Traditional Dress Of Ladakh With Pictures [For Men & Women]

Leh Ladakh is a newly established Indian union territory in the Himalayas, located in the country's northernmost region in the Himalayas. Individuals are forced to dress in winter clothing all year due to the region's frigid weather conditions.

Traditional Indian clothing is an important part of one's ethnic identity, and we have plenty of it! Ladakhi attire is an example of this. The clothes created to protect the Ladakhis from harsh conditions speak volumes.

Sulma & Goncha, traditional dress

The Goncha garment, also known as 'Kos' in Ladakh, is a large covering robe that is difficult to wear. Males wear gonchas, which come in a variety of colours such as charcoal, maroon, grey, and earthy tones.

It is made of a velvety, polyester, cotton, and, of course, woollen blend to keep you warm when the weather turns cold outside.

Ladakhis wear Gonchas embroidered with silken, velvet, and brocade brought from Nepal and Bhutan to weddings and other formal events. Skerag is also worn, which is a thick fabric waistline made of thick fabric.

In public, married Ladakhi women wear Sulma. Depending on the season, this vibrantly coloured traditional Ladakh clothing is made of silk, brocade, or velvet.

Skerag is a colourful scarf that is tied around the waist. Sulma has been sewn in such a way that she resembles a ball gown. For a more formal look, pair it with a nylon, cotton, or silk blouse. It's a loose-fitting, puffy-sleeved dress that's not too formal.

Nomads wear- Kos Kar

Changpas are semi-nomadic nomadic people who live near the Chinese border. It is a Ladakh community with a diverse range of traditions, clothing, and dialects to offer visitors.

They can easily be distinguished from the rest of the pack due to Kos Kar. It is made of sheep wool and skin that has been turned inside out and protects against harsh weather.

Traditional Cape- Lokpa & Yogpar

When you were a kid, you probably saw Superman and Batman's capes, but nothing compares to the typical Ladakh cape. Ladies have traditionally worn square yogars and Lokpas around their shoulders.

Lokpa is entirely made of sheepskin, as opposed to Yogar, which is stitched with brocade or cotton and decorated with rainbow tassels and sheep wool.

It provides warmth and acts as a cushion for women carrying heavy loads on their backs. Bok, a designer Yogar, can be worn for special occasions as well as on a daily basis.

Final thoughts

India has advanced, and so has our traditional clothing. Despite the fact that these exquisite traditional Ladakh costumes are now only worn at festivals and performances, the people of Ladakh take great pride in their appearance when they do. It is their way of paying respect to their forefathers and mothers.