Sonamarg - Fast Facts Languages Best time to visit Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri April-June Sonamarg - Location Sonamarg

is situated at an altitude of 2740 m above sea level. The hill resort of Sonamarg - Introduction Sonamarg lies 80 km northeast Beat the heat at the hill resort of Sonamarg. The meadow of of Srinagar in the Srinagar Gold, Sonamarg is one of the many famous hill resorts of District of Jammu and Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a major gateway to Kashmir. Ladakh besides being a popular base for adventure sports. The spectacular valley of Sonamarg derives its name from a Sonamarg - Adventure legend. As per the legend there is a well in the Sonamarg Travel valley whose water can turn anything into gold. The other possible reason for the name Sonamarg could be its location At the Sind River that flows on the route to Central Asia. Sonamarg is in fact wrapped in through Sonamarg you may sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. indulge in trout and mahseer fishing. You may check out the Krishnasar Lake for trout fishing. Sonamarg offers number of trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure-seeking tourists. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Sonamarg - Tourist Places to Visit The spectacular Sonamarg has several sights, sounds and smells to offer to its tourists. Amongst the many spots worth visiting is the Nilagrad. Nilagrad is a colony of the Baltics where a small stream meets the River Sindh. The Baltics believe that the reddish color of water is due to its curative properties and bathe in the river every Sunday. Nichnai Pass is the vintage point to view the breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. Adding to the beauty of Sonamarg is the Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake.

Sonamarg - Tourism Places Near By Baltal is an excellent excursion option from Sonamarg. In close vicinity is a camping base. At a distance of 20 kms from Sonamarg is the Zoji-la pass at an altitude of 3540 m which heads towards the Ladakh plateau. Further ahead of Sonamarg you may travel to the holy cave of Amarnath. During the auspicious Sawan Purnima, pilgrims flock to the holy cave via Sonamarg. Yushmarg is another picnic spot in close proximity to Sonamarg. Yushmarg is renowned for its green pastures, pines and firs. The glaciers at Thajiwas are not to be missed on your Travel to Sonamarg. The miniature

plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets add to the charm of Thajiwas. Thajiwas is a short and interesting walk from Sonamarg in Jammu Kashmir.

Sonamarg - How to reach Sonamarg lies on the Srinagar Leh Highway, which is easily accessible through buses and taxis. The railway station at Jammu is the nearest to the hill resort of Sonamarg and caters to the rail transportation. Further the National Highway Number 1A links the Kashmir valley. The airport closest to Sonamarg is in the Badgam District.

Sonamarg - Where to Stay While at Sonamarg you may reside in any of the hutments run by the Jammu and Kashmir tourism development Corporation. You may even opt for the Tourist Bungalows, hotels and lodges in Sonamarg. Many of the accommodation options available in Sonamarg are restricted to the summer months only. Sonamarg, located at a hefty altitude of of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. The Sonamarg region is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. Sonamarg is the base camp for many trekking expeditions. The major treks passing through various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and. Kishansar has its base at Sonamarg. The trekking routes offer all types of challenges, from mild to most hard. The pleasant climate with mild summer and cold winter make this place an ideal location for trekkers to explore the natural beauty and challenging treks. This enchanting scenic place is amazing with many mind blowing attractions. Nilagrad, a colony of the Baltics, is a picturesque location where a small stream splashes in to the River Sindh. Sonamarg is the home of many beautiful and serene lakes. Various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and. Kishansar are situated in and around Sonamarg. Vishansar, located at an amazing altitude of 4,084 m above sea level, is a scenic eye catching lake in Sonamarg. The crystal clear water of the lake with ice flakes all through is an appealing view from the top of the Sonamarg. The gorgeous views of this lake can be experienced from Nichnai Pass. Trekking freaks can get into their trek to this lake from Sonamarg. Located at an altitude of about 3,600 m above sea level is a neautiful attractive lake located on the outskirts of Sonamarg. It is one of the impressive high altitude lakes in Jammu and Kashmir. Krishnasar Lake, at a height of 3,801m above sea level, is popular for fishing especially for trout fishing.

About Sonamarg Tourism

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and enchanting in its natural beauty, the hill resort of Sonamarg is situated at a height of 2,740 m in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. This charming little town is commonly referred to as the 'Meadow of Gold', a title it is believed to have earned because of the profusion of colours that seem to cover the landscape in the form of alpine flowers, dense forests of silver birch, pine and fir trees, and the clear waters of the Sindh River, meandering through the town. The label could also be traced back to a legend that purports that Sonamarg is home to a secret well whose water turns everything into gold. While the town itself is extremely picturesque, the drive up to it, via the Sindh Valley is spectacular as well. In addition to its appeal as a scenic destination, Sonamarg also holds a position of geographical significance. It is the main gateway to the fascinating region of Ladakh, and also served as the chief route into Central Asia at one point of time.

Leh
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Book Now Location Leh is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the extreme north of India. Tourist Attractions : Buddhist Monasteries, the Leh Palace. Best Buys : Tibetan handicraft items. Best Hangouts : The Monasteries Best Activity : Trekking, Mountaineering, Camping, Water Rafting. Nearby Tourist Destinations : Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. When to Visit : June To End October About Leh Ladakh, a part of Jammu & Kashmir State in north of India consisting of two districts Leh and Kargil. At a distance of 434 kms from Srinagar and 474 kms from Manali, Leh is situated on the banks of the river Indus, at a height of 11,000 feet. The land of majestic mountains, Leh is a complete beauty in itself. Leh has quite a few amazing places to offer its tourists. The most striking sight of Leh is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by. Leh airport is Ladakh's only link with the outside world for the seven months of the year. Leh is one most frequented destinations for the

trekkers in India. Rumbak and Markha offer exciting treks, while Stok Kangri is the best for a climb. One can also go for boating and river running on the Indus.
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Drass The town of Drass, 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar, is located at an altitude of 3,300 m in a relatively flat and open space in the centre of a valley. Overview The town of Drass, 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar, is located at an altitude of 3,300 m in a relatively flat and open space in the centre of a valley. It has extensive willow groves along the river. In winter it is covered with a thick blanket of snow. Drass experiences the lowest temperatures in the Ladakh valley and is said to be the second coldest inhabited place in Asia. The mercury may drop to as low as 40 degrees Celsius below freezing point, and communication with the outside world is often completely cut off. During the spring and summer, however, the valley around the township becomes very picturesque as the gently undulating hillsides turn into lush green pastures splashed with a variety of fragrant wild flowers. Its inhabitants are mainly of the Darad stock, an Aryan race believed to have originally migrated to the high valleys of the Western Himalayas from the Central Asian steppes. They speak Shina, which, unlike the Tibetan-originated Ladakhi dialects spoken elsewhere in Ladakh region, belongs to the Indo-European linguistic family. Their ancestral sport, `horse-polo' which the Darads play with particular zeal, resembles our modern polo. The Drass valley starts from the base of the Zoji La pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. For centuries its inhabitants are known to have negotiated this formidable pass, to transport trader's merchandise across and to help stranded travellers to traverse it, even during the most risky period in the late autumn or early spring, when the whole sector remains snow-bound and is subject to frequent snow storms. By virtue of their mastery over the pass they had established a monopoly on transportation for trading, during the heydays of the Pan-Asian trade. A hardy people, with the fortitude to tolerate the harshness of the valley's winter, the inhabitants of Drass can well be described as the guardians of Ladakh's gateway
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Kargil The average tourist to Ladakh usually begins by taking a tour of Leh, the capital and prime town of Ladakh. It invariably ends the sightseeing the monasteries, justly famous, of Shey, Sankar, Phyang, Spituk and Hemis. Some might include Alchi, Likir and Lamayuru. Few if ever trek to interior villages, venture north to Narbu valley or visit the Zanaskar region. Yet, the last few years have seen an increase in tourists to the western flank of Ladakh, which

comprises several valleys. Chief among these are Drass, Suru, Mulbekh and Zanskar. Lying immediately east of the Greater Himalayan wall and drained and formed by the west most tributaries of the Indus river, these constitute present-day Kargil district. This region once formed part of the erstwhile kingdom of Ladakh. In fact, it was the first to be inhabited by the early colonists of Ladakh - the Indo-Aryan Mons, the Dards of Central Asia and itinerant Tibetans. Also, its valleys, by virtue of their proximity to Kashmir, Kishtwar, Kulu and Gilgit-Baltistan served as the initial receptacle of the cultural waves and ethnic movements that emanated from across the Greater Himalayan wall. As the area receives abundant water from rivers originating in the Greater Himalaya, the undergrowth here is more luxuriant than in eastern Ladakh. The upper Suru valley, in particular, is famous for its grassland, which attracts a large number of Bakarwal herdsmen from the Jammu hills.
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Zanskar About 20 kms south-east of Rangdum stands the Panzila axis, across which lies Zanskar, the most isolated of all the transHimalayan valleys. The Penzila pass (4,401m) is a picturesque tableland surrounded by snow-covered peaks. As the Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of Penzi-la to the head of the Stod valley, the majestic " Drang-Drung" glacier looms into full view. A long and winding river of ice and snow, "Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout of this extensive glacier that the Stod or Doda tributary of the Zanskar River rises. Zanskar is a tri-armed valley system situated between the Great Himalayan Range and the Zanskar mountains, the three arms radiating star-like towards the west, north and south from a wide central expanse. Here the Zanskar River comes into being by the confluence of its two Himalayan tributaries, the Stod/Doda and the Lingti-Tsarap rivers. It is mainly along the course of this valley system that the regions approximately 14,000 strong, mainly Buddhist population, live.
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Nubra Valley Nubra is located in the north of Leh. Nubra is a tributary to the Shyok, which flows parallel to the Indus. On the other side of the Ladakh range the Nubra Valley used to be on the caravan route leading from Leh to Kashgar through the two passes of Saser and Karakoram. The main attractions of this area are the Bactarian Camels (Double Humped Camels), Khardung-La Pass (world's highest motorable road at 18,380 feet) and the monasteries like Samstaling.

