Ladakh

Four high-altitude highlights of Ladakh trips

1. Lounge around in Leh: The capital is the base camp for most trekking holidays in Ladakh, and once you’ve got used to the altitude it's a breath of fresh air. A million miles away from the claustrophobic charm of most Indian towns it's a haven for weary travellers. 

2. Visit Hemis Gompa: How could you not want to visit somewhere known as the 'lone place of the compassionate person’? Ladakh’s most picturesque monastery, Hemis Gompa is approached via a spectacular gorge walk.

3. Trek the Markha Valley: Regarded by many as the classic Ladakhi trekking holiday, this trail follows the Markha River up into the peaks to the Zanskar mountain range. You start off walking through fields of barley and mustard, deep gorges and remote villages. Jaw-dropping scenery unfolds as you hit the rocky slopes. Buddhist prayer flags mark the way towards the jagged horizon peaks. You might glimpse the fleeting purple robes of a Buddhist monk at one of the obscure shrines, or blue sheep and ibex scrambling over the rocky escarpment.

4. Party like its 1599: Ancient culture and Buddhist tradition form an integral part of daily life. The Ladhaki social calendar is full of religious festivals and fairs, featuring masked dancers, yang music and sporting contests. In other more tourist-oriented destinations you could be forgiven for thinking some of these are put on purely for the crowds, but here in Ladakh they remain a vital part of the culture.