Ladakh: This was opened
to outside visitors only in the mid-1970s. This is a sensitive
border region disputed by India, Pakistan and China. Ladakh has a
predominantly Tibetan influence. It is a miniature version of
Tibet. The people are Tibetan in their culture and religion and
there are many Tibetan refugees here. Ladakh is barren except for
a few places where the rivers flow. There are many of the
inhabitants here are Buddhists.
Leh: Centuries ago this was an important stop on the old
caravan silk route form China. Today it is a military base and a
tourist centre.
The leh Palace built in the 16th century is now deserted and badly
damaged. But it offers superb views from the roof. The Zanskar
Mountains across the Indus river look close enough to touch. The
palace is still the property of the Ladakhi royal family. The
central prayer room is still preserved.
High above the palace is the Red Gompa built in 1430. It has a
thee-storey high seated Buddha image. The gompa above though in a
ruined condition offers superb views down on Leh.
The Sankar Gompa is just two km.away from Leh. It has electric
lighting facility and an impressive representation of
Avalokitesvara with 100 arms and 1,000 heads.
