Leh Nubra Pangong Hanle Tso Moriri Kargil Tour

About this tour

Ladakh, historically a part of Greater Ladakh, once extended from Kailash Mansarovar to Dardistan. This region was influenced by both Tibet and China, with references in Arab, Chinese, and Mongolian histories. In the 7th century, fierce wars between Tibet and China were fought in Baltistan, a part of Greater Ladakh, and in the 8th century, Arabs joined the conflict. Ladakh was later conquered by the Kashmiri ruler Lalitaditya. By the 9th century, Arabs had taken control of Central Asia, creating a buffer state between Tibet and China, leading to the fragmentation of Greater Ladakh. Around 3000 years ago, migrations from surrounding regions like Tibet, Turkistan, and Himachal Pradesh brought settlers to Ladakh, which the Dards and Indo-Aryans originally inhabited. Tibetan immigration overpowered the local Dard culture; today, much of Ladakh’s population is of Tibetan origin. Buddhism reached Tibet from India via Ladakh, which was once a Buddhist stronghold. However, in the 16th century, peaceful Islamic missionaries successfully converted many in the Drass, Kargil, and Suru valleys, with the first Muslim preacher, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, arriving in Ladakh 660 years earlier. He introduced Islam and built a mosque at Shey, the then capital of Ladakh. In the 10th century, Ladakh was ruled by Raja Skitde Nemagon, who unified the fragmented region. Under the famous Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the kingdom reached its zenith, extending into Western Tibet and Spiti. Ladakh, strategically located on ancient trade routes, flourished as a centre of commerce, especially for goods like Pashmina wool, which was transported to Srinagar to create the famous shawls. Its lucrative trade attracted Gulab Singh of Jammu, who invaded Ladakh in 1834, incorporating it into Jammu and Kashmir. Post-partition, parts of Ladakh were illegally occupied by Pakistan and China, with Pakistan ceding 5,180 sq. km to China. In 1979, Ladakh was divided into Leh and Kargil districts, with Leh being predominantly Buddhist. Leh is known for its unique culture, influenced by four Buddhist sects—Nyingma, Drukpa, Kargyu, and Sakya (Red Sect), and the Gelugpa or Yellow Sect. Despite modernisation, the older generation still reflects the traditional simplicity and peace-loving nature of Ladakhi society, which is also evident in their art and craft.

Species Found in Ladakh

Ladakh is home to a diverse range of wild animals, including some rare species that inhabit the region’s most remote areas. The fauna is unique and precious, featuring animals like the Kiang, Yak, Ibex, Markhor, Lynx, Snow Leopard, and more. The tablelands of Indus and Rupshu are rich with wild horses, hares, and marmots, while the rugged valleys provide a natural habitat for deer, antelope, wild sheep, and goats. Below is a brief description of various game and wild animals found in Ladakh:

Nyan (Ovis Ammon Hodgsoni):

Ovis ammon, known as Nyan or Hodgson’s sheep, is Ladakh’s largest sheep species. Nyan males are more significant than females (Nyanna) and can weigh up to 127 kg. They inhabit regions like Chang Chenmo, Rupshu, and Karakoram at altitudes of 4200 to 4800 meters. Indiscriminate hunting has significantly reduced their population.

Shapo (Ovis Vignei):Also known as Urial, this wild sheep with twisted horns is typically found in lower altitudes, such as the Indus and Shyok valleys, Spituk, Khaltse, and Fatula.

Bharal (Ovis Nabura):

Bharal, or blue sheep, is a well-built sheep with large horns found in steep terrains during summer at altitudes of up to 5500 meters. In winter, they move to lower elevations. They are found in Nubra, Zanskar, Rupshu, and Khaltse.

Marco Polo’s Sheep (Ovis Poli):

First noted by Marco Polo in the 13th century, this species is found on high plateaus such as Karakoram and Desang. It has long horns and is similar in size and weight to Ovis ammon.

Ibex (Capra Sibirica):

The ibex is a wild goat species with long, sweeping horns and a fine fleece under its stiff coat. Found in Ladakh, the ibex is known for its handsome appearance but has been heavily hunted for its warm fleece.

Markhor (Capra Falconeri):

Known as Rapho-chhe or the “King Wild Goat” in Ladakh, the Markhor has long, spiral horns and weighs up to 100 kg. Its Persian name, Markhor, meaning “snake eater,” originates from the belief that it consumes snakes. This species is highly prized for its medicinal properties and is found in parts of Ladakh.

Goa (Gazella Picticaudata):

The Goa, a graceful wild deer with ringed horns and a sandy grey colour, is now rare. Only about 150 remain in Ladakh. They are mainly found in the plains of Rupshu and Chang Chenmo.

