The Festival of Oracles: Matho Nagrang

Location: 27-km South of Leh, Ladakh Region, J&K
Main Attrcation: Matho Gompa
Monastic Festivity: Matho Nagrang Festival

Matho, 27-km south of Leh , straddles a spur at the mouth of an idyllic side valley that runs deep into the heart of the Stok Kangri. Though no less interesting or scenically situated than its neighbours, the Gompa, the only representative in Ladakh of the Sakyapa sect that held political power in 13th century Tibet, sees comparatively few visitors.
Matho Nagran Oracle Festival:
Despite its collection of four hundred year old Thangkas, the monastery is best known for its Oracle Festival Matho Nagrang, held on the 25th and 26th day of the second Tibetan month. Two oracles, known as "Rongzam", are elected by lot every three years from among the sixty or so resident lamas. During the run up to the big days, the pair fast and meditate in readliness for the moment when they are possessed by the spirit of the deity.

Watched by crowds of rapt onlookers, they then perform all manner of death defying stunts that include leaping blindfold around the Gompa's precipitous parapets while slurping kettle full of Chang, and slashing themselves with razor sharp 'Sabres' without drawing blood. The events are rounded off with colourful Chaam dances in the monastery courtyard, and a question and answer session in which the Rongzam, still under the influence of the deity, make prophecies about the coming year.
The Colourful Festive Attires:
One can check out the costumes and masks worn by the monks during the festivals in Matho's small museum, tucked away behind the Du-khang. Men are also permitted to visit the eerie Gon-khang on the roof (strictly no photography), where the oracles weapons and ritual garb are stored. The floor of the tiny temple lies under a deep layer of barley brought as harvest offerings by local villagers.

ADVENTURE TOURISM IN LADAKH....

Adventure tourism in Ladakh has gained much popularity in the recent times. Some of the most popular sports that form a part of the adventure tourism in Leh Ladakh are:

Trekking:  Ladakh is quite famous and popular for the numerous trekking options it offers. Trekking possibilities in Ladakh include short, daylong walks to the mountain slopes, isolated villages, simple settlements, or across a ridge. You can also take long trans-mountain treks, spanning weeks. While trekking, you may come across some rare animal species like gazelles, ibex, ammon, shapo etc.
River Rafting:   Indus and Zanskar Rivers are the main venues for river rafting in Ladakh. The main season for Rafting expeditions is from July to September. For the professionals, the best stretch is on the Indus River, between Spituk and Saspol. For basic training, you should undertake the stretch upward of Spituk up to Karu.
Mountain Climbing: The mountain climbing season in Ladakh extends from mid-May to mid-October. However, the best time for mountain climbing is from June to September, when Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon. Permission from the Indian Mountaineering Federation in Delhi is required before ascending a peak in Ladakh.
Cycling: Cycling is also one of the popular adventure sports in Ladakh, India. A visit to the spectacular Buddhist Gompas, through the fascinating local villages, with the Himalayas forming the background, is enjoyed best with a cycle. However, one needs to be a technically perfect biker to cycle on the zigzag roads in Ladakh. The best time for cycling is from mid June to end of September. Some famous cycling routes in Ladakh are the 64 km Leh-Alchi Road, 45 km Leh-Hemis road, Jispa-Gondla, Marhi-Manali, etc.
Camel Safaris: Camel safaris in Ladakh have the specialty of Bactrian camels, having 2 humps. These safaris are one of its kind in India and are organized across the sand dunes around Hunder in Ladakh.
Polo: Polo is a very popular sport in Ladakh. It is usually played in summers at the Leh polo ground on every Tuesday and Saturday. The Ladakh Festival, held in the first half of September, includes a number of Polo tournaments.
Archery: Archery is a traditional sport of Ladakh. Villages and the National Archery stadium in Leh regularly serve as venues for Archery contests in Ladakh.
 

Aryan Race in Ladakh(Brokpa)

Incredible India/Ladakh

......Things to do in Ladakh

Trekking and Camping:
Ladakh is one of the most sought after trekking and camping destinations by adventure freaks in Himalayas. There are a number of base camps from where the trekkers and mountaineers start their expeditions. There are a plenty of options for trekkers and campers in Ladakh region. Some of the most famous trekking and camping destinations are Nubra Valley, Indus Valley, Lamayuru, Shayok Valley and Stok-Khangri.

