This scholarly yet lively introduction to Ladakh and its people, in print since 1983, is widely recognized as an authoritative and comprehensive reference for general information on the region. Once perceived as a remote, romantic, and mysterious Shangri-La, Ladakh has over the years undergone profound changes-political, demographic, economic, socio-cultural as well as environmental. Extensively researched and lucidly written, this book explores the region's history and its importance as a confluence of various cultures and traditions to present a deeply informed account of Ladakh and its people.

Retaining the basic information from the original, this revised and updated third edition documents the changes and transformations that Ladakh has witnessed since 1996, including a detailed analysis of political and economic shifts in the wake of the Kargil war.