LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH

School on the Roof of the World When school holidays end in the Himalayas, the teachers of Lamdon Model High School begin their dangerous journey back to their school – over ice and rocks, through a spectacular landscape. With temperatures at minus 35 degrees, the hike takes several days: Every year, after the four-month winter break, the teachers of Lamdon Model High School dare to cross the frozen Zanskar River or the rocks on its banks to return to their school. The remote region of Zanskar is located in the Himalayas, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. In winter, the only access road is snowed in and impassable, […]

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Ladakh Ice Hockey Puck Hunt at 3500 Meters The air is extremely thin and minus 16 degrees cold, even the fittest players quickly run out of breath – but the view and the atmosphere are fantastic: Ice hockey has become very popular in the Himalayas. Teams from Europe are now also traveling to the cult tournament at an altitude of 3500 meters. Only a few minutes remain until a possible triumph. The German-Finnish ice hockey team “Geronimo” is leading 2:1 in this last period, but the opponent from London is putting on the pressure. The “Spitfire” keep getting great chances. The “Geronimos”, including some former German national players, get help […]

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Photo Series on Shepherdess Nomads: Damn Tough Few people live at such high altitudes as the Changpa. The Tibetan shepherd nomads traverse a barren high plateau with their animals. A photo series captures their harsh yet romantically wild everyday life. They live permanently at elevations over 4,000 meters and endure long, icy winters. The Changpa are Tibetan shepherd nomads who live in the Changthang plateau, which stretches from Tibet to Ladakh in northern India. In search of grass, they roam the lonely and barren steppes with their flocks of sheep, goats, and yaks. Since 2015, Ritayan Mukherjee has been photographing a group of these resilient people living in a valley […]

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Where to Learn to Become a Paraglider Pilot You fold the wing into a backpack, spread it out on the slope, let the wind inflate it – and you’re flying. Alexey Druzhinin, a photographer with RIA Nоvоsтi, is certain there is no flying machine lighter, cheaper, or easier to control than a paraglider. For many years now, Alexey, one of Russia’s finest paraglider pilots, has spent his vacations in the mountains, unfurling his wing over the Himalayas, Tibet, and the Caucasus. Along with his tent and navigation tools, Druzhinin carries his camera with lenses and a dictaphone. He records his observations on the dictaphone, transcribes them at home, and posts […]

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India: Red foxes increasingly rely on garbage and food scraps In northern India, red foxes can be seen rummaging through kitchen waste. The growing dependence of wild animals on food scraps could affect ecological processes and increase conflicts with humans. The Spiti Valley, located in the remote Trans-Himalaya, is one of the least populated places in India and home to several rare and endangered wild animals. There, to see wild herbivores like the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), you might have to walk up to mountain pastures sometimes at 5000 meters (16,404 feet) high. If you want to see a snow leopard (Panthera uncia), you might have to track herds of […]

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“Reaching for a Dream” by Visiting Ladakh Đỗ An Ninh’s trip to “Little Tibet” left a stronger impression than he had ever imagined. Đỗ An Ninh, 28, a Korean language teacher, recently completed an 11-day trip to India in late August. His destination was Ladakh, a region in the Jammu and Kashmir state known as “Little Tibet.” Ninh joined a group tour, which was cheaper than initially expected, with a total cost of nearly 30 million VND per person. In addition to being a Korean language teacher, An Ninh runs a travel blog named OnTheMars, where he shares his trips and personal travel experiences. Ninh wanted to fully explore Ladakh, […]

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The Reference Article Fototour Ladakh A fine pass! Over 5000 meters high, with dramatic mountain lakes: The Ladakh region in the Trans-Himalayas is a photographer’s paradise—if the weather plays along. To capture perfect images here, one must rise in the dead of night. Outside the cabin window, bare rock walls rush past, then a sharp left turn. The airport at Leh, wedged among peaks over 6000 meters, is feared by Indian pilots for its altitude, which diminishes the aircraft’s lift. The small Boeing 737 rumbles onto the 3500-meter-high runway. Ladakh greets us with a deep blue sky and pleasant autumn temperatures. A Taxi brings my friend Corinna and me to […]

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Ladakh, Mountains and Men: A Journey into Ladakhi Culture Perched at 3,500 meters above sea level, this ancient Buddhist kingdom harbors a heritage of astonishing richness. Discover a fascinating region within these high Himalayan valleys, where it is hard to tell if they are closer to the earth or the sky. His Excellency Raja Jigmed Wangchuk Namgyal is a reserved man. With salt-and-pepper hair, dressed in a fleece jacket and blue jeans, he drives through the high Indus Valley in his small car. Sometimes he is seen in Leh, the former capital of his kingdom, overshadowed by the imposing castle built by his ancestors over three hundred years ago. But […]

