About Leh- Ladakh
Ladakh
is located in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Being the largest
district of the state, it covers more than half the area of the state. Leh
is the capital of Ladakh district. What makes Ladakh renowned is its remote
mountain beauty and the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Also known as the 'Little
Tibet', the district of Ldakh was once a Buddhist kingdom. Straddling the
Himalayan and the Karakoram mountain ranges, the district of Ladakh happens
to be the highest altitude plateau region in India. Around 50% of the total
population of Ladakh consists of Tibetan Buddhists. The remaining 45%
comprises of Shia Muslims, local Christians, and some settled Hindu and Sikh
families. Lying at an altitude ranging from about 9000ft/ 2750 m at Kargil
to 25,171 ft/ 7,672 m at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram, Ladakh is a land of
freezing winds and burning hot sunlight.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a fantastic destination for tourists and
travellers. Scattered all over the place are ancient monasteries, quaint
lanes, colourful markets and splendid view of the Himalayas. Leh is the
place where the adventure of Ladakh begins. Trekking is one of the many
adventure activities that Ladakh is widely known for. Mountaineering, white
water rafting, game of polo and wildlife tours are a few of the lures of the
place. A tour to Ladakh is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Nearby Attractions
» Leh Palace - The Leh Palace is one of the key
attractions of the region. The Leh Palace, dominating the Leh area, is an
imposing nine-storey structure. The palace has remained empty since 1940
when the royal family Sengge Namgyal moved out. A few years later, the
Archaelogical Survey declared it a protected monument and has been making
extensive repairs. From the top floor of the palace, splendid views of the
valley can be had.
»
Tsemo Gompa -Moving further up ahead of the palace, one arrives at the
Tsemo Gompa. The Gompa is accessible either from Chubi or by walking up the
south approach from the Leh Palace.
» Shanti Stupa -The Shanti Stupa was inaugurated by
the Dalai Lama in 1985. This newly-added attraction in the Leh area attracts
a good number of tourists and travellers. The Stupa was erected with the
assistance of the Japanese. The beautiful murals and the calm ambience that
surrounds the Stupa is truly a wonderful experience.
» Chain of Monasteries - To the southeast and west
of Leh, one can come across a whole chain of monasteries. To the southeast
of Leh are some popular monasteries like Shey, Thiskey, Hemis, Stanka, Matho
and the Stok Palace. Spituk, Likir, Alchi and Rhizdong lie to the west of
Leh.
Reaching
The capital Leh has fabulous links by air to places like Delhi, Chandigarh,
Jammu and Srinagar. From Srinagar it takes 45 min to reach Leh by air. The
Srinagar-Leh route extends over 434 km and remains open from early June to
November. There are regular Government and private bus services available as
well. The second road-route is the 480-km Manali-Leh Highway.
Best Time to Visit
June to October is the ideal time to pay a visit to Ladakh. Most of the
routes remain closed after the month of November on account of heavy
snowfall. There is yet another good reason of visiting Ladakh in summer
months. Most of the Gompas and the Buddhist monasteries organise their
annual festivals during this these months.
