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.
