HISTORY

Ladakh’s earliest inhabitants were the khompas nomads, who

grazed their yaks on the high pastures. The first settlements along the
upper Indus, were established by Mons, Buddhist pilgrims on their way
from India to Mt. Kailash in Tibet. In the 9TH century, Ladakh’s influence
extended beyond the Indus Valley and during this time many forts and
palaces, including Shey, were constructed.
In the ensuing years, the Balti-Kashmiri armies launched various
attacks against Ladakh, which in the 16TH century fell subject to the rule
of Ali Mir of Baltistan. But its fortunes were revived under the rule of
Singge Namgyal, who, in addition to territorial gains, established Leh as
his capital and constructed a palace there.
Soon Ladakhi forces were called on to face a combined Mongol-
Tibetan army and help was sought from the governor of Kashmir. This
involved symbolic tribute to the Mughal Empire and the construction of
the mosque in Leh’s Main Bazaar Rd was the prize Aurangzeb
extracted. After the conflict with Tibetan forces, trade relations
resumed and Leh was able to re-establish its influence over Zanskar.
Ladakh’s fortunes changed again in the 1830s when the Dogra
army from Jammu invaded Ladakh and exiled the king to stok. The
famous general Zorawar Singh, who was appointed by the first
maharaja of Kashmir, Gulab Singh, led the Dogras. Ladakh became a
part of the maharaja’s vast state in 1946 and remained under control of
Jammu and Kashmir after Independence until some administrative
autonomy was granted in 1995.
Leh is nestled in a side valley just to the north of the Indus Valley.
Until 1947 it had close trading relations with Central Asia. Today, Leh is
an important strategic center for the military, which has a large
presence there and is a reminder that the region is along India’s
sensitive borders with Pakistan and China. Leh’s character changed
when Ladakh was opened to foreign tourists in 1974. Since then, more
than 100 hotels have been established and the life of Leh has been too.

PERMITS
Permits are not required for Leh. However, one must fill out a
foreigner’s Registration Form at the airport (at Upshi or Drass if coming
by road) on arrival and departure, and again at the hotel of stay. All
foreigners (including non-Ladakhi and non-Zanskari Indians) require
permits for the restricted areas of the Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso
Moriri and Dha-Hanu. One is allowed to travel by public by private

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transport, alone or in a group of up to four, as long as there are four
names and passport details on the permit. Available through travel
agencies, permits are issued the same day, and are valid for seven
days. Four people must apply for a permit together, although they are
not actually required to travel together. One should not ever think
about setting off without a permit, going to forbidden areas or
overstaying your allotted seven days. If caught by the authorities, a
visit to an Indian jail is not unlikely, after penalizing your travel agency.

LANGUAGE
Ladakhi is the most common language used in Leh. Once similar
to Tibetan, Ladakhi has now changed considerably. If one remembers
only one word, ‘jule’ (pronounced as joo-lay), which means ‘hello’,
‘goodbye’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. But today, as a reward of tourism,
the local people are very much understanding English as well as Hindi
language partially.

INFORMATION
STD CODE (LEH): 01982

GETTING THERE AND AWAY:

AIR: Indian Airlines is currently the only airline flying to Leh. The
Leh airport is the world’s highest commercial airport making it of
somewhat importance for India.

Airport Enquiry 252255, 255299

Indian Airlines 252076, 251973

FROM DAYS FLIGH AIRCRA DEP ARR STO FARES

LEH TO OF T FT . . P (RUPEES)
OPN. NO.
J Y

B
Delhi WED IC 448 320 075 104 1 851 6280
5 0 0
Delhi TUE, FRI IC 449 320 073 103 1 851 6280
5 0 0
Delhi SUN IC 446 320 092 104 0 851 6280
5 0 0
Delhi THU,SA IC 446 320 093 105 0 851 6280
T 5 0 0
Jammu TUE, FRI IC 449 320 073 083 0 851 3815
5 5 0
Srinaga 3 IC 448 320 075 084 0 453 3340
r 5 0 0

