Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of
the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the
Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar
range. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m)
at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram.
Visits to the major Buddhist monasteries and other cultural or heritage sites
are the principal tourist attractions of central Ladakh and Zanskar.
These sites, most within reach of Leh, may be visited by bus or by taxi. Most
villages and/ or monasteries are provided with regular bus services from Leh.
Taxis are expensive, with fixed tariff for almost every monastery or group of
manasteries, but offer good value in terms of comfort, convenience and time
frame.
Most of the region's principal gompas are open throughout day and a caretaker
lama is available to show visitors around.
Some of the less visited establishments have special opening hours, as in the
case of Namgyal Tsemo, Shey Palace and the Stock Palace Museum.
Check the timings in the Tourist Office before proceeding to these places. Most
of the monasteries charge a small entrance fee.
The monasteries constitute the fountain-head of Ladakh's Buddhist religion and
culture. Tourists are advised to respect their sanctity.
Shoes may have to be removed before entering some of the temples, smoking is
anathema to the monastic atmosphere, while loud action and speech may disturb
the tranquil ambience characteristic of such places of worship.
Ladakh Cultural Tourism, Discover Ladakh Reservation
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