Today after breakfast visit THIKSEY GOMPA: 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite. SHEY PALACE AND GOMPA: Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7. 5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here. LEH PALACE: The Palace overlooks Leh town and is modeled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, but was later abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid-19th century. The royal family moved to Stok Palace. Leh Palace is nine stories high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, the stables and store rooms were in the lower floors. The palace, a ruin, is currently being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. The palace is open to the public and the roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas. The richest collection of jewellery, ornaments, Thangkas, ceremonial dresses, crowns, and centuries-old pieces of jewellery are kept here for public display. There are Chinese Thangka or sooth paintings which are more than 450 years old but still look new. SHANTI STUPA Japanese Peace Pagoda: Shanti Stupa/Japanese peace pagoda is built by a Japanese religious organization headed by Head monk Nakamura with the help from the organization and local people. It is situated at a hill top in Cahngspa village providing a bird eye view of the Leh town and the surrounding mountain peaks. Architecturally it has the Japanese touch with small clean rooms on the side for meditators and the main Japanese shrine at the entrance. Dinner & overnight at hotel in Leh. Overnight stay at Hotel at leh.
The support was good and as a first trip with EIH it was a nice experience. I will surely look forward to book again!