CODES: IC – INDIAN AIRLINES, 320 – AIRRBUS A320,

J – EXECUTIVE CLASS, Y – ECONOMY CLASS

TO LEH DAYS FLIGH AIRCRA DEP ARR STO FARES

FROM OF T FT . . P (RUPEES)
OPN. NO.
J Y

DELHI TUE, FRI IC 445 320 054 065 0 851 6280

0 5 0
DELHI WED IC 445 320 055 071 0 851 6280
5 0 0
DELHI SUN IC 447 320 055 084 1 851 6280
5 0 0
DELHI THU,SA IC 450 320 060 085 1 851 6280
T 5 5 0
JAMMU THU,SA IC 45O 320 075 085 0 517 3815
T 5 5 0
SRINAGA SUN IC 447 320 075 084 0 453 3340
R 5 0 0

BUS:

To/From Srinagar: The Leh to Srinagar road is usually open

from the beginning of June to October, but practically, the opening date
may be variable. Since 1999, after Kargil war, the road from Kargil to
Srinagar is closed to foreigners. But the recent Information can be
checked out the tourist office.

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 To/From Manali: The Leh to Manali road is open for a shorter
period, usually from mid-July and never after 15 October, dates
variable, depending on the climatic conditions. Further information can
be collected from the HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourist development
Corporation) Marketing Office (01902-22116), Manali, Himachal
Pradesh.

JEEP & TAXI:

These are an expensive, but useful alternative to the bus, since

they stop over to take photos and visit villages. Further information can
be obtained from Taxi stand No 1 (252723) on fort Rd.

MOTORCYCLE:

Riding a motorcycle is just about the perfect way of getting to

and travelling around Leh. But it is worth remembering that there is no
village between Keylong and Leh, so one should take all the spare
parts, particularly spare chains and spare tubes. The petrol stations are
at Tandi and Keylong, and they sell petrol at twice the Leh or Manali
price. Proper gearing up is needed to avoid getting frozen.
For local exploration, hire bikes are available at negotiable prices
at World Adventure (253373), on main bazaar road. But before, it is
recommended that one should ensure a comprehensive insurance, in
case of any accident.

TRAVEL AGENCIES:

Ecotours (252918) Fort road

Explore Himalayas (252727, fax 253354) Main Bazaar Road

Fantasy Tours (253124) Fort road

Gypsy’s World (253659, fax 252735) White House Bldg,

Fort road

Oriental Trek & Tour (253153, fax 252414) Oriental Guest

House, Changspa

Paradise Trek & Tour (252640) Fort road

Rimo Expeditions (253257) Hotel Kamglachan

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TOURIST OFFICES:

The Tourist Reception Center (252297) is 3kms south of the town

center, on the road to the airport. There is also a small tourist
information counter at the airport open for flight arrivals to handle
Foreigners Registration Forms and distribute maps.

MEDICAL SERVICES & EMERGENCY:

In case of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), medical services are

available at Sonam Norbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital (252360) about
3kms south of town.
For emergency 252014, 252360
Ambulance 253629
Police 252018

PLACES TO STAY:

Unless stated otherwise, the hotels and guesthouses listed here

close down during winter. The exact time of closure depends on
demand, but generally they start shutting anytime from 15 September,
reopening from March onwards. Still ten one can choose to visit these
places, but the many places turn off their hot water supplies to avoid
broken pipes. At these times, hot water is available in buckets and the
rates are highly negotiable. Leh’s electricity is spasmodic, so torches
(flashlights) may be needed.
There are literally hundreds of guesthouses in and around Leh.
The following is only a small selection.

PLACES TO STAY – BUDGET:

LEH:

Old Ladakh Guest House (252951): This guesthouse,

exceptionally, has remained open every single day from 1974, is a
wonderful place and full of character, north of the polo ground.

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Jigmet Guest House (253563): This guesthouse has large rooms
with optional attached bathroom. It is situated in North of Fort
Rd.

