Demchok, Ladakh

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Demchok is a village and military encampment in the Indian-administered Demchok sector that is disputed between India and China. It is located in the Leh district of Ladakh at an elevation of 4,200 meters.

Demchok is a historic area of Ladakh, having been part of the kingdom from its inception in the 10th century. The village is named after Demchok Karpo, the rocky white peak behind the present Ladakhi village of Demchok. However, prior to 1947, the main Demchok village was on the Tibetan side of the border.

After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the village of Demchok was divided in two parts, with Demchok, Ladakh administered by India and Dêmqog, Tibet Autonomous Region administered by China. The two villages are separated by a narrow strip of land and a stream.

The people of Demchok are mostly farmers and shepherds. They live in simple houses made of mud and stone. The village has a school, a health dispensary, and a post office. However, the villagers face many challenges, including lack of access to basic amenities, harsh climatic conditions, and frequent border tensions.