Leh Ladakh - Buddist Stupas and Monasteries |
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In the month of July, when the weather was the most suitable, the Mishras from Allahabad flew to Leh and then drove down the Indus visiting the monasteries along its course. This historic city has been on the trade route to Tibet and Central Asia for centuries. It is also a centre of Buddhism with many monasteries as well as a settlement for Tibetan refugees.
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| Ladakh |
| Ladakh (Leh) |
LEH HIGHLIGHTS
Leh Palace - this massive nine-storeyed palace was built in 1630 by Ladakh's most important king, Sengge Namgyal.
Main Bazar - this area is interesting to shop for typical jewellery, curios, semi-precious stones, prayer wheels, etc. Chang Gali is the most popular area with its many shops and eateries.
Namgyal Tsemo - this 16th century fort-cum-palace complex has some interesting ruins, and two temples that are worth visiting for their murals.
Shanti Stupa - this is an impressive white modern structure built by the Japanese in the 1980s. Choglamsar - the settlement for Tibetan refugees is here (7km from Leh). You can see the Central Institute for Buddhist Studies, the Dalai Lama's prayer ground, and workshops where Tibetan handicrafts are made.
MONASTERIES OF LADAKH
Alchi Monastery - the most famous and probably most well-preserved monastery was built in the 12th century. It has five elaborate temples, with spectacular wall paintings, statues of Buddha, and murals depicting the life and times of those days. Alchi is one of Ladakh's most famous sight-seeing spots and a treasure trove of Buddhist art. Hemis Monastery - A large and flourishing monastery, this was built in the 1630s by Sengge Namgyal. It is on the banks of the River Indus and was the favourite monastery of the Namgyal dynasty. You can see the many decorated prayer halls, temples and rooms here, with colourful thangkas and murals. The annual Hemis festival held each summer attracts many tourists.
LAKES OF LADAKH
Towards the Tibetan border is an area dotted by spectacular lakes. It is a fascinating journey to drive across the barren, surreal landscape of Ladakh and arrive at these lakes with placid blue-green waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Pang-gong Tso is the largest lake and extends into Tibet. The spectacular Chang-chenmo mountain range can be seen from here.
Tso Moriri Lake is 30 km further south. It is in the midst of a vast wilderness, dotted by a few villages of mountain herdsmen. The lake is a breeding ground for the rare great-crested grebe, as well as many other water birds. About 80km north of here is the twin lakes of Tso Kar and Startsapuk Tso - these are on the road to Leh. |
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Ladakh
In the month of July, when the weather was the most suitable, the Mishras from Allahabad flew to Leh and
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