3^rd July 2008 ~ Leh

 

 

After yesterday's long journey we decided to go a little slow today and spend a day in leh instead of going further anywhere. Woke up late and treated ourselves with good portions of aloo partathas in the brunch at guest house itself. Decided to explore the city and sort out our permits.

It was almost 2pm by the time we left Alimjan Guest House

We got our permits, and caught our first glimpse of the Leh Palace from the market...

Going further, passing by the lanes I found out this house.......

We walked a little further and I saw something which we usually see in a very different form. I was amused by the way they had used local resources.

And when I turned around, I was captivated by the panoramic view of Leh

Walking a little further ahead I could see Leh Place basking magnificently in afternoon sun.

And next to it was Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Few minutes passed and what I see... One of the click which is very dear to me from this trip.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa above the Leh Palace, built in 1430, is open only during the morning puja. The Gompa is placed in a steep hill overseeing the whole city. An amazing statue in gold of the Maitreya Buddha as high as three stories together with many idols and Buddhist scriptures is attractive. It was founded by King Tashi Namgyal and has been named after him only. It boasts of a rich collection of ancient manuscripts and wall paintings. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery of Leh Ladakh also houses a statue of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri, approximately one story high. Near the monastery is an old fort, which, because of neglect, lies mostly in ruins now.

Walking further this attracted my attention..

We had now almost reached the entrance of the Palace.

Overlooking Leh, Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. This 9 storey palace was built in 17th century for King Singge Namgyal. Perched on the edge of a hill, it resembles a miniature version of the Potola in Lhasa, Tibet. Leh Palace was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Today this palace is a branch of Indian Government"s archaeological conservation organization.

Entering Palace on the first floor saw this room.

And view from out there was......

Went up futher passing through the courtyard..

Where sejal sat and got soaked into the place.

I went up and saw monk enjoying view of Leh city..

After spending a good one and half hour exploring the palace we decided to head back to the city..

We started walking back ... and there was one kid playing outside his house who got interested in nitin's camera but was shy to come and ask...

And roaming around we reached back to market in no time..

lot of knickknack was sold there... from stoles to stones... yak bone malas.. and what not....

Fresh vegetables were sold road side...

She was with one of the vegetable vendor...

Roaming in the market, as we passed by neha snacks the smell of frying samosas and hot jalebies reached my nose. We decided to indulge ourselves. It was almost 7 pm by then. light was going down.

And we decided to retire early so that can leave early tomorrow. Plan was to leave for Pangong Tso.