Ladakh

Ladakh: The Land of Endless Discovery

 

 

As Ladakh has always had close cultural and trading connection with, its predominant culture stems from Buddhism. This is particularly evident in the most populated region of Leh and the Indus Valley with its many whitewashed gompas (monasteries) and forts perched on top of Sugarloaf mountains. Padum, the capital of more remote Zanskar, shares this Buddhist heritage. Kargil and the Suru Valley the third main region of Ladakh is predominantly Shia Muslim and share a cultural affinity with Baltistan (in Pakistan since Indiam partition in 1947).

 

 

 

History Of Ladakh 

 

 

The capital of Ladakh is Leh. Ladakh is a land like no other Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies between two thinner ones, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.

Best 10 hotels in Ladakh:

1. The Grand Dragon Ladakh
2. Hotel Shambhala
3. The Zen Ladakh
4. The Ladakh Sarai
5. Hotel Singge Palace
6. Saboo Resorts
7. Hotel Grand Himalaya
8. Thongsal Resort
9. Ladakh Residency
10. The Auspicious Hotel

These hotels offer a range of amenities and cater to different budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh.

 

Sightseeing of Ladakh

 

Leh Palace:

 

 

It is in the north beyond the Old Village has been described as a miniature version of Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Dingay Namgiyal built the palace in the late 16th century; the palace stands like a sentinel over looking the town. Inside there are old wall paintings depicting the life if the Buddha. A part of the palace is a Museum. It has numerous rooms, steps and narrow passages Lined with the old thangkas, paintings and arms. The central prayer room usually locked but opened on request has religious texts lining the walls.

Namgyal Tsemo:

 

 

Soaring above the valley, the monastery dominates both the palace and the town, exhibiting in a manner the supremacy of the spiritual King. The monastery houses a gilded statue of Biddha, painted scrolls ancient manuscriot and wall paintings.

Gompa Tsemo(15th century): 

 

 

One of the roual monasteries, Tsemo Gompa is located near the palace is known for its two-storeyed statue of Chamb Buddha in a sitting posture. it is a strenuous walk north of the city and has a colossal 2-storey high image of Maitreya, flanked by figures of Avalokitesvara and Manjusri. The Namgyal rulers founded it and a portrait of Tashi namgyal hands on the left at entrance.

Nimmu:

 

 

About 8 kms. east towards Leh lays Nimmu at the confluence of differently coloured Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Arefreshing spot for tea. A direct minibus leaves Leh for Nimmu.

Basgo: 

 

 

It is listed as one of the top 100 endangered World Heritage sites in 2000. This 400 ears old mud-brick Gompa can be reached only through winding steep tracks. Ser Zung Temple with great frescoes in the prayer room another temple with an enormous gold and copper statue of the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha ) is worthy attractions. Daily buses from Leh to Alchi Pan Basgo.

Saspul:

 

 

Over the river from Alchi on the main road is a village, Saspul that has a small white and red cave temple nearby.

Ricong:

 

 

Rizong Gompa and Julichen Nunnery are ab0ut 6 kms. Aklkong a steep rocky track path of the main road. There is no village at Rizong but accommodation is available at the Gompa (for men) and the Nunnery ( for women) as there are no direct bus is there, a bus bound for Kargil or taxi will be best.

Khalsi:

 

 

There has been a bridge over th4e Indus River, at the turn-off to Dhahran at Khalsi. It is also a checkkkposdt with a major military area.

Shey Gompa:

 

 

15 kms. of south of Leh. Shey was the former summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. The Gompa with its small library connection of thagkas, some stsupas, mani walks, 12m Sakyamuni Buddha statue made copperbut gold plated is rasy to reach and can be combined with a visit to Thikse.

Mataho:

 

 

Built in the 16th century under the Sasakya order, Matho holds an annual festival during Feb-March during which the monks and novices go in to trances and self inflict wounds that appear to leave no marks.

Leh Gompa:

 

 

It horse a large golden Buddha, many painted scrolls, murals and old manuscripts.

Shanti Gompa:

 

 

Continuing the Changspa lane across the stream you reach the start of the stiff climb up to the new white Japanese Shanti Gompa.

Ecological Centre:

 

 

There is an ecological centre of LEDeG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group) and craft shop which opened in 1984 to spread awareness of Ladakhi environmental issues, encourage self-help and use of alternative technology.

Wildlife:

 

 

Ladakh offers very interesting trekking routes for trekkers. Trekking possobilities include short day-long day walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or monastic settlements or across a ridge to enjoy the sher beauty of the lunar mountain-scape. Or long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wildness. Ladakh is rich in wildlife you may come across some rare species like snow leopard, Black-necked crane, Tibetan wild ass, gazelles, ibex, ureals, ovisammon or shapo etc. you sure to sees Yak and Demos grazing on mountain pastures. All these may go to male your trek in this region a memorable moment the experience of the life time.

Alchi Gompa:

 

 

66 kms. west of Leh, this monastery consists of six temples which contain a chorten, seated Buddhas and exquisite paintings. Over ten centuries old the painted walls depict the events of the Buddha’s life lamas and musicians.

Choglamsar: 

 

 

A place full of flowers and plants which grow fantastically at such high altitudes. Polo and Golf  grounds are another variety from Choglamsar to the summer palace of the king it is an exhilarating journey through beautiful trees and fragrant flowers.

Thiksey Monastry:

 

 

This 15th century monastery comes en-route to Hemis. It has twelve storeys and consists of 8 temples and about 250 resident lamas. The chambers are full statues, stupas, thangkas ancient swords and Tantric wall paintings.

Hemis High Altitude National Park:

 

 

Some of the most exotic and rare flora and fauna species, including the endangered vizshapu, bharal, ibex, and snow leopard, inhabit this 600sq. km area.

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