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Bradt's Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir remains the only standalone guide in English available to this stunning region of mountain wilderness and lush valleys. Although Ladakh is becoming an ever more popular destination, Zanskar, the Kashmir Valley and Jammu are still off the beaten path and full of wonders waiting to be discovered. This book is the ideal companion to these contrasting and spellbinding regions whether you want to white-water raft on the Indus, travel in a jeep along nerve- wracking mountain roads, relax on a houseboat, explore Buddhist culture in tucked away Ladakhi monasteries or hike over the high passes.Fully updated, this new edition includes chapters on background and practical information and a dedicated chapter on trekking, with nine easy-to-follow chapters covering the whole area, including Leh, The Suru Valley and Zanskar, Srinagar and Gulmarg, The Kashmir Valley and Jammu amongst others. New for this edition are additional trekking information and trekking maps, plus new travel routes. Ladakh, Zanskar and the Kashmir Valley have long astounded visitors with their epic Himalayan beauty. Marvel at the views from the roof of the world at the breathless Khardung La mountain pass, stroll through Eden-like Shalimar gardens, trek remote mountain trails through Ladakh and Zanskar, take a shikara ride across the lotus bedecked lakes of Srinagar and join the Buddhist monks at Thiksey Monastery for early morning prayers by candlelight. Other highlights include, the Buddhas of Kargil, the Mughal Road, Mubarak Mandi and the houseboats of Srinagar.Whatever your interest, Bradt's Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir is an indispensable guide.
List of contents
Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background InformationGeography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical InformationWhen to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 LehHistory, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do, Around Leh
Chapter 4 Northeast LadakhKhardung La, The Nubra Valley
Chapter 5 Southern LadakhStok, Shey, Thiksey, Matho and Stakna, Hemis, Chemde and Thagthog, The Markha Valley, The Southern Lakes
Chapter 6 Northwest LadakhThe Leh–Kargil Highway, The Northern Indus Valley, Kargil, Drass
Chapter 7 Zanskar and the Suru ValleyThe Suru Valley, Zanskar
Chapter 8 The Kashmir ValleySonamarg, Srinagar, Gulmarg, The Southern Kashmir Valley, Pahalgam
Chapter 9 JammuPatnitop, Udhampur, Katra, Jammu City, Around Jammu City
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
About the author
By Sophie Ibbotson and Stuart Butler
