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	{{ main \| Mulbekh Monastery }}		{{ main \| Mulbekh Monastery }}

	The 9 meter tall ''"Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue"'' or ''"Mulbekh Chamba"'' in [[Gandhara]] art, dating back to 8th century CE Kushan period, at [[Mulbekh Monastery\|Mulbekh]] village 38 km Kargil from on Kargil-Leh NH1 highway is visible from the highway. A [[gompa]] at its feet was built in 1975. The statue has several arms which "carry leaves in one hand, a string of beads in another, a kamandal in a third, and pointed towards the earth with a fourth."<ref name=~~statn6~~/><ref name=~~statn3~~/>		The 9 meter tall ''"Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue"'' or ''"Mulbekh Chamba"'' in [[Gandhara]] art, dating back to 8th century CE Kushan period, at [[Mulbekh Monastery\|Mulbekh]] village 38 km Kargil from on Kargil-Leh NH1 highway is visible from the highway. A [[gompa]] at its feet was built in 1975. The statue has several arms which "carry leaves in one hand, a string of beads in another, a kamandal in a third, and pointed towards the earth with a fourth."<ref name=statn3/><ref name=statn6/>

	===== Apati Maitreya Buddha statue =====		===== Apati Maitreya Buddha statue =====

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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{more citations needed|date=June 2020}}

[[File:Lake India.jpg|thumb|250px|Ladakh landscape]]
[[File:leh.palace.jpg|thumb|250px|Leh Palace, Leh, Ladakh]]

[[Tourism]] is one of an economic contributor to the [[union territory]] of [[Ladakh]] in [[Northern India]]. The union territory is part of the broader disputed [[Kashmir]] region and is sandwiched between the [[Karakoram]] mountain range to the north and the [[Himalaya]]s to the south and is situated at the height of 11,400 ft. Ladakh is composed of the [[Leh District|Leh]] and [[Kargil District|Kargil]] districts. The region contains prominent [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] sites and has an [[ecotourism]] industry. As of 2020, tourism industry in Ladakh was worth {{INRConvert|600|c}}.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bhatia | first=Varinder | title=Ladakh's long, hot summer | website=The Indian Express | date=2020-06-28 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-china-border-dispute-galwan-valley-ladakh-leh-to-pangong-6479502/ | access-date=2020-07-22}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Ladakh Highway.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A vehicle on the Leh-Kargil highway]]
[[File:Zanskar padum Padum.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Near Padum, the Doda plain.]]

The two roads into the area from outside are the Zoji-La Pass and Kargil route from [[Srinagar|Srinagar District]] in the [[Kashmir Valley]], and the high altitude Manali-Leh Highway from [[Himachal Pradesh]]. The Manali-Leh road is open only from May or June to October or November when snow is cleared from several passes. The Srinagar-Leh road is open from April or May to November or December<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://backpackclan.com/quick-guide-for-leh-ladakh-trip/
|publisher=Backpackclan
|title=Leh Ladakh Trip in December
|access-date=12 December 2019}}</ref> and is generally blocked by snow through the winter only at [[Zoji La]] Pass.

[[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]] at Leh has flights from Delhi year-round on Indigo, Vistara, GoFirst, and Air India. Air India also operates weekly flights to Jammu and Srinagar.<ref name="Tourism in Ladakh"/>

Roads within Ladakh, except to Zangskar, are open all year round. Khardong-La Pass to Nubra can get closed by snow for several days in winter and spring. Chang-La pass to Pangong Lake rarely closes.

Buses serve the whole area from Leh and Kargil towns. Taxis are available in Leh and Kargil as well as in block headquarters like Tangtse, Diskit, and Khalsa. Shared taxis to Nubra, Kargil, Srinagar, and Zanskar leave Leh in the early morning.

The nearest railhead is Udhampur connected with all major cities and towns in India.

==Permits and borders==
[[File:Farming in Leh Valley, Ladakh.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Farming in Leh Valley, Ladakh.]]