The Safari leads to Nubra Valley through Khardung-La, which is about 39 kms from Leh. Camel Safari can be organized from Deskit to Hyundar Village for 2 hours.This tour can be extended for 2 nights / 3 Days. Permit is needed to this area, which is issued by the Deputy Commissioner at Leh itself NUBRA means the garden of green valley. It is 150 kms from Leh and one has to cross over to KHARDUNGLA pass, which is not kept open throughout the year. It is said to be the highest motorable road in the world. Many people for the sake of adventure have crossed it over by scooters, cars and cycles. NUBRA lives up to its name as encompassed by the numerous orchards of apples and appricots. The chief crop is wheat, barley, peas, millet, buckwheat and onion. There are two main rivers thru the valley named Shyok and the NUBRA river and has much better climate than Leh. 90% of the population is Buddhist and the rest are muslims. NUBRA VALLEY is situated on the old caravan route, the beautiful fertile valley was an important halting place for the caravans. Day 01: Delhi - Leh In time transfer to airport to board flight for Leh. Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel. Rest of the Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. Day 02: In Leh Day free for acclimatisation. Overnight at hotel. Day 03: In Leh Full Day sightseeing of Shey, Thikshey and Hemis monastries with packed lunch. Overnight at hotel.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN LADAKH

There are few places left in the world like Ladakh. It lies in the Great Himalayan rain shadow, so receives no monsoon during the summer, but hefty snowfall throughout its long (November Late May) winter. In summer it is a high, arid fortress surrounded by vast peaks and trisected by the swift, snow laden Indus and Zanskar rivers.

The landscape resembles that of neighbouring Tibet (This area is sometimes called Little Libet) , as does the appearance of the people, their religion devoutly Buddhist and the magnificent monasteries perched imperiously on granite crags and steep hillsides. High and mighty though Ladakh is, it is easily approached either by flying directly to the capital Leh from Delhi (allow 3-4 days for acclimatization) or by road from Manali in Himachal Pradesh ( a 02 days trip). Leh stands at 3,521m/ 11,552 ft. and the surrounding flat areas are on a par. It is warm in the sun but the temperature drops at night, even in midsummer. Trekking in Ladakh is as unique as the land itself. Leh, the divisional headquarters, is accessible from Srinagar, Delhi and Chandigarh by air and bus. Ladakh is the land of insurmountable mountains and fascinating monasteries. It lies on the tri- junction of the historic Silk Route from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. There are a number of interesting places and monasteries to visit in and around Leh. Some of the important places are: Leh Palace, the monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru. Markha Valley trek over Gongmaru La and Gandha La is the most adventurous. Another trekking trail leads southwards from Alchi and after crossing Stapski La, turns around and reaches Nimu. Yet another trail towards north of Leh climbs over Khardung La and reaches the Nubra Valley. For the purpose of trekking, the region can be divided into three The area around Kargil, the Indus Valley and Zanskar. Kargil This area lies just behind the Zoji La Pass, and the center is Kargil, a small town with cobbled streets surrounded by apricot groves. Good panoramas of the Himalaya can be obtained on 03-04 day treks from Sanko to Drass via Umba, and on the more demanding Sanko to Mulbek via the Wakka La Pass at 4,930m.

Indus Valley At an average elevation of 3500 m is sand-witched between the Zanskar Range on its South and the Ladakh Range on its North, This is the geographical backbone, and the historical heartland of Ladakh. All major sites connected with its dynastic history are here, starting with Leh, the capital city.

The bulk of the population resides along the Indus. Its main attraction are the numerous Buddhist monasteries, quaint villages, fairs , festivals and bazars. Air and road communications converage at Leh.

Zanskar Valley One of Ladakhs remotest regions. A 300 km long valley ringed by mountains, only accessible by high passes. The Valley of Zanskar is situated in the inner Himalaya and is higher than most areas of Ladakh. The climate is very Harsh and receives very little rain fall. The twin peaks of Nun-Kun, its Monasteries and its extremely rugged, awe-aspiring landscape are its main attractions.

Shyok Valley The Shyok River receives the waters of the Nubra and Changchenmo rivers. It rises from the Khumdang glacier, which can be approached from Shyok. The Shyok River takes a southerly course after it is joined by the Nubra River. Thereafter the Shyok flows into the Indus at Keris. The river freezes in winter, thus forming an easy access between the Khaplu and the Nubra valleys. In summer, as the snow melts in the uplands, the river overflows its banks and inundates the surrounding plain for many kilometers, at times creating a vast marsh. During this period, the Shyok River has to be crossed on rafts of inflated skin. The Shyok Valley is the valley of the Shyok River -- the river of death. This is a Yarkandi (Central Asian) name, probably given by the Central Asian traders who ventured on this treacherous route for centuries and perished. The entire northern area -- the region of the Karakoram -- has names related to death. It is evident that this was a part of the ancient trade route from Yarkand (Central Asia) to Ladakh, where many died and only the hardiest survived. The entire route towards the Karakoram Pass is littered with the bones of these travelers.

Padum Valley Padum the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the present day administrative headquarters of the region. With a population of nearly 1500, Padum can be described as the most populous settlement of Zanskar,

otherwise a very scarcely inhabited valley. Incidentally, it is only in Padum that there is a community of Muslims constituting nearly half the township's population, its origin in the area dating from mid 17th century. Lately, Padum has become a famous as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination. Several places of tourist interest in the vicinity of the township can be visited in the course of entertaining walks. The nearest monument is a set of ancient rock carving on a huge boulder near the river bank, just below the old township. These dates from the 8th century and provide epigraphic evidence that the region was under the influence of North Indian Buddhism since ancient times. The Starrimo monastery with about 30 resident monks clings to a tree-covered ridge above the old town. Across the expanse of cultivation lies the old village of Pibiting, dominated by its picturesque hilltop monastery, a superb manifestation of stupa architecture. How to Reach? The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or Parkachik onwards. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy.

Zangla Valley Lying deep in the northern arm of Zanskar at the end of the 35 km. Long rough road from Padum, Zangla was being ruled by a titular king till his death a few years back. The old castle now in ruins except from a small chappel, occupies a hill, overlooking the desertic valley below. Nearby is the old Nunnery worth a visit for the austere life style of the small monastic community of nuns. An old monastery situated in the nearby village of Tsa-zar has exquisite frescos that should be missed. The village lies mid-way between Stongdey and Zangla. Zangla is the nodal point on the popular PadumStrongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum round trip, which covers most of the cultural sites of Zanskar. The old rope suspension bridge spanning the tumultuous Zanskar near Zangla- a rare feat of folk engineering - is no more in use, but still visible. The river is now crossed by a temporary footbridge for approaching the left bank along which the trail to Karsha follows. Zangla is also the take-off point for the Padum-Markha valley treks. The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate

is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy. The tourist Complex at Padum provides furnished rooms. There is catering arrangement in the complex, while camping place nearby is available for budget tourists travelling with personal tents.

Rangdum Valley The farthest and the most isolated part of the Suru Valley, Rangdum is an elliptical expanded plateau surrounded by colourful hills on the one side and glacier encrusted rocky mountains on the other. Situated 130 kms South- east of Kargil, it falls midway between Kargil and Padum. Due to its remoteness from inhabited parts either of Suru or Zanskar, the areas wild beauty is almost haunting, while its isolation is near perfect even as the unpaved Zanskar road traverses its length. The chief attraction of this area is an imposing 18th century Buddhist monastery with about 40 monks in residence. Perched picturesquely atop a centrally rising hillock which is entrenched around by the bifurcated course of a wild mountain stream, the Rangdum monastery has the aura of an ancient fortification guarding a mystical mountain valley. The villagers are descendents of the monastery's agricultural, serf-tenants, who do not own any land in the region. The monastery enjoys perpetual and unalienable ownership of the entire valley including the fields tilled by the villagers, the pastures, hills and even the streams. Rangdum also serves as an important trekking base. The most popular trek from here leads to Henaskut near Lamayuru, across the spectacular gorge of the kanji valley. This 5-day trek also forms the last leg of the two week long trans-Himalayan traverse between Kashmir and Ladakh. How to reach ? Sankoo, Panikhar and Parachik are connected with Kargil with regular bus services, in summer even twice a day. A bus ride from Kargil takes 2 hours to Sankoo, 3 hours to Panikhar and about 4 hours to Parkachik. Rangdum is serviced by the BI-week bus service to Padum, which increases according to demand. Some trucks plying between Kargil and Padum also offers a lift in the cabin for the price of a bus seat. Cars and jeeps taxis can be hired from Kargil for visiting different places in the Suru Valley, including Rangdum and Penzila,.

Phugthal Valley The Phugthal complex spills out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the southern Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River flows. Perhaps, the most isolated monastic establishment of Zanskar, its foundation date back to the early 12th century ; at least one old chappel, among the several several of which it is composed, has

frescos and ceiling decorations reflecting strong Indian artistic and iconographic influence. Phugthal is accessible from the Padum-Manali trekking route through a 7 km long trail that branches off from the Purney Bridge on the main trail. A visit to Phugthal, including Bardan and Muney monasteries enroute, makes a good 5-days round trek from Padum. Alternatively, one can add one extra day to Padum-Manali trekking itinerary to include a day-return visit to this unique monastic establishment inhabited by a resident community of about 40 monks. How to Reach? The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or Parkachik onwards.

Stongdey Valley The monastery of Stongdey lies 18 kms. To the north of Padum, on the road leading to Zangla. An old foundation associated with the Tibetan Yogi, Marpa, Stongdey is now the second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar, inhabited by the resident community of about 60 Gelukpa monks. The sprawling whitewashed complex has a number of temples, each a repository of the region's rich monastic legacy. Stongdey can be reached by foot in about 4 hours along the recently laid rough road. The climb up to the monastery is rather strenuous, but it is worth the trouble for the breathtaking scenery of the valley available from here. How to Reach? The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The J&K SRTC operates a thrice weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Stongdey, Zangla and Karsha. Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June and early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended to walk into Zanskar from panikhar or Parkachik onwards. In June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy.

