Blogs

Encountering the Ladakh Oracle in the Mystical Realm of Ladakh 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 […]

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 […]

Ladakh Trekking Routes: Embark on a Journey Through Ladakh with this Guide to Unforgettable Treks and Timeless Landscapes. Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ladakh as you traverse its stunning landscapes and embark on thrilling treks. From Leh to Skiu, Shingo, Rumbak, and Stok, experience an adventure filled with natural marvels, cozy homestays, and delightful meals. This guide is your key to discovering the magic and splendor of Ladakh, making every moment of your journey truly unforgettable. 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]