A Trip To Leh Ladakh - A Magical Experience For Many

By Author: soni sajjan
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Leh is the former capital of Ladakh , a Himalayan kingdom located at an altitude of 3500 m. Situated along the Indus valley and with many trade routes converging from all four directions, it was considered to be an important trade route for many centuries.

Places for Tourists in Leh

The most distinguished monument in Leh would be the Leh Palace. It is the former home of the royal family of Ladakh. It was built during the seventeenth century by a Buddhist king named Sengge Namgyal, also known as the ‘Lion King’. It is nine storeys high. The royal family was accommodated in the upper floor, while the lower floors contained store rooms and stables. Though now it is in ruins, it still has a mystical quality about it. Sadly, it is off limits to many tourists and can be opened only at the request of a monk.

There are many monasteries in Leh, collectively known as the Monasteries of Shey. Some of them are Tresthang, Stakna, Chemday and Takthok monasteries. In particular, the Hemis monastery offers spectacular mountain scenery. It belongs to Dugpa ...
... Order and is the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.The Shanti Stupa, a white-tombed Buddhist stupa, holds the relics of Buddha at its base. It is located on a hilltop in Chanspa.

The Stupa is a religious attraction and also provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The white Chamba temple stands in the market space in the city. It was built by King Tragspa Bumde. It is dedicated to Maitreya - the future Buddha.

Activities In Leh For Adventure Freaks

The landscape of Leh itself holds never-ending gorgeous vistas and attracts tourists who are looking for adventures. It provides a host of adventurous activities like trekking, cycling, mountaineering, and rafting. It has a number of interesting trekking routes, including short walks to monastic settlements or isolated villages, and trekking that involves weeks of camping in the wilderness.

Leh Ladakh has a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it rich in wildlife. It houses rare species of animals like the Ibex, Blue Sheep, Shapo, Gazelle and over a dozen important mammals and birds. The Wild Yak is only found in this region. There are also several flowering plants. Most of these face the risk of extinction and are classified as endangered species.

Different cultures and religions, and feasting, dancing, and singing are characteristics of festivals in Ladakh. The most famous is the Hemis festival, which extends from 9th to 11th June. It is the celebration of the birth of the Guru Padhmasambhava. The best time for Ladakh tours would be during the festival time, which starts from the Hemis festival in June and goes on till the Ladakh festivals in September.