Ti-Sei Guest House (252404): This guesthouse is beautifully

situated
In the north of Fort Rd have a nice garden and a typical Ladakhi
kitchen.

NORTH WEST LEH: CHANGSPA

Oriental Guest House (253153): This guesthouse is a family run

down place that has good local information. This is guest house too
operates in winter also and has solar-heating water year around. It also
organizes eco-friendly tours in collaboration with an NGO.

Shanti Guest House (253084): This is a popular guesthouse, below

the Shanti stupa. It is open for winter.

LEDeG Hostel (252918): This hostel is a non-smoking eco-friendly

men’s hostel.

Asia Guest House (253403): It is an old favorite among the regular

tourists, with a terrace restaurant overlooking a large garden.

Eagle Guest House (253074): This guesthouse is located in a

beautiful surrounding with large landscape fields.

Greenland Guest House (253156): This guesthouse is very similar to

others with a small garden and large rooms.
PLACES TO STAY – MID RANGE:

Bimla Hotel (252754): Just off Fort Rd and surrounded by trees, this
hotel provides a very picturesque view. It is open 365 days a year.

Indus Guest House (252502): Next door neighbour to Bimla Hotel,

this is almost a replica of the latter. It is also open throughout the year.

Padma guesthouse (252630, fax 251019, Fort Rd): It offers a very

good option of staying in this category of hotels with having rooms in
the original farmhouse and in the modern block.

Yasmine Guest House (252405, Fort Rd): It is a two storey modern

place with a sunny courtyard garden.

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Panong (252300, Fort Rd): It is a modern place used by Indian
Airlines to accommodate passengers when flights are delayed due to
bad weather so it remains open throughout the year.

Hotel Saser (252654, fax 252575): This hotel is located near the
Ecology Center, is modern with traditional features and has rooms
around a garden courtyard.

Silver Cloud Guest House (253128): Away from the crowds in

Sankar, has been repeatedly recommended by the travellers.

PLACES TO STAY – TOP END

Places in this category generally don’t offer much more comfort than
the previous ones, although hot water will generally be running when
the others have resorted to sloshing into buckets.
But getting hot water is itself a much more comfort as considered in
Leh.

Hotel Yak Tail (252118, Fort Rd): This is a central place with a
pleasant courtyard, restaurant and money exchange. The largish rooms
also have B&W TVs and some even have an attached lounge room. This
place has nightly entertainment during summer.

Hotel Dragon (252139, fax 252720, fort Rd): It has bright and
nicely decorated rooms. There are a few balcony terraces around the
central courtyard and plenty of traditional woodcarvings to admire. It
also has a large dining room and travel agency.

Hotel Ga-Idan Continental (252173, fax 252414, Old Fort Rd): It

has a large dining room with available rich Ladakhi cuisine. It remains
open during winter.

Gypsy’s Panorama Hotel (252660, fax 252735): This hotel in

Changspa has central heating and so remains open year around and
room service is also available.

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PLACES TO EAT:
Leh has a sizable Tibetan refugee population, which
naturally has influenced the cuisine and increased the number of
Tibetan restaurants. The places to eat are listed below area wise.

MAIN BAZAAR AREA:

Along main bazaar road, most of the restaurants are on the 2ND
and 3RD floors, and the traveller can be directed straightly, if asked from
a local. Himalaya café, is one of the popular favourites due to ambient
lighting and music. Other choices are Kokonor Tibetan Restaurant,
Wok Tibetan Kitchen, La Montessori and Upen Tibetan
Restaurant. La Terrasse has a pleasant terrace with umbrellas,
though it is better for breakfast and lunch than dinner.
Budshah Inn, close to the mosque, has pretty good Kashmiri
dishes – a good place to have a meat delight. Spit-roasted-chicken
shop provides a full roasted chicken, which is a very good option for
going for a picnic. Ladakhi bakeries should be surely checked to have
good and fresh breads and cakes.