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Frozen Indus (Ladakh, January 2018) (Photo: Eszter Tandel) Have you ever thought about what it would be like if we didn’t track the passage of time? No calendars, no alarm clocks—just rising and going to bed when nature signals us. It may seem unbelievable, but the disappearing, yet still existing, nomadic tribes live something like this. Now, through the lens of Hungarian photographer Eszter Tandel, we can catch a glimpse into this simple, civilization-free world. Eszter Tandel was born in Transylvania in a multicultural environment that encouraged openness, curiosity, and acceptance from an early age. Although she always felt that it would be wonderful to show others the diversity of […]

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Journey to Ladakh, Following the Tracks of the Snow Leopard EXTENSIVE REPORTAGE – As the Indian Himalayas’ edges are covered in snow, a flow of mantras escapes from monasteries perched on their rocky spurs. Perhaps these mantras reach the ears of the snow leopard, who takes advantage of the chill to indulge in its mountain loves without restraint. It’s barely 10 a.m., and the crowd is already pressing around the tarchem, the great pole adorned with victory flags, and even starts to occupy the high terraces of the monastery. The building, perched on its rocky spur, still bathes in its medieval essence. People, a magnificent parade of weather-beaten faces, old […]

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Ladakh Explorer: This border region of Tibet is a vast valley of moorlands and rocks. Trekkers have made it their paradise. By Sacha Goussin Published on January 30, 2008, at 6:00 AM All we see are Tata trucks, from the largest Indian industrial group. For the past three days, we’ve been continuously crossing these large, colorful vehicles adorned with garlands of flowers. Three days of incessant horn blasts, which here serve as turn signals. Three days of zigzagging between cows, rickshaws, handcarts, and potholes. This bustling scene comes to a sudden halt in Darcha. It is here, in the silence of this village, at 3300 meters altitude, that our trek […]

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Ladakh, India: Spoonfuls of Culture Alongside the Himalayas, its Ladakh cuisine is nourished by an immense amount of stories. A new generation is turning tradition into a tool for cultural resurgence. In the region of Ladakh, everything revolves around home, in all its senses. Even time itself moves to the rhythm set by the thap, the traditional clay oven still seen in many old Ladakhi homes. The first rays of light enter through strategically placed openings, illuminating the surface, warming it before cooking time, and turning the structure into a kind of sundial. As the day progresses, the light shifts, capturing the sinuous movement of steam, while the shadows of […]

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Have you ever encountered a moment that defies explanation? Recently, I had such an experience that left me pondering long after it occurred. Back in January of this year, my friends and I embarked on the Chadar Trek, an adventure through the Zanskar Gorge. This trek is renowned for its challenges, as it is undertaken during the frigid winter months of January and February when the Zanskar River turns into a frozen pathway. Walking over the ice-covered river to reach the valley is no small feat, given the extreme cold and treacherous conditions. Yet, for trekking enthusiasts, it’s an exhilarating journey, offering a unique blend of adrenaline and natural splendor. […]

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Memories and Traditions in Ladakh Over the past six years, I’ve had the fortune and joy of visiting Ladakh multiple times. I’ve come to appreciate how the people here embody a spirit of generosity and hospitality worthy of legend. The memories of my first journey are still vivid—the colorful flags fluttering in the wind, the scent of sage burning in temples, the sound of the breeze rustling through willow branches by the river, and the warmth of the expansive sky during the long summer. I was amazed to find that this community has embraced globalization within less than half a century. What surprised me is that despite accepting modernization, they […]

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Vanishing Nomads : The World Through the Lens For centuries, the nomads of Karnak have navigated some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring yet unforgiving landscapes while tending to their herds. Will their time-honored traditions endure through the sweeping migrations that define their way of life? Tsering Stobdan demonstrated the art of using a yak-hair sling by placing pebbles inside and propelling them through the air with a deft flick of his wrist. He explained that this technique is crucial for safeguarding his livestock from predators and retrieving stray goats. It’s just one of the many skills he has perfected to thrive in this challenging environment. In contrast, at an elevation […]

