Full Description
This new, thoroughly revised third edition of Bradt's Ladakh, Jammu and the Kashmir Valley remains the only standalone English-language guide available to this stunning region of mountain wilderness and lush valleys. Although Ladakh is becoming an ever more popular destination, Zanskar, the Kashmir Valley and Jammu are still off the beaten path, attracting only the more adventurous foreign tourist, so their treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders awaits your discovery.
Ladakh, Zanskar and the Kashmir Valley have long astounded intrepid visitors with their epic Himalayan beauty. Thousands of years of history sit side by side with vibrant modern communities; spectacular natural landscapes ripe for exploration are dotted with all manner of architectural curiosities. This guidebook is the ideal companion to these contrasting and spellbinding regions, where mountains, pilgrimage destinations, cultural sites and exciting wildlife - notably the chance of seeing the formerly near-mythical snow leopard - vie for your attention.
Here you can gasp at the views from the roof of the world at the breathless Khardung La mountain pass, stroll through Eden-like Shalimar Gardens (where the early-morning mist rises eerily off the lawns and channels), trek remote mountain trails through Ladakh and Zanskar (with this edition featuring several new suggested routes), admire the monkeys that have colonised the 19th-century palace of Mubarak Mandi, take a shikara ride across the lotus-strewn lakes of Srinagar, marvel at the Buddhas of Kargil (cut from rock in the 7th and 8th centuries), relax on a houseboat at Srinagar or join the Buddhist monks at Thiksey Monastery for early-morning prayers by candlelight.
And if that is not enough, you can white-water raft on the Indus, travel by jeep along nerve-wracking mountain roads, follow millions of Hindu faithful to the Amarnath Cave and enjoy superb powder skiing in amid true wilderness. Whatever your interests, and wherever they lead you in this fascinating and rewarding region, let Bradt's Ladakh, Jammu and the Kashmir Valley illuminate your way.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape,
Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with a disability, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Leh
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do
Chapter 4 Around Leh
Spituk Gompa, Choglamsar, Stok, Shey, Thiksey, Matho and Stakna, Phyang
Chapter 5 Northeast Ladakh
Khardung La, The Nubra Valley
Chapter 6 Southeast Ladakh
Hemis, Chemde and Takthok,
Markha Valley, southern lakes
Chapter 7 Northwest Ladakh
Leh-Kargil Highway, Kargil, Drass
Chapter 8 Zanskar and the Suru Valley
Suru Valley, Zanskar
Chapter 9 The Kashmir Valley
Sonamarg, Onwards to Srinagar, Srinagar, Gulmarg, southern Kashmir Valley,
Pahalgam, Verinag
Chapter 10 Jammu
Patnitop, Udhampur, Katra, Jammu City
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
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