Hill Station
Ladakh Hill Station
Information:
Popuraly
known as 'Hermit Kingdom',Ladakh is a land of snow carved peaks,translucent
Lakes,barren terrain and mystic culture. It is also known as little Tibet and
has a great Buddhist tradition. Visit the various mosteries out of which Shey,Thikse,Hemise,Lamayuri,and
Likir are the most important ones. Every year in the month of June Hemis Festival
is held which is a unique experience.This is the highest inhabited region in
India and the River Indus with its tributaries,slice their way through the ranges.
The hill resort of Ladakh is surrounded by the Karakoram Range in the north.
The Himalayas border Ladakh in the south. The Indus River flows through Ladakh
and divides it into Leh,Nubra,Zanskar,lower Ladakh and Rupshu. Geographically
speaking the landscape of Ladakh comprises of uplands,craggy,barren cliffs
and plateaus.
Attractions:
Buddhism in Ladakh:A religion that has bestowed mankind with the spirit
of humanity is Buddhism. This revered compassion of mankind indeed is one of
the greatest discoveries in the world of spirituality. Purity echoes the mantra
of peace and ardent adoration for mankind and a deep anchored desire to serve
human race
Hemis
monastery: Hemis in Ladakh,is situated at a distance of 40 km southeast
of Leh. Famous for spectacular scenic beauty,exotic wildlife,varied cultural
influences and the historic Hemis Monastery. Noteworthy amongst the many treasures
housed within the monastery,is the exquisite Buddha Shakyamuni,which is studded
with precious gems. The serene-faced colossus sits in the Cho-khang chamber
at the far end of the courtyard,along with some richly inlaid,silver Chortens.
In 2004,the monastery is where the antique Thangka is going to be displayed
to the public after a span of twelve years.
Then there is the Thikse monastery whose architecture will not fail to sweep
you off your feet. In the Shey monastery you must see the huge gold-plated
copper statue of the Buddha. Amongst the other old gompas worth visiting in
Ladakh are 1,000-year-old Alchi,11th century- Likir and Lamayuru. Coming back
to nature it is noteworthy that Ladakh is rich in flora and fauna. You may
feast your eyes on the exotic flowers like iris and larkspurs in Ladakh. Moving
on to fauna you will be able to spot Yak easily in Ladakh. The local people
of Ladakh use the meat,horns,hooves,hide,hair and even the tail of Yak. Though
you may use the animal for a ride. While in Ladakh you will come across the
hybrid between the yaks and cow namely Dzo. Dzo can only be seen in Ladakh.
Ladakh is home to several wool-producing animals like sheep,goats and yak.
KARGIL: Kargil,the second town of Ladakh,is situated on the Suru River
just short of its confluence with the Dras-shingo. Almost equidistant,at a little
over 200-km from Leh,Srinagar,Padum in Zanskar and Skardu,the capital of Baltistan,it
was in the old days the centre of a network of routes joining these places.
Since Partition,Skardu has been lost to Ladakh,but Kargil remains the main staging-point
between Srinagar and Leh,and the Gateway to the Suru valley and Zanskar.
Trekking in Ladakh
When
Ladakh was first thrown open to tourism an average itinerary encompassed visits
to Leh and its environs with some treks into nearb valleys. The most popular
of these were the 8-day Markha valley trek,the 11-day Lamayuru-Padum route and
the Stok Khangri round trek. Now with growing interest in adventure tourism
the focus has shifted to the mysterious valleys of Suru and Zanskar with their
spectacular scenery.
Travel Information
By Air: Leh is the main airport for this area. Direct flights link it
to Delhi,Chandigarh,Srinagar and Jammu. Kargil,Suru and Zanskar valleys - Srinagar
and Leh airports are both convenient.
By Road: Leh - Srinagar-Leh road is the main route with an over night
halt at Kargil. The road is open between mid June and November. Ordinary and
deluxe buses of the J&K state road transport corporation regularly ply on
this route.
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