Leh, which is the largest district of India, is undoubtedly an exquisite masterpiece of the nature, which devours beauty and elegance everywhere.

Leh, which is the capital of Ladakh is also one of the prominent districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It proudly boasts its existence in the Himalayan Kingdom and is one of the unparallelled exquisite of the nature. It is located at an altitude of 3,500 metres and covers an area of 45,110 square kilometres. Its largest landscape enables it to become the largest district of India. This terrain is situated between 75 degree to 80 degree East longitude and 32 to 36 degree North latitude. It faces Pakistan in its western side and China in its northern and eastern side. The rest of the region is bounded by the Lahul Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Srinagar is located at a distance of 434 kilometres from this region. The region comprises of 3 sub-divisions, 6 number of blocks and 112 number of villages. The 6 major blocks are the region itself, Kharu, Nyoma, Durbuk, Nobra and Khaltsi. The total population of this magnificent terrain is about 1.17 lacs. Around 87.25% of the total mass resides in the rural cores.

A majority of population here are Buddhists and comprise of 81.2% of the total population. Muslims constitute only 15.32%, whereas Hindus comprise of only 3% of the total denizens. Agriculture is the main occupation of the natives. Around 59% of the people depend upon agriculture and cultivation. Other than farming, people are also involved in other occupations such as livestock, animal husbandry, hunting, forestry, small scale industries etc. Being in the Himalayan ranges, the climate here is cold and freezing. The topography of Leh has a distinct fusion of arctic and desert areas. The dry and barren plateaus are laden with sleet cloaks, which has persuaded the travellers to refer it as the Cold Desert. In such cold deserts, the following features are seen: There is always a fluctuation in the temperature, ranging from -40°C to +35°C. The precipitation is always low, at an average of only 10cm. The humidity ranges from 6-24%. Due to the high altitude, the radiation level is ultimately high. Twisters and storms are common, when temperature rises. The global solar radiation of this place is considered to be the highest in the world, which ranges from 6-7 Kwh/mm. There is scarcely any trace of natural vegetation due to the unfavourable climatic conditions. Irrigation is mainly carried out with the help of artificial channels which carry the melted sleet.

Not much is known about the history of Leh. However, its history dates back to 7th century A.D, when this terrain was converted into a battle field. Frequently battles were fought between the Chinese, Tibetian, Arabians and the Turkish. The 7th and the 8th centuries frequently witnessed fierce battles and consistently, this soil sustained tremors and destruction. However, the region saw a new sunrise with much harmony and peace during the rule of Laltadita. After this flourishing ruler, the region was embraced under the rule of the Arabians and Persians, who thus, left a great influence of Islamic religion over this soil. Thus, this soil was fused with a perfect amalgamation of Buddhism and Islamic cultures. The legacy of these rulers and their respective cultures are graciously witnessed in historical and religious shrines. Some of the important monasteries include Hemis, Alchi, Spituk, Phyang, Shey, Thikse, Jama Masjid, Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan etc. Ladakh even offers a tremendous option for those tourists, who mainly tour the hilly terrains for adventurous sports. River rafting is enthralling and is a first preference for the expediters. The white water of Indus, which flows through Spituk, Nimu and Saspol is the best place for rafting. Trekking is also seen in most parts such as Nun-Kum, Stok-Khangri, Markha valley etc.