BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE |
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LADAKH TOURS - A Land Wrapped in Mysticism
About
Ladakh
If its the peace, tranquility and ancient culture that attracts you the
most, Ladakh is the place to head for. It has successfully retained its
ancient cultural heritage and still untouched by the waves of modernism. The
inhabitants are simple and always wear a charming smile on their faces
despite the trying climatic conditions. As far as tourist facilities are
concerned, Ladakh is as advanced as any other destination in the world.
Where
is it located?
Ladakh spreads across an area of 3,500 meter high plain, sloping down
gently from the face of bare mountains and around terraced fields to the
flood plains of the Indus river.
What is so special about Ladakh?
The century old culture of Ladakh can be viewed in its ancient monuments,
monasteries, oral literature, art forms, fairs and festivals. It is a place
where all occasions- marriage, birth, harvesting or even the flowering of
plants are marked by feasting, dancing and the singing of folk songs.
What tourist attractions does it offers?
- Shey Palace and Monastery
It crowns a knoll and reflected in a mirror-still lake located at its
base. A two-storey high, gilded Maitreya Buddha image resides in the
monastery.
- Thiksey Monastery
Exhibiting a fine example of the Ladakhi architecture, this Gompa is
situated on the top of the hill and part of Gelukpa order. The 12
sline-height:21px;padding-left:10px;ey monastery complex contains
numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large
pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings.
- Hemis Monastery
Hemis takes its name from the world famous Buddhist Gompa situated
here. The combination of exotic wildlife, culture, art, and natural
splendor makes Hemis a perfect travel destination.
- Stok Palace and Monastery
Stok Palace 10 kms from Leh has the only museum of Ladakh, which houses
one of the most precious belongings of the earlier royal families. In
its many halls, displays include rare precious stones, old Thanks,
Queens jeweler, arms & armory and the Royal Crown of the King.
Which
event in Ladakh is the most colorful?
Hemis Festival
The monasteries are also the centers of Ladakh's cultural. Each monastery
celebrates its annual festivals. One of the festivals which is famous and
celebrated with zest is the Hemis festival.
People from all over Ladakh come to attend this two day long festival. The
festival is preceded by seven days of prayers by the monks in the monastery.
The most impressive part of the festival is the famous mask dance which
lamas of the monastery perform continuously for two days. The masks
represent various gods and demons.
The whole festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. The day marks
the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of the red sect.
What are the other festivals celebrated in Ladakh?
Festival Calender
| Festival |
Celebration Time |
| Leh Gompa |
End January-early February |
| Stok Gompa |
Early-mid February |
| Matho Gompa |
End February-early March |
| Lamayuru Gompa |
End April-early May |
| Hemis Gompa |
End June-early July |
| Phyang Gompa |
Early to end July |
| Thikse Gompa |
Mid July to early August |
| Spitak Gompa |
Early to mid January |
| Festival of Ladakh |
1st week of August |
BUDDHIST MONASTERIES IN LADAKH
Shey Palace and Monastery
Thiksey Monastery
Hemis Monastery
Stok Palace and Monastery
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