Lech (Leh)
Lech (Leh) – The capital of Ladakh, which is part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The city is located at an altitude of about 3,500 meters above sea level.
Lech is located in the Valley of the Upper Power of Indus, dividing the Himalayas in the south and Karakorum in the north.
Climate sharply continental. 90 mm of precipitation falls per year. Temperature varies from −28 °With winter to 33 ° C in summer. Winter continues from October to early March, most of this time the temperature is kept below zero.
Lech is connected by highway roads with the capital of Srinagar (434 km) and Manali (473 km). Both closed in winter.
In the past, Lech was an important stopping point on the trading path along the Indus Valley from Tibet to Kashmir, connecting India and China.
Lech population – 27,513 people, of which 61% of men and 39% of women (2001). Such an imbalance is explained by a large number of workers of migrants, merchants and government officials. Literacy was 75%, which is higher than the Middle Indium level (59.5%), while among men 82% and among women 65%. 9% of the population – children under the age of six.
According to the 2001 census, 77.3% of the population of the district of Lech – Buddhists, 13.8% – Muslims. Muslim population appeared in Lech during the occupation period of Ladakh Kashmir after the fifth Dalai Lama tried to take Ladakh. In a later period, Muslim migration from the Kashmir Valley was associated with trade and, recently, with the development of tourism in Ladakhkhe.
From the eighth century Lech represented an example of the harmonious coexistence of representatives of different religions — Buddhists and Muslims. Not preserved reports of any religious friction until recently. However, improved Ladakh connection with the outside world led to the emergence of religious tension.
The most important attractions here are Buddhist monasteries-GOMPA, located at the highest points of mountain districts, near the villages. These numerous monasteries celebrate the annual winter festivals, famous for their colorful masks. There are many relics in the monasteries.
Palace Lech – rises above the hill from which the whole city is seen. A reduced copy of Potala Palace in Lhasa, this palace is considered one of the most important sights of Ladakh. Built in XVII in. and has nine floors. Now dresse. Before his exile in stock in 1830. Royal family lived here. Above the Palace rises the victory tower built in honor of the victory of Ladakha over Kashmir residents-Baltic at the beginning of the XVI in. The palace was built by the King of the Senge Namgyal. Now here is the Ladakki branch of the Indian government organization for the preservation of archaeological monuments.
Jama Masdzhid – The historic mosque is located in the heart of Lech. Built in 1666-67. As a result of the agreement between the Mogolsky Emperor Aurangseb and the then Runer of Ladakha Dudan Normal. Since then, she has been repaired several times and expedited. Could have helped the expulsion from Ladakh Mongolian army. Although Muslims began to live in Ladakhe in the XV., Muslim temples there were built later. A few years ago, Jama Masdzhid was rebuilt.
Monastery Lamayuru – In accordance with the legend, during the time of the Buddha Sakyamuni, there was a lake with crystal clear water on the site of the current monastery. With the blessing of the water teacher, the lake retreated, freeing the place to build the monastery. The complex was built in XI in., It includes a library, apparently, ancient in the region. The monastery in modern form was built in the XVI in. Here is a dilapidated image of the 11-head Buddha Avalokiteshvara, beautiful murals and tanks.
Monastery Likir – founded in xi in. In XV B. It was transferred to the yellow buddhists. Old Gompa burned down during a fire, and the current – Built in XVIII in. In the monastery there are huge clay statues of Buddha and various vintage manuscripts. There is also an interesting collection of tank, old religious and secular robes and utensils.
Palace Stock – The Palace of the expelled royal family dates back to the middle of the XIX in. In the palace museum there are costumes and jewelry of the semi-sucking royal period, as well as elegant tanks representing the life of Buddha Sakyamuni. Such interesting historical items like coins, printing, weapons are also presented. The royal family lives here until now.
Monastery Shankar – Relatively modern monastery, closely connected with a gomp, serves as a residence of the Chief Priest – Kushak-Bakula. Several gold icons are stored here.
