The
International Association for Ladakh Studies (IALS)
Only in the last
three decades has Ladakh (northwest India) been readily
accessible for study, but in that short time it has been
the focus of much attention by students in many
disciplines. These have been attracted by the interest of
its physical situation at high altitude in the rain-shadow
of the geologically active Himalaya; by the natural ecology
of this rugged desert and the skilful adaptations of
pastoralism and agriculture; by the sociology, history and
cultural tradition, especially as a surviving example of
Tibetan Buddhism; and by the problems presented by modern
development and conservation.
