India > Walking tour Leh

Today I take a walk through the outskirts and mountains around Leh. The route eventually leads to the monastery and palace on the hill, but I start on the other side of the city.

India - Monks looking at photos from the Netherlands

Through the narrow streets behind the hotel, I walk to Sankar Monastery. I follow a small stream and pass several prayer wheels. When I arrive at the monastery, I see the monks on the veranda in front of the temple. They are busy preparing for a festival tomorrow. Small stupas are being made from tsampa dough, while another monk is weaving a parasol. I am allowed to look inside as well, where preparations are also underway. I admire the interior of the temple—beautiful! I say goodbye to the monks and continue toward the Shanti Stupa. Just before the entrance gate, I turn right.

India - The Tsemo Monastery rises high above Leh

The asphalt road curves widely around Leh and gradually climbs upward. To my right, I have a view over Leh. In the distance, I can see the monastery perched high on the rocky outcrop. Slowly it comes closer. Tsemo Monastery is adorned with colorful prayer flags. I climb the stairs to the monastery. At the temple, I see a young monk standing there. His red robe stands out beautifully against the city behind him. He just prefers not to be photographed. I buy a ticket from him for the temple. Inside, there is a large Buddha statue about ten meters tall. I walk around the statue to view it from all sides. I follow the path to the higher temple. The crumbling tower room is closed. Via a zigzag gravel path, I carefully descend to the old palace. The sand-colored building sits just above central Leh.

India - The Leh Palace on the mountains above the city

It is in a state of decay, but restoration work is in progress. I wander through the palace, exploring various rooms. Small staircases lead me to the upper floors, though all the rooms look quite similar. Perhaps the small balconies are the most interesting part, offering a view over the old city of Leh. The palace itself is not particularly remarkable. I descend back to Leh and walk through the narrow streets of the old town. At a small bakery, I buy a freshly baked chapati—still warm. Later, while enjoying a beer on a rooftop terrace, I notice the police closing off the road below. What could be happening? Is the Dalai Lama coming? Inquiries reveal it is just an exercise; he will come tomorrow.