Ladakh (India)

The Kardung La road (5514 m), the highest road in the world passable by cars which connects Leh, India, to Kashgar in China

The pass of Kardung La at 5514 m (left). A Stupa (Sacred building of Buddhism), that you can see along the road (right)

Lamayuru Monastery (3510 m) on the road to Leh. Built in 1000 a.C. is the oldest monastery of Tibetan Buddhist tradition in India

A Buddhist monk directed to the Lamayuru Monastery (visible in the background)

Lamayuru Monastery. A pilgrim in prayer along the path around the Sacred Stupa

Lamayuru Monastery during the festival of dance. An event that takes place at 2nd and 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar

Lamayuru Monastery. Traditional dance in the square of the monastery

Lamayuru Monastery. Traditional dance in the square of the monastery

Lamayuru Monastery. Traditional dance in the square of the monastery

Lamayuru Monastery. The dance festival is a time to meet and prayer for the monks who reach the monastery from the villages

Lamayuru Monastery. The dance festival is a time to meet and prayer for the monks who reach the monastery from the villages

Lamayuru Monastery. During the festival the monks, dressed in traditional costumes, perform different types of traditional dances

Lamayuru Monastery. During the festival, young people learn the ancient dances

Lamayuru. During the festival, young people learn the ancient dances while the elderly, in wearing traditional costumes, pray

The monks dance in their traditional costumes, a considerable effort since the dances are held at over 3500 m altitude

The monks dance in their traditional costumes, wearing heavy wooden masks

The monks dance in their traditional costumes, wearing heavy wooden masks

A monk with a bunch of keys in his hand, at the door of a room of the monastery

While a monk lights the candles to pray, in another room other monks resting after dancing

Lamayuru Monastery. Monks praying

Lamayuru Monastery. Sacred Texts of Buddhism with a bell on the table to indicate to the monks the time and rhythm of prayer

Preparation of a Mandala. Using colored powder to draw, the monks depict the inner growth that develops in their mind

The technique of filling the drawing of Mandala, is taught to the young monks in monasteries, already from children

Young monks waiting to attend a religious function

Women in traditional dress with, on the head, the headdress made ​​with turquoise stones

Town of Leh. Prayer flags in the wind

Town of Leh. Prayer flags in the wind

Town of Leh. Prayer flags near a little Gompa (Tibetan Buddhist temple)

Town of Leh. Prayer flags near a little Gompa (Tibetan Buddhist temple) while a group of monks left the monastery

Town of Leh. A young Buddhist monk along the path leading into the town

A moment of rest, admiring the impressive landscape of the Ladakh Mountains

Small village on the road to Leh town

Nomad tent along the road that leads to the city of Leh

Nomad tent along the road that leads to the city of Leh

Some nomads crossing the river to bring food to the camp of tents

The valley of Leh

Where is the Ladakh Region

By: Luca Rinaldini

The Ladakh on Google Maps
At the border with Pakistan and Tibet, at the foot of the Himalayas and crossed by the Indus River, the region of Ladakh, also known as Little Tibet, live as if suspended in time.
Always been a crossroads of Tibetan nomads that from the plateau are pushed towards Kashmir, the region is rich of Gompa (monastery), many of which are inhabited by Tibetan Buddhist monks but also by the communities that living near the monasteries.
In the monastery of Lamayuru take place, during the summer season, imported religious festivals that have become places of interest for tourists.
During the festival of dances, which lasts three days, the monks perform traditional dance called Cham, which are also involved the people of the neighboring valleys that take the opportunity to meet friends and relatives.
The dances are divided into cycles: the arrival of Buddhism in the region, the mythology and dances dedicated to the deities that protecting the people.
These dances, which commemorate the victory of Buddhism over the forces that oppose to the affirmation, among the people, of this way of life, are performed by monks wearing masks depicting the tutelary deities, the great masters, the guardian spirits.
More informations:
www.ladakh-tourism.com
www.leh.nic.in
www.ladakh-tours.indianluxurytours.net