| Ladakh Monasteries:
Matho Monastery is the only monastaery of the Sakyapa sect in Ladakh and holds prime importance in the region. Best known for its annual Oracle Festival held in February and March, Matho is also famous for its divination and fortune-telling. The residing oracles undergo months of fasting and meditation and once they are possessed by the deity, they perform nerve-chilling stunts such as walking on the parapets of the monastery blindfolded, and slashing themselves with razor sharp sabres without losing any blood. There is a museum with a rare collection of 400-years old thangkas and costumes here.
The Hemis Monastery on the west banks of the Indus River belongs to the Drugpa order and is perhaps the largest and the richest monastery in central Ladakh. Built by King Sengge Namgyal, the monastery becomes the centre of attraction during the annual Hemis Festival when a huge three-storey high thangka (the sacred applique-work tapestry twisted with pearls and semi-precious stones depicting Guru Padmasambhava) is displayed to the public, once in every 12 years. The monastery treasures a copper-gilt statue of Lord Buddha along with other gold and silver statues.
Shey Gompa built in the 17th century has a huge two-storey high image of Buddha made of copper and gilded with gold - the largest metal statue and the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh. The lower storey has a library with fine murals.
Stok Monastery was the erstwhile palace of the Namgyals, the rulers of Ladakh. Today, it treasures a museum with 35 thangkas, Buddha images and bells, fine jade cups, royal jewellery and ceremonial robes.
Alchi Monastery was built as a monument to the Second Spreading or the revival of Buddhism in Tibet, and remained unaffected by the wars and destruction in Ladakh primarily due to its strategic location. Unlike the hilltop monasteries in Ladakh, Alchi is built down in a valley on the banks of the Indus River. Founded by the great translator, Rinchen Zangpo, the highlight of Alchi is its five temples along with the delicate paintings of court life, battles, costumes and customs, epitomizing Buddhist art.
Of the five temples, the Dukhang and the Sumtsek are the oldest and preserve the finest of murals. Kashmiri influence can be seen in the architecture. Dukhang or the assembly hall treasures the fine image of Vairocana, the main Buddha of Meditation, flanked by four other Buddhas of Meditation. Further, there are six beautiful mandalas painted on the walls with scenes from contemporary life. Sumtsek is famous for its gigantic images of Avalokitesvara, Manjushri and Maitreya.
Lamayuru Monastery is located on a high mountain ridge and overlooks a valley. It has a famous image of Vairocana besides a fine collection of thangka paintings.
Chemrey Monastery built in 17th century houses Buddhist scriptures with title pages in silver covers and text in gold letters. Basgo Monastery has beautiful murals dedicated to Maitreya, the Future Buddha. Likir Gompa built over an earlier monastery burnt in the 15th century, belongs to the Gyalukpa sect and treasures rich collection of paintings, robes and artefacts.
Lakes of Ladakh:
Southeast Ladkah is a region covered with splendid lakes of which Pang-gong Tso and Tso Moriri are the most famous ones. Surrounded by glaciers and snow-clad peaks, Pang-gong is a narrow and long lake extending up to 135 Km. Only one-third of the lake is in India and the rest falls under Tibet.
Spangmik, 7 Km along the lake's southern shore is the last point where tourists are allowed within the Indian border, and offers sweeping views of the Chang-chenmo Range, besides its shimmering reflection in the blue-green brackish waters. There are a few villages inhabited by semi-nomadic herdsmen around Pang-gong.
The sapphire blue waters of Tso Moriri Lake almost look artificial. The lake lies 30 Km south of Pang-gong Tso Lake at an altitude of 4600 m and is home to the only permanent settlement, Karzok. The lake is the breeding ground for migratory birds such as the rare black-necked crane and the great crested grebe. Other lakes in the region include the twin lakes of Tso Kar with its salty water and the fresh water Startsapuk Tso.
Trekking in Ladakh:
The arid, starkly beautiful landscape of trans-Himalayan desert of Ladakh and Zanskar offer some of the best trekking opportunities spanning from two to ten days. From beautiful monasteries, deep river gorges and lush meadows to quaint riverside villages, trekking trails in Ladakh offer myriad natural diversity unlike anywhere else in India.
Padum to Lamayuru is a tough 160 Km trail passing through Zanskar, Lingshet Monastery and Sing-la while Padum to Darch is 115 Km path, along the sparkling Tsarap River, passing through Kurigiakh, Zanskar's highest village at 4,100 m. The most popular trek is Spituk to Hemis along the Indus River, passing through the high pass of Kongmaru and terminating at the beautiful Hemis Monastery. A relatively easy trek route follows from Likir to Tingmosgang.
Other Activities:
Yet another interesting tour is the Nubra Valley Tour which follows the famed Silk Route through the world's highest motorable mountain pass, Khardung-la. Starting from Leh, the tour takes you through rustic villages, endless stretches of sand dunes, secluded monasteries and hot springs. You can explore the sand dunes between Diskit and Hundar on the back of a double-humped Bactrian camel.
Rafting is possible on Indus and Zanskar Rivers only between July and September. The best stretches are between Spituk and Nimu in Indus and between Padum and Nimu in Zanskar.
Jeep safaris to the southeast Ladakh lakes take around three days with overnight stay in tents.
The famous Ladakh Festival showcases the fascinating culture of the region and traditional masked dances. You can pick souvenirs from the handicraft exhibitions held during those times.
Food & Shopping:
Ladakh i food isn't very spicy but it's delicious. Do try thukpas and momos. Some good Leh restaurants are Dreamland and Himalayan Cafe for Tibetan food and Budshah Inn for Chinese and Kashmiri cuisine.
Must buys in Ladakh include Pashmina shawls; prayer wheels, Thangka paintings, Tibetan silver jewellery, hand-woven rugs and carpets. Famous shops are Ladakh Art Palace on Main Bazaar Road, Tibetan Leh Market off Leh Road and Tibetan Handicraft Emporium on Main Bazaar Road.
Tourism Info:
Dy. Director Tourism,
Leh-(Ladakh) 194101
Tel: 01982-252297, 252095
Miles
of cold desert swept by freezing winds and brilliant sunlight, placid
blue lakes, barren landscape and multi-hued mountains - Ladakh
is a land like no other. Tucked between two of the world's greatest
mountain ranges, The Great Himalayas and the Karakoram Range and
traversed by two other parallel ranges, Zanskar and Ladakh, this remote beauty of Jammu and Kashmir
offers endless dramatic vistas. Often referred to as The Last
Shangri-la and Moonscape, Ladakh is situated in a high altitude desert
at an altitude of 9,000 feet and is the highest inhabited region of India.
Dotted with quaint hamlets around the Indus River and fascinating gompas
perched on soaring hilltops, Ladakh mesmerizes you with its untouched
surreal landscape, Buddhist heritage, scenic hamlets and occasional
cultural festivals. Ladakh was once covered by an extensive lake
system, remnants of which can be found in the south-east region flanked
by beautiful water bodies.
Leh, the principal town of Ladakh had been on the trade route to Tibet and Central Asia
for centuries. Today, it is primarily a centre for Buddhism and a
settlement for Tibetan refugees. The town is dominated by the majestic Leh Palace built in the early 17th
century by King Sengge Namgyal. The nine-storeyed complex is almost in
ruins but still attracts attention with its medieval Tibetan
architecture, inward leaning walls and protruding wooden balconies. Of
late, tourism has become the main source of income for the economy and
Ladakh is growing in popularity as a destination for adventure seekers. |
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