Certain areas of Ladakh which were formerly closed to foreigners on account
of their sensitive strategic position or proximity to internatinoal borders
have recently been partially opened. Movement within them however is limited
to a number of specifically designated circuits, and foreign visitors are allowed
to go only in groups, accompanied by a recognized/ registered tour operator.
The maximum time allowed on any circuit is seven days.
Permits must be taken from the Deputy Commissioner (head of the district administration)
in Leh, but citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, SriLanka and Myanmar will be issued
permits only with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government
of India, New Delhi. Foreign diplomats and members of the United Nations and
other international organizations are required to apply for permits tothe Ministry
of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
Drok-pa Circuit
Down the Indus, between Khalatse and the Shayok -Indus confluence, live a people,
known as Drok-pa, Buddhists in name, but racially and culturally distinct from
the rest of the Ladakhis. more details
Nubra Valley Circuit
The upper Shayok and Nubra rivers drain the east and west sides of the Saser
Spur, the eastern most outcrop of the Karakoram. The name Nubra is applied to
the district comprising the valley of the Nubra river. more details
Pangong Lake Circuit
This route takes the visitor past picturesque villages of Shey and Thikse, and
turns off the Indus valley by the side-valley of Chemrey and Sakti. The Ladakh
range is crossed by the Chang-la (18,000 feet / 5,475 m) which despite its great
elevation is one of the easier passes, remaining open for much of the year even
in winter, apart from periods of actual snowfall more detailsTso-Moriri Lake Circuit
The area traversed by the Manali leh road, and containing the drainage basins
of Tso-moriri and other lakes is known as Rupshu. Here, the Zanskar range is
transformed into bare rolling many-hued hills divided by open high altitude
valley scoured by dust-devils. It is a landscape unlike any other in Ladakh
-or elsewhere in India. more details
