About Leh | General Information | Places To See

LADAKH is situated between 30 degree to 36 degree east latitude and 76 degree to 79 degree north longitude. The region of Ladakh spread over to an area of 96,701 Sq.Kms and comprising a population of 2 Lakhs habitants and consists of two districts,Leh and Kargil. The region of Ladakh normally remains land locked between November to June every year as Srinagar-Ladakh and Ladakh-Monali highways,which connect Ladakh with the other parts of the country, remain closed during this period because of snow and rigorous winter.Ladakh is also the land of many lakes and springs. Among the springs,the famous are the sulphar springs of Panamic (Nobra), Chumathang and Puga of Changthang,which are famous for early curing of joints/ rheumatic diseases.Many mineral springs are also found in some remote parts of Ladakh. People of region use the spring water as medicine to prevent and cure themselves from many diseases.The important lakes which fall within the jurisdiction of Ladakh are Pangong lake (150 Kms.long,4 Kms.wide situated at a height of 14,000 ft.).Tsomoriri lake, (Tsokar means salty lake). Since ancient times till the end of 1959 salt was being extricated from this particular salty lake for human consumption.Ladakh has two districts namely Leh and Kargil which stand in contrast with each other in terms of geography and climate. The great Himalaya mountain, lying to the south ,forms a barrier to monsoon in this area.Due to this region Ladakh is an isolated cold desert region. Altitude in Ladakh varies from place to place and is the main factor affecting local climate. The winter temp.touches as low as minus 30 degree(Leh & Kargil) and minus 60 degree in (Drass) subzero temp.prevails from December to February throughout Ladakh, whereas,zero degree temp.is experienced during rest of winter months.This result in freezing of all conceivable water resources. During summer the maximum temp.increases from 20 degree C to 38 degree C in July and August. The relative humidity is low and ranges from 31 to 64 percent.Wind velocity in the afternoon and nights is of high order resulting in heavy soil errosion with dust storm and snow blizzards which make life very difficult.Due to longer winters, the agriculture season is short and spread over from April to September depending upon the climate.The main river of Ladakh is Indus,which flows in a north-west direction between Ladakh and Zanskar ranges.It is joined by several major rivers like Zanskar,Suru and Shayok before it reaches Pakistan. 

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. 

Thikse
The 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 Mashid
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.