Ah Ladakh, a magical place. If you want to experience Tibet and its culture as it was before chinese came and raped that land and its people in many ways, look

Ah Ladakh, a magical place. If you want to experience Tibet and its culture as it was before chinese came and raped that land and its people in many ways, look no further. In fact many of them there are Tibetan refugees. Flying over Zanskar valley is magical experience for those with a bit of adventure spark. Almost did the 3 week long traverse from Manali/Keylong area to Zanskar valley over often frozen rivers, but that year (2010) winter was stronger than usually, and there were still 4-5m of snow even on lower passes in early summer, (there is also Taglang La pass, which is 5328m high and quite an experience to cross during mega long journey between Manali and Leh). This was before strategic tunnels were finished (although saw massive construction work north of Manali back then, used few trucks as hitchhikers) so strength of winter fully dictated when the road is opened. Good times, go there while it still has some original magic since mass tourism ruins it all without exception. Especially the people and mountains, salty yak butter tea... not so much.