Leh Ladakh, India
Ladakh is a cold desert region in Jammu and Kashmir that presently extends from the Kuen Lun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas in the south and is mostly inhabited by citizens of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. The place creates a perfect contrast with freezing winds and warm sunlight. This is a comparatively young destination, which is surrounded by the Great Himalayas on one side and the Karokaram on the other. Ladakh region is a dry area, which receives lesser rain and is completely opposite of the lush green landscape of the key parts of the Himalayas. The city enjoys snowfall in winters that is its main source of water. Ladakh is comprised of two administrative districts, including Leh and Kargil. Leh is the chief town of the region, which used to be the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. At present, it is the second largest district of India. Leh city has received importance under the reign of King Sengge Namgyal during 17th century. After series of two wars with Pakistan, the strategic value of the city increased.
At present, it is also witnessing a raise in tourism sector. Ladakh is now an integral part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its population is dominated by the Lamaist Buddhists. The place existed as an independent kingdom for about 900 years and presently, it is one of the most charming places in India. In the year 1531, the city witnessed continuous attacks from Kashmir that was persistent till the mid 19th century till its final capturing. Due to its association with places like Kashmir, Kishtwar and Kulu, the culture of Ladakh has been affected by different ethnic and cultural traditions from Himalayan ranges. Tourism in Ladakh is not all about scenic views of the valley and snowcapped peaks creating a charming backdrop. It is too about the culture of the region. The mesmerizing Buddhist monasteries of the region restore the centuries old inheritance of Ladakh. Ladakh celebrates frequent fairs and festivals to take you
Visit in Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is a land of mystery which never stops to surprise the travelers with its majestic mountain peaks and snowcapped Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. It offers several mountains and lush green valley that seem like a dream view to the travelers. Explore the major tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh region.
Sightseeing in Leh Ladakh primarily begins with a visit to the prominent Buddhist monasteries of the region. In fact, monasteries are the most distinguished feature of Ladakh. There are several popular monasteries in Ladakh that are known for their exceptional aspects. Read the following lines to get the information about almost every Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh.
Built on the west bank of the Indus River, Hemis Monastery at Ladakh is located at a distance of about 47 km from Leh. The monastery is sited inside a gorge and belongs to the Dugpa Order.
Situated on the banks of the Indus River, this monastery was founded thousand years back. One can see thousands of the Buddha pictures on a wall of this monastery.
Located 40 km of the east of the town of Leh, the monastery was founded by Lama Tagsang Raschen. This monastery was established during the 17th century.
The Diskit & Hundur Gompa is situated in the Nubra Valley of the Ladakh region. It was built by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong-kha-Pa.
Lamayuru Monastery is located at a distance of about 127 km of the west of Leh. The legend associated with this monastery goes at the time of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha.
Situated at a distance of about 62 km west of Leh, Likir Monastery was established during the year 1065. It was built in the reign of the 5th king of Ladakh.
It is the monastery of the Saskya Order and situated about 26 km to the southeast of Leh. It is located on the bank of the River Indus and was founded by Lama Dugpa Dorje in the 16th century.
This monastery was built by King Tashi Namgyal and it dates back to the year 1430.
Situated in the Zanskar region, Phugtal is positioned on the gateway of a huge cave.
This monastery belongs to the Gelukpa order and houses a huge image of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari having numerous arms and heads.
Situated at an elevation of 3510 meters and about 127 KM from Leh, it is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. This monastery is well-maintained by the Red Hat sect of Buddhism.
It is located about 15 KM away from Leh, which used to be the summer residence of the royal family. This monastery is adorned with a number of shrines and stupa. It has an idol of blue-haired Maitreya Buddha, which is 17.5 meters high and created using copper and brass.
Along with monasteries, there are many other places to visit in Leh Ladakh. Explore them through below written article.
Leh Palace: Situated on the edge of a hill and overlooking the entire town, Leh Palace was built by Dharmaraja Singey Namgial in the 17th century. This is a 9-storied palace that took 3 years in its completion. At present, it houses the Ladakh branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organization. It also features a museum displaying some exquisite paintings and other items.
Zanskar Valley: It is one of the remotest places to visit in Ladakh, which is situated between the Great Himalayan ranges and the Zanskar mountain ranges. The valley is named after the Zansker River and is surrounded by lofty mountains. The valley remains closed for about 8 months in a year due to heavy snowfall in the region.
Shanti Stupa: It was constructed by Japanese close to the Leh town on a vertical hilltop. The place is located at an elevation of about 4267 meters and enjoys a panoramic view of Leh and the snowcapped mountains. One can enjoy amazing sunrise and sunset from this Stupa. There is also a Buddhist temple close to the Shanti Stupa, which was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1991.
Khardung La: Situated at an elevation of 18,380 feet, Khardung La Pass is the highest motorable road of the world. The pass is situated on the trail from Leh to Nubra Valley. The weather conditions of place surprisingly changes and receives heavy snowfall with temperature going below -40° C. The pass is 40 km away from Leh.
Nubra Valley: Nubra Valley is located North-East of Ladakh Valley. Situated between Tibet and Kashmir, it is a must visit place in Leh Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The view from the valley is simply charming and breathtaking. In winters, the whole valley appears like the landscape of the moon and in summers, it goes full of greenery.
Magnetic Hill: Apart from various dazzling hotspots in Leh Ladakh, there is an unusual hill-‘Magnetic Hill’ in the region. Situated in Leh, this majestic gravity hill can mesmerize you with its uniqueness. The hill has strong magnetic properties that pull cars uphill and induce aircrafts to increase their altitude to get away from the magnetic interference. There is a Gurudwara close to this hill.
Tso Moriri Lake: Situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet, Tso Moriri Lake is a fresh water lake. A journey from Leh to Tso Moriri offers a change in the landscape and turns from rugged to full of vegetation. There is also a hot spring on the trail to Tso Moriri.
Pangong Lake: This is the greatest attraction of the region and is a beautiful water reservoir. The lake is about 134 Km long. Located at an altitude of 14,270 feet, the lake features crystal clear water of the lake reflects the towering mountains all around. The scenic beauty with a calm environment appears like a dream to the tourists.
Leh Ladakh, India
Mid-March to June, Pleasing and Delightful
Temperature:8°C- 20°C
July to September, average annual rainfall
Annual rainfall -61 cm.
Last November to February, Chilled and Freezing
Temperature:-5°C- -7°C
Sights of Leh Ladakh
