Come and experience the culture of the Leh & Ladakh with dreamy stay in rolling hills
Tourists still flock here to experience spiritual practice at monasteries of Buddhist architecture & soak their spirit in divine surroundings. It displays the finest buildings and carving art with incredible Himalayan landscape. The Ladakh travel guide speaks of the crowning glory of Buddhist monasteries.
The journey to Leh & Ladakh is as enchanting as the destination itself. The places of cultural Ladakh tour package attract all hues of tourists, be it inbound, outbound or domestic. The tourists’ footfall triggers a host of cultural activities. It is a one-stop holiday for religious people and the culture-seekers.
Diskit monastery: Located in the picturesque Nubra Valley has grown into great center of Buddhism over the years. The oldest Buddhist monastery was founded in 14th century by Changzen Tsera Zangpo. Cultural dance performed during festivals by masked male dancers accompanied by folk music.
Thiksey Gompa: A multi-storey building has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha. 20 km from Leh, it is replica of Potala house in Lhasa (Tibet). The gompa has a unique collection of religious books on Buddha’s teachings & philosophy with Thanga paintings.
Hemis Monastery: It is the legacy left by King Singge Namgyal, which is now managed and look after by Drupka sect of Buddhism. The copper statue of Buddha is the main attraction, and the Hemis festival marked with masked dance attracts tourists in hordes in June-July month.
Likir Monastery: The presence of 14th century gompa gave popularity to sleepy Likir village where people love to home-stay for better understanding of local culture. The place is 50 km from Leh and is part of Buddhist mythology. It was founded by Lama Duwang Chosje with museum for public display.
Spituk Monastery: The place is frequently visited by monks and spiritual-seekers as it is one of the oldest and pious centres of pilgrimage. It is hardly 11 km from Leh, and merely 3km from Leh airport.
Stakna Monastery: After travelling 25 km on a bumpy road from Leh, you will reach Indus River surrounded by hillocks. See the small but artistic monastery which was built by King Jamyang Namgyal way back in 1580. Feel the rejuvenating air and spiritual surroundings of the Indus Valley.
Alchi Monastery: Another modern monastery near Indus River which is 100 years old. One and half hour road journey from Leh will transport you to one of the largest monastery of Ladakh. Unlike others, this is built at the ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden.
Major Attractions: The yearly festivals like mask dance, sowing & harvesting festivals are an annual calendar event that strives to showcase the tourism potential of the high-desert region in the fields of art & culture, cuisine, dance & music of the locality.
What to buy: Festivals at monasteries boosts the local economy. Hundreds of makeshift stalls are set at the main venue to showcase the traditional decorative items, traditional handlooms & handicrafts. These festivals retain the ethnic diversity & rich cultural heritage of the India’s own moon-land.
How to reach: Grab the opportunity at cultural tour of Ladakh and see how the amazing carvings at selected Buddhist centers of wisdom depict their own stories and how the local guides embellish them with their own versions.
Booking online at Ladakh tour package can save time & money including respite from long queues in peak season. Ladakh is a wonderful destination for all those who want to gaze at the eternal monasteries and store a treasure of peace in their souls to last for a lifetime!