Chiru (Pantholops Hodgsoni):

The Tibetan antelope, or Chiru, is prized for its soft under fleece, known as Shahtoosh, used to make Kashmiri shawls. Due to hunting, this species has faced near extinction. It is found in Chang-Chenmo, Aksai-Chin, and Shyok Valley.

Hare (Gonus Lepus):

The Ladakhi hare, also known as Khargosh, has soft, woolly fur with a blush colour and is found in Rupshu, Chang-Chenmo, and around Pangong Lake.

Wild Yak (Bos Grunniens):

The wild yak, known locally as Dong, is a giant beast used as a pack animal in Ladakh. It is found mainly in Chang Chenmo and Aksai-Chin. The yak weighs up to 225 kg and has long black hair. Domesticated yaks are used for burden and crossbreeding with cows.

Kiang (Equus Hemionus Kiang):

The Kiang is a brown and white-coated wild animal resembling a mule. It is known for its speed and loud braying and inhabits the Rupshu, Changthang, and Chang Chenmo areas.

Marmot (Arctomys Himalayanus):

The marmot resembles a giant squirrel with golden or reddish fur and is commonly found in Baltistan, Zojila, Drass, Rupshu, and Khardong La. Marmots hibernate during the long winter months in caves.

Snow Leopard (Felis Uncia):

The snow leopard, also known as Shun or Safad Cheetah, is the apex predator of the Ladakh region. Found near the snow line, this elusive cat has a thick, woolly coat and is highly feared by locals.

Lynx (Felis Lynca Isabellinus):

Known locally as Ee or Ech, the lynx is a nocturnal predator in Rupshu and Zanskar. It preys on game animals like ibex, birds, and domestic animals.

Shanko (Canis Lupus):

The Ladakhi wolf, known as Shanko, is a nocturnal predator in Rupshu. It preys on flocks and game animals.

Wild Dog:

A ferocious predator inhabiting high-altitude regions, the wild dog preys on nomads’ flocks and game animals.

Fox (Vulpes Vulpes):

Foxes are shared across the region, varying in colour from yellow to dark grey.

Climate of Ladakh

• Temperature Extremes: Due to the region’s geographical location, significant daily and seasonal temperature variations occur. There are marked differences between sun and shade temperatures at any time of the year.
• Winter: Extremely cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°C. The district remains isolated from November to June due to snow closing the Srinagar-Ladakh and Ladakh-Manali highways. Sub-zero temperatures dominate December to February, with the rest of the months hovering around 0°C.
• Water Freeze: In winter, waterways, waterfalls, and lakes freeze, forming intricate ice crystal patterns. On clear sunny days, temperatures rise above 20°C, and intense ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburn.

Rainfall and Vegetation

• Minimal Rainfall: The annual rainfall is just over 2 inches. In summer, melting snow sustains life, resulting in a desert-like landscape with sparse vegetation, dunes, and occasional storms.
• Wind Erosion: High wind velocity in the afternoon and night leads to heavy soil erosion, frequent dust storms, and snow blizzards. 
• Humidity: Relative humidity ranges between 31% and 64%.

Agriculture

• Short Growing Season: The brief but intense summer (April to September) allows for cultivation, with water from melting snow channelled through irrigation systems designed by the Ladakhis.
• Irrigation Expertise: Locals are skilled in constructing irrigation channels along mountains and slopes to grow food grains.
• Climate Variations: Agricultural activities vary by valley, influencing the farming period, crop variety, and cultivation methods.

Kargil

District Kargil, located 205 km from Srinagar, covers 14,036 sq. km at altitudes between 8,400 to 12,000 feet. It includes 17 CD blocks, 7 tehsils, and 4 sub-divisions with 129 villages, 26 of which are in Zanskar. The Kargil Development Authority (established in 2006) focuses on enhancing tourism infrastructure, including adventure activities like river rafting and trekking and cultural and pilgrimage tourism. Although Kargil has great tourism potential, its growth has slowed than Leh due to militancy since 1989 and a lack of private sector involvement. Efforts are underway to develop monuments, parks, picnic spots, and budget accommodations, with new areas like Aryan Valley and Shakar Chiktan opening up for tourists.

Kargil, historically named Purik, is a region home to diverse ethnic groups, including Brogpas, Baltis, and Ladakhis, who speak languages such as Shina, Balti, and Ladakhi. The Kargil Development Authority, established in 2005, focuses on transforming Kargil into a heritage town while preserving its unique character and architecture. The Authority aims to boost tourism as a key economic driver by enhancing infrastructure, promoting eco, adventure, and heritage tourism, and increasing private sector participation. With goals set until 2050, the Authority envisions Kargil as a vibrant hub of international tourism, fostering employment and sustainable development while protecting the environment and cultural heritage.

Best Time To Visit Leh Kargil

Best Months: May to September for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

Winter Adventures: December to February for snow-related activities like the Chadar trek.