Ladakh Day 2 - Monasteries

On the way to Hemis Monastery with Stupa

 July 27, 2012 day to visit Monasteries.


There was 3 scheduled on the agenda, Romila requested that we visit a fourth, Hemis, which is the oldest and quite a bit out of town. The drive was really nice. The barren mountains in the hills closest and then a few higher mountains in the distance that still had snow on them. Sindhi river ran through the valley.





Tibetan prayer wheels are devices for spreading spiritual blessings and well being. 
The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky.

Hemis monastery was up a long hill. Tiered garden plots which people were attending. I like the Facial features of the people here much more similar to Bhutan and Nepal than the Indians I see in Delhi. Each monastery has multiple temples, after a few they are pretty similar. Two of them had these giant 3 story Bhuddas in them. This is neat to see. At the feet are many prayer shawls, money, food and gifts as blessings and thanks. Monks are living at many of the monasteries and take care of the premises, one of duties is to collect the entry fee.



 

Other monasteries visited were Thiksey, located above the village and beautifully maintained.  The last place we visited was Stok, built into a hill. 

I took a few pictures of the dogs as their coats are long haired and thick needed to withstand the cold winters.  This area is only accessible by road between the months of June to September. After that the snow falls with road closures and dangerous driving conditions.  One can visit in the winter but travel around is limited.  Busy day.  Didn't return until about 6 pm. Need to get up at 5 am for our 6 hour drive to Pangong Lake. Todays weather was perfect. In the sun hot, but in the shade there is a cool breeze. Needed sun screen for the first time since been in India.

Along the curvy roads are motivational sayings. Some have a sense of humor, here are a few
Time is money life is precious
Drive the curves do not test them
All will wait better to be late
Accidents do not happen they are caused
I'm curvaceous be slow (thought Christopher would like this one)
After whiskey driving is risky
Better late than never