Ladakh, the ‘Land Beyond the Passes’. Has been a magnet to the adventurous traveller ever since it was ‘discovered’ in the late nineteenth century. The secret of its fascination lies in its remoteness, its scenic splendour as a high mountain desert dotted with fertile valleys and meadows, and its cultural affinities with Tibet. The contemporary traveller to this region will experience Ladakh’s legendary magnificence and further discover the varied texture of Ladakh life and culture, of which the Tibetan contribution is but one component. This book provides a compact yet comprehensive introduction to Ladakh, its vibrant and diverse people and the composite culture they have evolved, often esoteric but humane and appealing in its simplicity.

Ladakh, Himalayas