LADAKH is sometimes called ‘Little Tibet’. It has a similar landscape and culture that bears this comparison. The Ladakh range starts from the Indus-Shyok confluence and the Zanskar range is the dividing line between the Indus and Zanskar valleys. The Great Himalayan range in its S demarcates Ladakh from the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh. Two main districts comprise Ladakh: Leh and Kargil. Leh can be subdivided into Indus Valley, Nubra Valley, Shyok Valley and Markha Valley. The main rivers are Indus, Zansker and Shyok; like the mountain ranges these rivers run roughly east to West. Today Ladakh is open to outsiders, or at least as open as its geography permits. No special permission is needed to enter Ladakh and within the region you can travel around with relative freedom. Ladakh is full of amazing sights- strange gompas perched on soaring hilltops, dwarfed by snowcapped mountain; the barren, shattered looking landscapes aplashed with small but brilliant patches of green; ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls. But most of all it is notable for its delightful people- friendly as only Tibetans can be and immensely colourful. It’s an amazing place.