| Ladakh is the dominant region of Buddhism in India. | | | | the cities from atop. They have been magnificently |
| Buddhism was established and propagated by Lord | | | | colored and the statues of Buddha where various life |
| Buddha, and it enables the people of Ladakh to live | | | | states are portrayed. |
| their life in peace and harmony. Once covered with | | | | Though India is considered to be the birth place of |
| extensive lakes this region is now have the finest of | | | | Buddhism but today it has confined to the regions of |
| sculptures and beautifully designed wood carvings. | | | | Ladakh. The Buddhist shrines in these areas are |
| The monasteries of Ladakh are an epitome of the rich | | | | worshiped by the Ladakhi. The Buddhist monks |
| Buddhist culture that in incorporated in the air of the | | | | inhabiting these areas are considered to have been of |
| region. These monasteries, which are popularly known | | | | Tibetan origin. The religious culture of Buddhism has |
| as 'Gompas' are built on high elevations that face | | | | had a great impact on lives of the people who dwell in |
| south, as per the Tibetan culture. These Buddhist | | | | these areas. |
| monasteries are in possession of some of the | | | | Buddhism plays an important role in making this a |
| immortal sculptures of Lord Buddha. The popular | | | | peaceful and soulful area. One thing worth noticing is |
| monasteries are the Lamayuru monastery and the | | | | that in these areas women enjoy a very independent |
| Hemis monastery. The prime attraction of these | | | | status. Besides performing the household duties they |
| monasteries are the annual festivals that take place in | | | | are allowed to participate in the business of the region, |
| these 'Gompas'. | | | | which is quite unlike some of the remote areas of the |
| The architectural pattern of these monasteries have | | | | country. |
| been carefully planned and provide a scenic view of | | | | |