Sankoo Valley A picturesque expanse surrounded by colorful rocky mountains, Sankoo is an upcoming township with a small bazaar (42 kms south of Kargil) and numerous villages around. Dense plantations of

poplars, willows, myricarea and wild roses fill the bowl shaped valley, giving it the ambience of a man-made forest tucked within the mountain ramparts. Two side valleys drained by large tributary streams of the Suru river, the Kartse flowing from the east and the Nakpochu descending from the west, open up on either side of the expanse. The Karste Valley runs deep into the eastern mountains mass with a large number of isolated villages tucked within its course. The 4-day trek between Sankoo and Mulbek follows this valley; the route passes through some very beautiful alpine areas on the way the 4950 m high Rusi-la . The high altitude settlement of Safi and its mixed Buddhist-Muslim population is struck between the Rusi-la and the Shafi-la over which the final leg of the trek passes before entering the Mulbek valley. A southward diversion from the foot of the Rusi-la leads to Rangdum across the glaciated Rangdum pass where the Karste River rises. The 3-day trek to Drass across the Umba-la (3350 m) follows the western valley. Sankoo is a very popular among local picnic lovers who throng the area from Kargil town and other places. Locally it is also popular as a place of pilgrimage to the ancient shrines of Muslin scholar-saint, Sayed Mir Hashim, who was specially invited from Kashmir for imparting religious teachings to the region's Buddhist ruler, Thi-Namgyal of the Suru principality, following his conversion to Islam during the 16th century. The shrine is situated in the village of Karpo-Khar on the outskirts of Sankoo where the chief had his summer palace. How to reach ? Sankoo, Panikhar and Parachik are connected with Kargil with regular bus services, in summer even twice a day. A bus ride from Kargil takes 2 hours to Sankoo, 3 hours to Panikhar and about 4 hours to Parkachik. Rangdum is serviced by the BI-week bus service to Padum, which increases according to demand. Some trucks plying between Kargil and Padum also offers a lift in the cabin for the price of a bus seat. Cars and jeeps taxis can be hired from Kargil for visiting different places in the Suru Valley, including Rangdum and Penzila.

Drass Valley Drass (3230 m), 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar, is a small township lying in the centre of the valley of the same name. It has become famous as the second coldest inhabited place in the world by virtue of the intense cold that descends upon the valley along with repeated snowfalls during winters. Winter temperature is sometimes known to plummet to less than minus 40 degrees. The Drass valley starts from the base of the Zojila pass, the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. For centuries its inhabitants are known to have negotiated this formidable pass even during the most risky period in the late autumn or early spring, when the whole sector remains snow-bound and is subject to frequent snow storms, to transport trader's merchandise across and to help stranded travellers to traverse it. By virtue of their mastery over the pass they had established a monopoly over the carrying trade during the heydays of the Pan-Asian trade. A hardly people enduring with fortitude and harshness of the valley's winter, the inhabitants of drass can well be described as the guardian's of Ladakh's gateway. Drass is a convenient base for a 3-day long trek to Suru valley across the sub-range separating the

two valleys. This trek passes through some of the most beautiful upland villages and flower sprinkled meadows on both sides of the 4500 mts high Umbala pass, which falls enroute. The trek to the holy cave of Amarnath in neighboring Kashmir, which stars from Minamarg below Zojila, takes 3 days and involves crossing of 5200 mts high pass. Drass also offers numerous shorter treks and hikes to the upland villages. Note : All Tourists to Ladakh travelling from Srinagar by road are required to register themselves at the Tourist Registration Centre at Drass.

Suru Valley One of the most beautiful regions of Ladakh , the Suru Valley forms the mainstay of Kargil district. Lying nestled along the north-eastern foothills of the great Himalayan Wall, it extends from Kargil town, first southward for a length of about 75 Kms Upto the expanse around Panikhar, thence eastward for another stretch of nearly 65 kms upto the foot of the Penzila watershed where the Suru valley rises. Its composite population of about 30,000 -- mainly of Tibeti-Darad descent - are Muslims who had converted their Buddhist faith around the middle of the 16th century. The upper valley reaches of the valley, particularly around the Sankoo bowl, the Panikhar expense and the higher stretch beyond, present a spectacle of breathtaking features-majestic mountain ramparts crowned by snow capped peaks, undulating alpine slopes draining into wild mountain streams of foaming cascades of pristine water, awesome glaciers descending along the Himalayan slopes to the river bed in riverine formation, Quaint villages of adobe houses straggling dry hillocks surrounded by large tracts of lush crops downward the patches of alpine pastures uphill. The beauty of this region is further enhanced by the sheer contrast provided by the towering peaks of Kun (7035 m) and Nun (7135 m) which loom over the skyline in their crystalline majesty. How to reach ? Sankoo, Panikhar and Parachik are connected with Kargil with regular bus services, in summer even twice a day. A bus ride from Kargil takes 2 hours to Sankoo, 3 hours to Panikhar and about 4 hours to Parkachik. Rangdum is serviced by the BI-week bus service to Padum, which increases according to demand. Some trucks plying between Kargil and Padum also offers a lift in the cabin for the price of a bus seat. Cars and jeeps taxis can be hired from Kargil for visiting different places in the Suru Valley, including Rangdum and Penzila.

Places to Visit - Leh Ladakh

Embodiment of natural beauty Leh, picturesquely nestled by Karakonam and Himalayan ranges, is the headquarters of Leh District in Jammu and Kashmir. Perfectly located on the banks of the renowned Indus River with all its majesty and amazing sceneries, Leh valley attracts tourists from all over the world to its lap all through the year. The major part of the Leh city is covered by ancient Buddhist monuments, Mosques dating back to 16th and 17th centuries and a nine storied palace Sengge Namgyal constructed in Tibetal architectural style. Leh is the land of Lamas, the Buddhist Monks and is mainly populated by Buddhists and Hindus. Leh houses numerous Buddhist monuments, monasteries and study centers, Shnati stupa and Sankar Gompa are some of them.

Pangong Lake Tsomoriri Lake Korzok Village Hemis Monastery Shey Palace Thiksey Monastery Leh City Likir Monastery Spituk Monastery Alchi Gompa Lamayuru Monastery Cave Monastery The Samtanling Gompa Nubra Valley Diskit Village Hot Water Sulphur

Pangong Lake
Pangong is 40 miles in length and nearly 2-4 miles in width at a height of 4267m above the sea level What strikes the eye in coming first in view of this lake is the lovely colour of its water, espacially towards evening, which is of the richest deep blue, over the whole expanse, at morning time, it is of a lighter a very brilliant colour. The water of the Lake is not that salty as sea water. A long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly six to seven kilometers at its widest point and over 130 km long, it is bisected by the international border between India and China. Spangmik, the farthest point ot which foreigners are permitted, is only some seven km along the southern shore from the head of the lake, but it affords spectacular views of the mountains of the Changchenmo range ot the north, their reflections shimmering in the ever-changing blues and greens of the lake's brackish waters. Above Spangmik are the glaciers and snowcapped peaks of the Pangong range.

Spangmik and a scattering of other tiny villages along the lake's southern shore are the summer homes of a scanty population of Chang-pa, the nomadic herdspeople of Tibet and south-east Ladakh. The Pangong Chang-pa cultivate spares crops of barely and peas in summer. It is in winter that they unfold their tents (rebo) and take their flocks of sheep and pashmina goats out to the distant pastures. Pangong Tso trip can be organised in two days and overnight stay at Tangtse.Travellers are not allowed to pitch their tents near the Lake and only allowed to go upto Spangmik due to security reason. As 75% of the Lake is in China and only 25% is in India.The landscape on the way to Pangong is spectacular.

Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery The Hemis monastery is situated 44 kilometres from Leh. We started out very early in the morning to cover the distance from Leh to the Hemis monastery, on a metal road that winds along the Indus river. It was a vain attempt at beating the crowd because the crowd had the same idea. A cavalcade of jeeps filled with tourists, was hot on our trail. Unlike other monasteries, Hemis is not built very far from the main village, which has a very small non-monastic population. Things were just beginning to warm up as we arrived and besides the hoard of foreign tourists, the locals were turning up in busloads from far and near. It is the largest monastery in Ladakh, Hemis belongs to the red sect, Brokpa. Built in 1630, 45 km south from Leh, it is not only impressive and intriguing but also different from the other important monasteries of Ladakh. An annual festival is held for two days in June-July in the courtyard of the monastery to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The festival features dances and a colorful pageant where good triumphs over evil along with an annual 'bazaar' where Ladakhis from remote areas come to buy and sell wares. Festive Spirit The entrance fee for the festival is only 20 rupees and extra if you book seats in advance. The courtyard of the Gompa is the venue for the mask dance and visitors sit all around it. There seemed to be some order to the seating arrangement initially but as the crowd increased there wasn't much order left to speak of. We were told to wait a while for the festival to begin. Wait we did with bottles of mineral water, hats and dark glasses and of course, cameras. Finally the 12-foot horns, bugles and trumpets heralded the beginning of this two-day Tsechu festival, the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month which is celebrated as the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Amidst chanting of Om Mane Padme Hum, an ancient Thanka was lowered from its yearlong repose, which brought in the star attraction of the festival. The costumes and masks used in the 200-year-old dance drama tradition by the participants, who are resident lamas of the monastery are said to be about 400 years old. The dance is based on the Holy Scriptures, an enactment of the legend of Guru Padmasambhava to the slow beat of the monastery orchestra.

The Shey Palace

Shey is about 15 kilometres from Leh and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Ladakh. It also happens to have one of the oldest palaces called the Shey palace. During the summer, the landscape of Ladakh is a contrast between the magnificent mountains and the green meadows of the valleys basking in the sun. The Shey valley was beckoning us. Since the sun is not kind in Ladakh, some things need to be taken care of. If you don't want to go back home looking like a piece of burnt toast, sunscreen is an absolute essential. Shey is only a half an hour's drive away from Leh. If you leave early you can enjoy the drive with the covers down. Shey like other valleys in Ladakh lies right in the middle of a long range of rocky mountains. The ravages of erosion by sun, wind, water and snow is clearly visible and that's why when the wind blows it's best to stay indoors. Shey turned out to be a lush green plain dotted with white chortens visible far out in the distance. We drove through the village that is divided into upper, middle and lower Shey. Summer is the time for some agricultural activity and of course the fruit harvest. However, not many villages in Leh have been able to harness the water of the Indus river adequately and depend only on streams. We took a short break at a little roadside cafe because the heat creeps up on you before you realise it. My friends told me that the name Shey is a distortion of shell, which means mirror, a name inspired by the Shey lake. Now covered with a very stubborn type of weed, the lake at one time, used to reflect the entire span of the old Shey palace. Now only a small patch of the lake reflects the ancient glory of the palace. Cars can't go beyond a point so we took the somewhat steep path up to the palace. Like all palaces this one too is built high up on a hill. The large number of chortens at Shey has a story behind them. The king of Shey was known not to punish criminals and wrong doers with imprisonment. He would in fact make all criminals build a certain number of chortens as chastisement. Thus the criminal would absolve himself through a holy deed.

