The Spiritual Saga Of Leh – Ladakh

By Author: Ninad Chaudhari
Total Articles: 430
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Isolated from the rest of Kashmir, this rugged mountainous region is a beauty as well as a beast by itself. The local conditions and somewhat rudimentary infrastructure can be the beast. The beauty, though, is the spiritual aura and the breathtaking views that you can see all around. When you holiday in Leh and Ladakh, the very concept of a holiday will change. You will believe in unimaginable beauty existing in some of the toughest corners of the world. Get ready to be charmed by the serene beauty and sub-textual spirituality of this place in your Ladakh holiday package.

Whether you are a trekker, a newlywed couple or an adventure traveler, visit these monasteries or gompas to explore the soul of this travel destination. There are hundreds of Buddhist monasteries in the Leh and Ladakh region for the Buddhist pilgrims across the globe to choose from. Some of the more famous include:

• Alchi Gompa
• Bardan Monastery
• Chemrey Gompa
• Diskit & Hundur Gompa
• Hemis Monastery
• Karcha Monastery
• Lamayuru Monastery
• Likir Gompa
• Mashro Gompa
...
... • Matho Gompa
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
• Phyang Monastery
• Phugtal Gompa
• Rangdum Gompa
• Rhizong Gompa
• Sani Monastery
• Sankar Gompa
• Shanti Stupa
• Shey Gompa
• Spituk Gompa
• Stakna Gompa
• Stok Gompa
• Stongde Monastery
• Takthok Monastery
• Thiksey Gompa
• Zongkul Monastery

As a regular traveler or an adventurer, you will not be able to see it all. So, here are the top 3 Ladakh shrines that you must definitely explore.

Spituk Gompa

This exquisite monastery, founded in 11th century by Od-Ide, was built on a site blessed by Spituk, which itself translates to exemplary. Somehow, the name seems accurate for this monastery even today. Located near the River Indus, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa Sect of the Yellow Hat order of the Tibetan Buddhism.

Shanti Stupa

It literally means “World peace” when translated. Standing on top of the hill where this shrine has been constructed, this spectacular creation gives you an unrivalled view of the region, and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1995.

Hemis Monastery

Located around Leh, this is one of the most renowned Gompa or monastery in the region. This is one of the largest monasteries as well, founded by the first incarnation of the Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630. This monastery belongs to the Drukpa Order and is part of most Leh Ladakh holiday packages. The eternal beauty of this monastery is an enriching experience. The most wonderful time to visit this monastery is during the Hermis festival during May.

With so many religious sites to choose from, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Apart from spiritual sites, though, a holiday in Leh and Ladakh will also allow you to enjoy other activies like short trips, the local cuisine as well as the chance to soak in the scenic beauty of Leh and Ladakh.

Author Bio:

Ninad Chaudhari works as a Web UI Designer and content specialist for Cox & Kings. Apart from being an ardent photographer, Ninad regularly holidays in Leh Ladakh and recently came back from a Ladakh holiday package from Cox & Kings