Leh and Ladakh - Jammu & Kashmir

Tourism

Zanskar
The valley is situated between the Great Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountains, the three arms radiating star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse. Here the Zanskar River comes into being by the confluence of its two Himalayan tributaries, the Stod/Doda and the Lingti-Tsarap Rivers. About 20 kms. South of Rangdum stands the Pazila watershed across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the Trans Himalayan Valleys. The Panzila Top (4401 m) is the picturesque tableland adorned with two small alpine lakes and surrounded by snow covered peaks. A long and winding river of ice and snow, "Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is the very glacier from which Stod or Doda tributary of the Zanskar River rises. There is a certain mystique about Zanskar. There is no doubt due to its remoteness and high altitude it is difficult to access but its reputation as a Sangri-La is due to its landscapes, the simplicity of life in villages and the serene atmosphere all around. The main places of attractions in the Zanskar valley are the mountainous ramparts of this ‘Shangri-La’, a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments. In addition, the haunting beauty of the spectacular landscape and the ancient culture of this formidable land are wonderful and enjoyable. To-day, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. Within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangrila stand a number of ancient yet active monastic establishments. Some of these religious foundations have evolved around remote meditation caves believed to have been used by a succession of famous Buddhist saints for prolonged meditation in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

Thiksey Monastery
Famous for Ladakhi architecture, Thiksey is one of the largest and most impressive gompas. There are several temples in this gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two - storeyed statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder. This monastery has an outstanding collection of art in its chambers. Library of hand painted manuscripts and block printed books, and some mandalas on the walls are the main attractions of this place. Both Shey and Thikse have an oracle-a lay person who is invaded by a spirit and travels around the valley making prophecies.

Spituk Monastery

Leh airport is very close to the spituk Monastery. This 15th century monastery houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe-inspiring image of Kali. The face of the Kali image is kept covered and revealed only at the annual function in January every two years. About 1000 year old, this monastery has three chapels, from the highest, perched on the top of a hill, there are superb views over the Indus valley. One of the lower chapels has some very fine (new) wall paintings. There are fine tankas and silver Chortens and a statue of Kali, the face of which is only shown once a year. Spituk stands on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus valley.

Likir Monastery

This monastery dates back to the 18th century. There is a statue of the Matreya Buddha within the Likir Gompa. The Matreya Buddha is the incarnation of Buddha ready to come into the universe.

Alchi Gompa

70 Kms from Leh on banks of the Indus, is Alchi Gompa dating back a thousand years. One of its walls features thousands of miniature-sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attraction. This monastery consists of six temples, with seated statues of Buddha and exquisite paintings. Its exquisitely painted walls depict the events of the Buddha's life, lamas and musicians.

Shankar monastery

A small gompa with only 20 monks, about 02 kilometres from Leh, is a subsidiary monastery of Spituk. There is a fine painted mandala and a statue of Chanrazik with 1000 arms and 1000 hands and an eye on each hand. The Shankar Gompa (monastery) is famous for its numerous statues of pure gold and a number of interesting paintings. Close by are the Leh Palace and the cottage industries emporium.

Ladakhi Festival

Polo and archery sports are the traditional sports of this place. The polo grounds within Leh are the hub of most activities. The inauguration ceremony is a must see. Colourful processions start the parade. Contingents in their traditional costumes come from every part of the district.

Stok Palace

The residence of the Rani of Stok – the queen of Ladakh. Lying at height of 3600 metres in the lower part of the big valley of Stok, was built in the beginning of the 19th century. The palace is now converted into a museum, where exquisite collections of the royal family are displayed. Stok was the Palace of the banished royal family. This is the only inhabited palace in Ladakh. A museum in the palace displays fabulous period costumes and jewellery of the royalty. Interesting historical objects like coins, seals, armour, weapons, precious jade and porcelain can also be found on display. The palace is about 200 years old.

Shey Palace

Huge golden figure of Buddha 40 ft high, which was made in the 17th century. The upper chapel is balcony around then head of Buddha, while the lower chapel has an extensive library and some tankas. Shey, was once the residence of the royal family and is famous for its gilded statue of Buddha. A visit to this monastery, however, needs prior permission from the Lama.

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru was once a lake. According to legend it was blessed by a lama and the water of the lake receded into the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built. It is also famous for being a ‘free-zone’ since not even a criminal can be apprehended in this place. It is mostly in ruins and only the main hall exists today.

How to reach Leh Ladakh

By Air: Leh is well connected by air and road. Leh Airport is 7 kms from Leh. You can hire a taxi to drive into the town. Jet Airways operates daily flights from Delhi. From June to August Alliance Air flights operate between Leh and Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu. Indian Airlines provide world class flight services to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar.

By Road:Approach to Ladakh region can be possible from Kashmir valley via 434-km Srinagar-Leh road which remains open for traffic from early June to November. The J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates regular Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route with an overnight halt at Kargil. The route remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.