Why is Ladakh called a cold desert despite receiving snowfall?
Ladakh is called a cold desert because it has a dry climate, very little precipitation, and extremely low temperatures, even though it receives snowfall. Located at a high altitude between the Himalayas and Karakoram Range, Ladakh lies in the rain-shadow region, where the mountains block moisture-bearing monsoon winds. As a result, the region receives very little rainfall, making its landscape dry and barren. During winter, temperatures can fall well below freezing, and snowfall covers parts of the region. However, the amount of precipitation remains low compared with wetter Himalayan areas. The combination of high altitude, low temperatures, scarce precipitation, and sparse vegetation gives Ladakh the characteristics of a desert. Its rocky mountains, sandy valleys, and limited plant life further strengthen this appearance. Therefore, despite receiving snow, Ladakh is classified as a high-altitude cold desert.
