OVERVIEW

Ladakh translated as "Land of high passes" is a land like no other, it is bound to exceed every expectation that one can muster. Bounded by the Great Himalayas on one side and the Karakoram on the other, this is the highest plateau (over 3000 mts) and houses the largest district in India, Leh.
Ladakh is also known as "Little Tibet" as it is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture. 
A high altitude desert created by the Great Himalayas - which provide a rain shadow- meaning they prohibit the entry of rain bearing clouds.

Culture Of Ladakh
Ladakhi culture is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture, in fact it is quite similar. Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as ngampe (roasted barley flour). Tea in Ladakh is traditionally made with strong green tea, butter, and salt. It is mixed in a large churn and known as gurgur cha (Butter Tea), after the sound it makes when mixed. Most of the surplus barley that is produced is fermented into chang, an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.

Festivals Of Ladakh
Festivals of Ladakh are an important part of life there, which mark several occasions such as harvesting, commemoration of the head Lamas of the founding monastery, New Year etc. The festivals of Ladakh conducted by various monasteries often have religious masked dances, which are an important part of Ladakh's culture.
Hemis Festival : The most famous of all monastic festivals in June (a three day affair) to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. The sacred dance drama of the life and mission is performed wearing facial masks and colorful brocades robes. 
Thiksey, Karsha and Spituk Gustor: Gustors takes place at all the three monasteries at different times of the year. A two day celebration, to mark the victory of good over evil. Gustor literally means "Sacrifice of the 29th day" and it ends with burning of effigies representing evil.
Ladakh Festival: From September 1st to 15th every year in Leh and in the villages around, the Ladakh festival is celebrated in the grandest style. With cultural troupes performing from different parts of Leh, forming the part of the procession which leads to the Polo ground, for the big inauguration.

People Of Ladakh

The Ladakhi society is considered one of the most peaceful societies in the world and that is largely based on the beliefs that follow through from the Buddhist way of life. A feature of Ladakhi society that distinguishes it from the rest of the state is the high status and relative emancipation enjoyed by women compared to other rural parts of India.

WEATHER
The temperatures of Leh varies from 30 degrees celsius during the day to around 16 degrees at night. The sun might be a little harsh during the day, So please ensure sun protection gear along with winter protection. At the same time, places like Pangong and Nubra can get very cold during the night. The region being at such an altitude in the greater Himalayas might experience sudden change in weather as well. Having said the above, rest be assured that Jungle Lore is committed to ensure that you have a memorable and comfortable experience, so all that is necessary will be done to ensure the same.

ACCLIMATIZATION
Once you move to a higher altitude, the body needs rest to get acclimatised.On reaching Leh you should take complete rest and drink lots of water. No alcohol on Day 1 (on reaching Leh) and refrain from smoking, if you do that is.

PHONE NETWORK
None of the pre-paid networks work in the state of JNK. Most postpaid networks work fine in JNK. The most extensive network is BSNL followed by Airtel, and Vodafone. There won't be any connectivity at Nubra (only BSNL Postpaid works) and Pangong.

ACCOMODATION

Terms & Conditions

Registration

The tour booking will be confirmed only upon receipt of a non-refundable amount of 20% of the tour cost, in addition to the charges such as air fares, rail fares, etc. along with completed personal information form or an email confirming your intent to travel.
- 50% of the tour cost to be paid 45 days before date of departure.
- Balance 30% of the tour cost to be paid 15 days prior to the departure.
- The trip will be considered as confirmed only if there is no default in the above payment procedure.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of any cancellation by you, the initial deposit amount paid, shall stand forfeited and further cancellation shall be levied as per the following terms:
- 6 weeks before date of departure: 20% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 4 to 6 weeks before date of departure: 50% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 2 to 4 weeks before date of departure: 80% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 2 weeks before date of departure: 100% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges (Will be considered as no show).
All dispute arising under or in connection with it, shall be governed by the laws then prevailing in India, and shall be under the jurisdiction of the courts in Sangli.

*During peak season some hotel bookings are non-refundable. Hence, in such a case the amount paid will not be refunded.

Refund Policy

Payments will be refunded within 10 to 15 working days after cancellation through a bank transfer.
Liability:
1. Certain trips organised by Jungle Lore may require various levels of physical fitness and travellers must ensure that they understand the level and nature of physical activity, fitness and endurance required for a chosen tour prior to the commencement of the same.
2. Travellers should keep in mind that certain tours are organised in places where medical assistance may not be easily available, so those dependant on medicines should stock up.
3. Travellers should ensure that prior joining a chosen trip, to the best of their knowledge they are not suffering from any medical or physical ailment or condition that compromises their ability to undertake and complete the same.
4. Jungle Lore, its owners and employees would not be responsible for any loss, liability, damage, expenses, injury, sickness or death occasioned to a fellow travellers except for lack of provision of amenities, services and infrastructure which are to be provided by the organisers themselves as described on www.junglelore.net. The organisers would not be responsible for such liabilities arising out of acts of god, earthquake, flood, storm, fire, rain, landslide, government restrictions, strikes or bandhs, defect of motor vehicles, acts of third party, external aggression, law and order disturbances, negligence of any travellers or travellers failing to heed the instructions of the organisers / activity guides, any risks that are normally attendant on a particular activity and any matters that are outside the control of the organisers.
5. Tours are subject to weather and natural conditions which are beyond the control of the organisers. To ensure the safety of the travellers it may be necessary to cancel or postpone a tour (or any part thereof) after the tour has been paid for by the travellers. Reimbursements of payments in such cases will be subject to the fixed costs of the tour barring which all other amounts will be reimbursed.
6. The www.junglelore.net is owned and operated by Missing Compass Pvt Ltd

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