White Water Rafting:
Ladakh region is blessed with snow fed Himalayan rivers which are conducive for adventure sports like white water rafting. One of the most famous white water rafting destinations is Zanskar river. It is an awesome experience to enjoy white water rafting in Ladakh region, which will make home in your memories for a lifetime.

Archery Dance:
Archery dance is a famous attraction in Ladakh region, particularly in summer season. Archery is considered as the traditional sport of Ladakhis. There are a number of Archery festivals, which are organised in various regions of Ladakh during summer season. It is a must see event while on tour to Ladakh region.

Pangong Lake:
Pangong Lake is located at an altitude of about 4,267 meters above sea level. It lies around Thiksey and Shey villages, which is surrounded by beautiful tall peaks. It is a beautiful sight to see the shimmering waters of the lake which keeps changing from Blue to Green.

Visiting Buddhist Monasteries:
Ladakh is famous for its various age old magnificent Buddhist monasteries. These monasteries present the true picture of the culture and tradition of the region. Some of the must visit ancient monasteries include Thiksey Gompa, Lamayuru Monastery, Shey Monastery, Likir Monastery, Alchi Gompa and Spituk Monastery.

Attending Buddhist Festivals:
Ladakh is famous for its various Buddhist festivals which are organised by various monasteries or gompas located over different parts across Ladakh. One can have the glimpses of Buddhist and Ladakhi traditions, culture and customs

Awesome Ladakh Truly a Heaven on Earth

Welcome to the wonderland on the Earth, a truly heaven and a place to be once in your lifetime span. The lush valley of Ladakh is located at an elevation of 9000 feet and the 2750 meter above the sea level. Ladakh is the crowning glory of Jammu Kashmir and is surrounded by the most two world best snow capped mountains namely the Karakoram ranges and the  great Himalayans.

Ladakh is a very beautiful place and really fantasizing destinations for the visitors on the earth. The visitors from the every nook and corner of the world who is visiting to Jammu and Kashmir never miss the golden opportunity to visit the gorgeous whitish Ladakh. Ladakh is lovingly called as ‘Land like No other’

Famous Places to Visit in Ladakh

Leh: Leh is one of the famous places of Ladakh region and the main commercial hub. Airport of Ladkh is also located in Leh. Main attraction of Leh town is Namgyal Palace, which is a nine story building. Leh was an important centre of trade with Central Asia from the ancient time. It was opened for tourism activities in 1974 for tourist coming from outside countries.

Zanskar Valley: Zanskar is one of the famous tourist attractions of Ladakh region because of its picturesque valleys. It is located to the South of Leh town and surrounded by Zanskar and Himalayan ranges. The valley covers an areas of around 5,000 sq km and the average elevation is 13,154 feet. One has to cross through some of the highest passes of the world to reach this region, which remain closed during the winter months because of the snowfall. It is very famous for its trekking routes.

Nubra Valley: Nubra Valley means Valley of Flowers and is located to the North side of Leh town. The average height of the valley above sea level is about 10,000 feet. Main attractions of the region are Bactarian Camels (Camels with double hump), some of the beautiful ancient monasteries and Khardung La Pass, at an altitude of 18,350 feet.

Buddhist Monasteries in Ladakh: Ladakh is world over famous for its Buddhist monasteries, which are also known by the name of Gompas. These monasteries house a number of Thankas, paintings and ancient Buddhist sculptures. Some of the famous Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh are Likir Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Gompa, Namgyal Tsemao Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Shey Monastery and Phugal Gompa.

Tso Moriri Lake: It is a beautiful water body bounded by mountains, which expands around 240 km. It is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet near to the Korzok village. It is located to the East direction of Leh town.

Pangong Lake: This beautiful lake is 2.4 miles in width, which is located at an altitude of 4,267 meters above sea level. Turquoise colour of its water is the main attraction of the lake. 75 percent area of this lake is located in China and 25 percent in India.

 

ladakh: Dream called heaven

First Time I Have Ever Loved

This is the first time I have ever loved;
Yours, the first face I can not forget.
I think you are afraid, perhaps, and moved
To wonder whether you should do this yet.
I also am afraid, and yet I know
That wonder is a thing that needs a yes;
Should you step back and let this moment go,
Both you and I will have to live with less.
Please trust my love, as I must trust in yours.
It's strong as steel, as delicate as lace,
Immovable as battered granite shores:
I feel its power and unremitting grace.
So come, my love, and try this love with me;
Let your love speak, and then you will agree.