| Historic Places
The most attractive features
of the landscape of Leh are the Buddhist Gompas (monoasteries). The
Gompas are situated on the highest points of the mountain spurs or
sprawl over cliffsides,located in vicinity of villages and provide
focus for the faith of Buddhists.The famous religious places include: Hemis Situated
40 Kms.from Leh,Hemis is the wealthiest,best known and biggest gompa of
Ladakh.The annual festival of the gompa is held in summer in honour of
Guru Padma Sambhav's birth anniversary.It also has the largest
thanka(scroll painting on silk or brocade) in Ladakh which is unfurled
once in 12 years.Hemis was built in 1630 A.D.during the reign of Sengge
Namgyal and flourished under the Namgyal dynasty. Alchi The
gompa is situated on the banks of the Indus,70 Kms from Leh and dates a
thousand years back.The gompa os no longer an active religious centre
and is looked after by monks from the Likir monastery. Spituk The
gompa stands prominently on the top of a hillock,8 Kms.from Leh,and
commands a panaoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles.Many icons of
Buddha and five thankas are found in 15th century monastery.There is
also a collection of ancient masks,antique arms,and an awe inspiring
image of Mahakal.
Phyang The
monastery is situated 17 Kms.from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road.It was
built by Tashi Namgyal in the later half of the 16th century A.D.and
looks like a place from a distance.The gompa belongs to the Red Cap
sect of the Buddhists. Hundreds of icons of Budha are kept on wooden
shelves. Shey 15
Kms upstream from Leh.The palace is belived to have been the seat of
power of the pre-Tibetan kings.A 7.5 metre high copper statue of
Buddha,plated with gold,and the largest of its kind,is installed in the
palace. ThikseThe
Thikse monastery is spectacularly situated 19 Kms from Leh.It is one of
the largest and architecturally most impressive gompas.The gompa has
images,stupas and wall paintings of Buddha which are exquisite. Jama Masjid The
historical mosque is situated in the heart of Leh town. It was built in
1666-67 A.D.consequent to an agreement between the Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb and then ruler of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal. Leh Palace The
palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building.The nine-
storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of
Ladakh Sengge Namgyal. Kargil The
Distt has one of the oldest civilizations. These tribes are Dards and
baltis. The baltis are said to be descendents of Sakas a central Asian
race. Dards are located in Dras. There is a old stone statue near Dras.
General zorawar Singh while conquering the area via Warwan Pass
constructed a fort at proper Kargil.
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