In the northern most part of India, high in the Himalayan mountains and bordering Western Tibet, lies the remote kingdom of Ladakh. Ladakh has always been self-sufficient, but historically has had long religious and cultural associations with Tibet and geographically forms part of the Tibetan plateaux.

Due to the extreme altitude this remote mountain desert is cut off by snows for many months of the year. In some areas winter temperatures drop as low as -30C/-22F, yet under the warmth of the summer sun its valleys are rich and fertile. 
 

The people of Ladakh are mostly farmers growing crops of wheat and barley. They count little on rainfall as most falls as snow on the high ground. When fields become parched the farmers pray, not for rain, but for the sunshine to melt the nearby glaciers and feed the rivers that irrigate their land.

In the east of Ladakh, at an altitude of 3,500 - 5,400 metres or 11,000 – 17,000 feet, lies the Changtang plateaux, home to Ladakh’s nomads. The rough pastures provide good grazing for their large herds of sheep and goats. A significant portion of the world’s Pashmina wool is produced from these herds.
 

Ladakh Children Annie Smith

Life at such high altitude can be very harsh especially in the bitterly cold winters when the nomads are forced to move down to lower pastures. However, if the snows arrive early the people and their animals can be cut off from food and fuel supplies for many weeks.

Most of Ladakh’s population is Buddhist. In recent years, the 14th Dalai Lama has paid regular visits to Ladakh.  During his visits, he gives public teachings in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and attends local events at monasteries and schools. Many thousands of people travel for days for the chance to see and hear Him talk. For many it may be a once in a life time opportunity.
 

Page 7     Waking-Up Magazine Issue 1      September-December 2000

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