Ladakh, is a stark lunar landscaped land of a high altitude and a cold desert inhabited by Buddhist people following the Lama form of Mahayana Buddhism. Living under the shadows of the surrounding snow covered mountains of both the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and praying at their monasteries perched on-top of hills, trying to reach out to the gods. With prayer wheels in their hands rotating the prayers in the wind “Om Mani Padme Hum” describing the God Buddha as a jewel sitting in a lotus flower.
Ladakh, is a stark lunar landscaped land of a high altitude and a cold desert inhabited by Buddhist people following the Lama form of Mahayana Buddhism. Living under the shadows of the surrounding snow covered mountains of both the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and praying at their monasteries perched on-top of hills trying to reach out to the gods. With prayer wheels in their hands rotating the prayers in the wind “Om Mani Padme Hum” describing the God Buddha as a jewel sitting in a lotus flower.
Flying across the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan Divide and the Pir Panjal ranges of Ladakh with views of the Eastern Karakorams before landing at Leh, experience possibly one of the world’s most spectacular flying experiences. Land at the quaint though now fairly bustling township of Leh and take rest for the day to acclimitise to an altitude of 3,500 meters.
A fairly demanding high altitude trek, starting with first arriving into Leh in Ladakh, driving to Zanskar, then over the Umasi La pass (5,300 meters), this trek takes you into the lesser known Sumchan valley. End the trek in the Kishtwar region located between Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Great Himalayan Divide Ranges which separate the Himalayas from the Zanskar and further, Karakorams.
Snow Leopard trek serves as a heaven for animal cravers and lovers. There is a wide range of animals visible on this trek. Trek ranges from Moderate to difficult level. But for actual spotting of Snow Leopard one needs to push to high elevation.
The Diskit Monastery is 350 years old and is the main attraction of this village, is also consider the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery which houses a Maitreya Buddha statue, paintings, drums and Tibetan color-patterned silk.35 metre statue of Maitreya Buddha facing down the Shyok River towards Pakistan.
The gompa (monastery), at 4,560 metres (14,960 ft), houses a Shakyamuni Buddha and other statues. It is home to about 70 monks. This revered monastery is 300 years old. The Tso Moriri Lake below it is also held in reverence, and considered equally sacred by the local people. This monastery belongs to the Drukpa Lineage.
The Likir Monastery or gompa is one of the oldest and well maintained monasteries in Ladakh district in India’s northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir. The monastery is located in Likir village is believed to have been in existence since 11th century. The original name of Likir monastery is Klu-kkhyil gompa.
