Famous for its picturesque beauty and unique culture, Ladakh is a high altitude desert that extends from the Himalayan to the Kunlun Ranges. Low precipitation combined with extreme temperatures, makes life in this mountainous region challenging. Ladakh has a population of 274,289, a majority of which resides in rural areas. About 2,500 people live in the Phyang Valley, where HIAL is located. Most of the land is barren and the entire region relies primarily on the melting waters of the glaciers for agriculture and daily use. Agriculture and the services sector drive the local economy of Ladakh, with most Ladakhi youth typically employed in government jobs or the tourism sector.
Ladakh is majorly populated by Buddhists and Muslims. At almost every turn of the road, one can locate a monastery (gompa). A quiet and spiritual place, Ladakh is home to people who have weathered and adapted to its harsh climates and terrains by applying many traditional methods and innovations (such as dry toilets which use little to no water).
