LEH - LADAKH

Ladakh is the abode of the rare Kiang & highland Yak. Leh - its capital city lies at the tri junction of the historic silkroute from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. Ladakh is a virtual paradise for Adventure sports - Mountaineering, trekking, white water rafting/canoeing etc. Leh is dominated by Seggi Namgyal's nine-storey palace, a building in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture. It is said to have inspired the famous Potala in Lhasa, which was built half a century later. Above it, on Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town are the ruins of the earliest royal residence at Leh, a fort built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century. The associated temples remain intact, but they are kept locked except during the morning and evening hours when a monk toils up the hill from Shankar Gompa to attend to butter the lamps in front of the images.

General Information

Altitude :3500 meters
Area : 97,000 sq.kms
Population : Around 9,000
Languages : Ladakhi, Purik, Balti, English and Tibetan
Climate : Summer- (Dry Hot) ; Winter- (-35 deg cel)
Best Season : May to November

Fairs and Festivals

Hemis
A colorful festival is held to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have fought with demons for the safety of the local people. Mask dances are organised and stalls are put up selling handicrafts and other wares.

Losar
This is celebrated in the eleventh month of the Buddhist year. Its origin dates back to the 15th century. It was held before a battle as it was feared that not many would survive.

Ladakh Festival
It is organised by the District Tourist Office, Leh. Some other religious festival organised at different monasteries can be witnessed by tourist.