Aryan Valley

Aryan Valley

Aryan Valley in Ladakh is a place rich in culture and history. This remote area is home to the Brokpa people, believed to be the last pure descendants of the Aryans. The valley is made up of a few villages, including Dah and Hanu, where the traditional way of life is still preserved. The people here have unique customs, attire, and language, different from the rest of Ladakh. Historically, the Aryan Valley is significant because the Brokpa community claims to have descended from soldiers of Alexander the Great’s army, which passed through the region over 2,000 years ago. This connection gives the area a unique cultural identity, attracting visitors interested in ancient history and diverse cultures. Based on their oral history, it can be inferred that a group of migratory Shins who practised the mostly animist ancient Dardic religion and claimed an ethnic identity as "Minaro" first settled in the Dah-Hanu region around the 10th century. Six hundred years later, a different Shin tribe, influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, moved to Dah-Hanu. They started a quarrel but ultimately decided to coexist. Their chiefs possessed a semblance of autonomy over the area until it was absorbed into the Maryul kingdom. The valley's serene lakes, glittering streams, and immaculate glaciers all add to its ethereal beauty. Throughout the area are glaciers with captivating flashing ice formations, such as the Chorten Nyima and Baralacha. The Indus and its tributaries are among the meandering streams that add to the valley's scenic beauty and provide opportunities for conditioning activities like rafting and inclination. Along with attractive meadows and productive farms, the Aryan Valley is home to communities that practise animal husbandry. These verdant landscapes create striking contrasts with the rough mountain backdrop, producing picture-perfect scenes that make an impression.