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| Leh |
 Location from nearby major cities
Srinagar (256 kms), Jammu (364 kms).
Known For
Leh is an admired pilgrimage destination for the Buddhists. It is also appreciated for its natural beauty.
Climate & the best time to visit
Great fluctuations are seen in the climatic conditions of Leh. The days are so hot that one may get sun burns. But temperature falls sharply at night to such levels that one may also experience frostbites. The summer temperature ranges from 30 degrees to -3 degrees while in winter it ranges from 15 degrees to -20 degrees. Rainfall is scarce as the average annual rainfall is only 50 mm.
May to September is the best time to visit Leh.
The City
At an altitude of 11,000 feet on the banks of river Indus, Leh is an important destination for Buddhist pilgrimage amidst incredible beauty. This land with majestic mountains is a complete beauty in itself. The roots of Buddhism were implanted here many centuries back and today these mountainous paradises have many big and small Buddhist monasteries. Leh is also an important place of Buddhist learning with followers from different parts of the world. It is essential to remember that the monasteries are affiliated to different sects of Buddhism.
Attractions in the City
Hemis Gompa Monastery: Located on the outskirts of Leh, Hemis Gompa is one of the important monasteries of the place. King Sinnge built the entire monastery under his direct guidance, who belongs to the influential Namghyal dynasty of the place. It is decorated with many thankas (paintings on cloth).the most big paintings of this kind are also placed in this place. This sort of exhibition is held once in eleven years. Every year in June, an interesting fair is held at Hemis, where mask dance is performed by lambas.
The Tsemo Gompa :
The Tsemo Gompa is another important monastery of the place. It is also called the Red Gompa due to its colour. The Gompa has an image of Maitreya Buddha bordered by Avalokitesvara and Manjusri figures. The portrait of Tashil Namgyal, who is the main patron behind this construction.
Tiksey Monastery:
Tiksey is the most imposing monastery of Leh region, which is 12 storeys high, red in colour, with white and ochre tints. 10 temples are there, which are surrounded by typical tapering walls. Having a number of stupas, paintings on the walls, thankas, and statues, the large pillars are carved with Buddhist teachings. A gigantic Buddha figure, which is 15 m high, make this place even more popular. The monastery is affiliated to the reformist Gelugs-Pa sect.
Soma Gompa:
It is the latest embellishment to the Leh monasteries. 1957 marks the commemoration of this monastery, which was built on the 2500th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.
Alchi Monastery:
Popularly known as the jewel among the various monasteries of Ladakh. Although, this monastery was deserted centuries ago the monks of Likir have been maintaining it with complete devotion till now. TheThe 5 temples in this monastery are packed with amazing paintings and images. It has frescos, which are as old as the 11th and 12th centuries. Some art critics identify the paintings as related to the Ajanta style of images.
Tak-thok and Matho Gompas:
These are the edifices that symbolize the old Nying-ma-pa and Saskya-pa monastic sects of Buddhism. Situated at the base of the Chang-la pass, Tak-thok Gompa fits in a caves in which Indian Buddhist apostle Padmasambhava is believed to have taken rest and done meditation. In the beginning of the month of March, a vibrant festival of the oracles - Matho Gompa is held every year.
Other Places to visit
Zanskar:
Charaterized by high ranges, fine Gompas and gentle people, Zanskar is a remote place of all Himalayan valleys because it cannot be accessed for as many as 8 months in a year. Nevertheless, it is seen as one of the famous trekking and mountaineering spots across India.
Nubra Valley :
It is regarded as the valley of flowers. Khardong la the highest motorable road in the world is situated in this valley at an elevation of 18,380 ft. A beautiful monastery at Diksit is also situated here which is as old as six centuries. Then, there is the village of Hunder. It is located 7 km away from Diksit. This place is known for double humped camels and a few hot water springs nearby in the various villages.
Sani :
Located on the Kargil road, it is a village whose main attraction is the castle-like monastery which has been put up on level ground. The origin of this village is associated with Kanishka (Kushan ruler of 2nd century AD). The main building includes a huge multi-columned central prayer hall having many statues of popular Buddhist divinities.
How To Reach
By Air : Leh has an airport to which direct flights are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar and Jammu.
By railway : No railway Facility.
By Road : The Srinagar-Leh highway via Kargil is the way to reach Leh. The terrain of the way is so hard that it takes almost an hour to reach Leh. However, the way is accessible during mid June and November due to the heavy snowfall and landslide during rest of the months. Normal and deluxe buses of the J&K state road transport corporation regularly ply on this route.
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