Some important information about Leh Ladakh and Code of ethics for tourists

No doubt ‘3 Idiots’ movie has earned fame to Ladakh. Especially Indians are longing for a glimpse of cold deserts with a blue lake in its arms. Not more people had heard the name “Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake” before the release of ‘3 Idiots movie’. Now thousands of travellers have been visiting Ladakh just to see the Pangong and Tsomoriri lakes which are 154km and 240km from Leh respectively.

Today, Discover Kullu Manali will try to make travellers aware of some of the facts of Ladakh and code of ethics set for tourists by the local administration.

With majority of Muslims, Ladakh, a part  of  Jammu &  Kashmir  State in  north  of India consisting of two districts Leh and Kargil. Leh with an area of 45110 Sq Km makes it largest district in the country in terms of area. It lies between 32  to 36 degree North latitude and 75 degree to 80 degree East longitude. The district is bounded by Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the West and China in the north and eastern part and Lahul Spiti of Himachal  Pardesh  in  South East. It is at a distance of  434 Kms from Srinagar and  474 Kms from  Manali. Leh district comprises of Leh town and 112 inhabited villages and one un-inhabited village. The total population of Leh district is 1.17 lacs. Nubra, Leh, Kharo, Khal, Durubak and Nyoma are the subdivisions of Leh district.

a) As a Guest – Respect local traditions- protect local cultural- maintain local prides.

b) While taking Photographs- Respect privacy-ask permission and restraint use of flashlight for photography and filming inside National Monuments and smoking and alcohol drinking is strictly prohibited

c) Respect Holy Place- preserve what you have come to see- never touch or remove religious objects- purchase and sale of antiques which is more than 100 years old is against the law and it attracts punishment under rules.

d) Don’t carve your initials the wall of religious places and historical monuments.

e) Keep noise levels down- especially at night or in quiet religious centres.

f) While in Mountains burn or bury all non-degradable litters-don’t expect others to clean up after you.

g) Keep stream water clean and avoid using pollutants such as detergents in stream and springs- if no toilets facilities are available- make sure are at least 30 Meter away from water source and Bury or cover waste.

h) Giving to Children encourages begin- a donation to project like Health Centre or School is a more constructive way to help.

i) Visitors who value local traditions encourage local prides and maintain local cultures-please help them to gain a realistic view of life in other parts of the World.

j) The beauty of the place and loving kinds of the people may change you but please do not change them.

a) Tourists are our respectable Guests and it costs nothing to receive with a sweet smile.

b) Tourists come to discover the land of eternal peace with serene beauty and rich cultures- share the valuable information to learn from each other.

c) Better quality environment is important for Tourism as it attracts Tourists and makes them feel at home and enjoy their stay.

d) Maintain our valued traditions of simplicity and sincerity in the services of tourists because they visit us to enjoy tours but not to sofar.

e) Have prides in the Multi-coloured lifestyle of the people and introduce tourists to our ancient songs and music- arts and crafts and our family cooking, which come from our customs.

f) Whosoever goes home with nostalgia for the smile of welcome- for kindness and sincerity- will come back with friends.