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/

Leh Palace

Address       : Namgyal Hill, Leh

Open Hour   : 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Entry Fee     : Indian INR 15.00 // Foreigner INR 100.00

About:

If you have ever been to Leh, there is no chance of missing this one. An ancient structure, perched atop Tsemo Hill in the Himalayas, Leh Palace stands as a mute testimony to the changing times. If palaces could have a soul, this place would have seen an evident change in Leh’s metamorphosis from the days of it being a cut-off region near Tibet to a bustling town, eventually catching fancy of travellers from around the world, and then ending up with a reputation.

Leh Palace known as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’ is a former royal palace of the Leh Kingdom. It is one of the biggest tourist attraction of Leh city. The 17th century Palace, Leh Palace is also one of the tallest buildings of its time with nine stories. Leh Palace is also one of the tallest buildings of its time with nine story’s. The palace provides spectacular views of Stok Kangri and the Ladakh mountain range as well as town and surroundings. The palace is now in a run-down condition being maintained and restored by the ‘Archaeological Survey of India’ (ASI).

The grand royal palace of Leh overlooks the Namgyal hill lying atop the old Leh city. Snuggled in the lap of beautiful landscapes. The important hub of Buddhist culture and religion provides spectacular views. A statue of Lord Buddha graces the monastery of the palace. Old pictures and paintings are displayed in the exhibition halls of the palace, which include Tibetan thangka and other artistic paintings. Paintings that are over 450 years old are housed here. Some of these fine specimens were created using colors derived from powdered stones and gems. Till date these paintings retain their rich and vivid appearance. The Leh palace treasures a rich collection of crowns, ceremonial dresses and jewellery among others.

     For More Detail visit:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leh_Palace
2) https://www.lehladakhindia.com/leh-palace/
3) https://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/leh-palace.html

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa / Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

Address       : Market Road, Leh

Open Hour   : 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM // 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM

About:

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa was founded in the early 15th century, around the year 1430. It stands atop the crag behind Leh palace, having a full view of the town of Leh. And because of this position, it offers some of the most splendid visuals of the town. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa of Ladakh was founded by King Tashi Namgyal and has been named after him only. It boasts of a rich collection of some ancient manuscripts and wall paintings.

 

              One of the most treasured possessions of the monastery is a three-story high solid gold idol of Maitrieya Buddha (future Buddha, also known as the laughing Buddha). Namgyal Tsemo Monastery of Leh Ladakh also houses a statue of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri, approximately one story high. Near the monastery is an old fort, which, because of neglect, lies mostly in ruins now.

Also in the vicinity, are a number of associated temples. These temples remain open only during morning and evening. When the temples open up, a monk from the Sankar Gompa comes to attend to the butter-lamps in front of the images.

Apart from the gold statue, the monastery also features an assembly hall and temple with frescoes, paintings and statues of Buddha. Several ancient manuscripts, which hold great religious and historic significance, can be seen here. It enjoys an unruffled and scenic location, thus adding to its popularity.

Hall of Fame

Address : Airport Road, Leh

Open Hours  : 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM // 02:00 PM to 07:00 PM
Entry Fee : Indian INR 10.00 // Foreigner INR 50.00  

About:

Hall of Fame is a museum constructed by the Indian Army in memory of the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives defending the motherland in the Indo-Pak wars.

The Hall of Fame museum, consisting of two stories, is divided into various sections which contain several displays. In the upper floor, there is a section named OP Vijay Gallery. Here, you can see the various kinds of weapons used in the Kargil war, along with the various arms and ammunition captured by the Indian Army during the war. On the same floor, in yet another section, various kinds of apparel and amenities used by the Indian Army in the Siachen region have also been displayed. Some of these show the pictures of army posts on the glacier, living accommodation of the troops and the training process of the troops on ice walls, besides others.

If you head to another section of the same ground floor, you will find the pictures of Kargil War on the walls. The pictures provide an elaborate and fascinating account of how the Indian Army fought the war. There is also a wall named "Lest We Forget" which displays the photographs of those soldiers who laid down their lives defending our nation. It's a very moving sight to come across and reminds you of the enormous sacrifices made by our soldiers to ensure that our country is safe and secure from foreign aggression at all times.

On the same ground floor, there is also a projection room where you can watch a documentary on "Operation Vijay". One particular moving sight on this floor meets you in the form of a frame on a wall named "The Last Post". This was the letter written by Captain Vijayant Thapar to his parents some days before he attained martyrdom. Upon reading the letter, you are overcome by a profound sense of grief and pride, while your eyes well up with tears. You are reminded of the bravery and exemplary courage displayed by our soldiers while performing their service in the line of duty.

On the ground floor, there is a section which displays the history, culture and other associated facts with Ladakh. It also consists of a souvenir shop where you can buy several items including t-shirts, caps, coffee mugs and pashmina shawls, besides others. You can also get a photo shoot clad in the Ladakhi attire in the photo shop and get the prints after paying a small amount of money.

     For More Detail Visit Below Link:
1) https://www.lehladakhtourism.com/hall-of-fame/