| On the cultural and religious tour to Ladakh you will | | | | famous Hemis Festival which is celebrated here in the |
| come across numerous gompas and monasteries in | | | | month of June - July every year. It celebrates the |
| the peculiar Himalayan towns. Located at the hilltops | | | | birthday of the Indian missionary seer |
| these monasteries provide the spectacular views of | | | | Padmasambhava, who is credited for the spreading |
| the rugged snow peaks and the valleys below. Of all | | | | the message of Buddhism in Ladakh. |
| the important monasteries in Ladakh, Spituk Monastery, | | | | Spituk Monastery: 8 km along the flat Indus River |
| Shey Palace and Monastery, Hemis Monastery forms | | | | Valley from Leh rises the building of the monastery of |
| the major attraction of the region. | | | | Spituk, stark and impressive in each of its reflections. It |
| Hemis Gompa Monastery: Built in 1630, Hemis Gompa | | | | is a 11th century monastey; which was named Spituk |
| is the world known largest monastery in the region of | | | | by Rinchen Zangpo, who is credited for spreading |
| Ladakh. The monastery stands camouflaged inside a | | | | Buddhism in Ladakh.The monastery contains the great |
| canyon and belongs to the red sect. Founded by the | | | | collection of ancient masks, antique arms and the |
| first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso, | | | | beautiful image of Mahakal, dedicated to the deity of |
| this monastery is somewhat different from the other | | | | Vajrabhairva. |
| important monasteries in Ladakh. It is the venue of the | | | | |