Not always from the cold. Or the high altitude.

But from the sound of silence.

The peace of this beautiful, chilly land located so close to the Himalayas enchants you.

Life seems so simple and wonderful.

Is it because the Ladakhis are such cheerful, hospitable people? Or because Buddhism lends an indefinable tranquillity to the places where it has followers?

Maybe the remoteness of Ladakh has kept the rhythms of life uncomplicated?

Or is it because one feels that one can never be unhappy in a land as gorgeous as Ladakh with its stark but ever so alluring vistas?

Located on a plateau 9,800 feet above sea level between the Karakoram and the Great Himalayan Range, Ladakh's geography is the reason for its isolation. The entire population of Ladakh (45,110 sq km), which is part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is estimated to be just a little above two lakhs -- that's about three people per kilometre.

One can spend endless days in this mountainous district visiting remote monasteries that command gorgeous views, river rafting, journeying to Pangong Lake or hunting for bright blue Ladakhi jewellery.

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