No special permit is required to visit most of Ladakh, including Leh and Kargil towns. Permits are required for all tourists to visit the "Inner Line" areas, i.e. Nubra Valley; Panggong Lake and the Durbuk Block that it lies in (i.e. north of the Changla Pass); [[Tsomoriri|Tso-Moriri]] and Tsokar Lakes and the area along the Indus River east of Upshi; and Dha-hanu and the area along the Indus River northwest of Khalatse.

Permits are not available for foreigners to go to the far reaches of each of the areas close to the borders (or [[Line of Control]], etc.) with [[Pakistan]] and [[China]]. For example, foreigners can go to the edge of Panggong Lake and Maan and Merak villages, but not along the edge of it to Phobrang or Chushul villages; they cannot proceed east up the Indus from the Mahe Bridge; and in Nubra, they can only go as far as Panamik to the north and Turtuk to the west.

There are no open border crossings to the neighbouring [[Tibet Autonomous Region]]
and [[Xinxiang]], administered by China, or to [[Gilgit-Baltistan]], administered by Pakistan.

==Tourist places==
[[File:Zanskar Lamayuru.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A farm in Lamayuru area.]]

===Places===
====Major places====

Among the places of tourist interest include [[Leh]], [[Dras]]s valley, Razi khar (Chiktan Khar), [[Suru valley]], [[Kargil town|Kargil]], [[Zangskar]], [[Zangla]], [[Rangdum]], [[Padum]], Phukthal, [[Sani Monastery]], [[Stongdey]], [[Shyok River#Shyok valley|Shyok Valley]], [[Sankoo]], [[Salt Valley]].,<ref name=trek1>{{cite web
|url=https://backpackclan.com/top-places-leh-ladakh-for-fantastic-trip/
|publisher=Deepak
|title=Most Visited Places in Ladakh
|access-date=24 February 2020}}</ref> [[Markha valley]], Ladakh monastery trek, South Zangskar, Trans-Zangskar Expedition, Spiti to Ladakh, Spiti to Pitok to Hemis, [[Rupshu]], the Great Salt lakes, Chadar Ice trek<ref name="Chadar Trek">{{cite web|last=Chadar|first=Trek|title=Chadar Ice trek|url=https://backpackclan.com/trip/chadar-trek/|publisher=Deepak|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>

====Leh - the capital city ====
[[File:Zanskar la Doda.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Doda river to Zanskar river.]]

The [[Leh Palace]], which is situated behind the main market has eight stories and is similar to the [[Potala Palace]] of [[Lhasa]] and still belongs to the royal family of Ladakh. Just ahead of the palace is the Chamba Temple, which is a one roomed shrine that has a large icon of Maitreya, the Buddha to come. Also in the bazaar, at the top of the street, one can see the Jama Masjid. This has been painted in green and white colour. Another place to visit is the [[Sankar Monastery|Sankar Gompa]], which is situated in the city and is one of the oldest structures here. At one time, this monastery only welcomes a maximum of twenty monks.

=== Regions of Ladakh===

Ladakh is divided into 2 areas: ''"East Ladakh"'' administered by India and ''"West Ladakh"'' administered by Pakistan.

Eastern Ladakh held by India is further subdivided in three regions: Western, Central and Eastern areas of ''East Ladakh''.

====Western area of East Ladakh====

Kargil and Leh are main cities in this region.

The Razi Khar (Chiktan kahr/Chiktan Palace), which is situated 76 km from Kargil and 180 km from Leh is situated on the highway from Kargil to Leh, and is the first Palace of the then ruler Thatha Khan.

