Ladakh the Land of High Passes in the Himalayas
The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh from 21 Aug – 01 Sep 2015 (12D/11N)
The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh from 21 Aug – 01 Sep 2015 (12D/11N)
Basgo Monastery is situated on top of a hill at 3,292m above sea level and towering over the ruins of the ancient town is noted for its Buddha statue and murals. There are 3 temples bunched together close to the castle/palace ruins. The 1st temple on the left is the Chamba Maitreya temple (1450-90) housing a large Buddha idol of clay reinforced with discarded cotton shreds and paper and delicate fresco paintings. The 2nd temple in the middle is the Serzang temple (1600-22) consisting a copper-gold large Maitreya Buddha idol. The 3rd temple is the Cham Chum temple (1600-15) built by a Muslim Balti princess who later converted into a Buddhist temple when she converted to Buddhism.
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling Nunnery and Alchi Temple
Today would be our last night in Leh, Ladakh as we be flying out the next morning to Delhi. So early this morning we visited two places. The first place was the 15th century Basgo Monastery and secondly was Tekchen Chosling Nunnery before going back to hotel for lunch and to pack our bags for the return journey to MIMC Leh. On the way to Leh we visited Alchi Temples, popularly known as Ajanta of North India to appreciate the 1,000 years old wood carving and fresco.
In the evening we attended the “Felicitation Ceremony” at Mahabodhi Cultural Hall Devachan, dedicated to Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, members of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship Malaysia, friends and devotees from Australia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Singapore, Seri Lanka, Thailand and USA. This felicitation ceremony is from The President, Members, Staff and Students of Mahabodhi (MIMC), Leh, Ladakh. We had great entertainment and as farewell to MIMC, all of us were on the floor and let our hair down by dancing to the beat of the Ladakhi music before calling it a night.
Sleeping at Global Family Home
Basgo Monastery is a 15th century monastery in the midst of the rugged Himalayas in Ladakh.
At the entrance road to Basgo Monastery, Ladakh.
Basgo Monastery is smaller than Lamayuru Monastery in its splendor and popularity. It is only maintained by the local inhabitants of Basgo.
We had to take a break on the way to the Basgo Monastery, and we were glad that everyone did.
The Basgo Monastery is sited on crumbly mud mountains and the Indus River below.
The prayer wheels at Basgo Monastery.
Basgo monastery was chosen as one of the 100 most endangered sites by UNESCO in 2001.
The prayer wheels at Basgo Monastery.
Beautiful view of the valley from the Basgo Monastery in Ladakh.
Beautiful view of the valley from the Basgo Monastery in Ladakh.
Beautiful view of the valley from the Basgo Monastery in Ladakh.
The Basgo Village below in an oasis.
The Basgo Village below in an oasis.
Ven. Sanghasena informed us about the Basgo Monastery in Ladakh.
The huge Buddha statue is unique. The Basgo Monastery has tranquility and spirituality.
The paintings of the Basgo Monastery tell many interesting stories.
We did puja and meditation led by Datuk Seri Victor Wee.
Ven. Sanghasena informed us more about the Basgo Monastery in Ladakh.
Another temple next door is the Maitreya Buddha (also known as Chamba in Ladakh) in Basgo Monastery.
We did puja and meditation led by Ven. Sanghasena in Basgo Monastery, Tingmosgam, Ladakh.
Basgo Monastery, Tingmosgam, Ladakh.
Beautiful view of the valley from the Basgo Monastery, Tingmosgam, Ladakh.
A group photo outside the Basgo Monastery, Tingmosgam, Ladakh.
The steep path down to Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
The steep path down to Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
The steep path down to Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam. 
The apple tree with fruits at Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
At Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, 14 young nuns are cared for by older nuns.
Ching Neng Bin at Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
We had tea and biscuits at Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
We had tea and biscuits at Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
Thechen Chosling Nunnery, Basgo Village, Tingmosgam.
We donated the amount collected (US$500 and Rs30,000) to the Nunnery. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.
Back in Namra Camp we had lunch and a short break before continuing our journey back to Leh.
Ching Neng Bin at Alchi Village for the scenic view of the oasis below.
The fertile Alchi village is all green with apricot trees. This region had influence of Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism because it falls on the route to Turkestan and China.
On the walking path to Archi Temple, there were many small merchants selling similar products.
On the walking path to Archi Temple, there were many small merchants selling similar products.
On the walking path to Archi Temple, there were many small merchants selling similar products.
On the walking path to Archi Temple, there were many small merchants selling similar products.
Dharma Wheel Monastery of Alchi.
The tree that grew from Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo’s walking stick in Alchi, Ladakh.
Walking on the lane towards Alchi Temples.