Thiksey Monastery
Situated at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level, the monastery of Tiksey is situated about 20 km far from the town of Leh and ranks among the most important monasteries in Ladakh. It is the seat of Tiksey Rinpoche, the main leader of the Gelug School in Ladakh and is the main and leading monastery for more than ten other famous Ladakhi monasteries such as Diskit, Spituk, Likir, and Stok. It is believed that in the early 15th century, Tsongkhapa, the founder of the reformed Gelug School, sent six of his disciples to remote regions of Tibet to spread the teachings of the new school. One of these six was known as Sherab Sangpo. He went to Ladakh and was the founder of a small monastery at the end of a valley in the village called Stagmo. Palden Sangpo, Sherab's disciple carried on with the work of his

teacher and he was the one who founded the Thiksey monastery a few miles away from Stagmo near the River Indus on a sacred hill above a village of the same name. Housing one of the largest Buddhist statues, the 15 metre tall Champa, the Buddha of Future and located strategically, today, Thiksey is one of the most frequently visited and most photogenic monasteries in Ladakh. About a hundred monks live here. Ngawang Champa Tenzin, born in 1943, places a great emphasis on preservation of the traditional ways of running the monastery and continues to teach both monks and lay villagers. A former member of Indian Parliament, he has helped greatly towards establishing the village school called Lamsang, which is one of the prestigious Ladakhi Lamdon schools. Thiksey is one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and forms part of Gelukpa order. The 12-storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings apart from the sacred shrines and other precious objects to be seen.

Leh City
Flying into Leh, the cold desert land, over the magnificent Himalayas is a beautiful and scary experience at once. Leh Palace illuminated by huge halogen lamps looks like a bewitching castle on a hilltop set ablaze in the dark nights of the Leh. Drive in the city is as exciting as the wonders it has in its lap with the long isolated winding road that opens up into a sheer expanse of arid flatness in burnt sienna. There is blinding sun at the top and perhaps at the first impression, a visitor is not likely to appreciate the blessings of the land fully.

Bon and Buddhism rule the lifestyle and culture of the people here. The Chortens (Stupas) and enchanting Gompas (Monasteries) adorn the city with their presence. The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and there is an ominous beauty in the stark surroundings of Ladakh. The Hinayana Buddhist way of life lends a benevolent spirit to the very air of the region. Climate The days are dry and warm with cool winds blowing. The highest temperature is 25C in summers and 10C in winters while the nights are cool with temperatures ranging between 14C and 8C. There is heavy rainfall in winters. Recently, there has been increasing incidents of sporadic rainfall throughout the year.

Likir Monastery
52 km from Leh, it was founded in the 11th century by a sect known as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits) and was rededicated to another monastic order (the yellow sect) in the 15th century. The original Gompa was destroyed in a fire and the present-day Gompa was rebuilt in the 18th century. It is home to huge clay images of Lord Buddha, several old manuscripts, a rich collection of Thankas, old religious and domestic costumes, implements and other such things. It is said to flourish in the 15th century under lhawang Lodos Sangphu. Today, the monastery also belongs to Gaylukpa School. An annual festival is held from the 17th to 19th of the twelth month, known as Likir festival.

Spituk Monastery
18 km from Leh, Spituk Gompa is on the hilltop near River Indus. Od-De founded the Gompa in 11th century and was called Spituk (exemplary) by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator that visited the place. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa School but during the reign of King Gragspa Bumide, he transferred it to Gayluk Pa order. The monastery has a rich collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and numerous Thankas. An annual festival, known as the Spituk festival, is held here from 17th to 19th days of the eleventh month. There is another shrine, higher up the hill, known as the Mahakal Temple, dedicated to the deity of Vajrabhairava. It has a frightening face, which is unveiled only during the annual festival in January.

Alchi Gompa
Situated on the shores of the River Indus, Alchi Gompa is more than thousand years old. One of the walls of the monastery features thousands of miniature paintings of the Buddha along with three large sized images that are made of clay and have been painted brightly to be the highlights of the place. However, this place does not serve as active religious center anymore and monks only look after it from the Likir.

Lamayuru Monastery
125 km west of Leh, Lamayuru monastery was founded in the 10th century. According to a popular folktale, Lamayuru was once a lake. A Lama once blessed the place so that it caused the waters of the lake to recede up to the mountains and left the place for the monastery to be built. This monastery is in utter ruins and only its main hall stands to this day housing numerous Tankhyas. The Yundrung Kabgyad festival is held here annually during summer on the 28th and 29th days of the second Tibetan month. Lamayuru has some fascinating caves carved out of the mountainside and is set on a high cape overlooking the village and valley. The monastery is also known as Yung Drung (meaning 'Swastika') and is worth seeing, if only for its beauty that surmounts that of any other gompa of the region.

Cave Monastery
The Cave Monastery of Shergole is old and small but has elegant frescoes. A peculiar Buddhist monastery of the region, it juts out of a brown, granite cliff and is frighteningly suspended in the middle of the mountain. The architectural oddity of the monastery along with its thrilling views arouses the curiosity of not only the tourists but also the locals and it is a perfect thing that one would want to take a photograph of, as a memento to keep forever.

The Samtanling Gompa

The Samtanling Gompa at the relatively bigger Sumur Village is definitely worth a visit, and houses a fine collection of idols, frescos and tangkhas (painted and embroidered scrolls). Sumur too offers basic holiday accommodations, and a few days spent in this busy little village can be a very pleasant experience.

There is a lovely campsite by the river, close to the village. The campsite, like some others in Nubra, offers good tents-for-two with beds and a table and common dining and wash rooms. Though a little steep on the pocket, the continental breakfast and the range of good food at

the camp can be very tempting in Nubra, where a can of beans carried all the way from Leh is a delicacy. Try living in the campsite for a day or two if you can afford it. Nights at the campsite are especially fascinating - the sky is studded with stars that seem oversized due to the altitude, and the countless shooting stars seem to fall slower than usual, leaving behind a long shimmering trail. Add to this the sound of the gurgling river as you drift slowly into a restful sleep.

Nubra Valley
In the days of yore, the fertile Valley of Nubra formed a part of the overland route between Tibet and Turkestan. Once dotted with garlands of camel and yak caravans, this Silk Route glen is also known as the 'Valley of Flowers' of Ladakh, and is amongst the greenest valleys in the region, ideal for your holiday break. The romance of the Silk Route still hangs in the air as you cross the formidable Khardung La (pass)- the highest 'motorable' pass on the planet that connects Leh to the Nubra Valley. The road from Leh rises steeply to meet Khardung La and then dramatically plunges into a whirlpool of bends and turns to gradually unfold itself along the rushing Shyok and the Nubra Rivers. The Scenic Splendor: One can understand why anyone would envy this flowering glen. During early summer, Nubra is clad in endless bushes of yellow and pink wild roses, and once the valley is through with the season of roses around August, a carpet of wild lavender lies gently on it. Nubra is also a relatively warmer valley in Ladakh, and the comparatively benign climate helps yield better crops and fruits, making Nubra the Ldumra or orchard of Ladakh.

Diskit Village
The Diskit Village is located slightly off the little hamlet of Khalsar. Dotted with apricot plantations, Diskit is amongst the larger villages in the region, and home to the 350 year-old Diskit Gompa - the oldest, and the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley.

Diskit has a number of rudimentary hotels and guest houses, with an odd store here and there. On your Ladakh holidays, do carry ample supplies with you when you leave Leh, as Nubra has little to offer besides the very basic. The road between Diskit and the quaint little Hunder Village winds through a gorgeous stretch of sand dunes. You could spend a pleasant evening around these natural marvels that border a stream, and have snowcapped peaks for a backdrop.Keep your eyes open for the double-humped camels! Hunder also has some accommodation for travellers. Also ask around about families that rent out rooms, as these are by far the best places to stay. The Hunder Gompa has some old frescos and a statue of Buddha. The monastery is also the best place in the village for a view of the dipping sun. Leh District

Introduction At a glance Historical Places and Monuments Tourist Places

Introduction LADAKH is situated between 30 degree to 36 degree east latitude and 76 degree to 79 degree north longitude. The region of Ladakh spread over to an area of 96,701 Sq.Kms and comprising a population of 2 Lakhs habitants and consists of two districts,Leh and Kargil. The region of Ladakh normally remains land locked between November to June every year as Srinagar-Ladakh and Ladakh-Monali highways,which connect Ladakh with the other parts of the country, remain closed during this period because of snow and rigorous winter.Ladakh is also the land of many lakes and springs. Among the springs,the famous are the sulphar springs of Panamic (Nobra), Chumathang and Puga of Changthang,which are famous for early curing of joints/ rheumatic diseases.Many mineral springs are also found in some remote parts of Ladakh. People of region use the spring water as medicine to prevent and cure themselves from many diseases.The important lakes which fall within the jurisdiction of Ladakh are Pangong lake (150 Kms.long,4 Kms.wide situated at a height of 14,000 ft.).Tsomoriri lake, (Tsokar means salty lake). Since ancient times till the end of 1959 salt was being extricated from this particular salty lake for human consumption.Ladakh has two districts namely Leh and Kargil which stand in contrast with each other in terms of geography and climate. The great Himalaya mountain, lying to the south ,forms a barrier to monsoon in this area.Due to this region Ladakh is an isolated cold desert region. Altitude in Ladakh varies from place to place and is the main factor affecting local climate. The winter temp.touches as low as minus 30 degree(Leh & Kargil) and minus 60 degree in (Drass) subzero temp.prevails from December to February throughout Ladakh, whereas,zero degree temp.is experienced during rest of winter months.This result in freezing of all conceivable water resources. During summer the maximum temp.increases from 20 degree C to 38 degree C in July and August. The relative humidity is low and ranges from 31 to 64 percent.Wind velocity in the afternoon and nights is of high order resulting in heavy soil errosion with dust storm and snow blizzards which make life very difficult.Due to longer winters, the agriculture season is short and spread over from April to September depending upon the climate.The main river of Ladakh is Indus,which flows in a north-west direction between Ladakh and Zanskar ranges.It is joined by several major rivers like Zanskar,Suru and Shayok before it reaches Pakistan. ^Top

