Kashmir > Ladakh

famous for its mountains and historic monasteries, also known as 'Land of Gompas'. Ladakh region consists of two districts Leh and Kargil.

Leh
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a popular, if unconventional, tourist spot of Kashmir. The cold desert surrounding the city is visited by scores of tourists looking for a place off the beaten path. Leh is a known as a center for Buddhist culture and religion, and the many monasteries, temples and Gomphas dotting the city is a testimony of the piety and religiosity of the people.

Zanskar
Zanskar is a modern day Shangri La owing to its near inaccessibility. The mountain passes leading into Zanskar are open for only a few weeks in the summer months. But once there, the intrepid adventurer is amply rewarded for his or her pains. The breathtaking beauty of this city in the cold desert area of Ladakh, the Gomphas and Buddhist temples of Zanskar, are the major tour attractions of the city.

Kargil
Kargil district lies to the West of Ladakh. The people of Kargil are chiefly agrarian, and have herded cattle and tended to crops for generations. The town of Kargil is the capital of Kargil district. It is famous as one of the transit points on the famous Silk Route of ancient Asia. The Suru River flows through the city, adding to its rugged charm.

Kargil War Memoir : "Operation Vijay"