FORT ROAD:

Opposite to the Hotel Yak Tail, Gezmo Dogra Dhaba is the place
for cheap Indian food. Poora Babra provides tea and snacks; it also
serves special Kashmiri salt tea and also herbal tea.
Tibetan Kitchen is the best restaurant in town. For a fresh
traveller, the Tibetan cuisines are explained in the menu. Unfortunately,
it closes in winter.
Tibetan Friends Corner Restaurant is for noodle lovers, which
provides special Tibetan noodle soup known as thugpa and noodle
dishes.
Instyle German Bakery, just off Fort Rd, is a great place for a
cup of coffee and a cake, sandwiches and breakfast, including piping-
hot porridge.
CHANGSPA:

The places to eat here are opened in summer only.

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 Sheldon Green Restaurant serves the chang, local beer, more
quickly than the Meal, whether Indian, Chinese or western, but the
shady garden is pleasant.
Mentokling Restaurant near the Moravian Mission School is
another open-air place selling beer.
The open air Mona Lisa Bar & Restaurant, near the Ecology
center, is very relaxing and serves beer, pizzas, and Ladakhi bread with
falafel and it has western popular music.
If you get tired of walking and travelling the city on foot,
The Rainbow Café makes a good drink stop to refresh all over again.

ACTIVITIES
Leh is an adventure playground, with an increasing number of
adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Safety standards are reasonable
and in case of an emergency, the omnipresent Indian Army will
helicopter casualties out – make sure you have adequate insurance.

WHITE-WATER RAFTING:
Several agencies offer white-water rafting trips on the Indus and
Zanskar rivers. Rafting is not especially popular, as the rivers are not
particularly reliable, and the season only lasts from about early July to
mid-September. Two of the better travel agencies in Leh which organize
rafting trips are

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Indus Himalayan Explorers (01982-252788), opposite the taxi
stand on fort road, and Rimo Expeditions (01982-253257) at Hotel
Kamglachan.

CAMEL SAFARIS:
Just to prove Leh is a desert, it has camels. It’s possible to trek
8km across the sand dunes at Hunder on one of these shaggy double-
humped beasts.

MOUNTAINEERING:
Undoubtly, Leh is mountaineering and climbing paradise. Popular
climbs include Stok Kangri (6121m) and the Zanskar mountains, south
of Leh and the Nun Kun Massif accessible from the Leh-Kargil road.
Agencies in Leh also arrange expeditions for around 2000 rupees per
day (based on a four to five day expedition).

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Now that tourism is flourishing in the region, the annual Ladakh

festival has been extended and, in a blatant attempt to prolong the
tourist season, is now held in the first two weeks of September.
Nevertheless, the festival should not be missed. Regular large, colorful
dancing, sports ceremonies and exhibitions are held throughout
Ladakh. Leh is the main venue, with other smaller, associated festivals
in Tangtse, near Pangong Tso; Shey; Basgo; Korzok, on Tso Moriri; and
Biama, in Dha-Hanu. The festival starts with a spectacular march
through Leh’s main streets. People from all over Ladakh, monks in
yellow and orange robes, polo and archery troupes and Tibetan
refugees from Choglamsar, walk proudly in traditional costume,
wearing perak (tall, bright hats) and papu (curled shoes). The march
culminates in a daylong cultural display at Leh polo ground.
Other activities during the two weeks include mask dances, which
are serious and hypnotic when performed by monks. There are also
archery and polo competitions, concerts and other cultural programs
throughout Ladakh.
The Nubra Valley is not as crowded with the gompas as in Leh, so
festivals there tend to be less religious and more sports-oriented.
During the Ladakh Festival, the activities not to be missed is the
‘Warfare demonstrations’ on camel between Diskit and Hunder, ibex
and peacock dances, traditional marriage ceremonies, sword dancing
from Baltistan, flower displays and archery competitions.

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 Festivals still held in winter include the New Year festivals:
Dosmoche (A large wooden mast is created and dough figures are
burnt in the desert, thus carrying away the evil spirits of old year) also
known as the festival of the Scapegoat, and Losar (It concentrates on
offering to the gods).

