Q11. Which festival is one of the most important and popular in Ladakh?
a) Diwali
b) Eid
c) Hemis Festival
d) Holi
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Correct Answer: c) Hemis Festival
Explanation: The Hemis Festival is one of the most important and popular festivals in Ladakh. It is celebrated at the Hemis Monastery to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival features colorful mask dances and attracts many tourists.
Q12. What is the name of the highest motorable road in Ladakh?
a) Srinagar-Leh Highway
b) Manali-Leh Highway
c) Umling La
d) Fotu La
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Correct Answer: c) Umling La
Explanation: Umling La, at an altitude of 19,300 feet (5,883 meters), is considered the highest motorable road in the world. It is located in the Ladakh region and surpasses the previous record holder, Khardung La, also in Ladakh.
Q13. Which animal, adapted to high altitudes, is native to Ladakh?
a) Snow leopard
b) Bengal tiger
c) Indian elephant
d) One-horned rhinoceros
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Correct Answer: a) Snow leopard
Explanation: The snow leopard is native to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. This elusive big cat is well-adapted to the cold, mountainous terrain of the region. Ladakh is home to several conservation efforts aimed at protecting this endangered species.
Q14. What is the name of the ancient royal palace in Leh?
a) Amber Palace
b) Leh Palace
c) City Palace
d) Mysore Palace
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Correct Answer: b) Leh Palace
Explanation: Leh Palace, also known as ‘Lachen Palkhar’, is a former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh. Built in the 17th century, it bears a striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace is now a museum and a significant tourist attraction.
Q15. Which desert is located in Ladakh?
a) Thar Desert
b) Gobi Desert
c) Cold Desert
d) Sahara Desert
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Correct Answer: c) Cold Desert
Explanation: Ladakh is home to the Cold Desert, also known as the high-altitude desert. This unique ecosystem is characterized by extreme temperatures, low precipitation, and sparse vegetation. It covers a large part of the Ladakh region and is a distinct feature of its landscape.
Q16. What is the name of the famous monastery in Ladakh known for its ‘Festival of Oracles’?
a) Hemis Monastery
b) Thiksey Monastery
c) Matho Monastery
d) Alchi Monastery
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Correct Answer: c) Matho Monastery
Explanation: Matho Monastery is famous for its annual ‘Festival of Oracles’ or Matho Nagrang. During this festival, two monks are believed to be possessed by deities and make predictions for the coming year. This unique event attracts many visitors and is an important part of Ladakhi culture.
Q17. Which pass connects Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley?
a) Zoji La
b) Khardung La
c) Chang La
d) Fotu La
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Correct Answer: a) Zoji La
Explanation: Zoji La is a high mountain pass that connects Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley. Located at an elevation of about 11,575 feet (3,528 meters), it is a crucial link between Srinagar and Leh and remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Q18. What is the name of the traditional Ladakhi dress for men?
a) Dhoti
b) Kurta
c) Gonchas
d) Sherwani
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Correct Answer: c) Gonchas
Explanation: The Gonchas is the traditional dress worn by Ladakhi men. It is a long, thick woolen robe tied at the waist with a sash called a skerag. This garment is well-suited to the cold climate of Ladakh and is often worn during festivals and special occasions.
Q19. Which famous Indian movie, showcasing Ladakh’s landscape, led to a surge in tourism?
a) Lagaan
b) 3 Idiots
c) Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
d) Rang De Basanti
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Correct Answer: b) 3 Idiots
Explanation: The 2009 Bollywood film “3 Idiots” featured several scenes shot in Ladakh, particularly at Pangong Tso lake. The movie’s popularity led to a significant increase in tourism to Ladakh, with many visitors wanting to see the locations featured in the film.
Q20. What is the name of the traditional Ladakhi bread?
a) Naan
b) Khambir
c) Roti
d) Kulcha
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Correct Answer: b) Khambir
Explanation: Khambir is a traditional Ladakhi bread made from whole wheat flour. It is a staple food in the region, often served with butter tea. The bread is thick and has a slightly sour taste due to the fermentation process used in its preparation.