Ladakh is a barren plateau, high in the Tibetan Himalayas. The 2 largest cities in the area are Leh and Kargil. Ladakh sits at the crossroads of important trade routes and numerous palaces were built there. The most important one is the Hemis Gompa, 45 km from Leh.

Rock carvings can be found in many parts of Ladakh. They indicate that the region has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The culture and history of Ladakh are closely related to those of neighboring Tibet. Ladakh is also one of the few regions in India, where Muslims form a majority of the population.

In June or July the 2-day Hemis Festival is held there. During the festival, devotees wearing masks perform ceremonial dances.

The Tikse Gompa is a monastery, located some 17 km from Leh. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the Indus River and houses a collection of Tibetan-style books and artwork. Every now and then religious ceremonies are held there.

White water rafting on the Indus River, as well as treks in the Markha and Indus valleys can be arranged in Leh. Because of its barren landscape, Ladakh is often referred to as 'Little Tibet', 'the Moonland' or 'the last Shangri-la'.

Ladakh is located in the Kashmir region of northwestern India. It straddles the border with China's autonomous Tibet region.