GOMPAS
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Alchi: Founded in the early 12th century AD. It is the jewel amongst many of Ladakh’s monasteries. Alchi was abandoned as a site of active workshop, for reasons unknown as early as 16th century: the 12th century paintings have remained remarkably well preserved, undimmed by soot from butter lamps and incense sticks. These paintings have been executed with great delicacy and skill by master painters who were probably from Kashmir.

Unknown to the outside world until 1974, when Ladakh was opened up to tourists, Alchi is now one of Ladakh’s major attractions, renowned as a great centre of Buddhist art. It was built as a monument to the Second spreading – the revival of Buddhism that took place in Tibet in the 11th century, on the basis of texts brought from Kashmir. The entire Mahayana Buddhist pantheon of the deities is represented within its five temples, together with superb paintings of court life, battles, and pilgrimages, depicting the costumes, architecture and customs of the time.

It is idyllically located on the banks of Indus River. Alchi’s simple white washed buildings with their band of deep red trim stand out against an impressive backdrop of barren mountains.





Lamayuru: For those utterly fascinated by the beauty of the land, Lamayuru offers a spectacle like none other: a piece of land which has been called, by hundreds of travelers, 'Moon land '. Lamayuru is dramatically situated on a high spur overlooking an eerily eroded landscape. Believed to date back to the 11th century, its oldest temple has a famous image of Vairocana, the central Buddha of meditation. Lamayuru also has a fine collection of Thangkas.

Hemis Gompa: Ladakh’s largest and richest Gompa, it has superb murals and Thangkas. Of all Ladakh’s monastery festivals the one at Hemis (Jun/Jul) is the most famous. The spectacular dance-drama with colorful masks and costumes, offers a wonderfully authentic experience of Ladakhi culture.

Tikshey Gompa: A 15th century architectural gem crowing the crest of a hill, is a Gelugpa monastery which also has a modern Maitreya temple, consecrated by the Dalai Lama. It is a 20 minute drive from Leh.

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