Ladakh is a mountainous region in South Asia. Due to its geographical and cultural similarity with Tibet, Ladakh is sometimes described as "Little Tibet". However, unlike Tibet, only a bit over half of the population are Buddhists, with the rest Muslims. The settled population lives between 2,700 m and 4,500 m, and in nomadic encampments even higher.
Politically, Ladakh is part of the Kashmir region disputed between India and Pakistan. Ladakh is claimed by Pakistan but controlled by India as a union territory.
The main tourist sites relate to Tibetan Buddhism, mainly gompas (Buddhist monasteries), and to the stunning landscape. Ladakh is not only home to some of the most beautiful and serene monasteries you'll ever see, but it also a land of rich natural beauty: and it's this natural beauty that is impressive because it's a barren beauty.
- Wikivoyage