In the northern areas, civilians and tourists are allowed to travel only up to [[Shyok (village)|Shyok]] village of
[[Durbuk]] [[tehsil]]. It has geostrategic importance as it is the last Indian village on the 235 km long [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] in the north which connects it to [[Daulat Beg Oldi]] (DBO) military post 225 km away on the China border. Syok to BDO area is also called Sub-Sector North (SSN) by the [[Indian Military]].<ref name=tridbo1>[https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/india-completes-vital-ladakh-road-762332 India completes vital Ladakh road], The Tribune, 23 April 2019.</ref><ref name=tridbo2>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-working-on-two-roads-in-ladakh-amid-border-row/story-lAh4LPrp20Z1wxX4AU9EON.html India working on two roads in Ladakh amid border row], Hindustan Times, 9 July 2020.</ref> [[Sasoma–Saser La Road]] will provide alternative connectivity to DBO.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Singh|first1=Rahul|last2=Choudhury|first2=Sunetra|date=9 June 2020|title=India working on two roads in Ladakh amid border row|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-working-on-two-roads-in-ladakh-amid-border-row/story-lAh4LPrp20Z1wxX4AU9EON.html|access-date=2020-06-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 November 2018|title=World's First Galciated Motorable Road Being Laid in Ladakh by BRO Amid Extreme Weather Conditions|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/worlds-first-galciated-motorable-road-being-laid-in-ladakh-amid-extreme-weather-conditions-by-bro-1942829.html|access-date=2020-06-09|website=CNN-News18|publisher=PTI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-18|title=World's 'first' glaciated road coming up in Ladakh region of Kashmir|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/ladakh/worlds-first-glaciated-road-coming-up-in-ladakh-region-of-kashmir/|access-date=2020-06-09|website=[[Greater Kashmir]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

====Central area of East Ladakh ====
[[Chushul]], where access by road is permitted without permit, lies in the north area of central Ladakh.

The [[Thikse Monastery]] is the largest monastery in central Ladakh and is primarily known for its statue of [[Maitreya]] in its Maitreya Temple. This statue is 15 m (49 ft) high and the largest such statue in Ladakh. The Buddha is unusually portrayed as seated in the lotus position rather than his usual representations as standing or in a sitting posture on a high throne.<ref name="Tourism in Ladakh">{{cite web|last=Ladakh|first=The mountain kingdom|title=tourism in ladakh|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Ladakh-the-mountain-kingdom/articleshow/13019113.cms|work=The Times Of India|access-date=6 February 2014}}</ref>

====Eastern area of East Ladakh ====

Main areas are [[Karzok]] and [[Hanle (village)|Hanle]]. Travel from Hanley to [[Demchok, Ladakh|Demchok]] is not permitted for the civilians and tourists, only army contractors are allowed with permission from the [[Indian Army]].

===Major routes===

====Road routes====
[[File:sangam.ladakh.jpg|right|thumb|250px|'Sangam' or the confluence of the two rivers Zanskar and Indus.]]

In 2018, following 5 road routes were opened for the tourists by the [[Government of India]] (GoI), all of these are located above the altitude of 14,000 ft, and the maximum limit of travel permit was raised from 7 days to 15 days:<ref name=tra1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/5-new-routes-4-trails-in-ladakh-to-open-for-travellers-permit-limit-also-increased/as67160834.cms 5 new routes, 4 trails in Ladakh to open for travellers; permit limit also increased], India Times, 19 Dec 2018.</ref>

# [[Karzok]]-[[Nurbo]]-[[Sumdo]]-[[Parangla]]-[[Kaza]] road
# [[Merak, Ladakh]]-[[Loma Bend]] road
# [[Chushul]]-[[Kartsangla]]-[[Mahe, Ladakh]] road
# [[Durbuk]]-[[Shachu]]-[[Tharuk]]-[[Sato Kargyam]]-[[Parma]]-[[Erath, Ladakh]]-[[Chushul]]-[[Loma, Ladakh]]-[[Hanle (village)|Hanle]] road
# [[Agham, Ladakh]]-[[Shyok (village)|Shyok]]-[[Durbuk]] road

====Trekking routes====
[[File:Zanskar river camping.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Zanskar river camping.]]


