, the ethereal presence of oracles weaves through the fabric of daily existence. This region, often termed India’s ‘Little Tibet,’ is a place where ancient beliefs and mysticism remain vivid, threading through the very essence of life. Amidst the artifacts and heirlooms housed in the modest museum of Stok Palace, there exists a peculiar artifact—an ordinary Medieval sword that has been twisted into an unexplainable knot. To the untrained eye, it may seem an anomaly, a trick of the eye in the crisp, rarefied air of the Himalayas. […]

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India at High Altitudes: Discovering Ladakh from Leh As the plane descends from Delhi toward Leh, the capital of the Indian region of Ladakh, it feels as if one is approaching a realm from another world. Before the door opens, even before the wheels touch the ground, there’s a sensation of inhaling air that is as pristine and clear as a fresh dawn. The sky is often a vivid blue, starkly contrasting with the sticky grayness of the rest of India, which, in summer—the prime time to visit Ladakh—contends with the monsoon’s arrival and a high humidity that envelops everything. In just an hour and a half of flight, the […]

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Embark on a Journey Through Ladakh: A Guide to Unforgettable Treks and Timeless Landscapes Discover six remarkable trekking routes in Ladakh, each offering an experience tailored to your endurance and spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient monasteries or the serene village life, these trails promise a blend of adventure and awe. Ladakh’s diverse trekking options cater to all fitness levels and experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone. If you’re hesitant about venturing alone, LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH provides comprehensive support, from tents and ponies to guides and meals. They also offer gear rentals for those who need them. For the independent soul, solo trekking is an option, with […]

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When to Journey to Ladakh: Seasons, Festivals, and Activities Nestled in the far reaches of the northern Indian Himalayas, Ladakh’s unforgiving climate is marked by a long, harsh winter. To truly experience the essence of this high-altitude desert, one must time their visit wisely. The summer months, when the high mountain passes shed their heavy snow, offer the best window for travel—unless, of course, you’re seeking the thrill of adventure in the cold. Ladakh’s Unique Weather Ladakh’s climate is starkly divided into two seasons: a brief summer from June to September, and an extended winter stretching from October to May. During the short summer, temperatures are mild, ranging between 59 […]

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Exploring Ladakh Activities: 20 Must-Experience Highlights Nestled in the remote, towering heights of India’s Union Territory, Ladakh beckons travelers with its blend of breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture. Since opening to outsiders in 1974, after years of conflict and isolation, Ladakh has transformed into a unique destination. Its history is a tapestry of power and trade, from its days as part of the Tibetan Empire to its later emergence as an independent kingdom in the 9th century. This region flourished as a crossroads for the Pashmina wool trade between Tibet and Kashmir, but its independence came to an end with the Dogra invasion in 1834, leading to its […]

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I recently found myself standing on the highest plateau in the world, a place where life shouldn’t exist, yet it does. The Changthang Plateau, an expanse of ice and rock suspended over 14,000 feet above sea level, is where I spent two weeks, my camera in hand, trying to capture the essence of a crisis that few will ever see firsthand. The plateau, tucked between the towering Himalayan and Karakorum ranges, is home to the Changra goat, an animal as rare as the landscape itself. These goats, with their resilient spirits, endure freezing temperatures and relentless winds to grow an undercoat so delicate it defies logic. The fibers, a mere […]

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In remote Southeast Ladakh, explore Ladakh trekking routes that reveal breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. R. Bhattacharji Published Year: 1985 In the far reaches of southeast Ladakh, we skirted the edge of the curfew that had fallen on Punjab on June 3rd. By sheer luck and the confusion of its enforcement, our Kalka Mail arrived at its destination without incident. From Kalka, we boarded an open truck for a grueling 476-kilometer journey, spanning four days, to Kibar, the highest inhabited village in India, perched at 14,460 feet. Kibar became our base for two days. We acclimated, practiced our ice skills, and, most importantly, found a guide. Tshering, a man of […]

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Flying Blind, Take 2: Navigating Ladakh Tourism Amidst Altitude Challenges Here I sit, my head throbbing as though it were caught in a vise, a souvenir of altitude sickness. Despite the discomfort, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of gratitude. We are fortunate to even be here. Our departure from Delhi was flawless, but the ascent turned into a journey through a swirling abyss of clouds. We found ourselves trapped in a Himalayan valley, our plane circling endlessly, unable to find a break in the cloud cover. We eventually turned back, retrieved our baggage, and made our way to a nearby hotel, promising ourselves a fresh attempt in […]

