Access
The largest town and the de facto capital of the region, Leh, lies at an altitude of 10, 800 Ft. Spread over a large valley along the river Indus it is the commercial hub of the region. Leh is connected to Sri Nagar, the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi by air and by road. It is also possible to fly or drive to Kulu from Delhi and commence the trek to Leh. Airlines like Jet Airways, Air Deccan and Indian operate regular flights between these places.

In present times, the only two land routes to Ladakh in use are from Srinagar and Manali. Travelers from Srinagar start their journey from Sonamarg over the Zoji la pass (3,450 m, 11,320 ft) via Dras and Kargil (2,750 m, 9,022 ft) passing through Namika la (3,700 m, 12,140 ft) and Fatu la (4,100 m, 13,450 ft.) This has been the main traditional gateway to Ladakh since historical times. However, with the rise of militancy in Kashmir, the main corridor to the area has shifted from the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh route via Zoji la to the high altitude Manali-Leh Highway from Himachal Pradesh. The highway crosses four passes, Rohtang la (3,978 m, 13,050 ft), Baralacha la (4,892 m, 16,050 ft), Lungalacha la (5,059 m, 16,600 ft) and Taglang la (5,325 m, 17,470 ft), and is open only between July and mid-October when snow is cleared from the road. Buses run from Leh to the surrounding villages.

Visas
Six months multiple entry – visas (valid from the date of issue) are issued to most nationals (check visa option with the Indian embassy in your country) regardless of your whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Visas cost A$75(an extra A$10 service fee applies at consulates) for Australians, US$65 for US citizens, UK£ 30 for Britons and 320 FF for French passport holders.

A special people of Indian origin (PIO) card are available only to people of Indian decent (excluding those in Pakistan and Bangladesh) who hold a non-Indian passport and live abroad (maximum fourth generation). The card costs US$1000 and offers multiple – entry for 20 years. People of Indian origin can also apply for a five year multiple entry visas, which is about a quarter of the cost of the PIO card. Both are valid from the date of issue.

Fifteen-day Visa Extension may be possible (only under exceptional circumstances, not as a matter of routine) from foreigner’s registration offices in the main Indian cities. You can only get another six months visa by leaving the country.

Documentation
You don’t require a permit for most of Ladakh, however, you must fill-out a foreigners’ registration Form upon arrival at Leh airport or at a road checkpoint en route, and again at each hotel you stay in. Once in Leh you can apply for permits to the newly opened regions of Ladakh.

Currency
The currency in Indiais the Indian Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 paisa (p). Bills are available in 10, 20, 50,100,500 and 1000 denominations. Travellers’ Cheques can be changed at banks in the cities but not necessarily elsewhere, although some hotels and travel agents are licensed to change money. US dollars in cash are not widely accepted so it is prudent to change your money into rupees before embarking on a trip. Your guide will be able to advise on where to change money. You will need your passport when you change money.  Credit cards are accepted in hotels and shops catering to tourists.  There is often a 3% to 4 % surcharge if paying by credit card.  Credit cards are also useful as an emergency source of cash as there are a lot of automated teller machines in the major cities and towns and the major cities from where money can withdrawn. You may well be approached by people offering black market currency exchange – this is of course illegal, and hard currency gained in this way often contributes to criminal activities.

Landscape
With virtually no forests, the most striking feature of Ladakh is its stark naked landscape. Windblown mountains that spread for miles give you the feeling of deja vu. Located in the rain shadow area, Ladakh experiences very little rainfall hence rivers that rise high up in the mountains and the various lakes that spread over the high altitude desert serve as a lifeline to the region. Scattered settlements and terraced fields along the riverbanks with windblown barren mountains, as the backdrop is a sight to remember.

People and religion
Ladakh is an interesting mixture of diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups. The high altitude averaging between 2700 m – 4200 m and the harsh climatic and geographical conditions has resulted in one of the lowest population densities of the world. With faces, physique and lifestyle akin to those of Tibet and central Asia, travelers who pass through this region forget that they are in India. Cattle rearing, small business and agriculture are the basic occupations of the industrious mountain hardy people in the region. Ladakhis have long had the reputation of being one of the friendliest and most hospitable mountain people. Islam and Buddhism co-exist side by side and religion, which is deeply rooted in their culture, is manifested in the mosques and monasteries that cling to the sheer mountain slopes. Mani walls, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and chortens that dot the region bear testimony to the grasp that religion has on the culture and life of the land which is replete in myths and legends and every day is a new beginning with surprises waiting to unfold.

Climate
The winter temperature touches as low as minus 30 degrees (Leh & Kargil) and minus 60 degree in (Drass) subzero temperature prevails from December to February throughout Ladakh, whereas freezing temperature is experienced during rest of winter months. This results in freezing of all conceivable water resources. During summer the maximum temperature increases from 20 degree C to 38 degree C in July and August. The relative humidity is low and ranges from 31 to 64 percent. Wind velocity in the afternoon and nights is of high order resulting in heavy soil erosion with dust storm and snow blizzards which make life very difficult. Due to longer winters, the agriculture season is short and spread over from April to September depending upon the climate.

Best Season
The great Himalaya Mountain lying to the south forms a barrier to monsoon in this area. Due to this region Ladakh is an isolated cold desert region. Altitude in Ladakh varies from place to place and is the main factor affecting local climate. Since it is in the rain shadow area, it experiences very less rain and the months from June to September are the best to visit this area when the climate is balmy with clear weather.

Time Zones
India is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT.