The Himalayan Buddhist stronghold know as the jewel in the crown of India is set at a breathtaking elevation of more than 4000 meters. The high elevation desert at the rooftop of the world is set in a landscape of snowcapped mountains and wild rivers. In this dry, rough, unforgiving landscape you see fairy-tale styled monasteries that rise out of the valleys onto mountains slopes. These Buddhist monasteries are decorated with understated charm and fine wood carvings. Many boys find their way stll today into the comfort and solitude of these high mountain religious centers where a combination of serious study and joyful atmosphere brings both the old and young into a shared, happy, commitment to one another.

Over centuries the isolated Ladakhi people built fine wood carved homes and buildings that survive today dotting the landscape where these genuine gentle people greet you with a "julley", hospitable warm greeting, that is reflected and treasured in their kind nature still today.

Day treks and week-long treks may be organized to remote flower-painted valleys and towering mountain passes that are filled width rare wildlife such as the snow leopard, marmot and wild yak, where simple villages, salt lakes and warm springs charm any world traveler.