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Hemis Monastery:
This is biggest and the most important monastery in Ladakh. It
is situated 49 kms to south of Leh, a little off the main Leh-Manali road. It was built in the 17th century by Chapgon
Gyalshas and ever since has enjoyed the patronage of the royal
family. Hemis is the headquarter of the Drukpa order and all the
monasteries throughout Ladakh are administered by it. It also
trains Lamas for the royal monasteries at Leh, Shey and Bazgo.
In the 19th century it faced a siege by General Zorawar Singh.
The Gompa was saved to the skillful handing of the situation by
the head Lama. In 1956 the head Lama Hemis Gompa disappeared
mysteriously never to be seen again. A 12 years old boy was
brought from Dalhousie. In 1976 to be appointed as head Lama. He
will assume authority after his training period is complete. The
monastery contains quite a few gold statue and stupas decorated
with precious stones. It has a superb collection of tankhas,
including one, which is supposed to be the largest in existence
and is exhibited only once every 11 years. The monastery has
annual festival, is a big tourist attraction. Masked dances are
held on that day.
Thiksey Gompa: En route to Hemis Gompa, the Thiksey monastery is a most
imposing structure providing a panoramic view of the green Indus
valley from its vantage atop a hill. It has chambers full of
statues, stupas and tannkhas.
Shey Palace and Monastery:
Also on the way to Hemis Gompa and 15 kms from Leh is the summer
palace of the erstwhile, Raja of Leh, set upon a hill sitting
Buddha wrought with copper and gold that leaves one lama before
hand. Many chortens can be seen to the east of the monastery.
Day 4:
Leh to Lamayuru (124 kms)
The whole is dedicate to for the local sightseeing Lamayuru:
After exploring villages around the area, it comes as a surprise
to find that Lamayuru is a scruffy little place. The gompa is
the completely overshadowed and most famous spectacular
monastery in Ladakh. On the way the group can also visit the
Alchi and Rizong monasteries. Alchi monastery is famous gompa
for the 1000-year old wall painting, which make a visit more
than worthwhile. Rizong monastery about the six kms along a
steepish, rocky track from the main road is the starts of the
area with the nunnery of Julochen and the gompa of Rizong
belonging to the Gelukpa factions.
Day 5: Local Sight seeing, Leh Bazaar, Leh Palace and
Sankar gompa
The whole day is dedicated to the shopping and to discover some
interesting things about Ladakhi art and cultural by the
visiting the Tibetan refugees camp Choklamsar, Library and
Ecological Development etc. The women's vegetable market in the
afternoon and some interesting place to visit. And the evening
the Sankar monastery.
Leh Gompa:
It is situated above the Leh Palace and was built in 1430. It
contains a 13.7 metres high statue of the Buddha which the
Ladakhi call Chamba. According to the Lamas this splendid statue
is the future Buddha. A butter burns day and night in front of
this statue.
Sankar Gompa:
Just 3 kms from Leh is this monastery that has a formidable
collection of miniature of pure gold and a number of exciting
painting. It is well lit and may be visited in the evening as
well.Overnight Leh.
Day 6:
Leh to Delhi
Depart to Delhi. Arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Delhi city tour and overnight Delhi.
Day 7:
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