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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 monasteries, 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.
