What are ice stupas and how do they help conserve water in Ladakh?

Ice stupas are man-made, cone-shaped ice structures built in cold regions such as Ladakh to store water as frozen ice during winter.

Water is directed to form tall, conical ice mounds that freeze in winter and melt slowly in spring.

The conical shape reduces surface area relative to volume, causing the ice to melt more slowly and provide a controlled supply of water in the warmer months for irrigation and farming.

Ice stupas are a practical method of conserving and releasing water at the time it is most needed in arid and high-altitude regions.