During previous years Leh were the capital of the Himalaya Kingdom of Ladakh and now it is Leh district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.It covers an area of 45,110 km and it is the second largest district in India. Leh is at elevation of 3500m from the ground level. Leh is the home of Lamas which are Buddhist Monks and is mainly populated by Buddhists and Hindus. Leh is one of the best trade centre in Central Asia, with many trading opportunities for the annoyed and devoted traders. Shopping is an experience in Leh. People can mark many traders in this city selling their jewellery, woolen clothes and items and home -decorated items, wall paintings and floor carpets.
The original name used for Nubra Valley is Ldumra meaning the 'valley of flowers' It is situated in the north of Ladakh region. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 mtrs above sea level. The main settlements are along the shayok River and the siachen river. The river belt is sandy and the vegetation includes green Farmarisk and Myricaria. One of the unique features of the landscapes in Nubra is the sand dunes between Deskit (administrative center) Hundar villages
An ancient trade route (a branch of the popular Central Asian silk route) used to pass through Nubra Valley and its imprints can be seen even today. The double humped Bactrian Camels of the silk route trade period still wander in the wilderness of the valley.
Tourists require permits from the local administration in leh for a stay of maximum seven days in this strategically sensitive area. Six photocopies of the permit should be carried along by you to be submitted at the various check posts on the way.
Tsomoriri Lake is situated in the Changthang area of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is at an elevation of 4,5956 meter and it is the major of the high elevation lakes in the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region, India. The lake lies in between Ladakh, India to the North, Tibet to the east, and Zanskar in the west. The water comes inside the Lake from the north and southwest. The lake was a source of salt for local people of Ladakh. The Tsomoriri lake is enclosed by the high valley of Rupshu with hills going up to 6,000 m. Changpas,are those people who are engaged in trade and work on caravans in the Ladakh region, are the main inhabitants of the area.
Alchi monastery, which is about 70 kms from Leh situated by the banks of the Indus river on the path from Leh to Kargil.It just takes 90 minutes to reach from Leh.Alchi monastery ladak is mainly known for its wonderful and well conserved 11th or 12th century wall paintings, which are in Indo-Himalayan style. Alchi gompa is placed at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Alchi gompa is also division of three villages which are situated in lower Ladakh region which make up the 'Alchi group of monuments'Mangyu and Sumda Chun. Alchi monastery leh is identified more as a monastic complex of temples that consists of three shrines: the Dukhang which is nothing but an Assembly hall, the Sumtseg and the temple of Manjushri. Alchi Du-khang, is the main and the oldest preserved structure of the complex. It is the major place which is utilized by monks for ceremonies.The entrance into the assembly hall is through a court with verandah. Murals of thousand Buddha adorn the cloisters while the outer gate has the Wheel of Life and Mahakal on its side. The walls of the du-khang, dedicated to panch tathgats, are painted with six different mandalas centring on Vairochana. Along with numerous Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, goddess, fierce divinities and guardian of dharmas, there are also lesser divinities around the mandalas. During the summer months of June to September, is the best time to visit the Alchi monist- ery.but if you hope for a peaceful and calm experience, winter is the best time at December to February. During winter season, cold winds blow which comes from the Indus valley which makes you feel very cold. At the time of winter season most of the time sun does not comes that's why alchi monastery leh lies in shadow for most of the winter months.
The kargil town is 220 km from leh. It is about halfway to Srinagar from leh. This shia populated town remained a transportation point of trade caravans from Tibet, Central Asia, yarkand enroute Kashmir until 1949. Since ladakh was open to tourist in 1974, the kargil town became a night-halt place for tourists traveling between Srinagar-leh, Zanskar. Kargil, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, has the strong suru river flowing through it once a Buddhist area, this shia Muslim subjugated district was converted to islam in 15th century. It is visited by various people for its stunning attracting view and exists to be favorable pangong attractions.
Jammu is formally called Jammu-Tawai which is is the largest city in Jammu and it is capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for City of Temples as it has many temples and shrines.The most popular Hindu temple is Vaishno Devi, which is a pilgrimage sightseeing intention in India. The majority of Jammu's 5.9 million population practices Hinduism, while Islam and Sikhism take pleasure in a strong cultural heritage in the region. Due to relatively better infrastructure, Jammu has emerges as the main profitable center of the state and famous pangong attractions.