"The Ladakh festival will commence on September 20 and conclude on the World Tourism Day on September 27," an official spokesman said. Secretary (Tourism) Farooq Ahmad Shah held a meeting here to review the arrangements for the festival. He said the inaugural function will be held on September 20 and it will conclude on the World Tourism Day on September 27. Chief Executive Officer of Leh is the nodal officer for the event.

Tourism products of Ladakh like handicrafts will be displayed and cultural events like musical concerts and food bazaars held during the period.

In old Ladakh, the ruling dynasties had their origins in Tibet. Once upon a time the Ladakh territory extended beyond the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. It was a major trade route between Punjab and Central Asia, textiles, spices, raw silk, carpets, dyestuffs, narcotics being carried by caravans. The famous pashmina originated here.

TRAVELLERS' INFO : Ladakh, along with Kashmir and Jammu regions makes up the Jammu and Kashmir State. It has two districts of Leh and Kargil. Majority of the people are Buddhists. Ladakhi, also known as Bhoti, is the language of Leh. Leh town is the headquarters. The temperatures are: Summer Max 25 deg C, Min 8 deg C, Winter (-) 5 deg C and (-) 20 deg C. The thin air makes sun's heat intense. The highest point altitude is 25,170 ft (7,672m). Travellers must carry wind proof outer wear, winter clothing, medicines, sun cream, Diamox tablets to fight the effect of high altitude, etc and follow customs of full dress. There is a well-equipped hospital in Leh. Foreign exchange facility is available at the State Bank of India and J&K Bank branches. Still one need to carry cash. There is phone and mobile connectivity. Inner line permits will be requirewd to visit border areas. All types of ccommodation is available. The peak tourist season is early June to mid-September.

HOW TO REACH: Several airlines operate regular and scheduled flights to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar.Taxis and buses are available for internal travel. Reach by road from Kashmir or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The Srinagar-Leh highway is 434-km. It remains open for traffic from early June to mid-November. The Manali-Leh Road is open for about three months in the year from early July to September - 473 km.

PLACES TO SEE: Pangong Lake (Leh-Karu-Changla-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung-Spangmik Tour Circuit); The Nubra Valley (Leh-Khardung-la-Khalsar-Tirit-Tegar-Sumur-Panamik Tour Circuit); Tso-Moriri Lake ; Rupshu - area covering Manali-Leh road and Tso-moriri and other lakes; Dah-Hanou (The Drok-pa Area Tour Circuit); Monasteries or gompas; Leh Town - A historic town with a nine-storey palace built by King Namgyal in Tibetan architectural tradition; Oracles and Astrologers - The people of Ladakh, particularly the Buddhists, believe implicitly in the influence of gods and spirits; Ladakh culture: archery, polo.

CAUTION: Visitors need to be cautious about likely breathing problems as because of high altitude oxygen will be less in the air. Take precautions against High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) and High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACO).

See more about Ladakh

List of registered hotels and guest houses in Leh as on 31.03.2015

Other hotels and accommodation in Leh

Ladakh Festival Calendar-2015, Leh

How to apply online for Protected Area Permit

Guidelines for restricted and protected areas permit

Procedure for acquiring a permit