Ladakh Cultural Tours

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The Buddhist influence on Ladakh culture started as early as the 7th century. And now, this faith has gained dominance in this entire region. All over Ladakh, you will find ancient Buddhist rock engravings, even in the few areas dominated by Muslims. You will identify Buddhist villages by a distance, as Mani walls customarily mark the approach to these villages. These walls are long chest-high structures with engraved stones opposite them. The stones are inscribed with the mantra in mane paddle hum and by shorten, commemorative cairns, like stone pepper pots.

One of the major highlights of the culture of Leh Ladakh are the monasteries that you will find in almost every village. They may range from huge complexes consisting of a number of shrines, prayer halls, etc to a tiny hermitage housing a single image. The other dominant faith, that of Islam, finds a presence mainly in the western areas of Ladakh. The early conversion of the sub-rulers of Drass, Kargil and the Suru Valley led to the penetration of the Shia sect in Ladakh. In the areas dominated by the Muslims, you will mainly find mosques, ranging from the small unpretentious buildings to the huge Imambaras.

Rather than rest of the Indians, the Ladakhis look more like the residents of Tibet and Central Asia, be it their physique or their facial features. Even though the original population of Ladakh consisted of Dards, an Indo-Aryan race, but large-scale immigration from Tibet changed the cultural heritage of Ladakh. The only people that resemble the mainland Indians are the Muslims, residing mainly in the Leh area. Songs and poems for every occasion, as well as local versions of the Kesar Saga (the Tibetan national epic) also form a part of Ladakh culture
The religious beliefs and practices in Ladakh region are completely different to those of the mainland India.

The reason is not far to seek as most of the people in the Ladakh region have a distinct cultural descent. Buddhism is the dominant religion in the Ladakh region. However, some other religions are also present in this beautiful valley. Before you plan your trip to Ladakh its important to know the culture, lifestyle and religion of the people inhabiting the area.

Buddhism The dominant religion of Ladakh, India is Buddhism, especially in the central and eastern areas. Infact, it is one of the few places where Mahayana Buddhism, also known as Lamaism, is still practiced. This religion is a mixture of the animistic Bon faith and ancient Hindu tantric practices. Buddhism has very deep roots in Ladakh as this region was introduced to the faith as far back as the 7th century AD. One of the major features of Buddhism in Ladakh is the numerous monasteries or gompas.

Islam After Buddhism the second most dominant in the Ladakh religions is Islam. Especially in the western Ladakh area, Shia Muslims are found in a majority. Sunni Muslims are also found in Ladakh, however they have a very small population.

Christianity Ladakh also has a Christian population, mainly in the town of Leh. They constitute a minority in this area, but belong to the top rungs of the Ladakhi society. There are also two churches in Ladakh, one in Leh and the other in the Shey area.