At a Glance Educational institutions Health Institutions Road length Area Population Population Density Villages Tehsil 278 167(Including ISM) 44,000 Sq. kms 93,000 (1991) km 112 1

Town Panchayats C.D. Blocks Villages Covered Under Agrarian reforms Area under HYV crop Ration Card holders Villages electrified Villages with drinking water Literacy rate Live Stock Population Principal Crop

1 68 5 100 (3/95) 17441 hect. 16000 75(3/95) 102 (3/95) 24.43% 397700 ^Top

Historical Places and Monuments The most attractive features of the landscape of Leh are the Buddhist Gompas (monoasteries).The Gompas are situated on the highest points of the mountain spurs or sprawl over cliffsides,located in vicinity of villages and provide focus for the faith of Buddhists.The famous religious places include:Hemis Situated 40 Kms.from Leh,Hemis is the wealthiest,best known and biggest gompa of Ladakh.The annual festival of the gompa is held in summer in honour of Guru Padma Sambhav's birth anniversary. It also has the largest thanka(scroll painting on silk or brocade) in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years.Hemis was built in 1630 A.D.during the reign of Sengge Namgyal and flourished under the Namgyal dynasty. Alchi The gompa is situated on the banks of the Indus,70 Kms from Leh and dates a thousand years back.The gompa os no longer an active religious centre and is looked after by monks from the Likir monastery. Spituk The gompa stands prominently on the top of a hillock,8 Kms.from Leh,and commands a panaoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles.Many icons of Buddha and five thankas are found in 15th century monastery.There is also a collection of ancient masks,antique arms,and an awe inspiring image of Mahakal. Phyang The monastery is situated 17 Kms.from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road.It was built by Tashi Namgyal in the later half of the 16th century A.D.and looks like a place from a distance.The gompa belongs to the Red Cap sect of the Buddhists. Hundreds of icons of Budha are kept on wooden shelves. Shey 15 Kms upstream from Leh.The palace is belived to have been the seat of power of the pre-

Tibetan kings.A 7.5 metre high copper statue of Buddha,plated with gold,and the largest of its kind,is installed in the palace. Thikse The Thikse monastery is spectacularly situated 19 Kms from Leh.It is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive gompas.The gompa has images,stupas and wall paintings of Buddha which are exquisite. Jama Mashid The historical mosque is situated in the heart of Leh town.It was built in 1666-67 A.D.consequent to an agreement between the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and then ruler of Ladakh,Deldan Namgyal. Leh Palace The palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building.The nine- storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh Sengge Namgyal.

Tourist Places Leh is having a airport which connects it to the rest of the country. Besides this there is regular bus service from Srinagar which operates during summer when the Zojila Pass remains open for traffic. One can also get there in Taxis and Jeeps via The Srinagar-Leh Highway or the ManaliLeh Highway. Leh offers a variety of accomodation to suit almost every pocket or preference The areas of tourist interest are varied and many. Some of them are as follows: Cultural Tourism Visits to the major Buddhist Monastries and other cultural or heritage sites are the principal tourist attractions of central Ladakh and Zanaskar. Most of the region's principal Gompas are open throughout the day and a caretaker Lama is available to show visitors around. Some of the less visited establishments have special opening hours , as in the case of Namgyal Tsemo, Shey Palace, and the Stok Palace Museum.Most of the monstries charge a small enterance fee. The monastries constitute the fountain head of Ladakh's Buddhist religion and culture. Fairs and Festivals of Ladakh also attract a large number of Tourists. Many of the annual festivals of Gumpas take place in winter as it is a relatively idle time. The dance dramas take place in the court yards of Gumpas and Lamas wearing colourful robes and startling masks perform mimes representing various heads of the religion. The biggest and the most famous monastic festivals is of Hemis which falls in late June-July and is dedicated to Padam Sambhava. Other festivals held in summer are of Lama-Yuru, in early July, Phiyang in late July, Tak-Thok after Phiyang and Karsha in Zanskar after Phiyang. Spituk, Stoke, Thiksey, Chemreay and Matho have their festivals in winter. Adventure Tourism Ladakh offers great scope for adventure activities amidst landscapes of breathtaking beauty . The most popular and established among these are trekking,mountaineering, and river rafting. Trekking Trekking includes short day long walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or

monastic settlements or across the ridge to enjoy landscape. Or long transmountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. The most popular treks are: Lamayuru in the Indus Valley to Darcha in the Lahoul across Zanaskar takes nearly 3 weeks. The 10 day Markha valley trek and the 11 day Lamayuru-Padam trek and Stok Kangri round trek arer the most popular among the numerous options available. Perhaps the most exciting trek in the world is Hemis-Markha-Padum Trek for 13 days and this calls for elaborate arrangements. Various New Areas have also been opened in forms of circuits . The maximum time allowed on these circuits is 7 days and foreign groups are allowed to go only in groups and accompanied by a recognized tour operator. The detailed information regarding going to these circuits can be had from the offices of J & K Tourism located across the country. These circuits are: The DROK-PA area circuit: Khaltase-Domkhar-Skurbuchan-Achinathang-Hanudo-Biama-Dah and return. The Nubra Valley Circuits: Leh-Khardungla-Khalsar-Tirit-Tegar-Sumur-Panamik and return. Leh-Khardungla-Khalsar-Deskit-Hundar and return. The Pangong Lake circuit : Leh-Karu-Changla-Durbuk-Tangse-Lukung-Spangmik and return. Tso-moriri lake Circuits : Leh-Upshi-Debring-Puga-Tso-moriri-Korzok and return , Leh-UpshiChumathang-Mahe-Puga-Tso- moriri- Korzok and return Depending upon the time and budget you can afford, ask the Tourist offices at Leh, Kargil or Padum to design a trekking prgramme for you. River Rafting A range of rafting options are available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for the professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol.Beyond Saspol river becomes difficult. The most difficult and exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along its spectacular course through the Gorge in the Zanskar mountains between Padam and Nimo. Mountain Climbing The area most frequented by tourists is the Nun-Kun Massif in the great Himalayan range and is easily accesible from Kargil-Padum road. he area nearest to Leh is the Stok-Khangri Massif in the Zanskar mountains, south of Leh. North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies the Karakoram range. The climbing season extends from mid-May to mid-October, the ideal period being from June to September.

Leh - Fast Facts Population Best time to visit Languages STD Code

15000 May to October Ladakhi, Purig, Tibetan, Hindi, English 01982

Leh - Location Leh - Introduction The hill resort of Leh is the Leh is a hill resort with several attractions. The capital of Ladakh administrative capital of the Ladakh district. It lies has been the center of Tibeto-Buddhist Culture since long. Its colorful gompas attract the devout Buddhists from far and away. in the eastern part of the Leh also is a favorite hiking locale that is thronged by adventure northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Leh seekers. stands high at an altitude of 3,505 m above sea level. The Zanskar River flows through Leh. Leh - Past Leh became the regional capital in the 17th century, when King Sengge Namgyal shifted his court here from Shey (15 km southeast) to be closer to the head of the Khardung LaKarakoram corridor into China. Very soon, the town blossomed into one of the busiest markets on the Silk Route. It was in 1974 that Leh was opened up for tourists.

Leh Best Time To Visit The lovely landscapes and the majestic mountains of Leh attract adventurers and tourists alike. The best time to visit Ladakh is in the summer months i.e. between the months of June and August. The road is open thus the transportation to and from Leh is easy in summers. In winters the temperature at Leh goes below zero degrees often.

Leh - Sites in and around The hill resort of Leh is dotted with sites of tourist interest. One of the major landmarks of Leh worth visiting is the Leh Palace. The Leh Palace is on the same lines as the Potala in Lhasa. The 17th century royal residence is now in ruins. Close to the Palace atop the Namgyal hill stands the Victory Tower. The Tower was built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. Then there is the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa. The Gompa was built way back in 1430. The major attractions in the Gompa are the three-story high Buddha image and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. You may catch some breathtakingly beautiful vistas of Leh from here. Then there is the tourist attraction of the Sankar Gompa. The Gompa is renowned for the impressive impression of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig with a thousand arms and an equal number of heads. Shanti Stupa is another must visit at Leh. The Stupa is a vintage point to enjoy the wondrous views of the exotic locales of Leh.

While at Leh you must also check out the Alchi Gompa. The 11th century gompa is located on the banks of the Indus River. Alchi is one of the largest and the most famous monasteries in Leh. You may check out the widely renowned collection of paintings in the Gompa. The biggest Gompa of Leh namely, Hemis is another site worth visiting. In fact there are several gompas of the 16th and the 17th century, in and around Leh that are of much interest to the archeologists. Leh along with Choglamsar is known for the Buddhist study centers. In case you are holidaying at Leh and need relaxation, try the summer meditation sessions at the Mahabodhi Meditation Center on Changspa Lane. Leh - What to Buy For regular shopping Leh has several markets. For gift items and souvenirs the tourists at Leh may check out the Ladakh Art Place in the old town, the Ecology Center and some shops behind the Main Bazaar road. If you happen to be in Leh during the Ladakh festival then you must pick up the local handicrafts and clothes from the captivating stalls.

Leh - Adventure Sports Leh is indeed a trekker's paradise in North India. In case adventure excites you then you must take up any of the many treks offered from Leh. The trekking agencies in Leh offer treks inclusive of guide, packhorses, food and supplies. Polo is another popular activity you may indulge in at the Polo ground of Leh. Polo matches and competitions are regularly held in Leh. For the archers the National Archery Stadium is the place to be at in Leh. Then there is the ravishing adventure sport of river rafting you may try in the Zanskar River. The period from the month of July to September is ideal for river rafting in Leh. Leh also offers mountain biking to the daring on the second highest motor able road in the world. The adventure in mountain biking from Leh lies in the most hostile terrains. The entire stretch of 485 km between Leh and Manali offers a challenge to mountain bikers who have the opportunity to cut across the majestic Himalayan ranges through four mountains passes. Adventurers need to push endurance to the limits to accept the challenge offered by the dangerous high-altitude trail from Leh. To the daring adventurers Leh-Manali highway rewards spectacular and picturesque landscapes.

