Art & Culture of Ladakh- A Spiritual Sojourn 

Monasteries & Lamas - Preserving the Glory of Buddhism

Monasteries, Buddhist monks and lamas adorned in red robes, colourful flags, whitewashed stupas or chortens and spreading fragrance of juniper in air, and churning of prayer wheels are the common sights in Ladakh. These are the essential part of local culture and traditions of Ladakh.   

Perched on hills, Monasteries or Gompas are the epitome of the glory of Buddhism in Ladakh, especially in Leh district. Early morning calls for the prayers in the monasteries can be listened to a far distance. These monasteries are the spiritual hub where hundreds of Buddhist monks or lamas live and practice centuries old ancient traditions established to live the life in a monastic order. Monasteries are also the home to the hidden treasure of centuries old art and culture in form of sculptures, paintings , thangkas, and much more. 

During this small journey of 5 nights, we invite you to an unknown world of centuries old traditions of Buddhism amidst which you will feel enlighten. Our knowledgeable tour guides and drivers are the expert of the local cultural heritage and will carefully navigate you through this experiential journey crafted around the Monasteries & Lamas of Ladakh. 

ITINERARY

• Day -1 : Arrive Leh airport ( 3250 meters above sea level ) in morning and drive straight to Uleytokpo Village ( 60 Kms / 1.5 Hours ). Overnight at hotel in Uleytokpo. 

• Day -2 : Early morning visit the most picturesque Lamayuru monastery followed by a visit to the oldest Alchi monastery at Alchi village. Visit Likir monastery which houses 23 meters tall statue of Maitreya Buddha ( the future Buddha ). Overnight at hotel in Uleytokpo.

• Day- 3 : Drive to Leh city en-route visiting Phyang monastery famous for its paintings related to the life of Buddha. Feel the positive energy at the confluence of two most important rivers from the Himalayas - Indus and Zanskar. Check-in at your hotel in Leh city and spend the evening walking through the Leh market.  Overnight at a hotel in Leh City.

• Day -4 : Visit Shanti Stupa to meditate followed by a visit to Leh Palace. Visit Hemis monastery, the spiritual center of Drukpa lineage or Red Hat Sect of Buddhism and housing a rich collection of miniature paintings, thangkas, and statues of Buddhist gods and goddesses. Overnight at a hotel in Leh City.

• Day -5 : Early morning, be a part of the Buddhist prayers performed by lamas at Thiksey monastery having a striking resemblance with Potala Palace in Tibet. Visit the grand statute of Maitreya Buddha in two storied shrine hall and meet with the lamas living in the rooms built on a cliff rising in tier upon tier. Later visit Thaktok monastery whose roof as well as walls are made up of rock. This 16th century monastery was built around the cave where Guru Padamasambhava mediated for 3 years in around 8th century. Spend rest of the time in Tibetan market in Leh city. Overnight at hotel in Leh.

• Day -6 : Depart from Leh by a morning flight to continue your journey by road to Srinagar in Kashmir.

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