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 manasteries,
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.
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