Leh - Ladakh is the largest
province within the North Indian State of Jammu and
Kashmir, covering approximately 60,000 square miles
(100,000 sq. km). It is surrounded and bisected by
some of the highest mountain ranges in the world.
Running in a generally northwest to southeast
direction through Ladakh, the great Himalayan Range
separates the Vale of Kashmir from Ladakh. We have
various Tour Packages for your ready reference,
though we believe on Tailor Made Itineraries for
your scheduled trip to Ladakh and kashmir.
Major Sightseeing in Leh
Shanti
Stupa
The Shanti Stupa is white-colored domed-shaped
structure, located in Chandspa which looks extremely
beautiful during night when it is illuminated. This
peace pillar was built a 'peace sect' of Japanese
Buddhist organization to celebrate the completion of
2500 years of Buddhism and for the promotion of
world peace. It was inaugurated by His Holiness, the
Dalai Lama in 1985. This pillar is known for its
gilt panels depicting the life stories of Lord
Buddha. It is just 5 kms away from the main city of
Leh and is surrounded the traditionally built houses
of the locals and snow-covered mountains. Take the
steep slights to reach the Stupa that offers
beautiful sunrise and sunset views.
Leh Palace
Leh Palace known as the 'Lhachen Palkhar' is a
former royal palace of the Leh Kingdom. Located in
Leh city. It is one of the biggest tourist
attraction of Leh city. The 17th century Palace, Leh
Palace is also one of the tallest buildings of its
time with nine story's. The palace provides
spectacular views of Stok Kangri and the Ladakh
mountain range as well as town and surroundings
Sangam
SANGAM
- (Confluence of river Zanskar and Indus point) is
located at 6KM from Nimo valley towards the Leh city
on Kargil Leh highway. If you are travelling to Leh
from Manali, you will have to visit this place from
Leh city at the distance of just 35KM
IF you are goging to Leh to Kargil then stop at this
spot which is famously known as Confluence of Indus
& Zanskar Rivers. There is special points are
developed by the authority so that you can have a
beautiful view of this confluence from the height.
Zanskar river is shiny blue in colour, on the other
hand Indus looks a little green. In the Winter
Season - Zanskar freezes completely during some part
of the winter to enable the Chadar trek, the Indus
keeps flowing though it too would have started to
freeze in patches. Summer or winter, this confluence
makes for a great sight.
Magnetic
Hill
Magnetic Hill lies on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National
Highway in the Trans-Himalayan region. To the east
of the Magnetic Hill flows the Sindhu River, making
the surroundings a photographer's delight.
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame is a museum constructed by the Indian
Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid
down their lives defending the motherland in the
Indo-Pak wars. The Hall of Fame museum is located on
the Leh-Kargil Road, about 4km from the city of Leh.
It stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made
by our soldiers to ensure the safety and security of
our country.
Lamayuru Monastery
Lamayuru
Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery perched at
an altitude of 11520 ft., the monastery is one of
the fascinating places to visit in Ladakh. The
oldest gompa is also one of the largest monasteries
in Ladakh famed as Tharpa Ling which means the
'place of freedom'. Nearly 150 monks belong to the
monastery and 30-40 still reside at the gompa
belonging to the Red-Sect of Buddhism. The monastery
lures spirituality learners and tourists who wish to
spend some time at a beautiful location amidst the
sacred aura. The gompa also serves as the meditation
center. Tranquil ambiance and scenic location of the
monastery is mesmerizing.
Lamayuru is the oldest and one of the largest
monasteries in Ladakh. As per legends, Lamayuru's
valley was a clear lake at the time of the Sakyamuni.
The lake was the dwelling place of the holy
serpents. The Bodhisattva Madhyantaka made a
prediction that the lake will be emptied and a
monastery will be built here. Naropa, a Buddhist
scholar visited Ladakh in 11th century and spent
many years meditating in a cave. Naropa then caused
a split in the surrounding hillside and due to this
the lake emptied. Thereafter, Naropa found a dead
lion covered by the waters of the lake. Naropa built
the first temple on this spot and named it as the
Singhe Ghang (Lion Mound).
Alchi monastery
Alchi monastery, located in the Alchi village in Leh,
was built by the great translator Guru Rinchen
Zangpo between 958 and 1055. Today it is being
monitored by Likir Monastery. This monastery is
actually a complex of temples consisting of 4
separate portions that has monuments built at
different times. The main complex has three temples-
gTsug-lag-Khang (main temple), 'Jam-dpal lHa-Khang (Manjushri
temple) and Dukhang (assembly hall).
Alchi monastery is one of the most well-known ones.
The walls of the site are adorned with paintings
depicting the details of Hinu kings as well as the
teaching of Buddhism.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis
Monastery is a Tibetan monastery belonging to the
Drukpa Lineage. Counted as one of the iconic
monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis is perched on a
mountain along the west bank of Indus River. People
eagerly await to marvel at the numerous paintings or
Thangkas that are carefully preserved here and are
displayed on the famous Hemis Festival. A visit to
the Hemis Monastery is one of the highlights of
planning holidays in Ladakh.