Treks include [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] to [[Ladakh]], the [[Nubra valley]], [[Pangong tso]], [[Tso moriri]], the [[Indus River|Indus Valley]].,<ref name=trek1/> [[Markha valley]], Ladakh monastery trek, South Zangskar, Trans-Zangskar Expedition, Spiti to Ladakh, Spiti to Pitok to Hemis, [[Rupshu]], the Great Salt lakes, Chadar Ice trek<ref name="Chadar Trek"/> Other treks are Padum-Manali, [[Padum]]-[[Phuktal]], [[Padum|Padam]]-[[Darcha]], [[Panikhar]]-[[Heniskot]], [[Lamayuru]]-[[Martselang]], Lamayuru-[[Alchi]], [[Kala Pattar]] trek, and [[Pahal, Ladakh]].

In 2018, following 4 trails with night stay in Ladakh were opened for the tourists by the Go:<ref name=tra1/>
# [[Phyang]]-[[Dokla]]-[[Hunderdok]] track 
# [[Temisgam]]-[[Largyap]]-[[Panchathank]]-[[Skuru]] track 
# [[Basgo]]-[[Ney]]-Hunderdok-[[Hunder]] track 
# [[Saspol]]-[[Saspochy]]-[[Rakurala]]-Skuru track

== Theme tourism==
{{anchor | Theme | Theme tourism }}

===Buddhist tourism===
{{anchor | Buddhist | Buddhist tourism in Ladakh}}
[[File:Zanskar and Indus river confluence, in Ladakh.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[:Category:Zanskar River|Zanskar]] and [[:Category:Indus River|Indus]] river confluence, in Ladakh.]]

====Buddhist Monasteries====

There are about 35 Buddhist monasteries along the banks of [[Geography of Ladakh|various rivers]] spread across the region which thrives on donations made by tourists and the local people of the region but now the government plans to develop these monasteries. The state government also plans to hire experts for landscaping of the barren regions and such a move was possible only after the Centre released funds.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ladakh|first=Leh|title=Buddhist Tourism|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/jammu-and-kashmir/jandk-govt-plans-to-boost-buddhist-tourism-in-ladakh_786201.html|access-date=6 February 2014|newspaper=Z News|date=8 July 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://kashmirtravels.com/ladakh-tourism.html Tourism in Ladakh]</ref>

About 65 km west of Leh, towards [[Zanskar River|Zanskar]] river, is the village of [[Sumda Chun]] at height of 3500 mtr. The monastery of Sumda-Chun is one of the most important surviving early Tibetan Buddhist temples of the Ladakh region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmf.org/project/sumda-chun-monastery|title=Sumda Chun Monastery|website=World Monuments Fund|language=en|access-date=2018-12-13}}</ref>

====Bamiyan-like Maitreya Buddhas of Kargil district====
{{anchor | Bamiyan | Bamiyan-like Buddhas of Ladakh }}
{{see also | Buddhas of Bamiyan | Maitreya | Silk Route }}

The 1,400-year-old eight-metre high rock-cut [[Maitreya]] [[Buddha]]s (the Buddha who will be incarnated in the future) of [[Bamiyan|Bamiyan Buddha]] statues were found carved in the cliffs in 3 different locations in Ladakh which predate [[Tibetan Buddhism]], one at 20 km from Kargil at towards [[Batalik]], another 40 km from Kargil at Mulbekh village on the bank of [[Suru River (Indus)|Suru River]] on the dirt road leading to [[Khartse Khar]], and third is on the way to [[Zanskar]]. Since Taliban have already destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, very few such relic remain, these ancient Buddha statues in Ladakh in India still survive.<ref name=statn3>[https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines-today-top-stories/story/bamiyan-like-buddhas-found-in-ladakh-64773-2010-01-11#:~:text=The%20Taliban%20destroyed%20the%20Bamiyan,rock%2Dcut%20sculptures%20in%20Ladakh.&text=The%20archaeology%20department%20of%20Jammu,40%20km%20from%20Kargil%20headquarters. Bamiyan-like Buddhas found in Ladakh], India Today, 11 January 2010.</ref> All 3 statues, locally called "[[sculpture|chamba]]", likely belong to the same period as they resemble each other.<ref name=statn3/>

