This morning post breakfast, the same guide will take you to visit the leading monasteries of the area.
About 20 Kms from Leh, Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest examples of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill and part of the Gelukpa order. The disciple of Jangon Tsongkhapa; Sherab Zangpo first built the temple of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of Stagmo Lakchung at the top of the Thiksey valley. Then Paldan Sherab, nephew of Sherb Zangpo founded the Thiksey monastery.
The 12-storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues; Thangkha, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings, there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Rinpoche act as in charge of the monastery. Thiksey Gustor (festival) held from 17th to 19th day of the 12th month. The main prayer hall has a 15 metre high-seated Buddha figure. There are chance to see prayer in the early morning.
Shey, 15 Km south of Leh was constructed by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Palgyigon and of successive kings. Around 12 ft. Shakyamuni Buddha’s statue made by copper guilt is the largest in the region, built by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 is a funerary memorial to his father, King Singee Namgyal. There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in height at Dresthang down the castle. Stone carving and many chortens are scattered around the Dresthang Gompa.
Hemis monastery is one of the most famous and largest of all monasteries in Ladakh, 45 Kms south of Leh founded in 17th century belongs to the Drukpa order. Stagsang Raschegn who was invited to Ladakh by King Singee Namgyal founded the monastery. The king offered him religious estates and attended him as his principal guru.
You will be taken by a Ladakhi guide to see local sites and walk in Leh’s main bazaar.
Shanti Stupa - Dominating Leh from a high, rocky ridge, this gigantic white spired pudding of a Stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese monks to promote world peace. You can circle to mantras and meditate in the Buddha Hall, but the greatest attraction is the stunning view over Leh. Ideally, make the breathless 15-minute climb when golden afternoon light still illuminates the city but the steps up from Changspa are already bathed in cooling shadow.
Leh Palace: Bearing a passing similarity to the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), this nine-storey dun-coloured edifice is Leh's dominant structure and architectural icon. Today the sturdy walls enclose some photo exhibition spaces and a small prayer room, but the most enjoyable part of a visit is venturing to the uppermost rooftops for the view.
hemis monastery leh
/ Leh Palace
/ Shanti Stupa leh
/ Shey Palace and Monastery
/ Thikse Monastery