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Ladakh is a mountainous region in northeast Jammu and Kashmir in north India and in the area known as the Trans-Himalaya (the lands beyond the Himalaya: Tibet, Xinjiang and northern Pakistan). It is slightly smaller than Scotland in area, and is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir. Its culture and history are closely related to that of Tibet. The people are a mixture of Buddhists and Muslims.

Ladakh is home to many exotic species of birds like the Indian Redstart, the Brown-Headed Gull, the Tibetan Raven, the Lammergeier and the Golden Eagle, as well as animals like the Ibex, the Bharal, the Chiru, the Kyang, the Snow Leopard, the Tibetan Lynx and the Tibetan Wolf.

Some of the popular tourist circuits in Ladakh are:
1.) Pangong Lake (Leh-Karu-Chang La-Tangtse-Pangong Tso, 158km, 5-6h one way): This is a popular trip to Pangong Tso Lake and can be done by taxi/bike. Most people do it as a day trip starting early in the morning and come back in the evening. However, there are arrangements for the stay near the lake in Lukung & Spangmik and one can stay overnight either in tents or at several guest houses to enjoy this place at a slower pace. Takthok and Chemeray/Chemeday monasteries can be covered en-route by taking 3-5km detours.
2.) Nubra Valley (Valley of Flowers) (Leh-Khardung La-Diskit, 118km, 4-5h one way): This is another popular trip but difficult to do in one day. Nubra Valley may not be as beautiful as is touted to be, and is the second favourite for tourists as a trip out of Leh. Some people return from Khardung La (18,380 ft), which is claimed to be the highest motorable pass in the world. It provides excellent views of Ladakh Range as well as Karakoram Range on the other side. Accommodation is available along the way and in Nubra Valley at various places. The places to visit in Nubra Valley are Diskit(regional hub with a nice monastery), Hunder (9km from Diskit, white sand dunes, camel ride, several mid to high range camping options), Sumur (monastery, camping), Panamik(hot sulfur spring, avoidable) and the recently opened Turtuk(inhabited by Balti people, was part of Pakistan up-till 1972, 5km from Pakistan border, wonderful scenery and comfortable home stays).
3.) Tso-Moriri Lake (Leh-Upshi-Tso Kar-Tso Moriri, 211km, 7-8h one way): This is another trip which covers two smaller lakes Tso Kar and Tso Moriri. There is accommodation available in Korzok(Tso Moriri) but camping near the lake is not allowed. Those who want can head out to Manali (444km) doing a night halt at Sarchu or Pang.
4.) Sham Valley (Leh-Lamayuru, 109km or up-till Alchi only, 66km): This is an easier drive along Indus river towards Kargil and one can also see the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar on the way. The places to visit en-route are Hall of Fame war museum, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Basgo ruins, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery (oldest Buddhist monastery of Ladakh region founded in 11th century AD, wonderful architecture and extensive collections of thangkas) and Lamayuru Monastery.

Some other attractions include the Hemis Monastery, Padum Valley and Zanskar Valley. The Parang La trek and the Kang Yatse trek (covering Markha Valley) are particularly challenging.

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