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