Beyond
the floral valley of Kashmir lies the mysterious land of Ladakh. Leh, a fabled
city, appears as a sheild on the ancient silk route from Sinkiang to West Asia
and to the plains of India. In 400 AD, the great Chinese traveller Fa-Hsien
visited the city and was thrilled by its natural splendour. Ladakh presents
an overwhelming blend of Buddhist and Muslim cultures.
In the month of September, the 'moon country' of Ladakh comes alive with a
magic of its own. The people, fabulously bedecked with gold and silver
ornaments and turquoise headgears throng the streets. Monks in their ritual
regalia, wearing colourful masks dance to the entrancing rhythm of cymbals,
flutes and trumpets. The Yak, Lion and Tashishpa dances depict the many
legends and fables of Ladakh, the hermit kingdom. Ancient monasteries
sporting flags in a riot of colours, display of 'tankhas', archery
competitions, a mock marriage, horse-polo, and an array of sumptuous Ladakh
cuisine are the highlights of this festival.
A range of exquisite handicrafts and quaint antiques populate the lanes and
bazaars of the region. Guests are served 'chang', a delightful barley
concoction which lends a touch of abandon to the aura of religiosity. For
those with a more adventurous bent of mind, rafting on the Sindh, Sutlej and
Zanskar rivers, paragliding, and trekking are some of the activities offered
during the festival.
Ladakh Kashmir 
