Magnetic Hill of Ladakh

Address : Leh - Kargil Road, Leh.About

MAGNETIC HILL

    Well, this magnet magic can be experienced while you are traveling to Leh-Ladakh. Located about 30 km from Leh, at a height of 11,000 feet above sea level, the hill supposedly has magnetic properties which attracts metallic objects, making vehicles move up at a speed of about 20 km/h with their engines off.

               Not only are the vehicles traveling on the road attracted by the magnetic powers of this hill, even the helicopters and aircraft feel the same magnetic impact. Locals and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel claim that when the helicopters and aircraft's come with in the radius of this hill, they start to jerk. To avoid accidents, the fliers are advised to fly at specific speed and height. In fact, the Indian Air Force pilots always steer clear of the Magnetic Hill.

         The local administration has also put up a bill board to help tourists recognize the Magnetic Hill. The board clearly states the phenomenon leaving you to try this experience for yourself. 

    Many experts have presented various theories in and against the assumption and tried to find the reason vehicle moving uphill and not downhill against the slope. And they came out with the aspect of Magnetic theory or optical illusion amongst many other reasons.

For More Detail Visit Below Link

1) http://www.mysteryofindia.com/2014/12/magnetic-hill-ladakh.html

2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_Hill_(India)

Hemis Monastary (Biggest Monastary in Ladakh)

Address: Leh-Manali Road, Hemis
Open Hours: 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM

About

      Hemis Monastery is the largest Tibetan monastery in the Ladakh region. It is one of the most visited monasteries by tourists on a trip to Leh Ladakh. It sits on a mountain on the west side of the Indus River, only 45 km away from the town of Leh and is one of the prime attractions of the Ladakh trip.

      Hemis Monastery belongs to the Drukpa lineage or the red sect of Buddhism and is said to have been first established in the 11th century, and then re-established in the 17th century (the year 1670 approximately) by the then King Sengge Namgyal. So manifestly, it is enriched with a great deal of history and legends.

       Naropa is considered as the “Abbott of Nalanda,” the famed monastery/university in the present-day Bihar. This Nalanda University flourished in its full glory until it was sacked by the Afghan-Turkish invaders, which could be the cause of Naropa’s peregrination to the North, and ultimately Hemis, where he consequently met Tilopa.        

        It was then that Naropa and Tilopa both traveled back to another university in the then kingdom of Magadha in Bihar, called Otantra, which is no longer in existence now. Naropa went on to become the founding father of the esoteric Buddhist lineage of Kagyu. Thus Hemis became the seat of this Kagyu lineage of Himalayan Buddhism.

        Hemis boasts of an array of art and culture. Every year in the month of June Hemis witnesses a high-spirited. Hemis festival dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).His birth anniversary falls on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monk year of the Tibetan calendar. What’s interesting to know here is that this day comes once every 12 years. Thus, it is celebrated as an extravaganza with great festivity and fervor.

           Besides the iconic copper gilded statue of Lord Buddha, the monastery houses a wide collection of historical and religious paintings called Thangkas and various stupas and statues made of gold, silver, and other precious metals. There is a museum within the monastery where numerous carriers, weapons, and other Buddhist relics and artifacts are displayed. 

         The Hemis Monastery is one of the world’s highest settlements at the height of 12000 feet and is the center of Drukpa ancestry where they train Lamas for all the royal monasteries.

                                For More Detail Visit:

                 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemis_Monastery
                 2) https://www.lehladakhindia.com/hemis-monastery/
               

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Shey Palace (Shey Monastery)

Address: Leh-Manali Road, Leh

Open Hours  : 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM // 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM

About: 

             Shey Monastery was built in 1655 by Deldan Namgyal, the king of Ladakh, in the memory of his father. This Palace was maneuvered as a Summer Retreat for the Ladakhi kings. Deldan Namgyal, the 6th King of Ladakh, in the memory of his father built the Shey Palace and the Shrine in 1655.

              On the upper floor of monastrty, a Number of beautiful wall paintings are displayed. The lower floor has a library with many neatly preserved manuscripts and is decorated with murals of buddha figures in various Mudras (Hand gestures).

       One of the most notable and key features of the Shey Monastery is the Shakyamuni Buddha, standing tall with a height of 39ft in copper and gilded gold. It is estimated to be the second-largest Buddha statue of the kind in all of Ladakh.

         The wall behind the Buddha has paintings of Buddha’s two most popular disciples. Colorful depictions paint the walls of the entire monastery. Multiple murals of Buddha, various rock carvings and chortens decorate the monastery all around the Shey Palace.

             Fun Fact: It is interesting to know that Shey Palace was the summer capital of Ladakh, until 1842 when the Namgyals had to abandon the Palace and flee to Stok, due to the invasion of the Dogras from Jammu that year.

The Monastery hosts 2 Seasonal Festivals Every Year. 

            1) Celebrates the beginning of the snowing season, It is Called Shey Doo Lhoo, celevrated on the 26th & 27th of the First month of the Tibetan Calender (July-August). 

            2) Second festival called Shey Rhupla celebrates the harvest, where the farmers offer the 1st Fruits of corn to the monastery. A special Rhupla dance is performed by men in tiger costumes, which is a delight to watch.

            

             For More Detail Visit Below Link

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shey_Monastery

2) https://www.lehladakhtours.com/shey-palace/

3) https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/jammu-kashmir/shey-monsatery.html

4) https://thelandofwanderlust.com/shey-palace-monastery-leh-ladakh/

5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudra

Thiksey Moastery

Address: Leh-Manali Road, Leh

Open Hours: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 01:30 PM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20.00 Per Person

About:

              Thiksey monastery is the largest monastery in Central Ladakh. It comprises several buildings of varying heights starting from the base of the hill to the hilltop arranged according to the importance of each building. There is a statue of a Tibetan deity at the foot of the mountain and a stupa at the tip. Each of the buildings is painted red, white and ochre colours and resembles the Potala Palace in Tibet. 

