Leh Ladakh Cultural Tourism
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.
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.
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.