The ancient Hemis monastery is said to be have
existed before the 11th century. Naropa, the teacher
of the translator Marpa and the pupil of the yogi
Tilopa, are regarded as the founding fathers of the
Kagyu-lineage of Buddhism, with, Hemis is its main
seat. The first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang
Gyatso founded the monastery in 1630 when he was
invited to Ladakh by the King Singay Namgyal.
Matho Monastery
Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery
built under the Saskya Monastic Establishment. It
was constructed around 500 years ago. It was
established by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410, who belongs
to Sakya order. It houses a marvelous collection of
ancient Thangas and known for its Matho Nagrang
Festival. It is an annual festival which takes place
in the first half of March. It is a nice place where
you can understand Buddhist teachings and
philosophies. The nearby attraction of this place is
Stakna Gompa.
Rangdum Gompa
Rangdum Gompa is situated halfway between Kargil and
Padum. It was founded by Losang Geleg Yeshe Drogpa
in the 18th century. It rises above a centrally
ascending mountain, established around the diverged
route of a mountain stream. It appears like an
ancient fortification, which stands as a guardian of
a mystical mountain valley. It is located alongside
Julidok village and around 25 kilometers from the
Pensi La pass which leads to Zanskar. This monastery
is home to around 30 monks and monasteries.
Rizong Gompa
Rizong Gompa, also known as Rhizong monastery
belongs to Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism is
situated on the hilltop of a rocky valley to the
north of river Indus. It is also known as the Yuma
Changchubling in Ladakh region. Established at
Ri-rdzong in 1831 by Lama Tsultim Nima under the
Gelukpa order, today it has around 40 monks who have
to abide by very strict rules and regulations. It is
also famous as 'the Paradise For Meditation'.
Sankar Gompa
Sankar Gompa, or monastery, is yet another beautiful
monastery in Ladakh located at a distance of around
3km from the main town of Leh. You should visit this
monastery during your tour to Ladakh, not just for
its incredible architecture but also because it's a
treasure-trove of history and art. Sankar Monastery
is believed to be a subsidiary of Spituk Monastery,
with the same Lama presiding over it.
Diskit Monastery
Diskit
Monastery, also known as Deskit monastery is not
only the oldest but also the largest Buddhist Gompa
in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh. The prayer hall of the
monastery consists of a statue of Maitreya Buddha,
various images of other guardian gods as well as
huge drum. This monastery is of the Gelugpa sect
(Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by
Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa,
founder of Gelugpa, during the 14th century. The
monastery's cupola is same as the Tashilhunpo
Monastery of Tibet.
Shey Monastery
Shey Monastery is reckoned as one of the popular
monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Also known as Shey Palace
or Shey Gompa, the monastery is famous for housing a
3-storeyed huge copper with gilded gold idol of
seated Shakyamuni Buddha. The statue is counted as
the second largest idol in Ladakh.
Shey Gompa enjoys a perfect geographical location
and offers breathtaking views of the nearby
surroundings of Matho, Thiksey, Stok, Stakna and Leh
as well. Almost in its ruins now, the palace is also
home to several butter-lit lamps with an eternal
flame which burns continuously for the entire year.
They are replaced annually to continue the flame
without any hindrance. This is done in order to
signify the purity and divinity of the sanctum
sanctorum. 4-km of trekking, makes the way to this
must-visit destination an intriguing one. Special
permit is required to visit the Shey Monastery as
only one Lama dwells here and the inner shrine
remains closed usually.
Phyang Gompa
Phyang Gompa belongs to the red hat sect of
Buddhism. White and ochre colored monastery lies on
a hill top and seems to be overlooking the
surrounding village. The site where today the Gompa
finds its footing was a small part of various
monastic properties that were received as a gift by
Chosje Damma Kunga, given by Dharmaraja Jamyang
Namgial. Phyang Hills was the place of Tasi Chozong
Gompa, which was founded way back in the year 1515.
This monastery was offered to a monastic community
that paved way for the foundation of Digung
teachings in Ladakh that were started by Skyoba
Jigsten Gonbo. On the other hand, it is believed
that it was established by King Tashi Namgyal,
during the third quarter of the 16th century.
Stakna Monastery
Stakna Monastery, located about 25km from the main
city of Leh, is also known as "Tiger's Nose
Monastery". This is because the rock on which the
monastery is located resembles a tiger leaping up to
the sky. Stakna Monastery displays the cultural and
religious heritage of Buddhism. The monastery houses
almost 30 monks belonging to the Dugpa order.
Visiting the monastery lets you explore the cultural
heritage of Buddhism and also enjoy the panoramic
views of the surroundings from the monastery.
And more sightseeing in Leh
Ladakh etc
.