Ladakh, or "Little Tibet" lies as a separated area in the Himalayas of northern India at the Tibetan Plateau. The Ladakh range starts from the Indus-Shyok confluence and the Zanskar range is the dividing line between the Indus and Zanskar valleys. Two main districts comprise Ladakh: Leh and Kargil. Leh can be subdivided into Indus Valley , Nubra Valley , Shyok Valley and Markha Valley . The main rivers are Indus , Zansker and Shyok; like the mountain ranges these rivers run roughly east to West.

Very little rain coupled with its location in the rain shadow area has resulted into a high altitude desert – desolate, barren and untamed – with beautiful landscapes.