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Ladakh

The land of snow-capped mountains lies nestled between Himalayas and Karakoram and is also encompassed by two mountain ranges i.e. Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Geologically being a young land, it is in present times a high altitude desert with scanty rainfall and miles and miles of snow capped mountains. Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 3505 meters, is the center of activity. It is also a religious town as it is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture.

Places of Interest

Potala Place in Lhasa	Sankar Gompa	Tibeto- Buddhist Culture
Changi Gali	Shey Palace and Dalai Lama	Ladakh Ecological Center
Moravian Church	Historical Jama Masjid	SafdarJung’s Tomb

Best Season to Visit

March to October

Temperature

10 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius

Accommodation

Suiting every budget needs are available

Places to see in Leh

Leh Place is a nine storey building built by King Singge Namgyal in 17th century and is reminiscent of Tibetan architecture. It is often remarked that it was the inspiration for world famous Potala Place in Lhasa. Changi Gali is the place of trade and commerce that has shops selling everything from daily utility items, curios, and jewellery to local handicrafts. Other places worth watching are Moravian Church, Ladakh Ecological Center, Sankar Gompa, Shey Palace and Dalai Lama praying ground Jiva-tsal. Historical Jama Masjid is a tourist attraction and was build when Emperor Aurangzeb reached a peace accord with then ruler, D. Namgyal in 1666-67 AD.

Important Places and Mounments

Hemis -Situated 40 kilometers from Leh, it is famous for it’s wealthiest, biggest and best known Gompa in the whole region. The main attraction is its annual festival held in summer months in honor of Guru Padama Sambhav’s birth anniversary. The place boosts of largest collection of rare thanka paintings that are scrolls of paintings on raw silk and are displayed only once in 12 years. Alchi-has a historical Gompa situated on the banks of river and is 70 kilometers from main city of Leh. Dating back to 1000 years, it is looked upon by monks and is famous for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty.

Spituk-8 kilometers from Leh, the 15th century Monastery is situated atop a hillock that offers beautiful view of Indus valley. It is famous for many icons of Buddha and five thankas that are displayed in the monastery. It also houses an antique collection of masks, arms and a huge image of Mahakal.

Phyang-Situated on Leh -Kargil road, Phyang is 17 kilometers from Leh and is thronged by visitors for hundreds of icons of Buddha those are kept on wooden shelves.

Shey- the seat of pre-Tibetan kings is situated at an altitude of 975 meters and is 15 kilometers from Leh. Its main attraction is life size copper statue of Buddha plated with gold.

Thikse –One of the biggest and architecturally impressive monastery of Ladakh is 19 kilometers from Leh. Its beautiful gompas have images of Buddha all over them.

Stongdey-18 kilometers to north of Padum on the road leading to Zangla lies the monastery of Stongdey. The second largest and sacred monastic establishment in Zanskar is associated with Tibetan Master Morpa. Its white complex has numerous temples brimming with ancient monastic legacy. The place offers picturesque breathtaking view of the valley scenery.

Rangdum-Situated at an altitude of 3657 meters, its main attraction is 18th century Buddhist monastery surrounded by ancient fortification.

Phugthal-is the most gorgeous monastic establishment with many old chapels with one chapel dating back to 12th century. The main attraction is the Indian iconographic influence on frescos and ceilings of the chapels. Near by attraction is Zongkhul-a cave monastery that has carved murals on its walls by master Z.Dorje done about 300 years ago.

Sani -This is the only monastery that is build on level ground and it lies 16 kilometers of Padum. Its castle like structure is associated with Kasniska dynasty due to the enthralling presence of Kanika stupa in the backyard of its walled complex. Sani is famed for its multihued central prayer hall and intricate frescos in a small chapel. Added attraction is annual two-day festival which is held to celebrate meditation of Indian yogi Naropa, from Vikramshila. At the festival , Bardan Monastery monks perform masked dance as part of rituals.

Zangla – is reached via Padum and was once the seat of region’s titular king. Now the still beautiful old palace is in ruins except a small chapel, which attracts visitors from all over for its serenity. In the vicinity , is an old Tibetan nunnery for Tibetan nuns where one can see their daily simple life devoted to meditation and draw inspiration.

Places of Natural Beauty

Zanskar –is popular all over the world for its Drung-Drung glacier and is one of the last few surviving hamlet of old Tibet . There are numerous big or small monastic establishments. Remote meditation caves are the peripheral center for some of these monastic establishments.

Padum- Situated at an altitude of 3505 meters, once it was the capital of ancient city of Zanska. The popular tourist center is a famed trekking base and is known for its entertaining nature walks. Starrimo Monastery is reigning monastery and is a must visit along with old village of Pibiting. Its distinction lies in the fact that it has been under North Indian Buddhist Tradition and the influence is reflected in the architecture.

Kargil-boosts the distinction of having the oldest civilization of the region. The main tribes are Dards, living in Drass and Baltis in Kargil. There also exists an old fort in the main Kargil area that was build by General Zorawar Singh while he was on a conquest mission. Sura Valley-Beautiful mountain ramparts surround Sura Valley- the mainstay of Kargil. It boosts of, snow covered peaks, numerous streams and alpine slopes along with snow glaciers. Surrounding peaks Kun (7035 meters) and Nun (7135 meters) gives it a very splendid view. Sanka –Has photo picture surroundings aided by colorful mountains. It has a small bazaar nestled in between. It lies 42 kilometers of Kargil and boasts of humongous plantations of poplers, willows and wild roses in bowl shaped valley.