Ladakh

Ladakh is a Union Territory in the north of India. It reaches from the Great Himalaya to the Karakoram, and the Indus runs between stark mountains. Most towns and villages lie at 3,000 to 4,500 m. The land is a high cold desert of rock, sand and glittering rivers, dotted with whitewashed Buddhist monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis and Diskit. Leh is the base for the Indus valley monasteries, Nubra with its dunes and Khardung La, and Pangong Tso. Tso Moriri and Turtuk are for longer trips. The Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh highways are generally open from about June to October. At other times, visitors fly into Leh. Altitude sickness is common, so spend the first two days in Leh doing little. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Some border areas need permits or fees, which change often, so confirm before travel. Plan ten days for a full circuit including acclimatisation, and fewer if you only visit Leh and Nubra or Pangong.