By Hemant SharmaIf you want that out-of-this-world experience while still staying within the borders of India, then Ladakh is one place you must visit. It is just a stunning place, to say the least. Like, the people, the culture, the views, like everything, are just stunning and vibrant. Though, not a lot of people take special interest in the way people dress in this part of the country, but since you do, we are here to let you know about the traditional dresses of Ladakh. So, next time you visit Ladakh, you’ll be experiencing it in a much better way.
Traditional Dress for Men in Ladakh
Goncha (Also Known As Kos)
Down there in Ladakh, men wear this long and thick robe called a Goncha. It wraps around the body and ties with a pretty cool belt. Plus, it has long sleeves and side slits so it’s super easy to get around. And, you know, underneath the Goncha, they wear very cozy trousers and a shirt. That, too, that belt is quite handy for carrying stuff like a cup or some dried fruits.
Now, the men in Muslim regions like Kargil wear a pretty different robe called Choga, which actually opens in the front besides wearing a long shirt right beneath it. This style, mind you, descends straight from Baltistan and Central Asia, you know.
Traditional Dress for Women in Ladakh
Sulma
Ladies have this really gorgeous dress called Sulma. It is this super flowy gown kind of with a ball-gown effect, you know? With a snug top and a huge flare on the bottom, it’s cinched at the waist with a super-bright, colourful belt. Oh, and under the Sulma, they wear something called Greslen, which is a blouse, and nice pants made of stuff like wool or cotton.
Usually, married ladies will wear darker shades like black and brown, but younger women will choose brighter colours, just so you know.
Phiren
On the other hand, in places like Kargil, an elegant robe called Phiren is worn by Muslim women. The attire is loose and long, mostly draped with a scarf, you see. However, with a little difference from Sulma, which tends to be tight, Phiren is different. You’d agree when we say Phiren comes from Kashmir and Baltistan!
Regional and Community-Specific Attire
Kos Kar (Worn by Changpa Nomads)
Way up in the eastern hills near China, the Changpan people live in this harsh environment. These people wear this white long robe, from inside it is actually very thick, and is called Kos Kar. This is made from sheep wool and skin. This is so very comfortable to wear in the cold deserts where they live. Plus, they are handmade shoes from animal skin and are pretty strong for walking in rough countries.
Zanskar Region
Now, ladies here in Zanskar wear this kind of cap which is yellowish, called Gha-ram Tibi, coming from Kashmir. But right now, many of the girls are going in for the Ser-po Tibi-a cap made out of local wool, and it’s really nice. It’s pretty much showcasing local pride and culture.
Brokpa / Drokpa Tribe
Next up, the Brokpa people stay in a few villages around the Batalik, you know. They pretty well maintain their cultural uniqueness with a strikingly different kind of language. Also, they have lovely all-whiteness in their attire, made mainly from wool. In addition, they have an extremely special kind of cloak that is worn by ladies called Lokpa, as well as a lot of ornaments. Apart from this, they adorn their clothes with beads and silver stuff, whether it’s men or women.
Outerwear and Accessories
Yogar / Lokpa / Bok
So, ladies too drape a cloak known as Yogar or Lokpa on their backs. Made of sheepskin with the wool side on the inside, it is absolutely warm and cozy, you know. Besides, it’s quite handy for carrying heavy things. Well, there is the extra-fancy type of this cloak that is worn on festive occasions, called Bok.
Tipi / Tibi (Traditional Hats)
Now, hats are super important in the Ladakhi dress, you know. And this hat is called Tipi or Tibi, which is pretty good-looking too. Well, now ladies have extremely colorful hats, whereas gents go for common colors, mostly maroon, you see. And Zanskar and Brokpa areas have very special hats that use different decorations like flowers or patterns.
Pabu (Ladakhi Shoes)
Then there are traditional shoes called Pabu. They are made of yak or goat leather with these fantastic designs woven in very bright colours known as Thikma. To top it all, some Pabu just have these unique pointed toes like no other.