Famous Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh
Ladakh is an important Buddhist Centre. During the ancient Kushan Empire, Buddhism came to Ladakh for Kashmir in the first century. Islam later swayed Kashmir with the expansion of Islamic Empires. But Ladakh not only remained Buddhist but also spread Buddhism to Tibet in the second centuary. 77% population of Ladakh is Buddhist.
The entire valley of Leh in Ladakh locates many famous monasteries which constitute the main tourist attraction. The monasteries in Leh contain a rich collections of Buddhist relics like thankas, murals, sculptures and scriptures. The most exiting aspect of these Monasteries is their locations. Most of the Monasteries are located on the hill tops in isolation surrounded by the natural landscape while overlooking the settlements below.