The Ladakh region was once characterized by a strong agro-pastoral economy. Even 60-70 years ago, almost all households of Ladakh owned farmlands as well as several livestock such as yak, goat, cow, dzo, dzomo, and horses. The local populace in those times were dependent on subsistence agriculture with a diverse variety of crops including barley, Sowa, wheat, and black pea to name a few. Livestock rearing formed the backbone of the economy given the high demand for milk, wool, butter, and meat in the region. However, the system started changing post the Indo-China war. With the advent of defence forces post-1960s, the road network grew drastically. Once the war was over, Ladakh became better connected with the rest of India, as well as the global economy. Post 1974, better road access opened Ladakh for tourism and Leh slowly became a hotspot of tourism activity. Abundant crop fields and grazing pastures were increasingly usurped by buildings such as hotels, markets, and lodges...
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. Anthony J. D'Angelo