subject: Ladakh : Place Of Interest [print this page] Ladakh is a region of Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost state of the republic of India. It lies between the Kunlun mount range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, occupied by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan fall. Ladakh is one of the most sparingly populated regions in Kashmir. Contemporary Ladakh borders Tibet to the east, the Lahaul and Spiti to the south, the Vale of Kashmir, Jammu and Baltiyul regions to the west, and the transKunlun territory of East Turkistan to the far north. Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It is sometimes called "Little Tibet" as it has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. Ladakh gained importance from its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes. Since 1974, the Government of India has successfully encouraged tourism in Ladakh.
Ladakh Place of Interest
MAGNETIC HILL: Defying the Law of gravity. This place is close to the Gurdwara Shri Patthar Sahib. It has been noticed that when a vehicle is parked on neutral gear on this metallic road the vehicle slides up-hill that's the Believe it or not of Ladakh!
GURDWARA SHRI PATTHAR SAHIB: The Shrine known as Gurdwara Patthar sahib is situated about 25 kms. Short of Leh town on the Leh-Srinagar road. Built in the everlasting memory of Shri Guru Nanak Deve Ji the great prophet who sanctified the place by his sacred visit during the year 1517 while on his second missionary tour (2nd Udassi 1515-1518).
CONFLENCE OF THE ZANSKAR & INDUS : On way to Sham Valley before Nimu village one can have this magnificent view of two rivers in wed-lock! In seasons they have different colors and flow and wildness.
ALCHI GOMPA: 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. 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 attractions. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Liker monastery. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop.
LADAKH HALL OF FAME: The Hall of Fame is a glorious museum constructed by the Indian Army. It is worth a visit for every citizen. You can see the memorabilia, eminent defense personalities with biographies, images and weapons used during the Kargil and other key strategic battles fought in Ladakh. And belongings of the enemy soldiers found at war site. The entire martyr and the gallantry awards.
LAMAYURU GOMPA: The oldest holy site in Ladakh, it was a bon shrine prior to the advent of Buddhism. Also known as Yung Drung (Swastika) it is sited on a high promontory overlooking the village and valley. For sheer spectacle value no other Gompa can match Lamayuru.
RIDZONG GOMPA: Rizong is the most isolated monastery of all the monastery of Ladakh. There is no entry fee in this monastery, you can offer whatever you can. Rizong Gompa is known as the paradise for Meditation. Guru Padma Sambhava is believed to meditate here for years. One can still find the small caves where Lamas used to meditate for years cutting themselves from the rest of the world except for an one feet square outlet window from where they accept the one time meal of the day.