Leh - How to Reach In terms of air transport Leh is well connected with the other important places in India. Regular flights link Leh with Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. For road transport to Leh there are land routes connecting Leh with Srinagar and Manali. The Leh-Srinagar road is usually open from June to October, while the Leh-Manali route is open from July to September.

Leh - Where to Stay Accommodation options are easily available at Leh. Leh has several hotels and guesthouses that mostly open in the peak season from July to mid September. Budget lodging is available in three main areas: the old town, the newer areas along the Fort Road, and within the peaceful village of Changspa. The wooden lodges may be mid-range or top-end lodges offering comfortable stay at Leh. Delicious and hygienic food is also available in plenty at Leh. You may feast on a variety of cuisines in Leh. Indian delicacies and especially the Kashmiri dishes are popular. Tibetan as well as western cuisines are easily available. During your stay in Leh the bakeries and their sweetmeats are a must checkout. Leh - Travel Information

It is noteworthy that the tourists must acclimatize to the atmosphere at Leh. Otherwise the humans are likely to suffer from acute mountain sickness or the AMS. The tourists or the adventure seekers need to have permits for entry in to the restricted areas in and around Leh. Individual tourists are not permitted to visit the entry-restricted areas. Tourists or the adventurers are not allowed to stay for more than seven days even after getting permits to the restricted circuits. The tourist or the adventure groups are to travel on identified tour circuits only.

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST

The most attractive feature of the landscape of Ladakh are the Buddhist monasteries situated on the isolated hillock in the vicinity of villages, these aesthetically pleasing, architecturally interesting monasteries provide the focus for the faith of the highly religious Buddhist people. Monasteries are the places of worship, isolated meditation and religious instruction for the young. Many monasteries celebrate their annual festivals in winter, which are marked by gay mask dances. Monasteries have a wealth of artefacts, Lamayuru, the oldest religious centre of Ladakh, beats all other in sheer grandeur. In its uniqueness of wood carving, statues and frescoes, Alchi offers the highest rewards. The wealth of its possession and its annual summer festival make Hemis the most popular, while Thiksay rates high in terms of architectural impact and the beauty of the festival performances at Likir and Phyang with their proximity to Leh are great attractions in their favour while the accessibility of the Shey, Spituk and the Sankar monasteries make them suitable for visitors with time at a premium.
The approach to the monasteries is lined with mane walls and Chortens. Mane walls are made of votive stones on which prayers and holy figures are inscribed, while Chortens are semi religious shrines or reliquaries, containing relics of holy people or scripts. Besides monasteries, the 9 storey Leh Palace, Stok Palace Museum and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Choglamsar, Mosque and Moravian Church at Leh are added attraction for the tourists. Most of these can be conveniently visited from Leh as buses ply daily between Leh and those monasteries. Most of the monasteries remain open throughout the day.

NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN LADAKH. The government of India has declared following historical monuments in Ladakh as national importance under Archaeological Survey of India. 1. Sculpture at Drass 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Rock Cut Sculpture at Mulbekh. Lamayuru Monastery. Likir Monastery. Alchi Monastery Phyang Monastery. Hemis Monastery. Leh Palace. Old Castle Tsemo Hill.

10. Stupa at T- Suru. 11. Shey Palace

THE CASTLE OF LEH AND THE TEMPLE OF NAMGIAL TSEMO. Leh is the capital of Ladakh and there are many temples, castles and stupas here, which were built by the ancestral Dharmaraja. Leh was the Ist of all the capital of King Takspa Bum-lde who rules over the area of Stod, which included Leh from 2400 to 1430. It was he who built the Red Chapel containing the statue of the Buddha Maitreya, three storeys in height with the statue of Avalokitesvara & Manjusri on either side, each one storey in height. As speech-supports he had the Sungbum Chenmo and many other sacred texts written out in gold & silver. As a mind- support he built, the stupa of Tiu-Tashis Od-phro containing 108 temples inside. This he built on top of the socalled Yellow- Teu Demon which had been harming the valley of Leh. The ruin of the stupa can be seen to this day and is known to everyone as Tisuru. Thereafter, the temple of Namgail Tsemo was built during the lifetime of King Tashi Namgial who rules from 1500 to 1532. He founded the village of Chubi. The Leh Palace, known as Lhachen Palkhar was built by Dharmaraja Singey Namgial in 1600. It has 9 storey. The historians say that its completion took three years. In the Leh valley, there is Sankar monastery to be seen which the first Skyabsje Bakula Rinpoche founded. It is a branch monastery of

Spituk Monastery.In the town of Leh there is a yellow stupa called the Mani Sermo which was built by Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator.In the centre of Leh there is the New monastery calledThe Buddhist Association of Ladakh in 1957 built it. Inside, there is a sacred image of the Buddha Shakya Muni that was brought from Tibet. Close by the Radio Station in Leh there is two large Mani walls. The one built in the Centre of the open plain known as her son Deldan Namgial in about the year 1635 built Rongo Thang as a memorial to Queen Skalzang Dolma. At its head and end there are the stupas of Enlightenment and of victory which contain relics. Tsetan Namgail in 1785 and intended as a memorial built the long Mani wall further down from this one to his father king Tsewang Namgial. The festival of Dosmochey in Leh takes place every year in the 28th & 29th of the Tibetan 12th month. The monks of different monasteries are invited by turn to perform the ceremonies, which ensure health & prosperity. The monks of Takthok monastery come and erect a large thread-cross model (Dosmochey) after which the festival is named. Continuing on the Changspa Lane across the stream, you reach the start of the stiff climb up to the new white Japanese Shanti Stupa ( 1983). There are good views from the top. There is also a jeepable road. The architecturally striking Leh Mosque, in the main Bazaar is worth visiting. The Sunni Muslim Mosque is believed to stand on land granted by King Deldan Namgial in the 1660s, his grand mother was the Muslim Queen of Ladakh.

STOK PLACE & MONASTERY. 15 Kms South of Leh at the West Bank of river Indus is the Royal Palace dating from the 1840s when the invading Dogra forces deposed the king of Ladakh. The Palace is a rambling building where only a dozen of the 80 rooms are used. The Palace Museum (3 rooms) is worth visiting. It is a show piece for the royal thankas (many 400 years old), crown jewels, dresses, coins, peraks encrusted with turquoise and lapis lazuli as well as religious objects. The monastery founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in 14th century, a short distance away, has some ritual dance- mask (Guru Tseschu) held on the 9th and 10 th day of the Ist month of Tibetan calendar.

SHEY PLACE & MONASTERY. King Deldan Namgial (1620 - 1640) built Shey palace in the beginning of the 17th century AD. The main image in the monastery is the 3- storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, made of copper guilt, which was made by King Deldan Namgail in the memory of his father Singay Namgail. The statue is the only of its kind in the region.

TRESTHANG MONASTERY

It was build during the reign of King Singay Namgial, containing the two-storey statue of Buddha. (Shey Srubla) festival is also held here at Tresthang Gonpa. The rock- curved statue of five Buddhas can be seen below the Palace on the roadside.

THIKSAY MONASTERY Thiksay Gonpa, 18 Kms from Leh is the most beautiful of all monasteries in Ladakh, belongs to the Gelukpa order. The Gonpa was first build at Stakmo by Sherab Zangpo of Stod. Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Spon Paldan Sherab, founded the Thiksay Gonpa on a hill top to north of Indus river in 1430 AD.There are sacred shrines and many precious objects to be seen there. Eighty monks are in residence. The successive reincarnations of the Skyabsje Khanpo Rinpoche act as incumbents of the monastery. Sacred dances are held at the time of the Gustor ritual, which is performed every year from the 17th to 19th day of the 9th month of Tibetan Calendar. Although there was a very large temple built in ancient times at Thiksay by Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator, now it is in ruins. What remains of the building and walls can be seen at the site of the temple which was called Lakhang Nyerma and which was dedicated to the goddess Dorje Chenmo.

STAKNA MONASTERY The Stakna monastery lies at a distance of 25 Kms from Leh on the Right Bank of the River Indus. The monastery formed part of the one of the many religious estates offered to the great scholar saint of Bhutan called Chosje Jamyang Palkar in about 1580 AD by the Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial who had invited his to Ladakh.The monastery was built on a hill shaped like a tigers nose and so its name was given as Stakna (Tigers nose). The most important image in the monastery is that of the sacred Arya Avalokitesvara from Kamrup (Assam). There are about 30 monks in residence. The successive reincarnation of the Stakna Tulku act as the incumbents the monastery and they continue to fulfil the fine responsibility of upholding the teachings of the Dugpa order. The branch monasteries attached to Stakna are those of Mud and Kharu and those of Stakrimo, Bardan and Sani in Zanskar.

HEMIS MONASTERY 47 Kms from Leh on the west bank of the Indus, the monastery belongs to Dugpa Order, built on a green hillside surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, is hidden in a gorge. It is the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh and is a must for visitors. Sacred musk dance is performed on 9th and 10th day of the Tibetan 5th month. During the Hemis Tsechu held in the year of the Monkey it is possible to se the sacred appliqu- work tapestry wrought with pearls the depicts the precious teacher. Padmasambhava.Next display of great Thanka will be in 2004.Within the monastery there are to be seen a copper-gilt statue of the Lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver, sacred thankas and many objects. The monastery was founded by the 1st incarnation of Stagsang

Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630, which was invited to Ladakh by the king Singay Namgial and offered him a religious estate through out the region.

There is a pleasant 3 Kms walk, on the side of the mountain above the monastery there is a sacred hermitage founded by the great Gyalwa Kotsang where there can be seen his meditation cave, his foot-print and hand - print on the rock and sacred shrines. This Kotsang is an old hermitage, which was founded many years before the Hemis Monastery. A stay in Hemis over night enables you to attend early morning prayers, a moving experience and strongly recommended.

CHEMDAY MONASTERY Chemday monastery is situated 40 Kms east of Leh. The monastery is situated there on the mountain side and was founded 365 years ago by Lama Tagsang Raschen with the Dharmaraja Singey Namgial acting as patron. There is a sacred image of Padmasambhava to be seen there, one storey in height. There are, furthermore, many shrines. A custom exists whereby every year on the 28th & 29th days of the 9th Tibetan month sacred dances are performed in association with the festival of an initiatory ritual. The successive reincarnations of Lama Tagsang Raschen act as the incumbents.

