Ladakh Range

The Ladakh Range is a segment of the Karakoram mountain range that extends to the southeast for 230 miles (370 km) from the mouth of the Shyok River in the Ladakh region to the Tibetan border. With a crest line of about 20,000 feet (6,100 m), the range parallels the northeast bank of the Indus River. The nomadic Changpa rely mostly on sheep and yak herding for subsistence in the Ladakh Range, which give an idea of comfort level which can be expected while venturing into this high/dry desert region.

Tibet's Chang Tang plain, most remote section of Himalayas, is extreme high country; here the valleys are about 14,000 feet above sea level. Areas like Lake Morari (a verdant oasis) and Stok Kangri (highest of Ladakh's peaks) and can spend some time by exploring the Buddhist monasteries around (city Leh).

Ladakh is a beautiful desert region. Culturally/geographically close to Tibet. It has few resources with an extreme climate, the Buddhist Ladakhis with their traditions and intimate knowledge of local environment have survived and actually prospered.

In spite of centuries of invasions from the Mongols (from central Asia), the Baltis (from west), the Dogras (from south) and even Tibetans (from east). The mixed ethnic origins are reflected in their faces.

The main town of Ladakh (Leh) was for centuries trade centre for fine pashmina wool (once worth its weight in gold); yak and pony caravans brought in pashmina from Tibet, turquoise, coral and silver from Yarkand and Kashgar, spices, fabrics from India and silk from Kashmir.

Two English explorers, William Moorcroft and George Trebeck visiting Leh in 1820, were stunned seeing a town of such wealth located in midst of obviously arid desert land.

The extension of the Ladakh Range into China is known as Kailash Range.In the Laddakh range there is India's cold desert named as ' LEH '.

Coordinates: 34°00′N 78°00′E / 34.000°N 78.000°E