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Traveling Ladakh, the chill of the morning air clings to the peaks as two monks, draped in their traditional robes, lift their horns to the heavens, the deep, resonant notes of the dung dkar echoing through the quiet expanse of Thikse monastery. The town of Leh, nestled in the Ladakh region of northern India, is more than just a destination; it’s a memory etched into the very soul of those who visit. Leh is a place where time moves differently, where the past is as vivid as the present. I wandered into a small shop, its walls adorned with vibrant prints and the faint scent of ink lingering in the […]

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Dialogue with Helena Norberg-Hodge, Part II For over three decades, Helena Norberg-Hodge has been a champion of the profound value that local economies bring to individuals, communities, and the environment. As an author, filmmaker, and the visionary behind the International Society for Ecology and Culture, her work has largely centered around Ladakh—a region in India that has managed to preserve much of its cultural and economic identity despite the relentless forces of globalization. On a crisp October day, Norberg-Hodge joined Richard Heinberg and the team at Orion for a live discussion on the inevitable decline of economic growth. In a conversation that took place against the backdrop of her latest […]

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Turtuk Tourism: The Village Split by a Border In a place where social media and mobile phones are absent, family members who live apart send each other recorded video messages on flash drives via postal mail. When the first tourist stepped foot into Turtuk, a small farming village cradled between snow-capped peaks in India’s remote Ladakh region, he was welcomed with baskets brimming with ripe apricots, shimmering silk scarves, and a choreographed folk dance. The year was 2010. “Everyone was so happy then,” recalled Ismail Khan, 35, owner of Ismail’s Homestay, one of the now approximately 20 accommodations in the once-secluded village. “It was the first time we had seen […]

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Echoes from a Moonland: A Visual Odyssey in Ladakh Belgian photographer Yuri Andries captures the surreal essence of Ladakh, a mystical region in northern India. A serene Buddha gazes over Ladakh, India. PHOTOGRAPH BY YURI ANDRIES Nestled in the remote northern reaches of India lies Ladakh, a mystical “Moonland” characterized by its stark alpine desert. Hidden within this barren landscape are Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, overshadowed by some of the world’s most majestic mountains. Isolated for centuries due to its geopolitical location, Ladakh only welcomed tourists in the 1970s. Today, photographers like Yuri Andries journey to this once inaccessible realm to unveil its enigmatic contrasts through his series, Moonland. After hours […]

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Whispers of Resilience: Ladakh Cultural Preservation – Explore the enduring traditions and innovative practices in Ladakh that sustain its rich heritage amidst modern challenges. Nestled between the icy embrace of the Karakoram range and the sprawling majesty of the Himalayas lies Ladakh—a land of rugged splendor where the relentless advance of global consumerism is making its mark. Nicola Graydon delves into the profound struggle of the locals as they strive to protect their cherished heritage. Likir, a serene village a mere three-hour drive west of Leh, embodies a scene of almost surreal beauty. Perched at an altitude of 3,500 meters, it unfurls like a lush sanctuary, contrasting sharply with the […]

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The Best Lessons in Climate Diplomacy are Learned from Himalayan Villages The glacier above Kumik is rapidly retreating, and the community is facing tough choices. Photo: Jonathan Mingle “How on earth do these people manage to survive?” This was the question British geographer James Claughton continually pondered during the winter of 1976, spent in the remote Himalayan valley of Zanskar in northwest India. It is a valid question. Zanskar is a very harsh place at any time. The average elevation of its few dozen villages is 12,500 feet (about 3,800 meters). The only connection to the outside world is a 160-mile (about 260-kilometer) jeep road that is closed by snow […]

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Ladakh: The Lair of the Snow Leopard In the northern reaches of India, an American wildlife photographer and a BBC tracker, each driven by the chase of the legendary gray ghost, lead an expedition. Their eyes, sharpened by telescopic lenses, fixate on a silent assassin nestled in a crevice. His face bears the scars of three days of blood, and as dusk approaches, hunger compels him to rise. Reluctantly, he rises, crouches low, and moves toward the summit to scout for his next prey. Here, in Hemis National Park on the outskirts of Leh, his primary target is the Himalayan blue sheep. Technically, the blue sheep is neither blue nor […]