ENTERTAINMENT
BARS:

Namra Bar: Opposite Hotel Yak Tail, is Leh’s best bar, with dark
lighting and music. It also serves food, but is more of a drinking venue.
There are many local shops selling Tibetan rice or millet Beer chang.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES:

In summer only, the Cultural and Traditional Society puts a

cultural show behind the Shamshu Complex, Fort Rd.
In competition with this, the Ladakh Artists’ Society of Leh also
puts on a show of Ladakhi songs and dances daily outside the Leh
palace, in summer.

SPECTATOR SPORTS:

Weekly polo matches are contested between Leh and the outlying
villages of the Indus valley at the polo ground, south of town. Those
interested in golf can enjoy the game at the Leh Golf Course (The
highest golf course in the world). During winter the locals play ice
hockey in the pond outside the Ecology Center. Archery competitions
are usually held between two teams in the villages, or more often at the
National Archery Stadium in Leh.

SHOPPING:

Local specialities include Tibetan handicrafts, pashminas (wool

shawls), wooly socks and organic apricots. The Tibetan Market, off Old
Leh Rd, sells western products and is a good place to look for coats,
bags and sunglasses for trekking trips. At the time of Ladakh Festival, it
has good exhibitions and stalls selling local handicrafts and clothes.

AROUND LEH

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Making good day trips from Leh are many beautiful gompas and
villages, as well as areas which have been recently been opened to
travellers (with permits) by he Indian authorities. In some of the places,
there are no guesthouses or shops to buy supplies. One must take all
food, as well as sleeping and cooking equipments (which can be hired
in Leh).

SPITUK GOMPA:

On a hilltop above the Indus river and only 8kms from Leh, the
Spituk Gompa was built in the 15TH century under the Gelukpa order. It
is next to the airport. Spituk has nowhere to stay or eat. From Leh to
Spituk is a long, hot, adventurous walk.

PHAYANG:

Not far from Spituk, a long, roughish track off the main road leads
to the pretty village of Phayang. This gompa was built around the 16TH
century by the King Tashi Namgyal and is home to about 45 monks of
the Kagyupa order. Buses are available for this place, in and out.

NIMMU:

Nimmu is a pleasant place to stop for tea. About 8kms east,

towards Leh and easily seen from the road, is the junction of the
differently coloured Indus and Zanskar Rivers. This junction should not
be missed for photography. Taxis are available for this place.

BASGO:

Basgo was the capital of lower Ladakh before the Ladakh

kingdom was united at Leh. Listed as one of the top 100 endangered
World Heritage Sites in 2000, the 400-year-old mud brick gompa is up
winding, steep tracks. The Basgo Welfare Committee of Volunteers is
working to restore the gompa as best it can. Taxis are available for this
place.

LIKIR:

The magnificent gompa at Likir, known as the Klu-kkhyil Gompa

(Klu-kkhyil means water spirits), was founded in the 14TH century, and

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was the first in Ladakh known to have built under the direction of
Tibetan monks. The present gompa was rebuilt in the 18TH century and
is now inhabited by almost 150 monks, who offer free tea and guided
tours to visitors. To stay in Likir, return to the village about a 30-minute
walk across the fields.

ALCHI:

Alchi gompa is the only one in Ladakh on flat ground, so no knee-

breaking climb is involved. The Great Translator, Ringchen Zangpo,
founded it in the 11TH century on his return from India, which accounts
for Kashmiri influences.

RIZONG:

About 6kms along a steep, rocky track north of the main road is
the start of the isolated area. There is no village at Rizong, but you may
able to stay at the Uley Tokpo Camping Ground (253640, fax 252735),
with mildly luxurious tents. There is no bus service here, and if never
traveled in a truck, a ride in a truck from the Kargil-Leh route is worth
travelling.

