Cold desert of India include areas of ladak, leh and kargil of kashmir and spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh and some parts of northern Uttaranchal and Sikkim. Lies in rain shadow of Himalaya Oak, pine, deodar, birch and rhododendron are the important trees and bushes found there. Major animal include yaks, dwarf cows, and goats.
Severe arid conditions – Dry Atmosphere
Mean annual rainfall less than 400mm
Soil type – sandy to sandy loam , Soil pH – neutral to slight alkaline.
Soil nutrient – Poor organic matter content ,low water retention capacity
Bio-diversity
Cold desert is the home of highly adaptive, rare endangered fauna, such as
Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Argali, Ladakh Uriyal, Bharal, Tibetan Antelope (chiru),
Tibetan Gazelle, Wild Yak, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Wild
Dog and Tibetan Wild Ass (‘Kiang’ a close relative of the Indian wild ass) ,
Woolly hare, Black Necked Crane, etc.