The Ladakh Himalaya, which is characterised by an average elevation of about 3000 meters, is considered as one of the climate hotspots in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. Primarily located in the rain shadow zone (Trans-Himalaya), around 90% of the population residing in rural areas are reliant on agriculture which is sustained by glacial and snowmelt. It is increasingly being realised that climate change is affecting the Himalayan cryosphere, thus threatening the local livelihoods. For example, the receding glaciers due to global warming are expanding the glacial lakes and thus posing threat to the glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Due to the receding glaciers particularly after the Little Ice Age (LIA), large quantities of unconsolidated paraglacial sediments are sequestered in the relict glaciated valleys. These sediments are readily mobilised during extreme weather events and inflict severe damage to the various infrastructures besides modifying the terrain morphology and making it unsafe for habitation. Therefore, to ensure safety and security of the terrain and the people, amid climate change, it is important that environmentally friendly methodologies must be put in place. This paper aims to provide a broad overview of the existing challenges posed to the cryosphere in the HKH region, with special reference to the Ladakh Himalaya including glaciers, lakes, permafrost, and paraglacial and their associated processes. Additionally, the paper explores strategies for mitigating the potential impacts on ecosystem sustainability and livelihoods.