KHALSI:

There has been a bridge over the Indus River, at the turn-off to
Dha-Hanu, at Khalsi for many centuries. This is a major military area,
where your passport will be checked regardless of where you are going,
and your permit will be checked if you are going to Dha-Hanu. There
are many food stalls to get refreshed.

CHOGLAMSAR:

This is basically a refugee camp, off the main road from Leh, is a
Tibetan library, medical center, handicraft shops, study center,
bookshops, handicrafts shop, plenty of restaurants and the Central
Institute of Buddhist Studies. There are some guesthouses in this place
comfortable for a brief stay.

SHEY GOMPA:

Shey, 15km south of Leh, was the former summer palace of the
kings of Ladakh. The gompa, still partially used, is being restored. There
is a small library having sacred books. Minibuses are available for this
place. The only place to stay in this place is Shikhar Hotel and
Restaurant, near the road up to the gompa.

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TIKSE GOMPA:

About 17 km of Leh, this beautiful gompa, has an important

collection of Tibetan books in its library, some excellent artwork and a
new Maitreya temple. It is a busy place, with almost incessant chanting
and music, and there is a good chance to witness a Tibetan puja.
Special permission is required to use video cameras. Buses and taxis
are available for this gompa.

STAKNA GOMPA:

The gompa at Stakna – meaning Tiger’s Nose – is another set

spectacularly on the Hemis side of the Indus river. Only taxis are
available.

HEMIS GOMPA:

Also known as Chang-Chub-Sam-Ling (or the Lone Place of the

Compassionate Person), Hemis Gompa, 45km south of Leh, was
founded in the early 17TH century. Now it is one of the most accessible,
famous and most visited gompas. The gompa has an excellent library,
well preserved books showing some Kashmiri influence, and good
Buddha figures. Daily buses and taxis are available for this gompa.

STOK GOMPA & MUSEUM:

Over the bridge from Choglamsar, the Stok Gompa is where the
last king of Ladakh died in 1974. Built in 1814, it is popular because it is
so easy to get into.
The museum has a unique display of rare ornaments from the
royal family, plus traditional clothing and jewellery. It is open only in
summer. Photography is strictly prohibited.

KHARDUNG LA:

The road to Nubra Valley goes through the highest motorable

pass in the world at Khardung La (5602m). This pass is almost
permanently covered in fog and snow, and is likely to be bitterly cold at
the top regardless of the time of the year. This pass is occupied by a
grubby military camp, the highest temple in the world and a free tea
stand. This place is a dessert for the bikers who basically come here for
exploring on the rides. And in summer, the world’s highest traffic jams
of trucks and buses may be visible.

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NUBRA VALLEY:

The Nubra Valley – nubra means green – used to be ton the

trading route connecting Tibet with Turkistan, and was the envy of
Turkistan, which invaded it several times. Also known as the Valley of
Flowers, Nubra has always been well cultivated and fertile, with the
best climate in Ladakh, so grains and fruits, such as apples and
apricots, have always been plentiful. Ninety percent of Nubra’s
population is Buddhist.
The valley is a wonderful place to visit, dominated by an
incredible broad, empty flood plain through which the Nubra and Shyok
Rivers pass. There are pretty, small villages, dense forests and some
wildlife – camels are common on the sand dunes near Hunder. The
permit allows traveling as far as Hunder along the southern valley, and
to Panamik in the northern valley. And the only place, which provides
accommodation, is Diskit. Buses, taxis are available for this place. In
and out.

KHALSAR:

The Nubra Valley really starts at the village of Khalsar (3018),

where there are several teahouses and huge amounts of discarded
army equipments. The road just divides before the village of Lughzun –
the left fork to Hunder and the right heading to Panamik.

DISKIT:

The turnoff to Diskit (3144m) stretches about 3km along an

awesome, wide and dry riverbed before climbing and clinging to the
hillside for another 13km.
Distik Gompa, with about 100 monks, is the oldest – more than
500 years old – and the biggest in Nubra Valley. Between Distik and
Hunder is an area of sand dunes, not unlike the Sahara, if one can
ignore the snowcapped mountains in the background.

