Leh is the largest town of the Ladakh region and also the capital city. The getaway to the very beautiful wonderland of Ladakh, this city is making its name among the top places for adventure in India. Titled as the 'rooftop of the world' and the 'land of high passes', it is a paradise of breath-taking beauty, matchless adventures and experiences of a lifetime. India's very own moon land, it is a unique topography. Located to the north of the Indus River, Leh lies at an elevation of 3600m above the sea level in the Karakorum Mountains.
Since the olden times, Leh has been an important junction on the famous Silk Route. It still date preserves the Tibetan culture and has a number of ancient monasteries that keep alive the traditions and culture. Now, the hidden paradise is a hub of adventure,discovery and what can be called as a life-changing journey.
The ruins of the Leh Palace is a major tourist attraction. The former residence of the royal family of Ladakh is built on the lines of the Potala Palace, Tibet. Thiksey Gompa is one of the largest and also architecturally the most impressive of Buddhist Monasteries in India and especially in Ladakh. There Gompas are treasures of images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.
Shey Palace and Gompa, formerly the residence of the royal family is now among the most popular sites to visit.The seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds in the olden days, the monastery worships a 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.
Of special note is the Hemis Gompa, the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. Built in 1630 during the reign of Singe Namgyal, Hemis is home to the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years. The favor for Namgyal Dynasty is the reason why the Drugpa sect manages the monastery. It is divided into two, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall (Dukhang)is also used as “green room” by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The verandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist “Wheel Of Life” (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters,besides the prayer wheel. The annual summer festival celebrating Guru Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary is a crowd-puller.
The excursions to the KhardungLa, one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, the beautiful Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley are absolute musts on a visit to Leh.
