Located upon the very edge of the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh is a region that gets even less rainfall than the Thar desert -
and most of it is in the form of snow! Sometimes called "Little Tibet", Ladakh's distinguishing feature is that only about 1 % of its total area is inhabited, and the area under cultivation is even lower.
Though Ladakh region has good soils & sufficient sunlight; without water it
remains a cold and barren desert. The cultivated area depends upon the availability of (melt) water from melting snows and glaciers. The water is stored in small tanks known as zings, and each village has its own network of canals and zing. The intelligent - and optimal - use of (scarce) water resources has helped the people living in these areas survive and prosper.
Interestingly, no activity that pollutes the canals (such as washing clothes) is permitted...
In spite of the low population densities, agriculture is the mainstay of the entire area. People living in the area are still dependant upon traditional water channels known as kuls that transport water from the glacier to the village. Historically
located at the intersection of major trade routes, Ladakh remains a popular destination for tourists and tourism.