The serene water body, blue and green in color, white sand far stretched, and cool fresh air remind me of the time I was in Ladakh! A land of deep valleys, it has its history singing through its monasteries and rich heritage.
I won’t lie, it was the last scene from the movie ‘3 idiots’ that had me going to Ladakh. Ladakh, or La Dak, which means “the land of high passes,” is a region of beautiful blue lakes, mountain ranges, and a serene atmosphere. However, its beauty isn’t limited to nature; it stretches far into its rich traditions, cultures, architecture, and beliefs as well.
Ladakh, as exciting as this place sounds, has much more to it than its natural landscapes and valleys. The city has its roots deep in Buddhism, acting as a home to various pre-Tibetan rock-cut figures of Buddha, monasteries, and other landmarks that mark nascent Tibetan Buddhism.
UNVEIL THE RICH HISTORY AND THE MONASTERY CULTURE OF LADAKH
While a long bike ride on the roads of Ladakh sounds exciting, there is more to it. In this blog, I will tell you about some of the most amusing and eye-widening historical places, including some of the most fascinating monasteries in Ladakh.
1. SHANTI STUPA
Situated in the Leh district of Ladakh, this Shanti Stupa was built in 1991 by a Japenese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura. This historical monument is a white-structured dome of two levels, with the first level featuring the central relic of Dharmachakra, while the second level depicts the birth of Buddha, his death, and him defeating evils while meditating. Shanti Stupa, as the name suggests, was built to spread peace and prosperity and has become one of the most visited places in Ladakh to date.
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Irrespective of its popularity among tourists, it provides the tourists with a calm and serene atmosphere, allowing them to experience peace, reflect, and meditate without any obstruction.
Located 11841 feet above sea level, the location allows you to witness the beauty of Changspa village from a height.
2. ROCK CUT SCULPTURE AT MULBEKH
The height of this rock-cut sculpture will leave you in shock! About twenty-five feet in height, this sculpture of Maitreya, the Bodhisattva, is carved out on a big rock. Unlike other sculptors of Maitreya, this sculptor has four hands, with stringed beads and Nagapushpa in his upper hands, and in one of the lower hands is a Kundlika, a pure water vase, while the other hand gestures, depicting maitri (love, kindness).
If you are on NH 1D, traveling from Jammu to Ladakh or vice versa, the sculptor might catch your attention!
To know more about the sculpture in particular, visit: Rock Carving of Four-Armed Bodhisattva Maitreya | Project Himalayan Art (rubinmuseum.org)
3. LAMAYRU MONASTERY
A popular Buddhist monastery in the Ladakh region, the name Lamayru resonates with Swastika. The monastery is believed to have been built first as a Bon monastery and later became a Buddhist monastery. The Bon is an indigenous Tibetan religion that shares similarities with Tibetan Buddhism.
Lamayru Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries, with bright, vivid ancient paintings of the cardinal kings.
The place will leave you awestruck with its decorated stupas, colorful Thangkas, and peaceful surroundings.
The festival of Yuru Kabgyat is celebrated at the Lamayuru Monastery with various dance performances and sacred rituals. In order to witness the beauty of this festival, you will need to visit here in the month of July. The environment will surely engulf you in its peacefulness.
4. LEH PALACE
As the name suggests, the Leh Palace was the home of Ladakhi rulers. A fine example of traditional Tibetan architecture, its architecture also resembles that of the Potala Palace, built in 1645 in China. The palace, once home to royalties, is now one of the most loved touristic places in Ladakh. It is a nine-story-high building with a museum inside it.
Its design is characterized by massive stone walls, narrow windows, and flat roofs, reflecting the architectural style adapted to the harsh high-altitude environment. A perfect example of Tibetan architecture! After visiting so many monasteries and other calming places, this palace is a treat to the eyes!
While the museum inside gives you the perfect way to gain insights into the palace and its people’s history, the palace’s height provides the best scenic view of Leh town from an altitude.
5. ALCHI MONASTERY
This monastery is believed to have been built around the 10th century, putting it at the top of the list of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is recognized for its efforts in preserving ancient Tibetan art and manuscripts and offers a very vivid look into early Tibetan Buddhist art. The complex of the monastery consists of several temples and shrines, while the walls are painted in a rather exquisite range of colors, making it rather eye-pleasing for the viewers.
There are three main parts of the monastery: Du-Khang (the assembly hall), Sum-Tsek, and Manjushri Temple (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom). The paintings include deities of Buddha, his life teachings, and traditional Dharamachakras.
Ladakh shares its traditions and cultures with Tibet, as is rightly depicted in the various monasteries present.
To experience the ultimate peace, one might sit here in the assembly hall. The aura of this place is bliss!
6. LIKIR MONASTERY, LADAKH
Likir Monastery, one of the earliest built monasteries in Ladakh, dates back to the 11th century. Located on a little hill in the Likir village by the Indus River, it is believed to have been built by King Lhachen Gyalpo (1050–1080 CE). The monastery is now home to 120 Buddhist monks and a school for about 30 students.
The monastery has a huge collection of old manuscripts, Thangkas, old costumes, and earthen pots. If you are in Ladakh, make sure to visit this monastery to breathe in its history for once. The 75-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Dukhang (assembly hall), and the Buddha Museum are the most eye-catching.
7. DIKSIT GOMPA
Built in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, Dikshit monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. The tall statue of ancient Maitreya Buddha attracts a large number of tourists, making it one of the most visited places in Ladakh. Diskit Gompa is an important center of Buddhist learning and practice in Ladakh.
The most striking event of this monastery is the annual Dosmoche Festival, celebrated in February. The 2-day festival marks the arrival of the New Year and attracts the most tourists in particular. To learn more about this lively and vibrant festival, visit: Dosmoche: Annual Ritual Festival of Leh | Sahapedia
CONCLUSION
Also known as ‘Little Tibet’, Ladakh is true to its name, sharing cultural and religious similarities with Tibet, including its Buddhism practices, architecture, and cuisine. Ending a trip to Ladakh is like carrying a box full of memories, adventure, and a better appreciation of nature and its wonders. Ladakh is so much more than its fresh forests and hilly regions. It’s about the colors, the culture, the cuisine, and its rich traditions. It’s about how welcoming a place is and Ladakh is surely one such place. To learn about more such places, visit our blog ItihaasKiKhoj –