===== Khartse Khar Maitreya Buddha statue =====
{{anchor | Khartse Khar | Khartse Khar statue | Khartse Khar Chamba | Khartse Khar Buddha statue | Khartse Khar Maitreya Buddha statue | Khartse Khar chamba }}

The 7 meter tall 7th-8th century ''"Khartse Khar Buddha statue"'' or ''"Khartse Khar Chamba"'' carved in greyish-yellow rock face on a cliff is 48 km from Kargil on Kargil-[[Sankoo]]-Barsoo road. Sankoo is 42 km from Kargil, then the Barsoo road further 4.6 km leads east to the statue on the road side in [[Khartse Khar]] village on the bank of [[Suru River (Indus)|Suru River]]. "The holes around it suggested that scaffolding had been used to reach the face and carve out the finer details. The Buddha formed an [[Abhayamudra|abhayamudrā]] (gesture of fearlessness) with his right hand, while the left hand carried a [[Kamandalu|kamandal]] (pot to carry water). I noticed a [[rudraksha]] mala (prayer beads) tied around the wrist and the arm, as well as the [[Upanayana|janeu]] (sacred thread) and the [[Cummerbund|karadhani]] (waist chain), also made out of rudraksha. Although knotted, the statue’s hair fell over his shoulders."<ref name=statn6>[https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/69456/flip-through-history-at-kargils-three-maitreya-buddha A Buddhist Trail In The Mountains Of Kargil Visits to the three Maitreya Buddha statues in Ladakh's Kargil district make for quite the expedition along pages of history], Outlook magazine, 11 April 2019.</ref><ref name=statn4>[https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/59097/drass-edge-zanskar Where Zanskar meets Kashmir], Outlook magazine, 10 July 2017.</ref>

===== Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue =====
{{anchor | Mulbekh | Mulbekh | Mulbekh statue | Mulbekh Buddha statue | Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue | Mulbekh chamba }}
{{ main | Mulbekh Monastery }}

The 9 meter tall ''"Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue"'' or ''"Mulbekh Chamba"'' in [[Gandhara]] art, dating back to 8th century CE Kushan period, at [[Mulbekh Monastery|Mulbekh]] village 38 km Kargil from on Kargil-Leh NH1 highway is visible from the highway. A [[gompa]] at its feet was built in 1975. The statue has several arms which "carry leaves in one hand, a string of beads in another, a kamandal in a third, and pointed towards the earth with a fourth."<ref name=statn6/><ref name=statn3/>

===== Apati Maitreya Buddha statue =====
{{anchor | Apati | Apati Chamba | Apati statue | Apati Buddha statue | Apati Maitreya Buddha statue | Apati chamba }}

The ''"Apati Maitreya Buddha statue"'' or ''"Apati Chamba"'', on a cobbled pathway at [[Apati, Ladakh|Apati]] village is 16 to 22 km from Kargil on Kargil-Batalik road. Among the 3 statues in Kargil district, it is the shortest in size and nearest to Kargil town. It is has a rudraksha necklace and carries the kamandal.<ref name=statn3/>

