G.B. International ::- Leh /Ladakh
| Kashmir | Hill Station | North India | Other States |
|---|
Leh / Ladakh
A distinctive region in the Jammu & Kashmir state, Ladakh is a vast high land desert lying between the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. Once a feudal kingdom of federated clans, ruled from Leh-the capital of the kingdom - by a line which claims descent from the kings of Lhasa, the region is now organised into two districts: Leh and Kargil. Leh district is inhabited predominantly by the Buddhists and, accordingly, it is the centre of Buddhist culture. Leh is the major town in the region, and centuries ago it was an important stop on the old caravan silk route from China. Today it's more renowned as a military base and tourist centre, It's scenically located in a fertile valley 10km north of the Indus River. A popular day trip from Leh is the 17 kms excursion to the Tikse Gompa, which is picturesquely sited on a hilltop overlooking the Indus River. It has an important collection of Tibetal-style books and some excellent artwork. It's also a good place to watch religious ceremonies. The Hemis Gompa, 45 kms from Leh, is the largest and most important in Ladakh. It is famous for its Hemis Festival, which usually takes palce in the second half of June or in errly July. It features two days of elaborate masked dances watched by crowds of eager spectators. for the those who haven't pumped enough adrenalin simply getting to Ladakh. White-water rafting trips on the Indus River can be organised through several agencies operating from Leh, and there are trekking opportunities in the Markha and Indus valleys.
Excursions
Alchi GompaThe Alchi Gompa is situated on the banks of the Indus and was founded thousand years back. On one of the walls of the monastery are thousands of miniature-sized Buddha pictures. It also contains three large sized and brightly painted clay images of Buddha.
Chemrey Gompa
The Chemrey Gompa of Ladakh is situated at a distance of approximately 40 km to the east of the town of Leh. Founded by Lama Tagsang Raschen, this monastery dates back to the 17th century. It was built to serve as a memorial to King Sengge Namgyal.
Hemis Monastery
The Hemis Monastery at Ladakh is situated at a distance of approximately 47 km from Leh, on the west bank of the Indus River. The monastery stands concealed inside a gorge and belongs to the Dugpa Order. The biggest and the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh, Hemis Monastery was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso.
Likir Gompa
Located at a distance of approximately 62 km to the west of Leh, the Likir Monastery dates back to the year 1065. It was during the reign of the fifth king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo, that Lama Duwang Chosje was offered land for building a monastery.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace is situated on the edge of a hill overseeing the town below. It is said to be a miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa. Known as Lhachen Palkhar, the Leh Palace was built in the 17th century by Dharmaraja Singey Namgial. This nine-storied palace took three years to complete. It served as the royal residence until the royal family was exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Now, it houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organization. Leh Palace also houses a museum displaying some exquisite tangkhas (painted or embroidered scrolls) and paintings.
Shey Gompa
King Deldon Namgyal got the two-story Shey Gompa constructed in the year 1655, in the memory of his father. One of the highlights of the monastery is a two-story high image of the seated Buddha. The image is worked out of copper sheets, gilded with gold, and is the biggest metal statue and the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh.
How to Reach
By RoadFrom Srinagar
Road is usually open from the end of May to October. 434km from Srinagar . Srinagar is 293 km away from Jammu, 434 km from Leh, 204 km from Kargil, 52 km from Gulmarg, 96 km from Pahalgam, 630 km from chandigarh & 876 km from Delhi.
From Manali
Road is usually open from mid-July to end-september. 437 km from Manali.