SUMUR:
Sumur (3096m), a major village along the Nubra River side of the
valley, is a pretty place worth exploring.
The Samstemling Gompa at Sumur, over 150 years old, is a large
complex with seven temples. Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1962, it
is busy, friendly place with about 45 children bust chanting, or
cultivating apples and apricots. Fresh apples and apricots may be
purchased from this place, at very reasonable rate.

PANAMIK:

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 Panamik (3183m) is another small village, famous for centuries
for its hot springs and the last stop along the ancient trade route, has
expected heavy military presence. But one should not go there for the
springs alone. The may be disappointed. But one should surely go there
for the satisfaction of reaching the ‘real’ end of road and to appreciate
the natural beauty of this isolated spot.

RUPSU VALLEY:

Known as ‘Mountain Lake’, Tso Moriri is the Rupsu Valley, about

140 km from Leh. The saltwater lake is about 28km long, 8km wide and
at an elevation of more than 4000m. Surrounded by both, barren hills
as well as snow covered mountains, Tso Moriri is a good place to relax.
There’s a place called ‘White Lake’ near Tso Moriri. This is an area of
nomadic people, known as Khampas, who are supposed to move
grazing their cattle from one place to another, often referred as
‘Chinese Cowboys’. Another great aspect of this region is the amount of
the wildlife – the best place in Ladakh for it. Commonly seen are wild
Asses, foxes and cuddly marmots bust walking up from their last
hibernation, or preparing for the next. On the lakes, you may see large
flocks of black-necked geese. To stay, ones to prepare ones own
belongings, and this is very fragile environment, so take out everything
you bring in – cans, bottles, papers, everything. One should not neglect
this advice, because the forest authorities are very mush active in that
place.

WORLD SUMMARY

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COUNTRY CAPITAL CURRENCY ISD
CODE
Afghanistan Kabul Afghani 93
Algeria Algers Algerian Dinar 213
Argentina Buenos Aires Argentinean peso 54
Australia Canberra Australian dollar 61
Austria Vienna Austrian schilling 43
Bahrain Manama Bahrain Dinar 973
Bangladesh Dhaka Taka 880
Belgium Brussels Rouble 375
Bolivia La Paz Dinar 387
Bosnia Sarajevo Dinar 387
Brazil Brasilia Real 55
Bulgaria Sofia Lev 539
Canada Ottawa Canadian dollar 1
Chile Santiago Chilean peso 56
China Beijing Ren Min Bi 57
Colombia Bogota Colombian peso 57
Congo Kinshasa Zaira 243
Czech Republic Prague Czech Koruna 420
Denmark Copenhagen Krone 45
Ecuador Quito Sucre 593
Egypt Cairo Egyptian Pound 20

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Ethiopia Addis Ababa Ethiopian Birr 251
Finland Helsinki Markka 358
France Paris Frank 33
Georgia Thilisi Rouble 995
Germany Berlin Deutschemark 49
Ghana Accra Cedi 233
Greece Athens Drachma 30
Hong Kong Victoria HK dollar 852
Hungry Budapest Forint 36
Iceland Reykjavik Krona 354
India New Delhi Rupees 91
Indonesia Jakarta Rupiah 62
Iran Tehran Rupiah 62
Iraq Baghdad Dinar 964
Ireland Rep. Dublin Punt 353
Italy Rome Lara 39
Ivory Coast Abidjan CFA Franc 225
Japan Tokyo Yen 81
Jordan Aman Dinar 962
Kazakhstan Alma Ala Rouble 7
Kenya Nairobi Shilling 254
North Korea Pyongyang Won 850
South Korea Seoul Won 82
Kuwait Kuwait City Dinar 965
Latvia Riga Rouble 371
Lebanon Beirut Pound 961
Luxemburg Luxemburg Franc 352
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Ringgit 60
Mexico Mexico City New Peso 52
Mongolia Ulan Bator Tugrik 976
Morocco Rabat Dirham 212
Myanmar Yangon Kyat 95
Nepal Kathmandu Rupee 977
Netherlands Amsterdam Guilder 31
New Zealand Wellington NZ dollar 64
Nicaragua Mangua Cordoba 505
Norway Oslo Krone 47
Oman Muscat Rial 968
Pakistan Islamabad Rupee 92
Paraguay Asuncion Gurani 595
Peru Lima New Sol 51
Philippines Manila Peso 63
Poland Warsaw Zioty 48
Portugal Lisbon Escudo 351