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One of our team members climbs the ice stupa in Shara. In Sanskrit, “stupa” means “heap” and traditionally refers to structures that house Buddhist relics. For thousands of years, stupas have been constructed from materials like wood, stone, clay, and brick, ranging from simple domes to elaborate tiered towers. The first ice stupa was created in 2013 in Ladakh, Kashmir. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert surrounded by the Himalayas, and its villages rely mainly on glacier meltwater. With glaciers retreating due to climate change, water flow has become unpredictable. Sometimes there is too much water causing flash floods, while at other times there is a severe shortage. The ice stupa, […]

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The Dark Sky Sanctuary near the border between India and China houses the Himalayan Chandra Telescope. The photograph, captured in 2018, shows Mars approaching Earth, an event that occurs once every two years. Photo credit: Dorje Anchuk Under the clear night skies along the India-China border, a sense of hope for the future stretches across the heavens. Written by Rag Kurnad and Anmol Tiku, September 19, 2020 Ladakh, often referred to as “the Roof of the World,” is one of the highest regions on Earth. Despite the dangers of altitude sickness, severe cold outside the summer months, and narrow roads prone to landslides, its breathtaking beauty is well worth the […]

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Trans-Himalaya Adventure: The Astonishing Bicycle and Ski Traverse by Swiss Adventurers – An Epic Journey Through the Winter Himalayas Trans-Himalaya Companions of the Cold Two Swiss adventurers are attempting to cross the Himalayas by bicycle, on foot, and on skis. The challenges begin once the cycling part is over. To the Horizon and Beyond All efforts are rewarded for such dreamlike scenery. “The winter in the Himalayas is a completely different caliber,” says Claude Balsiger as he burrows deeper into his sleeping bag. He is a Swiss bike adventurer who knows the highest mountain range in the world in summer. He spends one to several months there every year. Once, […]

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Stunning Photos of Ice Hockey in the Himalayas After spending a few months coaching in Serbia, Jan Andersen embarked on an adventure among Buddhist monasteries, Muslim villages, and semi-nomadic shepherds. In January 2016, Jan Andersen, a former coach of several North American hockey teams, decided to leave the glamorous ice arenas behind and seek a new adventure on one of the world’s most remote natural ice fields. Located at an average altitude of over 4,500 meters, east of India’s rarely inhabited Ladakh region, lies the Tibetan Plateau, west of the disputed border with China. For three months each year, when temperatures drop below -20 degrees and schools close, natural ponds […]

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Why is cashmere so expensive? At an altitude higher than 4,000 meters, where winter temperatures can drop to -40 degrees Celsius, it’s hard to believe that anyone or anything can survive, writes Bored Panda. It’s like a vast, frozen desert, and it’s the Changtang Plateau. Located between the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, it is the highest permanently inhabited plateau in the world and home to an extremely hardy and rare breed of goat, the Changra or cashmere goat. The high altitude, freezing temperatures, and harsh winds in this unforgiving mountain region are crucial for stimulating the growth of the super-soft wool of these goats. The fibers are only 8 […]

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Tibetan people believe that children should be treated like “kings” until the age of 5 and regarded as being in a “learning phase” from ages 5 to 10. Their parenting system has a long tradition and is detailed as follows: All parents hope their children will grow up to be happy and intelligent individuals, but the methods often depend on societal norms and what people in that country consider correct. The book The Tibetan Art of Parenting: From Before Conception Through Early Childhood by En Maiden-Brown, Eddie Farwell, and Dr. Dick Nilson explains how Tibetans raise their children. This book is not written as a conventional manual for parents but […]

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The Incredible Ladakh Monasteries One of the most visited monasteries in Ladakh is Thiksey, home to two hundred monks and dating back to the 15th century. I’ve already mentioned in a previous chronicle that traveling through Ladakh feels like traversing the moon. Only the blue serpent of the Indus adds a splash of color and life to the imposing landscape, bristling with peaks. The riverbanks break the gray monotony of the surroundings with the miracle of green life. The rest is bare, torn stone. To the right of the stream rise the snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram, while to the left stand the pinnacles of the Great Himalayas. The Indus […]

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Zanskar Trekking Tour : To the Heavens in the Himalayas In the former Buddhist kingdom of Zanskar lie villages and monasteries among the most remote in the Himalayas. To reach them, one must walk—and in doing so, encounters a breathtaking world of mountains. ABOUT THE PERSON Michael Martin, born in 1963, is a geographer and renowned desert photographer. The Munich native has undertaken 150 desert journeys since he was 17 and has published more than 20 books on the subject, including “The Deserts of the Earth” and “Planet Desert.” Martin has named his new project “Terra.” “Julley!” greets us Tesering, a kindly man marked by life in the high mountains. […]

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