Onwards through unearthly looking rock formations and past snow-clad peaks to the ancient monasteries of Lamayuru and Alchi until we reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
There we can meet a Buddhist culture that is preserved in its ancient ways like nowhere else in the world. We will visit monasteries, can take part in ceremonies and meet the Ladakhis who welcome foreigners with a big smile and friendly ‘Jullee!’ Buddhists and Moslems have lived here side by side in harmony for many centuries. Even the largest mosque has elements of Tibetan architecture. We will visit the ancient part of the town, and maybe the Royal Palace and. – We will visit some places outside Leh itself and so are able to experience the extraordinary space and beauty of this amazing country.
The next part of the journey takes us to Dharamsala and Bir, where, over the last 50 years, many Tibetan refugees have settled and brought their culture, ways of life and religious practice. We will visit the Temple of the Dalai Lama, and the nunnery founded by Tenzin Palmo – if she is available we will try to organise a meeting with her.
The last stop is Tso Pema/Rewalsar to spend time in the caves, where in the 8th century Padmasambhava and Mandarava have meditated.
Our return trip to Delhi will be with car and train. There, after some final shopping and a visit to the spice market in Old Delhi, the journey concludes.
We will cover a great variety of places and landscapes on this trip, and also gain some experience of two of the Indian religions: Buddhism and Islam. A journey of many rich and deep impressions!
For many more photos from previous trips see: https://picasaweb.google.com/100676706321702769117/KashmirLadakh11?authuser=0&feat=directlink
For detailed information and to book write to [email protected]
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