Deep within the folds of the Karakoram mountain ranges, is the remote, fascinating land of Ladakh, also known as the land of passes. For centuries, it had been closed to the outside world, due to its inaccessibility. The sheer, stark landscape, comprising of aloof mountains, dramatic ridges, and valleys, leaves an indelible imprint on the visitor's mind. 

For those evincing an interest in Tibetology and Buddhism, Ladakh is like a dream come true. The land of lamaseries, lamaism being a peculiar feature of the Buddhist social structure, here, which stresses on celibacy for males, and monastic existence for the women. The Ladakhi people are devout Buddhists, famous for their integrity, and innate humaneness. Mask and scarf dances, flutes, cymbals and percussion instruments accompany the festivities on special days. Leh, the nerve - centre of the region, and the low - profile Kargil are the two main districts of Ladakh.

Leh, located at a height of 3500 metres in the Karakoram mountains, is 434 kms from Srinagar. The main attractions of this area include the Leh Khar Palace, Leh Monastery, Leh Mosque, Tsemo Gompa and the Stok Palace Museum. The Leh Khar Palace, dating back to the 16th century, is hewn into a rock-face. Within the palace are Buddhist wall paintings, centuries old 'tankas' or painted scrolls and other artefacts. The Leh Monastery looms over its surroundings, housing a solid gold statue of the Buddha, and ancient manuscripts among other articles.The Leh Mosque, built by Single Namgyal, sports a unique blend of Turkish-Iranian architecture. The royal monastery, better known as Tsemo Gompa, has an impressive two - storeyed image of Chamb Buddha. The Stok Palace Museum has on display the royal crown, `tankas', coins and other invaluable items. 

Shankar Gompa 
Walk to the Shankar Gompa which has innumerable statues of pure gold and a number of interesting paintings. Later walk to the Leh Palace and on the way back visit the cottage industries emporium. Drive to the Spituk Monastery (5 miles) which contains a large collection of Tankhyas and old masks and later visit the Shankar Gompa. Proceed to visit the Phyiang Monastery before returning to the hotel. 

Alchi Gompa 
70 Km from Leh on banks of the Indus, is Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls feature thousands of miniature-sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attraction. 

Shey and Stok 
The once residence of the royal family is famous for its 7.5 m high gilded statue of Buddha. Stok was the Palace of the banished royal family. It houses a museum which displays fabulous period costumes and jewellery of the royalty along-with exquisite Tankhyas representing the life of the Sakya Muni Buddha. Interesting historical objects like coins, seals, armour, weapons, precious jade and porcelain can also be seen here. 

Hemis 
40 kms from Leh, Hemis is one of the richest, biggest and most famous gompa in Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held during summer in honour of their Guru Padma Sambhava's birth anniversary. Built during 1630, it has numerous tankhyas, silver chortens studded with precious/semi precious stones and various images of Buddha. Of its many frescoes, the most famous is the Wheel of Life. 

Lamayuru 
The oldest holy site in Ladakh, Lamayuru was once a lake. It was blessed by a lama after which, as legend goes, the water of the lake receded upto the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built. It is also the -free zone- of Ladakh since not even a criminal can be apprehended in this place. Now mostly in ruins, only the main hall exists today and houses numerous tankhyas. 

Likir 
Founded in the 11th century AD and re-dedicated to another monastic order in the 15th century AD, the earlier gompa was destroyed in a fire. The present gompa dates back to the 18th century. Skilled craftsman producing excellent tankhyas, earthen pots, carved folding wooden stools etc. live in the village. Majestically situated, it commands a spectacular view. 

Spituk 
8 kms from Leh, it stands majestically on top of a hillock overlooking the Indus valley for miles. Many icons and fine tankhyas are to be found in this 15th century monastery. It also houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe inspiring image of Mahakala. The face of the Kali image is kept covered and revealed only at the annual function in January every two years. 

Thiskey 
19 kms from Leh, spectacularly sited and one of the finest example of Ladakhi architecture. Thiksey is one of the largest and most impressive gompas. There are several temples in this gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two- storeyed statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder. 

The festivals celebrated in Ladakh, include the Hemis festival, held in June to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava; Losar, which is held in the eleventh month of the Buddhist year, and the Ladakh festival held in August, which is primarily organized by the District Tourist Office, for the tourists.

By air: Leh is connected by Indian Airlines to Chandigarh, Delhi, and Srinagar.

By rail: The nearest railhead is Jammu (690 km), which is linked to the rest of the country by express trains.

By road: Leh can be reached on a state highway, from Srinagar ( 387 kms).