Ladakh : Cultural Tourism
Visits
to the major Buddhist monasteries and other cultural or heritage
sites are the principal tourist attractions of central Ladakh
and Zanskar.
These sites, most within reach of Leh, may be visited by bus or
by taxi. Most villages and/ or monasteries are provided with regular
bus services from Leh. Taxis are expensive, with fixed tariff
for almost every monastery or group of manasteries, but offer
good value in terms of comfort, convenience and time frame.
Most of the region's principal gompas are open throughout day
and a caretaker lama is available to show visitors around. Some
of the less visited establishments have special opening hours,
as in the case of Namgyal Tsemo, Shey Palace and the Stock Palace
Museum.
Check the timings in the Tourist Office before proceeding to these
places. Most of the monasteries charge a small entrance fee.
The monasteries constitute the fountain-head of Ladakh's Buddhist
religion and culture.
Tourists are advised to respect their sanctity. Shoes may have
to be removed before entering some of the temples, smoking is
anathema to the monastic atmosphere, while loud action and speech
may disturb the tranquil ambience characteristic of such places
of worship.
