Ladakh is on of the oldest kingdoms in India. The kingdom stretches over a 3500m desert like plateau and the Indus Valley and is part of the southern silk route between Tibet and Kashmir. The capital city of Ladakh is Leh and it has a very distinct central Asian feel. The area is littered with gorgeous gompas, deserted mountain trails, thriving villages and bustling bazaars, all tinge with a feel of an ancient and lost world. This far flung pocket of north western India is like a high altitude snow desert surrounded by razor sharp jagged mountain peaks.
Leh is the major post in the area and most people come here before hey commence trekking in the Ladakh region.
There are some interesting sights to see around the area-
Shanti Stupa-To reach this place you have to climb the 560 steps. At the stupa you will see the legacy of Fujii Guraji, a Japanese Buddhist who moved to India in 4931. This stupa is a Japanese built peace pagoda with some very beautiful panels depicting the life of Buddha.
Namgal Tsemo Gompa-this Gompa has many paintings depicting wrathful deities and benign bodhisattvas. The Gompa has a dark and eerie feel to it.
Sengge Namgyal Palace – towering above the old town of Leh and built during the 1630’s this nine story palace is a fine tribute to the Shey Empire. Back in the day, a roar of a loin would mark the opening of the main gate, the palace is a display room of thankas and swords.
Though desert like, Ladakh has some very interesting and surprisingly lush and beautiful places to visit, trekking is the best mode to get around and explore this sub Himalayan region. But some other interesting places you can visit by jeep or bus are-
Shey- this one time ancient capital is now the famous resting places of giant twin images of Sakyamuni. Both are located near to the majestic palace sitting in the surrounding hills.
Tikse-Perched on a craggy ridge is perhaps the most beautiful and most photographed Gompa in Ladakh due its breath taking surroundings.
Srinagar- previously one of the biggest tourist destinations in India, but due to recent conflict is nowadays less visited. Peace now prevails in this area and once again it is possible to visit this place, by doing so you will be one of the few lucky people to visit the most beautiful place in the world. This beautiful old town with its many gardens and cobbled streets overlooks the majestic lakes and is surrounded by mountains and give you images that will settle in your mind for a life time. It is also the gateway to some of the most spectacular trekking in the world, but you must be accompanied by a guide. |
