 Ladakh,
Zanskar, and Spiti in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh are full
of ancient monasteries that offer a glimpse into the traditions
of the local people. Villages in this region also offer you
interesting insights into the inhabitant's lifestyle. While
the short sowing and reaping season sees all the villagers
busy in the fields the winters see them relax and keep their
fireplaces warm. Festivals also make up an important part
of the average inhabitants' schedule. Ancient monasteries
perched high up on hillsides housing antiquated thankas (paintings)
and scrolls besides a host of statues and wizened lamas make
for an interesting time among these friendly folk.
 Mostly
all the Gompas are open from morning to evening with a caretaker
lama on hand to guide visitors. However some monasteries
have specified visiting hours while all the monasteries
charge a small entrance fee from visitors. Some of the more
famous and revered monasteries include those of Hemis, Thikse,
Shey and Lamayuru. There are abundant monasteries like Bardan
and Zangla in the Zanskar area that can also be visited.
Write to us for a detailed list and a brief history of these
monasteries. In Spiti the over 1000 year old Tabo has been
declared a world heritage site. Here there are three other
dramatically located old monasteries, those of Dhankar,
Kungri, and Ki.
 Himalaya
Kingdom arranges visits to all the monasteries around Leh,
Zanskar, and Spiti making out a daily schedule for you in
which you can visit at least two to three monasteries around
Leh to get a look at the traditional religious and cultural
practices of the Ladakhi people and the austere lifestyle
of the resident monks.
We can also arrange for you to visit local villages accompanied
by a guide and translator and spend a day with a typical
Ladakhi, Zanskari, or Spiti family to experience a completely
different way of life. This is quite an unusual and eventful
exposure to the local culture and people.
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