Shanti Stupa is a magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument located in Leh, Ladakh, India. Constructed in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, it was built as a symbol of peace and to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. Perched atop a hill at an elevation of 4,267 meters, the stupa offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the Leh town. The structure is adorned with intricate carvings and houses a central golden Buddha statue.
Thikse Monastery, located in Thiksey village near Leh in Ladakh, India, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery affiliated with the Gelugpa sect. Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), the monastery offers stunning panoramic views of the Indus Valley. Often referred to as "Mini Potala" because of its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, Thikse Monastery is a 12-story complex that houses numerous stupas, statues, thangkas, and an impressive 15-meter (49-foot) statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Leh Palace, located in Leh, India, is a former royal palace that dates back to the 17th century. Built by King Sengge Namgyal, the palace stands on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the Leh town and the surrounding Himalayan mountain range. The architecture of Leh Palace is reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, featuring grand wooden balconies and ornate murals. Though much of the palace is now in ruins, it still retains a sense of grandeur and historical significance.
Hemis Monastery, located in Hemis, Ladakh, India, is one of the most famous and wealthiest monasteries in the region. Founded in 1630 by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso, it belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is renowned for its annual Hemis Festival, held in June or July, which celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival features colorful masked dances, traditional music, and elaborate thangka displays.
Diskit Monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, is a prominent Buddhist monastery located in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, India. Established in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, it is the oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley. Perched on a hill overlooking the Shyok River, Diskit Monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. One of its most notable features is the 32-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, which was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010. The monastery is a vital center for Buddhist learning and houses numerous ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
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