TAKTHOK MONASTERY The monastery of Takthok is situated in the village of Sakti at a distance of 46 Kms from Leh. Before the monastery was founded there was a meditation cave of a Mahaadiddha called Kunga Phuntsog. After him, during the lifetime of the Dharmaraja Tsewang Namgial, 31st, in the line of the royal dynasty. Since the roof and walls of the monastery are all made of rock, it was given that name Takthok (rock-roof), There is a custom of holding sacred dances & the ceremony of hurling a votive offering during the festival of an initiatory ritual on the 9th & 10th days of the 6th Tibetan month. At present the Taklung Tulku administers it.

MATHO MONASTERY Matho is situated at a distance of 26 kms Southeast of Leh on the opposite bank of the River Indus. There is a monastery, which belongs to the Saskya Order. A Lama Dugpa Dorje founded it about five hundred years ago. Shrines and also a sacred temple dedicated to the guardian deities are to be seen there. A festival called the Matho Nagrang takes place there every year on the 14th and 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month. All the monks perform sacred dances and two gods known as the Rongtsan make their appearance. There is no incarnate being who acts as incumbent. However, Loding Khan Rinpoche is acting present performing the functions of an incumbent. SPITUK MONASTERY

8 Kms from Leh, the monastery standing on a conical hill with 3 chapels was founded in the 11th century by Od-de the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, when he come to Maryul.He introduced a monastic community. When Rinchen Zangpo, the translator came to that place he said that an exemplary religious community would arise there and so the monastery was called Spituk (Exemplary). That time it belonged to the Kadampa School. Then during the lifetime of Dharmaraja Takspa Bum- Lde Lama Lhawang Lotus restored the monastery and the stainless order of Tsongkhapa was introduced and it has remained intact as such up till the present. The Principal statue is that of the lord Buddha.Within this status there is a sacred image of Amitayus, about the finger length in height, presented to Kind Takspa Bum-Lde by the great Tsongkhapa. Every year from the 27th to 29th days of the Tibetan 11th month the sacred dance associated with the festival of the Gustor are held. Stok Monastery, Sankar monastery and Saboo monastery are branches of Spituk Monastery. The incumbents of all these monasteries are the successive reincarnations of Skyabsje Bakula Rinpoche. The monastery is belonging to Gelugpa Order. There are about 100 monks in the monastery of Spituk.

PHYANG MONASTERY Phyang is situated 17 kms west of Leh. The site for the monastery there formed part of one of the many monastic estates Offered to Chosje Damma Kunga from Digung during the time of Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial, who had invited the former to Ladakh.A monastery called Tashi Chozong was founded in 1515 there on the hill of Phyang and a monastic community introduced. It marked the 1stestablishment of the Digung teachings in Ladakh, teachings whose traditions began with Skyoba Jigsten Gonbo, Within the monastery there are sacred shrines and various wall paintings are to be seen which date from the royal period. The protective of the monastery is Apchi Choski Dolma.Every year from the 2nd to 3rd of the 6th month the sacred dances and the hurling of votive offering associated with the festival of (Gang-sngon Tsedup) are held. The successive reincarnation of Skyabje Toldan Rinpoche acts as the incumbents of the monastery.

THE CASTLE OF BASGO

Basgo lies at a distance of 42 Kms west of Leh.The castle known as Basgo Rabtan Lhartsekhar is situated there on a hill of clay. The Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial and Singay Namgial, father and son built it. The Principal image there is that of the so-calledGolden Maitreya, a sacred copper-gilt image of the Buddha Maitreya, two storey in height. The Dharmaraja Singey Namgail as funerary build it to his father, king Jamyang Namgial.There is also an image of the Buddha Maitreya made of clay three storeys in height, which can be seen at the top of the castle. The ruins of a temple and a stupa build by Rinchen Zangpo, the translator can also be seen.

RIZONG MONASTERY

73 Kms from Leh, the monastery of Rizong was built in 1831 by the great Lama Tsultim Nima.The monastery upholds the teachings of the great Tsongkhapa.Dress and food provisions are provided for all members of the community by the governing body of the monastery. Nothing other than religious robes and books is permitted for the inmates of each cell. There are 40 monks in residence. The incumbents of the monastery are the successive reincarnations of Lama Tsultim Nima and of his son, Sras Rinpoche. Within the monastery there are shrines, the painting blocks of the biography of Lama Tsultim Nima, many objects made and books composed by the 1st Sras Rinpoche. The monastery is sited in a most solitary position. 2 Kms below it there is a nunnery called Chulichan (Chomoling) where about 20 nuns reside. The governing body of Rizong Monastery provides their food provisions and clothes. The walk of spinning wool, milking, extracting oil for the temple lamps and so forth has to be performed by all the nuns.

LIKIR MONASTERY Likir lies at a distance of 62 Kms west of Leh. During the time of Lhachen Gyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh, a religious estate and the land on which to build the monastery was offered to Lama Duwang Chosje, a great champion of meditation. The Lama blessed the site and in 1065 the monastery was built. The monastery was encircled by the bodies of the two great serpent spirits, the naga- rajas (Nanda & Taksako) and so its name became widely renowned as Likir (The Naga Encircled). In the 15th Century the disciple of Khasdubje known as Lhawang Lodos Sangphu caused the monastery to flourish. The monastery was brought into the order of the great Lama Tsongkhapa and up till present times the ritual and observances of the three basic Pratimoksa disciplines, which from the basic of Buddhist teachings, are preserved. There are many blessed shrines in this monastery and there resides a protective deity wearing golden armour and of stern command.Every year from the 27th to 29th of 12 th Tibetan month the votive offerings known as Dosmochey are assembled and sacred dances are performed. The successive reincarnations of Naris Rinpoche act as the incumbents of the monastery.

ALCHI MONASTERY Although there are a great many temples, caves and stupas built in Ladakh by Rinchen Zangpo, Translator, Alchi Choskor is the large and most famous of all of them. Alchi is situated at a distance of 67 Kms west of Leh, founded by Rinchen Zangpo, Translator, in 1000 AD. The sacred temples, to be seen there include the Principal one of the Rinchen Lhakhang, at Lotsa Lhakhang, the Jamyang Lhakhang (Manjusri temple) and the sumtsag Lhakhang. The main image is that of Vairocana but there can also been seen the five Buddha Families together with their attendant deities, The paintings are not like the Tibetan style but rather they are executive according to the Indian tradition. In order to build these temples Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator is said in the various biographies to have brought with him from Kashmir (thirty-two sculptors and wood carvers). Other temples built by Rinchen Zangpo, Translator are to be found at Mangu and Sumda each containing a sacred image of Vaironica, various most beautiful images of the Buddhas and Bodhisatvas and many

kinds of lovely paintings. They are also included among the 108 temples built by Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator, within the province of Naris Skorsum.

LAMAYURU MONASTERY Lamayuru Monastery is situated 127 Kms west of Leh. In the 11th century the mahasiddha Naropa came to this place and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen today. Then Rinchen Zangpo, the Translator came to build many temples and stupas and so the teaching of the Kadampa School came to flourish greatly there. There after, for many years the monastery was administered by the Zhwa-mar-pa (Red Hats), after which the Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgial offered it to Chosje Danma, whom he had invited to Ladakh. The rituals and observances of the Digung Kargyud School were introduced and the monastery received the name of Yungdrung Tharpaling.The successive reincarnation of Skyabsje Toldan Rinpoche acts as the incumbents of the monastery. There is a custum whereby each year on the 17th & 18th of the 5th Tibetan month the festival of the so-called (Yuru Kabgyad) is held during which dances are performed. In this monastery there are various shrines to be seen, including thangkas and wall paintings.

WANLA MONASTE Wanla is situated close by Yungdrung to the Southeast. This old monastery was built in 1000 AD.during the time of Lama Rinchen Zangpo, the translator. The famous image of the 11 headed Mahakaruna (Avalkitesvara), built to a height of more than two storeys, is to be seen there. On the wall paintings there are depicted the Buddhas, Boddhisattvas, the Mandala and so forth. There is also a sacred image of Chovo-je-Paldan Atisha.

THE CASTLE OF TINGMOSGANG Tingmosgang lies at a distance of about 92 Kms west of the Leh.This castle was built at the time when Gragpa Bum, Younger brother of Takspa Bum-Lde, the 17rth king of the Ladakhi dynasty, was ruling over Sham in accordance with religious tenets. About 50 years have elapsed since its construction. Contemporary to this was the Red Chapel Tsuglagkhang Marpo containing an image of the Buddha Maitreya to the height of 3 storeys. In particular it was at those times that the selforiginated image of Avalokitesvara from Kamrup was brought & installed inside the castle of Tingmosgang. The image is considered to be a most excellent object of pilgrimage which leads to the accumulation of great merit and to which prostration and oblations have been offered by the successive Dharmaraja of Ladakh and by the whole populations of Ladakh.

KARCHA MONASTERY ZANSKAR

Karcha is the largest of all monasteries in Zanskar. Karcha Chamspaling to give its full name was first established by Phagspa Shesrab, the translator of Zanskar.The Teacher Dorje Shesrab who caused it to flourish built the present monastery. Shesrab Zangpo of Stod introduced the order of Tsongkhapa there. More than 100 monks are in residence. There are shrines and in particular, the wall paintings executed by the Lama Dzadpa Dorje. The Bone relics of Dorje Rinchen are also to be seen. Every year on the 28th & 29th days of the 6th Tibetan month the tradition of sacred dance is observed in association with the Gustor festival. In that place there are also two temples built by Rinchen Zangpo, the translator known as the Thugsjechhenpoi Lhakhang and the Lhakhang Karpo.Close by the village of Karcha there are the monasteries of Khagsar, of Purang in the village of Langmi, of Phagspa in the village of Nangbaphal and a nunnery called Dorjezong at the top of the valley.

