Читать книгу Trekking in Ladakh. Eight adventurous trekking routes онлайн

15 страница из 93

 Changtang is considered to be the high-altitude plains of Eastern Ladakh, with Rupshu to the south and Pangong, Changchenmo and Aksai Chin (under Chinese control) to the north. This is a continuation of the Changtang of Western Tibet, where the mountain ranges are less pronounced and a number of vast lakes are situated.

 Zanskar is the southwestern part of Ladakh, north of the Great Himalayas, made up of the area around the tributary rivers that form the Zanskar River and the early part of the Zanskar River valley.

 Western or Lower Ladakh consists of the relatively lower-altitude Suru, Mulbekh, Bodhkarbu and Kargil areas, where the climate is correspondingly more moderate and the growing season longer.

Climate

High altitude, isolation from the rains of the summer monsoon and the vast altitude range within the region are the main factors dictating the nature of the Ladakhi climate. Precipitation is almost totally limited to snow, which falls mostly in the high mountains. The gradual melting of glaciers and snow throughout the year is the main source of water, enabling agriculture and human habitation. It is generally sunny, but clear skies lead to a rapid loss of ground warmth via thermal radiation during the night. There is therefore a great range in temperature throughout the day all year round, and even between a place in the shade and one in direct sunlight. The combination of high mountains, deep valleys and vast temperature differences creates wind that, although not usually strong, is a constant feature.