                  The similarity is so substantial that Thiksey monastery is often known as the mini Potala. The monastery not only comprises different Buddhist statues, paintings and stupas but also houses 60 lamas whose quarters are located at the top of the hill. The interior of the monastery also comprises the statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Tara temple, an assembly hall and the Lamokhang Temple.

Places to Visit in Thiksey

          The monastery holds ten temples, home for monks, assembly hall, nunnery and others. The monastery has 12 levels. It is one of the largest structures in Ladakh. As you enter the monastery, you can find the statue of the protector deity in the entrance. From the monastery, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the flood plains of Indus valley.

• Maitreya Buddha: This is one of the important attractions inside the monastery. It is a large statue, which is two story tall. This is the largest statue in Ladakh.

• Assembly Hall: The Assembly hall entrance has a wall that has murals of Tibetan calendar. The prayer room next to this wall has many books and manuscripts. Beyond the prayer room, there is a small sanctum. Apart from these, the assembly hall has many pictures, statues and murals.

• Tara Temple: This is a small temple dedicated to the Goddess. There are 21 images of the deity in this shrine. You can find many murals here.

• Lamokhang Temple: This temple holds many scriptures including Stangyur and Kangyur. Women are not allowed inside this temple. There is a small school on top of the temple where young boys are taught to become Lamas. You can find a large pillar with Buddha’s teachings engraved on it. Beyond the temple, you can find numerous white huts, the residence of Lamas.

• Nunnery: This is the school for nuns.

Festival of Thiksey Monastery

       Festivals takes place either in November or in October. The festival spans for two days. During this festival, after the morning prayers, the celebrations begin. A sacrificial cake is distributed during this festival. Top attraction of this festival is the mask dance, which is performed by the monks. It is said that the masked dance wade off the evil. The Black Hat dance is performed to re-enact the assignation of Lang Dar Ma by a monk. The exact date of the festival changes every year with respect to the Tibetan calendar. During this festival, a fair takes place at the monastery’s base. This fair is the best place to buy souvenirs and socialize with people.

For More Detail visit:

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thikse_Monastery

2) https://www.thrillophilia.com/attractions/thiksey-monastery

Zorawar Fort

Address : Skara Road, Leh

Open Hour : 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM // 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM

About:

                The Zorawar Fort in Leh was built General Zorawar Singh, who conquered Ladakh at the behest of Raja Gulab Singh of Jummu who was a Vassal of the Sikh Emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was built in the 1830's when the Dogra/Sikhs took control of Ladakh and the adjoining Baltistan. The Fort has recently been renovated and has a small Museum also dedicated to General Zorawar Singh.

        General Zorawar's Fort is situated above the Palace of Leh and the Gompa of Namgyal Tsemo. This prehistoric monument, also known as Riasi Fort, once held the wealth of the Dogra rulers in Jammu though it presently lies in a wrecked stage.

                 A prominent warrior named General Zorawar Singh, known for his consistent struggle against the Chinese rulers over Ladakh owned the fort. A huge collection of coins and specimens of new stamps apart from the precious treasure of the ruler are housed in the fort now. Situated in proximity to the river Chenab, the fort is an attraction for individuals interested in archaeology, prehistoric culture, and artefacts. Inside the fort are present a mosque, a natural spring, and a Temple dedicated to Hindu Goddesses Kali and Durga.

           In order to reach this place, travellers can either drive their vehicles up to the entrance of the fort or trek from the Leh city bazaar, which is at a small distance from the fort.

              To reach the fort, one has to take a 30 mins trek from Leh city bazaar while another option is to drive jeep till the entrance of the fort. It is a historical monument liked by the visitors who got ample interest in history, ancient cultures and artifacts.

        

              

Shanti Stupa / Shanti Stup

Address: Shanti Stupa Road, Leh

Open Hour : 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Entry Fee :  Free for All

About:

         

          The Shanti Stupa was built by both Japanese Buddhists and Ladakh Buddhists. Shanti Stupa is situated at a height of 4267 meters overlooking the Leh city, it gives a panaoromic view of surrounding snow capped mountains . Situated at a distance of about 5 km drive able road from the Leh city or one can reach here by climbing 500 steps. The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city.

         Shanti Stupa was constructed in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The construction was jointly done by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace. It is a part of peace pagoda mission, which aims to spread peace through the preaching of Buddha. The entrancing Shanti Stupa has various relics of old Buddhism culture including the huge idol of Buddha placed at this base; the idol was enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.

       It is built as a two level structure, a flight of stairs leads to the first level where a Dharmchakra (as in white strip of Indian national flag) with two deer on each side, features a central image of Lord Buddha in golden colour sitting on a platform turning the Dharmchakra wheel, the second level depicting the birth of Buddha, defeating of devils in meditation and death of Buddha along with many small images of meditating Buddha, all embossed in vibrant colors.

            Mighty ranges of snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop to Shanti Stupa. The view of the milk-white snow carpeting the magnanimous Himalayas and sparkling under the soft shine of the shying sun is sure to enthrall you like never before. Shanti Stupa is a perfect getaway for both- those looking to obtain peace from offering prayers to God and those waiting to be mesmerized by nature's wondrous beauty.

For More Detail Visit Below Link:

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanti_Stupa

2) http://www.jktourism.org/index.php/shanti-stupa

3) https://www.lehladakhindia.com/shanti-stupa/