Leh
Leh, a splendour in itself, a breathtaking and a mesmerizing beauty, possesses an aura of its own. This elegant city houses the nine-storeyed palace, a building in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture. The architecture is believed to have inspired the famous Potala in Lhasa built around half a century later. The NamgyalTsemo peak nearby, enlaps the ruins of the earliest royal residence at Leh. The fort was built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century. There are a few temples associated to it that have remained intact even as of now. The temples are generally kept locked. They are opened only during the morning and evening hours, when a monk travels right from the Sanskar Gompa, up the hills to pay homage to the deity and place butter-lamps in front of the images.

Ladakh
The hill resort of Ladakh is one of the ten provinces in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh offer the magic of the majestic mountains and the Tibeto-Buddhist Culture. The lovely Ladakh is one place where you may suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. The snow capped peaks and the barren lands beckon more intense and adventurous of travelers. You need to be in the wilderness of Ladakh to enjoy its virginal beauty.

For those evincing an interest in Tibetology and Buddhism, Ladakh is like a dream come true. The land of lamaseries, lamaism being a peculiar feature of the Buddhist social structure, here, which stresses on celibacy for males, and monastic existence for the women. The Ladakhi people are devout Buddhists, famous for their integrity, and innate humaneness. Mask and scarf dances, flutes, cymbals and percussion instruments accompany the festivities on special days. Leh, the nerve - centre of the region, and the low - profile Kargil are the two main districts of Ladakh.

Location
The hill resort of Leh-Ladakh is surrounded by the Karakoram Range in the north. The Himalayas border Ladakh in the south. The Indus River flows through Ladakh and divides it into Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, lower Ladakh and Rupshu. Geographically speaking the landscape of Ladakh comprises of uplands, craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus.

Prime Attractions of Leh-Ladakh

» Leh Palace
A miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions here. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. The Palace was built in the middle of the 16th century by King Singe Namgyal and still belongs to the royal family that now lives in the Stok Palace.

The nine storeyed monument has gone to seed, so don’t visit the site expecting too much. You might not be able to get in at all as the palace remains locked, unless of course you ask around and find a monk who can open it for you. The Palace has a museum with some tangkhas (painted or embroidered scrolls) and paintings amongst other things. The view from the monastery is quite impressive. Roosted above the Leh Palace is the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (monastery).

» Shanti Stupa
A relatively new addition to the rocky skyline around Leh is the toothpaste white Shanti Stupa above Changspa village, 3km west of the bazaar. Inaugurated in 1983 by the Dalai Lama, the "Peace Pagoda", whose sides are decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of the Buddha, is one of several such monuments erected around India by a "Peace Sect" of Japanese Buddhists. The Stupa is a vintage point to enjoy the wondrous views of the exotic locales of Leh.

» Likir Monastery
Located around 52 Kms from Leh, know as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits) founded in the 11th century AD and was rededicated to another monastic order (the yellow sect) in the 15th century, its earlier gompa was destroyed in fire. The present gompa dates back to the 18th century. It contains huge clay images of Buddha and various old manuscripts. It also houses an interesting collection of thankas, old religious and domestic costumes and implements etc.

In the 15th century lhawang Lodos Sangphu caused the monastery to flourish. This monastery also belongs to Gaylukpa school. Every year from the 17th to 19th of the 12th month the Likir festival is held.

» Thiksey Monastery
About 20 kms from Leh, Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest example of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and forms part of Gelukpa order. Paldan Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo, founded Thiksey monastery. The 12 storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings,there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen.

The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche act as incharge of the monastery. Thiksey gustor (festival) held from 17th to 19th day of the 12th month. The main prayer hall has a 15 mt high seated Buddha figure,There are chance to see prayer in the early morning.

Adventure Sports in Leh - Ladakh

Leh - Ladakh is indeed a trekker's paradise in North India. In case adventure excites you then you must take up any of the many treks offered from Leh. The trekking agencies in Leh offer treks inclusive of guide, packhorses, food and supplies. Leh also offers mountain biking to the daring on the second highest motor able road in the world. The adventure in mountain biking from Leh lies in the most hostile terrains. The entire stretch of 485 km between Leh and Manali offers a challenge to mountain bikers who have the opportunity to cut across the majestic Himalayan ranges through four mountains passes.

Adventurers need to push endurance to the limits to accept the challenge offered by the dangerous high-altitude trail from Leh. To the daring adventurers Leh-Manali highway rewards spectacular and picturesque landscapes.

Festivals of Leh - Ladakh

The lovely land of Ladakh plays hosts to the annual Ladakhi festival. The festival is a big time event that attracts several tourists to Leh. The celebration of the festival includes lot of zest and fervor from the local people. There are traditional dance performances, display of sporting skills in the various competitions and the exhibition of the local handicrafts. The tunes of the drums and the flutes will not fail to move you. The festival reveals a lot about the people and their culture in Ladakh.

Places to Stay in Leh - Ladakh

Accommodation is easily available in the hill resort of Leh - Ladakh. There are several hotels that cater to the needs of the tourists to Ladakh. In fact you will find some suitable accommodation option within your budget. Delicious and hygienic food is also readily available in the hotels, restaurants and the eateries that dot Ladakh.

Shopping in Leh - Ladakh

Any holiday would not be complete without a shopping spree. In the lovely hill resort of Ladakh pieces of metal work, woodcarving and paintings are popular gift items. Clothes and especially the pashmina is a must have for yourself as a souvenir from Ladakh. The abundance of the sheep, goats and yak in the region leads to production of various varieties of wool and woolens in Ladakh that might interest you.

How to get there

» Air
The airport at Leh is the nearest to Ladakh. Regular flights to the Leh airport connect Leh and in turn Ladakh with Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar.

» Road
Ladakh is connected to other places through a road network too. The various routes link Ladakh with Srinagar, Leh, Kargil, Manali and Keylong.