Monasteries in Ladakh and Leh

Monasteries in Ladakh and Leh may be either of the Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The head lama is called a 'kushak', meaning reincarnation. The monasteries of Ladakh and Leh are what give the region its unique flavor and beauty. Typically, most gompas are built so that they perch precariously on lone rocks or craggy mountain-faces.

Hemis, the largest monastery in Ladakh and Leh, is a surprise to the traveler, as it cannot be seen from the road. Impressive and intriguing, Hemis is different from the other important monasteries of Ladakh and Leh. The annual festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, is held for two days in June-July, enlivening the courtyard of the monastery. The festival of dances of Ladakh and Leh, where good triumphs over evil in a colourful pageant, is also the annual 'bazaar' where Ladakhis from remote areas buy and sell wares.

Thikse monastery, near Leh, is considered an architectural wonder, whereas Shey monastery has a huge gold-plated, copper statue of the Bdudha. Alchi, Likir and Lamayuru are amongst the oldest monasteries of Ladakh and Leh; Alchi was built 1000 years back, and Likir in the 11th century. Each one of the monasteries in Ladakh and Leh, distinctive and attractive, impart the intense culture of Ladakh and Leh, where simplicity is so intricately interwoven with colour and industry.

One could travel right through Ladakh and Leh and yet not glimpse it all, for there is so much unsaid and unseen. Whether it is the Ladakhi or his music, or the hard-hitting majesty of the landscape one cannot say, but Ladakh leaves a strong stamp on its visitor's mind. One is always waiting to go back to Ladakh and Leh, into the barren wilderness.