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To reach the Desert Rain Café in the heart of Leh, you must veer off the bustling main street that leads to the mosque and navigate a narrow passageway that runs parallel to the back alleys. These alleys are barely paved and so narrow that more than three people passing through at the same time is nearly impossible. The ruins of the Leh Palace loom over from the hilltop above. Entering through the back door of a building and climbing a steep staircase in traditional Himalayan style, you arrive at a small second-floor space overlooking Bazaar Street. As you step inside and remove your shoes, you’re greeted by a miraculous […]

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Ladakh Festivals Schedule : Discover the Magic of Ladakh’s Monastic Festivals You’ve likely heard about monastic festivals, but let us introduce you to the rich and enchanting Buddhist traditions of Ladakh. These festivals are not merely celebrations but are deeply woven into the fabric of Ladakhi life, serving as a way to mark the passage of time and the changing seasons. Spanning throughout the year, these vibrant festivals are celebrated in numerous gompas (monasteries) scattered across Ladakh’s stunning, rugged landscapes. Each festival brings with it a unique tapestry of rituals and performances that have been cherished for centuries. On festival days, locals flock to the monasteries dressed in their finest […]

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Date & Venue: Location: Ladakh Dates: December 31, 2024 – January 14, 2025 Overview Welcome the Ladakhi New Year with joy and tradition. Losar, the Ladakhi New Year, is a time of festivity and cultural celebration. This 15-day event symbolizes the dispelling of negativity and the welcoming of prosperity and good fortune. During Losar, the entire region of Ladakh comes alive with vibrant celebrations. Friends and family visit each other’s homes, exchanging greetings and good wishes. Monasteries hold special prayer sessions, and the lighting of prayer lamps transforms houses, monasteries, stupas, and business establishments into a dazzling spectacle. The festival extends over nine days, featuring a variety of rituals and […]

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When: December 25, 2024 Where: Across Ladakh Galdan Namchot heralds the New Year in Ladakh with joy and light. Honoring Je Tsongkhapa, the Tibetan scholar and Gelugpa sect founder, this festival sees every monastery, public building, and home aglow with lights. Butter lamps are lit, symbolizing light’s triumph over darkness. Delicious traditional foods are prepared, and families gather to share meals and festive cheer. Festive Highlights: Illumination: Every corner of Ladakh shines with lights. Butter Lamps: Symbolic of light prevailing over darkness. Feasting: Families and friends enjoy traditional delicacies together. Getting There: By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, just 1 km away. By Train: […]

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Where: Chemrey Monastery When: November 21-22, 2024 Nestled in the serene landscapes of Ladakh, Chemrey Monastery stands as a testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Established in 1664 by Lama Tagsang Ragspa in honor of King Sengge Namgyal, this ancient monastery has been a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. King Deldan Namgyal and Queen Mother Skalzang Dolma, son and wife of Sengge Namgyal, were its prominent patrons. The monastery is renowned for its impressive two-storied statue of Guru Padmasambhava and its association with the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Every year, Chemrey Monastery comes alive with the Chemrey Wangchok Festival, celebrated on the 28th and 29th of the […]

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Location: Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh Dates: November 18th – 19th, 2024 Festival Overview: Every year, the Thiksey Gustor Festival takes place in the 9th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, specifically on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days. This event is deeply rooted in the Gelukpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is hosted by Thiksey Monastery. Highlights: Vibrant Mask Dances: Monks donning elaborate silk robes and masks depicting various deities perform traditional dances, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Intricate Sand Mandalas: Skilled monks craft sand mandalas representing Guyusamaja, Chakrasamvara, and Vajravairava deities. These intricate designs, made from millions of grains of colored sand, symbolize the divine abodes and serve as meditation aids. […]

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Location: Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley Dates: From October 30, 2024 To October 31, 2024 Immerse Yourself in the Deskit Gustor Festival Nestled in the scenic Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by the venerable Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a direct disciple of Tsong-kha-pa, this monastery is both the largest and oldest in the region. Perched majestically on a hilltop, it commands a panoramic view of the valley and the Shayok River below. As a key site of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, it is renowned not only for its historical significance but also for the vibrant celebration of the Deskit Gustor […]

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Location Highlights: Kargil: Garkone, Darchik, Chanigond/Shilikchay, Karkichu Leh: Hundri, Turtuk, Lehdo, Saspol Event Overview: The Ladakh Tourism Department proudly presents the Apricot Blossom Festival, a vibrant celebration of local heritage, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture. Spanning from April 6 to April 18, 2024, this festival transforms the serene landscapes of Leh and Kargil into hubs of festivity. Throughout these dates, various locations in the valley will host day-long events where attendees can enjoy an array of activities. From lively cultural performances and traditional music to bustling markets and engaging games, there’s something for everyone. Witness the apricot trees in full bloom and explore the unique […]

