Culture Tours

Day 01: Leh to Lamyuru

Built by the Indian Army to commemorate the heroic Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-Pak wars, the Hall of Fame is a modern museum located on the Leh-Kargil Road. This two-storied building houses the weapons, ammunition and apparel used by the Indian Army during the Kargil War along with pictures of the troops. Photographs of valiant soldiers who gave up their lives for our motherland have also been displayed here. Do visit the projection room to watch the documentary Operation Vijay. Items depicting the culture and history of Ladakh are also present in this museum. The Hall of Fame is 4km from Leh city, and there is a souvenir shop on the premises.

Spituk Monastery

Shanti Stupa in LadakhSpituk Gompa is on the hill top near Indus, around 18 Kms from Leh. The Gompa was founded in 11th century by Od-De The Gompa was named Spituk (exemplary) by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious community would rise. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa school then during the life time of king Gragspa Bumide made it Gayluk Pa order.

The Spituk festival held every year from 17th to 19th days of the 11th month. It houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and numerous thankas. Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava. The terrifying face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled only at the annual festival in January

Likir Monastery

Located around 52 Kms from Leh, know as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits) founded in the 11th century AD and was rededicated to another monastic order (the yellow sect) in the 15th century, its earlier gompa was destroyed in fire. The present gompa dates back to the 18th century. It contains huge clay images of Buddha and various old manuscripts. It also houses an interesting collection of thankas, old religious and domestic costumes and implements etc. . In the 15th century lhawang Lodos Sangphu caused the monastery to flourish. This monastery also belongs to Gaylukpa school. Every year from the 17th to 19th of the 12th month the Likir festival is held.

Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa

Alchi gonpa is very famous of wall painting.The wall painting is totally different the other monastery because of Kashmiri painter .It is build in 12th century by the bodhist transilator of Lotsawa Rinchan Zango.. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attraction. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the likir monastery.

Lamayuru Monastery

Spectacularly set, founded in the 10th century,Lamayuru monastery is about 125 kms. west of Leh. As the legend goes, Lamayuru was a lake. It was blessed by a Lama after which the water of the lake receded up to the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built. Now mostly in ruins, only the main hall exists today and houses numerous tankhyas. The Yundrung Kabgyad festival is held during summer on the 28th and 29th days of the 2nd Tibetan month. Lamayuru has fascinating caves carved out of the mountainside. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promonotory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other gompa can match Lamayuru.

Day 02: Lamyuru to back to leh