Leh - Ladakh's capital, is Sengge Namgyal's
nine-storey Palace. The palace is built in Tibetan architecture
said to be the inspiration for the famous Potala in Lhasa, which
was built 50 years later. Sengge Namgyal himself was the king
when the kingdom of Ladakh had reached the zenith of its political
fortunes in the early 17th century
Above the palace, on the Namgyal Tsemo peak overlooking Leh,
are ruins of the town's earliest royal residence a fort built
by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century. In contrast to the
ruins of a bygone age, down in the bazaar Leh throbs with life.
It has the atmosphere of a varied crowd, and the curio shops
presenting their wares captivate both the local and the visitor.
one can bargain for pearls, turquoise, coral, malachite, lapis
lazuli and other semi-precious stones and jewellery.
ACCESS
There are regular flights to Leh from New Delhi, Chandigarh,
Jammu and Srinagar and the nearest railhead is Jammu, 724 km
away, which is connected to all parts of India by express trains.
Leh is also approachable on a national highway from Srinagar
, 43 km away
PLACES OF INTEREST
Jo-khang - a modern ecumenical Buddhist temple;
Leh mosque - an imposing structure and dating from late 17th
century;
Shanti Stupa- a stunning sight in the evening.
Leh Khar Palace, Leh Monastery, Tsemo Gompa, Stok Palace Museum.
EXCURSIONS
Sabu - a charming village with a small gompa (monastery).
Choglamsar - Tibetan refugee settlement, including a
children's village, a handicrafts centre devoted largely to
carpet-weaving, and the Dalai Lama's prayer ground, Jiva -tsal.
Spituk Gompa - one of its main features is the chapel
dedicated to the Goddess Tara, with twenty-three images.
Other are Hemis High Altitude National Park (35 km); Hemis Gompa
(89 km); Lamayura believed to have been a sacred site for the
pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon.
Achi Gompa (135 km), Choglamsar, Likir Gompa, Phiyang Gompa,
Samkar Gompa, Shey Palace and Monastery (15 km), Spituk Monastery
(8 km) Stakhna Monastery, Thiksey Monastery (19 km)
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