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Celebrating : Leh Ladakh Festival 2024 September in Leh brings a vibrant celebration lasting four days, known as the Leh Ladakh Festival. This annual event, organized by the tourism department, highlights the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh’s diverse communities and tribes. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk dances and songs, exciting local sports such as polo and archery, and exhibitions featuring thangkas and handicrafts. Monastic dances, a food festival, and local Chang (liquor) tastings add to the festive atmosphere. The timing of the festival coincides with the harvest season, offering a chance to savor fresh organic vegetables and fruits. Ladakh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes that attract tourists, adventurers, and […]

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Where: Sani Monastery, Kargil When: 20 – 21 July 2024 Entry: Free Discover the Magic of Sani Nasjal Celebrate the enchanting Sani Nasjal festival at the historic Sani Monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh. This event takes place when the Guru Naropa Flower blooms, usually during the first week of August, but this year it will be held in July. The festivities are deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, centered around the revered figure of Naropa, a prominent Indian yogi from the 10th-11th century. Event Highlights: Unveiling of the Naropa Statue: Witness the grand reveal of Naropa’s statue, a key moment of the festival. Mask Dances by Lamas: Enjoy the captivating mask […]

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Nomadic Festival:Hosted by the Ladakh Cultural Academy and supported by the Ladakh Tourism Department, the festival seeks to highlight the unique culture of the Changthang region, positioning it firmly on Ladakh’s tourism map. Visitors had a chance to immerse themselves in the authentic nomadic lifestyle of the Changthang people, who are known as ‘Changpa’ or ‘Drokpa’ in Tibetan, meaning ‘northerners’ and ‘nomads’ respectively. Unlike other nomadic communities, the Changpa thrive in the harsh, uninhabitable landscapes that are unsuitable for agriculture, free from the encroachment of settled farmers. Activities Tourists experienced the vibrant and enduring nomadic culture of Changthang firsthand, witnessing the daily lives of its people in their natural environment. […]

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It seems that trees communicate and collaborate through an underground fungal network. What are they sharing? In her childhood, Suzanne Simard often explored the old-growth forests of Canada with her siblings, building forts out of fallen branches, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries, and sometimes even tasting the soil (she liked the taste). Nearby, her grandfather and uncles were engaged in low-impact logging with horses, selectively harvesting cedar, Douglas fir, and white pine. Because the number of trees felled was minimal, Simard barely noticed any difference. The forest seemed endless and ancient, a shimmering expanse of conifers and rain-drenched jewels, teeming with ferns and fairy bells. To her, it was a realm […]

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Peter Matthiessen’s “Snow Leopard,” a renowned book on spiritual exploration in the Buddhist monasteries of the Himalayas, has reached its 40th anniversary since publication. His son, Alex, retraced that trek. Can one become an armchair Zen monk? It’s one of the questions posed by Peter Matthiessen’s great exploration, “Snow Leopard.” Among all the books I’ve read in my lifetime, especially in recent years, none has vividly captured Matthiessen’s acclaimed trekking journey, the “journey of the heart” to the ancient Tibetan plateau of Dolpo in the high Himalayas. Many believe this. Since its first edition in 1978, “Snow Leopard” has arguably inspired the paths of hippies and backpackers venturing beyond Kathmandu […]

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On the longest day of last year, I visited what they call “the highest motorable road in the world.” But “road” might not be the right word. Nor is “pass.” Icicles hung from the mountainside, and along the winding path were memorials to soldiers who had “departed for heaven” after falling off the cliffs. The driver, with a red face and an indomitable spirit, crawled out of the rickety Toyota and began fiddling with the loose starter. This was not what I had hoped for at 18,350 feet. Pink fluid was leaking from the truck in front of us. It was hard to believe that 90 minutes ago, we had […]

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In this delicate landscape, the eco-lodges of Ladakh continue to uphold a way of life. Here, we introduce five establishments that aim to provide eco-friendly, sustainable stays while addressing over-tourism and environmental degradation in this mountainous region. The Stok Palace Heritage Hotel in Ladakh, India, is still home to the Namgyal royal family, offering three suites to visitors. This 200-year-old residence stands as a testament to Ladakhi culture and art, nestled in one of North India’s most popular tourist destinations. PHOTOGRAPH BY HH JIGMED NAMGYAL By Charukesi Ramadurai August 28, 2023 Hotelier Rigzin Namgyal nostalgically recalls a time when only truly curious and adventurous people visited Ladakh. When this region […]

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