India Travel and Holiday Guide

Overview:

The Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh is one of the most remote regions of India, and lies embedded between the Karakoram mountains, the Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayas. The river Indus, that rises from the interior of the Tibet, flows through the centre of Ladakh, going further on to the western part of Pakistan. Amidst these majestic mountains, lies Leh, situated on the banks of the Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet.

The remote land of Ladakh has always fascinated people. Images of a stark and barren landscape juxtaposed alongside lush green fields, monasteries precariously perched on mountaintops, and an intriguing blend of cultures.

Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, was once the central meeting-point for trade caravans from Central Asia and the plains of India. Religious ceremonies and monastic festivals are regular features of the Ladakhi landscape. Crafts such as metal-work, painting, weaving, and wood-carving are widely found in the region. Archery and polo are the traditional sports here.

For seven months a year, Leh airport is Ladakh's only link with the outside world. Transport, boarding and lodging facilities are available to suit every pocket and there is sufficient novelty, antiquity and hospitality for all.

Ladakh is one of the only few places where one can experience Tibetan Buddhism being practiced in its original form.


Population: Approx 15,000 people

Climate: Dry, warm days with temperatures ranging from 25°C in summer to 10°C in winter and cool nights between 8°C and 14°C with heavy snowfall in winter should sum it up. Winters can be particularly harsh with temperatures going down to the minus figures.


Main Language(s): Hindi and English

Time Zone: GMT + 05:30

Phone Area Code: 01982

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year, but the extreme winters can be harsh on your system if you are travelling here for the first time. June through November are the best months to visit.


Airport Distance from City Center: 4 kms

Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Rs.150 Approximately

Places To Visit:

Hemis
40 kms from Leh, Hemis is one of the richest, biggest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held during summer in honour of their Guru Padma Sambhava's birth anniversary. It was built during the 1630s. Of its many frescoes, the most famous is the Wheel of Life.

Shankar Gompa
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.

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.

Leh – Shey
Shey, about 15 kms from Leh was once the residence of the royal family and is famous for its gilded statue of Buddha that stands at a height of 7.5 meters. A visit to this monastery, however, needs prior permission from the Lama.

Leh – Stok
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.

Leh – Lamayuru
The oldest holy site in Ladakh, 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.

Leh – Likir
This monastery dates back to the 18th century. Majestically situated, it commands a spectacular view. 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.

Leh – Spituk
8 kms from Leh, Spituk stands on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus valley. 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.

Leh - Thiksey
A fine example of 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.