5 FAMOUS PLACES WHERE YOH SHOULD GO :LEH-LADAKH

Set amidst the epic Himalayas, Ladakh is a rustic and heavenly beautiful travel destination. The rugged valleys and mountains, winding roads coupled with the vibrant cultural life maintain the exuberance and charm of this region. The iconic Magnetic Hill, the turquoise coloured Pangong Lake, the confluence of two mystical rivers, ancient and awe inspiring monasteries and the highest passes are a few of the marvelous attractions of Leh and Ladakh in general. The wide array of trekking routes will satiate your soul and enrich the senses. The moon like desert mountains continue to be an exceptional destination for adventure seekers and admirers of Buddhism and phenomenal mountain vistas. So, pack some travel essentials with you to explore the most enthralling destination of India and bring back souvenirs of endless memories with you.

: MAJOR ATTRACTION

The magic of Leh will beckon you year after year and leave you still wanting more. The moon-like landscapes, desert mountains with splashes of green and snow peaks, monasteries and stupas make you feel far removed from this world. The drive on the mountain roads, along the mighty Indus and the Zanskar, with grazing Yaks, Martens, wild horses and sheep, apple and apricot trees is really like a dream come alive.

Choglamsar is a beautiful village situated in the Leh Tehsil of Ladakh. Numerous paths lead to Leh town from Choglamsar. It is a beautiful Tibetan refugee settlement known for a children's village and a handicraft centre devoted largely to carpet weaving. The popular places to visit here are The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, the main training institute for Buddhist monks in Ladakh, His Holiness Dalai Lama's prayer ground, known as Jivatsal is an oasis of peace, and monasteries of Spituk, Sabu and Sankar are an added attractions here.

Shey monastery and palace is located 15 kilometers from Leh town on the Leh - Manali road. Shey palace and the monastery were built in the 16th Century AD. The monastery enshrines the Du-Khang with an almost 10 meter high copper statue of Lord Buddha.
The Shey palace was built by King Deledan Nagmyal and Shey Palace boasts of the largest victory stupa in Leh, the top of which is made of pure gold. The Shey Palace was the abode of the royal family till 1834 AD when they moved to the Stok palace. The Shey Palace has been taken over by ASI for conservation.

The palace stands like a sentinel overlooking the town. Inside the palace are old wall paintings depicting the life of Buddha. The palace was in ruins after the royal family residing here moved to another palace, that is the Stok Palace. The Leh Palace later on was resurrected by the Archeological Survey of India and now it stands as a famous tourist spot with a panoramic view of Leh and its surrounding area.

Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa (monastery and temple complex) lies about 65 km from Leh on the banks of the Indus River. Alchi is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centres in Ladakh and also as one of the monastic jewels of Ladakh. The Alchi Monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years and so the effect of the Tibetan influence can be seen in the local culture. There are five shrines in the Choskor Temple Complex which has some splendid wall paintings. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay painted brightly are its focal attraction. No longer an active religious centre, it is looked after by monks from the Likir Monastery. Since the last 500 years, religion is not practiced in the Alchi Monastery. Over a period of time the Yellow Hat sect (Gelugpa) shifted their religious activities to another place which is 30 kms away, known as Likir. The surroundings of Alchi Gompa offers a very friendly atmosphere for visitors as there are small restaurants, tea stalls and souvenir shops welcoming tourists.

This National Park is home to some of the most exotic and rare flora and fauna species. It was established in 1981 and it is named after the Hemis Monastery, founded in 1630 by Lama Tagstang. The most sought after animal species of the sanctuary are Snow Leopards, Shapu, Wild Sheeps, Ibex and Goats. Its natural habitat dwells over 17 mammal and 70 bird species. Its range of flora constitutes majorly alpine vegetation, like Anemone, Veronica, Delphinum, Gentiana, Lloydia and Kobresia. An abode of birds like Great Grey Shrike, Red Mantled Rose Finch, Black Throated Thrush, the Robin Acceptor, Spotted Flycatcher, Himalayan Whistling Thrush, White Rumped Shama, etc. Some of the most endangered animal species that reside here are Ladakh Urial, Tibetan Argali, Bharal, Tibetan Wild Ass, Dholes, etc. The best way to see this place is by jeep safaris and the best time to visit is from May to October.