===Cave art ===

[[Saspol Caves]], situated in the hills behind [[Suspol, Leh|Saspol]], is about 76 km from [[Leh]], is one of the very few early period painted cave temples to exist in Ladakh and these paintings are dated to the 15th century CE.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/9619123/The_paintings_of_the_caves_of_Sa-spo-la_in_Ladakh_proof_of_the_development_of_the_religious_order_of_the_dGe-lugs_in_Indian_Tibet_during_the_15th_century/ Bellini, Chiara. 2014. “The Paintings of the Caves of Sa Spo La in Ladakh: Proof of the Development of the Religious Order of the DGe-Lugs in Indian Tibet during the 15th Century.” In From Mediterranean to Himalaya - A Festschrift to Commemorate the 120th Birthday of the Italian Tibetologist Giuseppe Tucci, edited by Dramdul and Francesco Sferra, 315–46, p.322]</ref> The caves, also known as Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave temples, are in danger of total collapse and were therefore listed in 2016 World Monuments Watch.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave Temples and Fort |url=https://www.wmf.org/project/gon-nila-phuk-cave-temples-and-fort |website=wmf.org |access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref> Rammed earth fortification can be seen on top of the hill near the caves. has Paintings existing in five caves, two of them extensively damaged. One of the painted caves, that have been given a coat of lime wash and red paint in the exterior is the most visited and is considered as the main cave. Paintings of [[Anuttarayoga Tantra]] images of the main cave is very rare during the period of execution of these paintings. These caves are under the administration of Lekir Monastery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/princeclausfund/docs/2015_prince_claus_fund_annual_repor/78|title=Prince Claus Fund 2015 Annual Report|website=Issuu|language=en|access-date=2019-12-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmf.org/project/gon-nila-phuk-cave-temples-and-fort|title=Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave Temples and Fort|website=World Monuments Fund|language=en|access-date=2019-12-24}}</ref>

===Ecotourism===
{{anchor | Ecotourism | Ecotourism in Ladakh}}
[[File:Farming in Suru Valley, Ladakh.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Farming in Suru Valley, Ladakh.]]

Due to the strain that tourism can cause on local resources, the concept of [[ecotourism]] has been introduced in Ladakh by [[non-governmental organizations]] and individuals like [[Helena Norberg-Hodge]] and [[Thinlas Chorol]].

In May 2001, [[The Mountain Institute]], [[Ladakh Ecological Development Group]] and Snow Leopard Conservancy organized a workshop on "Ecotourism Opportunities in Rural Ladakh"<ref>[http://www.himalayan-homestays.com/pdf/opportunities.pdf Ecotourism Opportunities in Rural Ladakh-Workshop Report ]</ref> in the city of Leh in order to "increase awareness" and "explore opportunities for ecotourism".

=== Extreme adventure at Siachen Base Camp and Kumar Post ===

India allows several tourist and civilian activities in Siachen area. To exploit the potential for tourism, the government is making ongoing efforts to improve connectivity.<ref name=siaet1>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-now-opened-for-tourists/articleshow/71688660.cms?from=mdr Siachen, world's highest battlefield, now open for tourists], Economic Times, 21 Oct 2019.</ref> There is a recurring planned annual civilian expedition from [[Siachen Base Camp (India)|Siachen Base Camp]] to Indira Ridge, Indira Col and other features. India has opened up the entire area from ''Siachen Base Camp'' at 12,000 ft to Kumar Post at 15,000 ft for the regular tourism for the civilians. Bana Post at 23,000 ft will remain off limit to tourists.Temperature drop to below minus 60 degrees celsius during the winter.<ref name=siaet1/>

Until 2010, civilian tourists were permitted only in the [[Nubra Valley]] up to [[Panamik]]. Since 2010 tourist have been permitted in Nubra Valley up to [[Turtuk]] and beyond to [[Tyakshi]] on LAC, both of these villages were captured from Pakistan by India in [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. From 2019, medically fit civilians below the age of 45 are allowed up to Kumar Base (16,000 ft) on a 30-day trek organised by Army Adventure Cell in August–September, during which tourists go through the highly altitude conditioning at Leh Base, Siachen Base and forward staging posts, at the end of which they undertake an extreme adventure 9-day return track from Siachen Base to Kumar Base 60 km away.<ref name=siaet2>[https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/siachen-glacier-open-to-tourists-everything-you-must-know-before-visiting-worlds-highest-battlefield/1746512/ Siachen Glacier open to tourists! Everything you must know before visiting world’s highest battlefield], Financial Express, 26 October 2019.</ref>