R
Qatar Doha Riyal 974
Romania Bucharest Leu 40
Russia Moscow Rouble 7
Saudi Arabia Riyadh Riyal 966
Singapore Singapore Dollar 65
South Africa Pretoria Rand 27
Spain Madrid Pesela 34
Sri lanka Colombo Rupee 94
Sweden Stockholm Krona 46
Switzerland Berne Franc 41
Syria Damascus Pound 963
Thailand Tunis Bath 66
Turkey Ankara Lira 90
Uganda Kampala Karbovanet 380
United Arab emirates Abu Dhabi Dirham 971
United kingdom London Pound sterling 44
USA Washington US dollar 1
Vietnam Hanoi Dong 84
Yemen Sana’s Dinar 967
Zimbabwe Harare Zimbabwe 263

WORLD TIME
Hours fast (+) or slow (-) by the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

LOCATION GMT

Afghanistan + 04.30
Algeria + 01.00
Argentina - 03.00
Australia:
• New South Wales + 10.00
• Tasmania, Victoria +
10.00
• Queens land + 10.00
• South Australia + 09.30
• Northern Territory +
09.30
• Western Australia + 08.00
Austria + 01.00
Bahamas - 05.00
Bangladesh + 06.00
Bahrain + 03.00
Belgium + 01.00

S
Brazil:
• East - 03.00
• West - 04.00
Canada:
• Newfoundland - 03.30
• Atlantic - 04.00
• Eastern - 05.00
• Central - 06.00
• Mountain - 07.00
• Pacific - 08.00
• Yukon Whitehorse -
09.00
• Watson Lake - 08.00
• Dawson City - 09.00
China + 08.00
Colombia - 05.00
Costa Rica - 06.00
Cyprus + 02.00
Ecuador - 05.00
Egypt + 02.00
Ethiopia + 03.00
Finland + 02.00
France + 01.00
Germany + 01.00
Greece + 02.00
Hong Kong + 08.00
Hungary + 01.00
India + 05.30
Indonesia + 07.00
Iran + 03.30
Iraq +03.00
Ireland GMT
Italy + 01.00
Jamaica - 05.00
Japan + 09.00
Jordan + 02.00
Kenya +
03.00
Korea, South + 09.00
Kuwait + 03.00
Malaysia:
• West + 07.30
• Sabah +
08.00
Mauritius + 04.00

T
Mexico City - 06.00
Morocco GMT
Nepal + 05.20
Netherlands +
01.00
New Zealand + 12.00
Nigeria + 01.00
Norway + 01.00
Oman +
04.00
Pakistan + 05.00
Panama - 05.00
Philippines + 08.00
Poland + 01.00
Portugal GMT
Qatar + 03.00
Saudi Arabia + 03.00
Singapore + 08.00
South Africa +
02.00
Spain + 01.00
Sri Lanka + 06.00
Sudan +
02.00
Sweden + 01.00
Switzerland + 01.00
Tanzania + 03.00
Thailand + 07.00
Tunisia + 01.00
Turkey + 02.00
UAE + 04.00
UK GMT
USA:
• Eastern - 05.00
• Central - 06.00
• Mountain - 07.00
• Pacific - 08.00
Alaska:
• East - 08.00
• West - 11.00
• Hawaii - 10.00
Russia:
• Moscow + 03.00
• Vladivostok + 10.00
Venezuela - 04.00

U
Zambia + 02.00