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Ladakh
Ladakh, the largest of the ten provinces of Jammu and Kashmir
is bordered by the Karakorm Chain of mountains in the north
and Himalayas in the South. This awesome wilderness and magic
belongs to that great land to towering mountains and Buddhist
simplicity- Ladakh. Its beautiful high terrains and mountains
beckons the adventure tourists for trekking and mountaineering.
The land of jagged peaks and barren landscape is at once alluring
and awe-inspiring. Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding
facade is an ancient civilization and a captivating people.
With the great Indus flowing right through Ladakh, the province
is divided into Leh, the capital Nubra, Zanskar, lower Ladakh
and Rupshu.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh is situated at a height of 3505
meters. Leh is a beautiful destination with so many attractions
and is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture for ages. Its
colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all
over the globe. Besides, it is also a favorite hiking locale
and is known for some of the best hikes in the country.
Place Of Interest
Leh
Leh, The capital of Ladakh since the 14th Century situated
at an altitude of 11000 ft. The main attraction is the nine
storey Leh Palace (Built by Singge Namgyal in 16th century)
and Tsemo (Victory Peak) built by Tashi Namgyal. The other
places of importance are the Sankar Monastery, Shanti Stupa
Zoravar Fort etc. It is also the main business centre of Ladakh.
Leh can be subdivided into four main tourist circuits:
1) Dha-Hanu
150 - 170Km from Leh,situated at an altitude of 10,000ft is
the Land of the "DROK-PA"an Indo Aryan race. Only two village
is open for tourist Dha&Biama. Their cultural and religious
practices are totally different from the rest of Ladakh. They
believe in an ancient pre-Buddhist Animist religion known
as "BON-CHOS".This people used to never take bath a few years
earlier,"saying that if you wash your self,Your Luck goes
away".It has much to offer to scholars in the field of Ethnology&Social
Anthropology.
2) Central Ladakh
The area around river Indus starting from Upshi to Khaltse.
This is the most beautiful area with lots of Monasteries and
Villages. The capital of Ladakh (Leh) also comes under this
area. The major attractions are the nine storey palace (Leh),
the palace museum of Stok, Hemis, Thiksey, Chemrey, Phyang,
Lamayuru, Spituk, Ridzong, Alchi Monasteries and villages
of Basgo, Nimoo, Sankar etc.
3) Nubra Valley
Popularly known as the "Ldomra or the valley of flowers situated
at an altitude of about 10000 ft. The major attraction is
the world highest road (Khardong la 18,380 ft) The capital
of Nubra, Diskit is 118 km from Leh has a beautiful monastery(founded
in 1420) on the hilltop just above the village. 7 km from
Diskit is the village of Hunder, very famous for double hump
camels which is only found in Central Asia and Nubra Valley.
Other attractions are the villages of Trith, Sumur, Tegar
(Samstangling Monastery ) and Panamik (hot springs). 7 to
8 kms from Panamik is Ensa Monastery 250 years old, can only
go by walking. 3-4 hours.
4) Changthang Area
The land of nomad. Called the "Khampas" are Chamgpas". There
are two race of nomads, one is the Ladakhi nomads and the
other Tibetan nomads Lives here in their yak skin, movable
tents. They can be seen moving around with their herds of
yaks, goat and sheep, and cows in search of pasture lands.
The area is also famous for its wild life. You may see snow
leopards, foxes, wolves wild asses, antelopes, marmots and
also some endangered species of birds like the bar headed
goose, crested grebe, brahimi ducks, etc.
ZANSKAR
The land of Religion,it is noted for its high ranges,fine
Gompas and gentle people. It has the largest number of Gompas
in Ladakh region outside the Indus Valley. The land is virtually
untouched until now. Now a popular destination for adventure
treks. The famous peaks of Nun & Kun also are in Zanskar.
Padum is the the main habitation and subdivisional headquarter.
Close by are two famous Gompas of Stagrimo&Pibithing. A two
hour trek from Padum takes one to Karsha Gompa(16th Century).This
is the largest and the wealthiest Gompa of this region.
Other interesting Gompas of this region are:-
Sani(6Km from Padum),Stongdey(18Km),Bardan(12Km)and the Phugtal
Gompa.
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