ZONGKUYL MONASTERY Zongkul is a sacred place of meditation, founded by the great mahasiddha Naropa, who when he was residing in his meditation cave (where his staff is still preserved) which is situated on the high and splendid rock face above the present monastery, he struck his ritual dagger in to the rock as a sign that he would found the monastery. The mahasiddha went there and founded the monastery. There after it became the sacred place of meditation for all the mahasiddha of Zanskar, including Dubchen Kunga Gyatso, Dubchen Nawang Tsering, Dzadpa Dorje, Karmapa, Kunga Choslag and lama Norboo. Inside the monastery there are to be seen many kinds of sacred shrines including the holy objects made by all those mahasiddha mentioned above, such as: an ivory image of Samvara, a crystal stupa and the texts containing the spiritual songs and biographies composed by the successive mahasiddha. Inside the meditation cave there is Panchen Naropas footprint embedded in the rock and his sacred spring

BARDAN MONASTERY The side of the Lungnak River situates Barden monastery at 8 miles distance from the capital of Zanskar Padum on top of a high cliff. The Lama Barapa founded it in 1270. The Principal image is a Gandhara statue of the Buddha Maitreya, 2 feet in high, which is said to have spoken. The Bodhisattva Deba Gyatso founded the present monastery. Since it was the seat (gdan-sa) of Lama Barapa its name became Bardan.The ruins of a monastery and a stupa can still be seen on top of the mountain called Thar-Lha.

STONGDE MONASTERY Stongde monastery is renowned as having been founded by Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos in 1052 and its name is also Marpaling. Later, Shakya Zangpo of Stongde caused it to flourish. Lama Gyaltsanpa Tundup Palzangpo introduced there the order of Tsongkhapa.There is many kinds of most beautiful shrines and wall paintings to be seen there. About 60 monks are in residence and

every year sacred dance are performed in conjunction with the festival of Gustor which takes place on the 28th & 29th days of the 11th Tibetan month. The successive reincarnations of Nari Tulku act as the incumbent. It seems about 960 years have gone by since the monastery was founded.

THE CASTLE OF SANI Not only in Sani a particularly sacred place due to its having been visited and blessed by Padmasambhava of Oddhiyana but it is also prophesied to be equal and importance to the cemetery of Dechendal in India. There can be seen a cemetery ground with cemetery trees and cemetery springs and also a footprint of Guru Nima Odzer. In the centre of the rockface on the opposite side of the River there can be seen a meditation cave and a footprint. It is said that the Guru stayed there practicing meditation for many years. In Sani is also the great Stupa of Kanishka founded in 124 AD. By king Kanishka and the sacred of Naropa which can be seen on the day of the pilgrimage to Sani which occurs in the 6th Tibetan month. Within the castle there can be seen the various and most beautiful wall paintings which were executed by Zadpa Dorje.

New Areas

Government of India, Ministry of home Affairs has recently declared some more a areas of Ladakh opened for International Tourism. These areas are among the outstanding feature of Himalayan Panorama. It could be yet another destination for the global tourists. These areas are relatively more distinct for cultural and adventure tourism. While declaring the new areas of Khaltse, Nubra & Nyomo Sub-Division, Govt. of India however restricted the movement of traffic flow on 7 different tour circuits to these divisions. Minimum period required for visiting these areas should not exceed 7 days. To understand, these circuits are set here in sequence and those are outlined and separately explained here. Khaltse Sub-Division (Drokhpa Area). Khaltsi-Dumkhar-Skurbuchan-Hanudo-Bima-Dha NUBRA SUB-DIVISION Leh-Khardongla-Khalsar-Tirit upto Panamik Leh-Khardongla-Khalsar-Hunder. Leh-Saboo-Degarla-Degar-Labab-Khungru Gonpa-Tangyar

(only for trekking accompanied by state police) NYOMA SUB-DIVISION. Leh-Upshi-Depring-Puga-Tsomoriri Lake-Korzok Leh-Upshi-Puga-Tsomoriri Lake-Korzok. Leh-Karu-Changla-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukhung-Spangmik. It will be obligatory on the part of Tourists, tour operators and other agencies related with the organised tour that the tourists travel on the identified tour circuits only. They should strictly follow the dos and donts as laid down by the Government. DROGPAS Drogpa areas have been outlined in the Tour Circuits. Out of 5 Drogpa villages in India two are open for foreign tourists. The greatest attraction in these areas are the villages of Dha and Biama which are entirely populated by last remaining remnants of the Dards in the District.Dards are considered as last race of Aryans confined to Indus Valley. These villages have considerable anthropological and ethnographic importance. Festivals of those villages are called harvest festivals. These are considered rare and eventful the year of Drogpa in which all the people of these villages come out of their colourful traditional dress and festival moods to celebrate the festivals. Preceding to the Drogpas villages the village which fall enroute are the villages of Domkhar Skurbuchan, Achinathang which are also important and which tourists can also easily visit. At this stage, tourism being like new-born baby, infrastructures are not adequate in this area. However there is a very good road leading right upto Drogpa villages and tourist can stay over nights in some private guest houses and or at some identified camping site at Khaltsi, Dhomkhar, Skurbuchan, Achinathang, Hanu Do, Biama and Dha village. Approximately distance between Leh and Drogpas villages are between the range of 150 to 170 kms from Leh.

NUBRA VALLEY This valley is popularly known as Ldomra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the North of Ladakh, between Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of Himalayas. Nubra lies at average altitude about 10,000 feet above sea level. The climate, of the areas being soft, soil is much fertile and the vegetation of the area is comparatively thicker than those of the other areas of Ladakh. Shrubs, bushes and trees grow in abundance wherever there is any source of water. Due to this reason Nubra has acquired its right name- Ldomra. Shayok river Siachan River forms largely drain Nubra its single largest tributary. Nubra is a broad valley with lofty mountains on its all sides. Valley assumes greater attractions at the site where both the rivers meet. The formation of Central part of Nubra also takes place there. Diskit is the Sub-Division HQ. Of Nubra. Diskit Gonpa is also situated at a height of about 200 mtrs. Above the village, on the spur of rocky mountain and at the most commanding point having clear view of the entire central part of Nubra. Samstanling Gonpa is

situated on the North facing Diskit Gonpa. This Gonpa is equally important and recreationally it assumes greater importance for being situated at a commanding scenic view point at the foot hills of Karakoram ranges up above Tegar and Sumoor village, amidst plenty of water and high vegetation. Major village via Kardong, Khalsar, Tirit, Sumoor, Tegar Pinchemik, Titisha and Panamik all fall along the traditional silk route. The caravans travelling Central Asia and Kashmir through Nubra valley used to stay at those villages. Panamik was the most important place for haltage of Caravan. It served as last major village where the Caravans landed the facility of feed back, before they negotiated Saser and Karakoram pass towards Central Asia. The famous hot spring of Panamik also served them as a source for bath, drinking water and medicine purpose. Panamik has still got charms and potentiality to serve as a host to travellers. All areas around it including Iantsa Gonpa and Murgi waterfall across it combined with scenic view strengthens its beauty and hospitality. PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST Major attraction of Nubra is the highest motorable Khardongla pass (18,383ft.) majestic peaks and glaciers enchanting valleys and villages. Diskit and Samstanling Gonpa, Panamik hot spring, double hump camel safari, river rafting, trekking and Sunbathe at Hunder are also a great source of attraction for the tourists. FACILITIES AVAILABLE There is a well-maintained road to Nubra from Leh. Tourist can avail the facility of P.W.D. Rest House at Khardong, Khalsar, Diskit, Sumoor and Panamik villages. There are private guesthouses and Tented camps (Identified as cam ping sites) at Khalsar, Khardong, Diskit, Hunder, Tisrit, Sumoor Tegar, Tirisha and Panamik. Besides there are shops and small restaurants/tea stall at places enroute to Nubra valley. Some Hotels are also coming up at Diskit, Hunder, Tegar and Panamik. There is road head right up to Panamik and Hunder. Though the state of road stretch between sought Pule and North Pulu is rough yet travelling and passing through world highest motorable bus Khardongla (18,383 ft.) is the most exciting part of journey to Nubra. CHANGTHANG (NYOMA DIVISION) The upland plateaus of Changthang in Nyoma Sub-Division are possibly the most attractive areas in the District as far as scenic beauty, brackish lakes and Wild Life are concerned. The vast pastures with their gently flowing streams and the lakes amidst the spectacularly coloured mountains are quite unlike any-thing a tourist see anywhere in India. PANGONGLAKE This lake is situated at a elevation of 14,000ft. In the Eastern sector of Ladakh, at a distance of 154km.from Leh across Changla pass (17,000ft.).This lake is one of the largest and most beautiful natural brakish lakes in the country. TSOMO RIRI LAKE

This lake is situated at a elevation of 15,000 ft. above the sea level, at a distance of 240 kms. From Leh in the south-east sector of Ladakh. It is like a pearl shape and contains large mineral deposits. Korzok village is situated on the South West Bank of this lake. Korzok Gonpa and its inhabitants the nomads (Changpas) are most outstanding features of this lake. WILD LIFE Changthang also has an abundance of exotic Wildlife, Skyang, the Tibetan wild ass and snow leopard are found here. Wild asses are generally found grazing near Tsokar pastures and they seen moving in flocks. Rare and exotic birds like Bar Headed Goose, the migratory brids black Necked rare, the Great crested Grebe, the Tibetan crane and the Brahme Ducks are also found in Changthang. FACILITIES AVAILABLE Tourist can avail the facility of PWD rest house at Tangtse Chumathang, Korzok and Tourist Bungalow at Rumtse. There is private guesthouse and tented camps (identified as camping sites) at Durbuk, Tangtse, Muglab, Lukhung and Spangmik villages in the Pangong Lake area. There is road head right upto the lake. It is all metalled except the Changla pass and a stretch of 28 kms. From between Tangtse and Lukhung which is rough. There are tented camps at Chumathang and Korzok. Campsites are also available at Skidmang, Tsokar, and Hemya. For the initial state there are two different approach, which both are given in the tour circuits 5&6 of Nyoma Sub-Division-one is from Leh-Manali road via Polo Kongka pass (13,500 ft) and other is from Leh Nyoma road which diverts at Mahey bridge. Both these roads meet at Sumda in the Puga valley. From Sumda onwards to Tsomoriri, there is a joint approach which is spread over a rough stretch of 43 Kms. Besides this the initial approach of 57 Kms. between Sumda and Manali road is also rough.