=== Festivals and events ===

Following major festivals and events are celebrated:

* [[Galdan Namchot]] traditional festival
* [[Great Tibetan Marathon]]
* [[Ladakh International Film Festival]]
* [[Ladakh Marathon]]
* [[Losar]] new year festival
* [[Sindhu Darshan Festival]], annual 3 day tourism festival at Leh in June

===Rock art===
{{anchor | Petroglyph | Petroglyph in Ladakh }}
{{ see also | Petroglyph#India | l1= Petroglyph in India | Bronze Age India | Kushan Empire | l3= Kushan period }}
[[File:Petroglyphs, Ladakh, NW India.JPG|thumb|Petroglyphs in Ladakh, India]]

Ladakh has several [[petroglyphs]] dating back 5000 years to [[Iron Age]], [[Bronze Age India|Bronze Age]], [[Kushan Empire|Kushan period]] (30–375 CE), and as recent as 15th century.<ref name=statm1/><ref name=statm2/><ref>[http://www.tibetheritagefund.org/media/download/petroglyphs.pdf Petroglyphs of Ladakh: The Withering Monuments]. tibetheritagefund.org</ref> "Rock art in Ladakh comprises carvings or incisions on rock surfaces that are called petroglyphs which display a very wide range of themes and motifs, and provide crucial information about Ladakh’s prehistory about which very little is yet known, The rock art of Ladakh, whilst concentrated around the Indus River and its tributaries, is represented in all parts of Ladakh and Kargil districts, including Zanskar, Changthang and Nubra. However, the rock art of Ladakh at several locations is under severe risk of damage and outright destruction though road, housing and other development projects, and we are confident that the establishment of RAU will play a key role with other interested organisations, to create local community level awareness and ownership of this precious cultural heritage."<ref name=statm1>[https://www.thestatesman.com/india/ladakh-rocks-tell-history-kushan-period-bronze-age-1502691398.html Ladakh rocks and their telling (hi)story from Kushan period and Bronze Age Culturally and historically significant artifacts dating back several centuries dot the Ladakh region; rocks bearing rare inscriptions are seen more on the banks of the Indus in Western Ladakh], The Statesman, 1 October 2018.</ref>

[[French National Centre for Scientific Research]] (CNRS) has undertaken exploration since 2009 and have found several thousand rock paintings across more than 400 rock carving sites.<ref name=statm2>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pitch-for-un-seal-on-5k-year-ladakh-rock-art/articleshow/71873223.cms Pitch for UN seal on 5k-year Ladakh rock art], Times of India, 3 Nov 2019.</ref>

==See also==

; Tourism infrastructure
* [[Geography of Ladakh]]
* [[India-China Border Roads]]
* [[List of districts of Ladakh]]
* [[Siachen Base Camp (India)]]
* [[Saspol Caves]]

; Borders
* [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL), India-Pakistan border across Siachen region
* [[Line of Actual Control]] (LAC), India-China border across Ladakh
* [[Line of Control]] (LoC), India-Pakistan border across Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir

; Conflicts
* [[Sino-Indian War]]
* [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts]]
* [[Siachen conflict]]
* [[Siachen Glacier]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*[https://journals.openedition.org/emscat/2647 Journal of tourist places in Ladakh]

==External links==
{{wikivoyage|Ladakh}}

*[http://www.kultur-in-asien.de/Ladakh/ladakh.htm Picture galleries: Monasteries, mountains and people]
*[https://www.indiatravelforum.in/threads/leh-ladakh-the-ultimate-guide-to-tourist-attractions-transportation-accommodation-options.570/ Ladakh tourist attractions guide]

{{Ladakh}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tourism In Ladakh}}
[[Category:Tourism in Ladakh| ]]

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Tourism in Ladakh - Revision history

CleanupBot: /* Mulbekh Maitreya Buddha statue */clean up

Kamal Guha: Category changed

27.57.87.198: /* Transport */