Leh

Losar, a Tibetan word for New Year is made of "Lo" means year and "sar" means new.  People in the snow clad Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir, came out on streets, swinging huge fireballs known as "Metho" to celebrate the festival, traditionally celebrated as the dawn of the New Year.At the start of the festival, two or three persons from every household will come holding burning incense. The burning sticks are then piled into a bonfire. Buddhists celebrate Losar with gaiety and fervour, which include illuminations, dancing, singing and general merry-making.They believe celebrating Losar will bid them of sufferings and miseries of the past years and bring happiness and prosperity in their lives in the coming years.

Embodiment of natural beauty Leh, picturesquely nestled by Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, is the headquarters of Leh District in Jammu and Kashmir. Perfectly located on the banks of the renowned Indus River with all its majesty and amazing sceneries, Leh valley attracts tourists from all over the world to its lap all through the year. The major part of the Leh city is covered by ancient Buddhist monuments, Mosques dating back to 16th and 17th centuries and a nine storied palace Sengge Namgyal constructed in Tibetan architectural style.

Leh is the land of Lamas, the Buddhist Monks and is mainly populated by Buddhists and Hindus. Leh houses numerous Buddhist monuments, monasteries and study centers, Shanti stupa and Sankar Gompa are some of them.

Leh has grown to a best trade centre in Central Asia, with many trading opportunities for the motivated and dedicated young traders and achievers. Shopping is an experience in Leh. One can spot many traders in the city selling out spectacular Tibetan motifs and jewellery, winter woolen clothes and decorated world famous carpets.

Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery - The gompa stands prominently on the top of a hillock, 8 Kms. from Leh, and commands a panaoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. Many icons of Buddha and five thankas are found in 15th century monastery. There is also a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, and an awe inspiring image of Mahakal

Shanti Stupa, LehShanti Stupa - Shanti Stupa (means 'World Peace' in Japanese) was built by a Japanese who harboured the ambition of spreading Buddhism across the world, in 1985 with aid from the Japanese Government. It is located at Changspa, on the hilltop, and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. Its state of the art work attracts a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch. The stupa is connected by a 'motorable' road and a steep flight of stairs. Once on top, you can stop for a snack in the tea shop, then relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the chain of mountains and the peaceful little village of Changspa with typical Ladakhi houses built along a gushing stream, and the towering Namgyal Tsemo in the distance.