Ladakh Part IV: More Indus Valley Monasteries and Roadsigns

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers

It was time to leave the festivities of dance at the Lamayura Monastery and head back to Leh. Knowing that we were not in a hurry to get somewhere, we lesisurely drove through the spectacular Indus Valley and stopped along the way to visit three more monasteries.

Rizong Monastery

Okay, I am not sure that I have this monastery labeled correctly. At this point of the trip I stopped taking notes and just enjoyed. However, Rizong Monastery only has 40 monks present. It is considered the "paradise of meditation" and adheres by much stricter rules, like no material possessions (no cell phones I presume). There is also a nunnery of 20 nuns, which we visited. They were busy studying in two rooms, no chairs, only mats and an old blackboard.

Man carrying hay down the mountain

Time and time again I had to pinch myself to remind me that it was truly 2013. I felt like I had gone back in time on so many occasions. Like watching whole families, including children, pound rock by hand into gravel for road work, or men chiseling granite into columns with only two hand tools.

At Liker Monastery (I think)

Liker Monastery is the home to 120 monks and 30 students. I especially enjoyed the drive up to Liker.

We also visited Alchi Monastery which is unusual because is was built in the lowlands, rather on a hillside. It is one of the oldest monasteries, and we enjoyed being present during the prayer time. However, all along the path to the temples were vendors selling all kinds of treasures.  I did manage to find an old conch shell decorated with turquiose and coral. A keepsake for sure.



Here are a few quotes from the incredible road signs that kept us occupied on the long drives through Ladakh:

"God Made Ladakh and he connected it to the rest of the world"

"Failing is not a crime but lack of effort is"

"Self-trust is the essence of heroism"

"The smallest deed is greater than the largest intention"

"It is a nice way to live just taking what nature is willing to give not forcing her hands with harrow and plow"

"A dead end is just a good place to turn around" (my favorite)

"Simplicity is the peak of civilization"

So now you know why I am in love with a place called Ladakh.