Ladakh (Tib. la.dwags), meaning "the land of high passes", has been described as "the Moonland", "Little Tibet" and even known by some as "the last Shangrila". It is one of the most remote regions of India, located between Tibet and Pakistan, and it is a part of the Trans-Himalaya, which is a vast complex mountainous region between the main Himalayan range and the Tibetan plateau. Ladakh remains as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, under the control of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

Leh (3505m), the capital of Ladakh, is nestled in a side valley just to the north of the Indus Valley. It is dominated by the 9-storey Leh Palace, home of the Ladakhi royal family before it moved to Stok Gompa in the 1830s. South-west of the Leh Palace, around Fort Road, is the most popular area for places to eat, sleep and spend money.

Climate

The temperatures in Ladakh are extreme, because of the high altitude. Even at the height of summer, temperatures in some valleys can be extremely cold, especially at night. Therefore, a sleeping bag and warm clothes are vital in all areas.

Average summer (June to September) temperatures for Leh and its surrounding areas are between -9 and +30 degree Celsius (°C).