August 1st, 2018 by OYO Team

It won’t be wrong to say that Ladakh is one of the most mesmerising places on earth. Right from the high mountains to the steep valleys and from the raging rivers to the frozen lakes, Ladakh is a land of surprises. Amidst the surroundings that seem alien to the concept of green vegetation, the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere is both exciting as well as bone-chilling. But you need not worry, as we bring you a list of the top 5 things to do in Ladakh. Take a look!

 

1) Tap to the beats of Ladakhi masked dancers during the Hemis Festival

Hemis Gompa is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. Courtyard of this otherwise silent and peaceful monastery becomes an open-air theatre and buzzes with the sounds of cymbals, drums and gigantic windpipes during the Hemis festival. This festival is celebrated to venerate the birth of Guru Rinpoche who was the founder of Buddhism in the region. The lamas perform the mystical ‘chaam dance’ wearing colourful attire and masks that depict varied emotions. The festival is celebrated for two days. Once every twelve years (in the Tibetan year of monkey), the bejewelled ‘thangka’ of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled during the festival. The experience of these two days is a memory to be cherished for a lifetime.

2) Meet Drokpas—The lost descendants of Alexander at Dha and Hanu

Drokpa community of Ladakh is considered to be of the Aryan lineage. There are five villages of this community in Leh; out of which only two villages, Dha and Hanu are open to tourists. It is said that the forefathers of the inhabitants of these villages came to India with Alexander and settled in this valley. Their distinctive Indo-Aryan physical features and also the cultural and religious practices are different from those of the surrounding Ladakhi people. When you meet these people, the first thing that catches your attention is the elaborate headdress of Drokpa women which is made from fresh flowers. It is commendable that after all the years of their immigration, they have still upheld their cultural identity.

 

3) Admire rare paintings in Alchi Monastery—one of the world’s oldest monastery

Alchi Monastery was built in the 10th century. There is a very identifiable Indian touch in the frescos and murals of this monastery as artists from the Kashmir valley were employed for the construction. The exquisitely painted ‘Green Tara’ and ‘Wheel of Life’ are surprisingly well preserved even after so many centuries. The oldest temple in the monastery, Dukhang has an elaborate wooden gateway with tiny Bodhisattvas. It is an interesting monument for archaeologists as well as tourists.

 

4) Experience the nomadic lifestyle of Changpas at Rupshu

At an elevation of around 4200m, Rupshu region is a part of the Changthang high-altitude plateau that extends from southeastern Ladakh to northern Tibet. The nomadic Changpa tribe roams in this exotic land of giant peaks, placid lakes and verdant meadows. These are hardy people with very few earthly possessions such as their yak wool tent called ‘rebu.’ Even their livestock does not constitute more than pashmina goats. With rich cultural and religious traditions, these people still retain their unique primordial qualities. You can camp under the starry sky alongside the Changpa tents and peek inside their pastoral life.

 

5) Admire the ‘perak’ headdress in Stok Palace

Built in the early 1800s, Stok Palace is 17 km away from Leh. It comprises of a museum that houses a huge collection of thangkas, old weapons, coins, seals, antique items (used in the religious rituals) and royal ornaments. In the entire collection, the main objects of attraction are the ‘peraks’ or the queen’s headdresses studded with turquoise, emerald and other semi-precious stones. The queen still uses some of these ornaments during various ceremonies. As this palace is still being used by the royal family of Leh, only a portion of it is open to the general public. A visit to Stok Palace gives the feel of the regal lifestyle of Ladakh.

 

With all these things to do, Ladakh is sure to give you memories of a lifetime.

About OYO Team

We’re people who love to travel and it’s a pleasure to share our experiences from around the world with you here. You’ll see our favourite destinations, quirky stays and budget stay. Also the best wedding banquet halls and the most lit party destinations. You’ll also find insightful opinions about why we travel in the first place and what it’s really like out there. Enjoy the blog and please tell us what you think - feedback welcome!