Ladakh Facts

Facts About Ladakh
Administrative Divisions
Within the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh maintains a distinct identity, being more culturally linked to the Tibetan way of life. Each of the two districts of Leh and Kargil that comprise Ladakh is governed by a Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, within the framework of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The council supervises economic development, healthcare, education, land use and taxation, besides local administration.

Economy: The Ladakhis have responded to the environment with innovative farming practices that yield barley, wheat and peas, using melted snow for irrigation. Livestock, including yaks that withstand the harsh weather are also reared in small numbers. Wherever the elevation permits, fruits are grown. Pashmina is the region’s high value export, while some vegetables and fruits also find their way into the army cantonment.

Ladakh’s difficult and stark landscape is the destination for adventure tourists who contribute to half of the district’s earnings.

Connectivity: Ladakh is well connected by air through regular flights between Leh and New Delhi, but it is advisable to keep a day or two in hand for acclimatization before venturing out.

If you’re planning to take the road, (and there’s no ‘climate lag’ in this case), you can choose between the Srinagar-Leh and the Manali-Leh road The 500 km Srinagar-Leh road cuts through the Greater Himalayas at 14,000 ft at Zoji La and is open to traffic between June and October. The Manali route, open only between July and September/October, cuts through the steep Baralacha at 16,400 ft and Taglang at 17,200 ft through the Rupsho plateau. For a closer feel of this rugged territory, biking between Manali and Leh is highly recommended!

Within Ladakh, there is a 1,800 km road network. Mountain trails provide access to the valleys and the settlements within.