Unreached Peoples: The Ladakhi People of the Himalayas — Paul Hattaway

Ladakh is one of the highest and driest places in the world, where people live. It is in the north of India and it is a land like no other. It is surrounded by the world's greatest mountain range, the Himalayas.

The Silk Route and Ladakh’s Isolation

The mountains keep the rain out, making Ladakh a desert. Leh is the capital of the region. It was once a major city along the Asian Silk Route. For many months of the year it is the only connection to the outside world.

Ladakh is very high up, between 9 and 25 thousand feet. In the winter it is covered in snow and almost completely cut off from the outside world. But in summer it is a desert. In the same way that the land is dried up, the spiritual condition of the people is also lifeless.

The Small Christian Presence Among Ladakh’s Peoples

Less than 0 .08 of the population know Christ. Even though life-giving water has been poured out here many times, people's hearts were not open to receive it. The ground in their hearts remains lifeless and dry.

Three Unreached People Groups in a Sparse Mountain Region

Ladakh is very unwelcoming. There are only 2 people per square kilometer in this mountainous region. That makes it one of the least populated places in the world. Three unreached people groups live here, the Ladakhis, the Drogpas and the Kampa nomads.

Buddhist Festivals and Cultural Worship

Dancing to the beat of the hobo and drum is an important part of Ladakh culture, especially at every ceremony and festival. These dancers show honor to the Buddhist trinity. The majority of the Ladakhis are Buddhist.

Household Offerings and Monastic Traditions

There is a Buddhist altar in every house for daily offerings and worship. According to tradition, families give their youngest son or daughter to a Buddhist monastery to become a monk or a nun.