The earliest recorded chortens are the Great and the Small Chorten (stupa) to the early 13th century, following the building of the Sumtseg. These chortens are decorated gateways known locally as 'Kakani Chörten' considered unique to Alchi.
Painted ceiling of chorten in the Alchi Monastery complex supposed to be of 12th/13th century AD.
Front view of Sumtseg of Alchi Monastery complex.
Front view of Sumtseg of Alchi Monastery complex.
Beautiful wood carving arts, Tibetan styled model of Buddha, Manjushree, historic wall paintings of Buddha's teachings within a very calm, quite and pristine ambiance at Sumtseg of Alchi Monastery complex.
The main entrance to Alchi Temple.
The 1,000 years old fresco on the walls and ceilings at Alchi Temple.
The 1,000 years old fresco on the walls and ceilings at Alchi Temple.
The Vairocana Temple in Alchi Monastery complex.
In the evening we attended the “Felicitation Ceremony” at Mahabodhi Cultural Hall Devachan, dedicated to Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, members of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship Malaysia, friends and devotees from Australia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Singapore, Seri Lanka, Thailand and USA.
Jullay! Jullay! Jullay!
Ching Neng Bin sat with Buddhist monks from Thailand at Devachan Community Hall, Leh, Ladakh.
Very good entertainment by student of MIMC at the Felicitation Ceremony in Leh, Ladakh.
Very good entertainment by student of MIMC at the Felicitation Ceremony in Leh, Ladakh.
Very good entertainment by student of MIMC at the Felicitation Ceremony in Leh, Ladakh.
Very good entertainment by student of MIMC at the Felicitation Ceremony in Leh, Ladakh.
A presentation from Bhutan by their delegates at the Felicitation Ceremony in Leh, Ladakh.
Poh Wee Fah sang a beautiful song on behalf of the Malaysian and Singaporean delegates.
We all participated in the ceremonies to dance the traditional Ladakhe cultural dance.
We all participated in the ceremonies to dance the traditional Ladakhe cultural dance.
We all participated in the ceremonies to dance the traditional Ladakhe cultural dance.
We all participated in the ceremonies to dance the traditional Ladakhe cultural dance.
A token of appreciation for Datuk Seri Victor Wee from Ven. Sanghasena.
A token of appreciation for Jerry Ong from Singapore. Was told that he is going to be a future minister in Singapore. We wish him well in his undertakings.
All BGF members also received a token of appreciation from Ven. Sanghasena.
A token of appreciation to Dr. Maria Reis Habito, Museum of World Religions, Taiwan (Dallas Office).
A token of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Susanne Von, HimalAsia Foundation.
This felicitation ceremony is from The President, Members, Staff and Students of Mahabodhi (MIMC), Leh, Ladakh. We had great entertainment and as farewell to MIMC, all of us were on the floor and let our hair down by dancing to the beat of the Ladakhi music before calling it a night.
Save the last dance for Malaysian and Singapore delegates at Devachan Community Hall in Leh, Ladakh.
Save the final dance for Malaysian and Singaporean representatives at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
Save the final dance for Malaysian and Singaporean representatives at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
Save the final dance for Malaysian and Singaporean representatives at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
We had great entertainment and as farewell to MIMC, all of us were on the floor and let our hair down by dancing to the beat of the Ladakhi music before calling it a night.
It was really hard to say goodbye to the children at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
We could see tears in the children eyes at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
It was really hard to say goodbye to the children at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and all the people and student of MIMC for your hospitality in hosting us in MIMC, Leh, Ladakh for the past 11 days. We enjoyed ourselves very much in your lovely country and hopefully one day we will meet again. We will treasure and bring back memories of Ladakh to our country for years to come. Goodbye my friends. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
हम वेंचर के लिए हमारी ईमानदारी से धन्यवाद व्यक्त करना चाहते हैं। भिक्खु Sanghasena और सभी लोगों और पिछले 11 दिनों के लिए MIMC, लेह, लद्दाख में की मेजबानी में अपने आतिथ्य के लिए MIMC के छात्र। हम अपनी प्यारी देश में अपने आप को बहुत मज़ा आया और उम्मीद है कि एक दिन हम फिर मिलेंगे। हम खजाना और आने वाले वर्षों में हमारे देश के लिए लद्दाख की यादों को वापस लाना होगा। अलविदा मेरे दोस्तो। साधु! साधु! साधु!
Trett Sara Alina and Ladakhi friend at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
Poh Wee Fah at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
Ching Neng Bin at Devachan Community Hall, Leh.
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Fly from Leh to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
In the morning at 8.35am we took the Go Air flight G8-204 to Delhi arriving at 9.45am. In Delhi, we took the evening Malaysia Airlines at 11pm.
The magnificent view of the Himalayan glacial from Leh to Delhi.
At Delhi International Airport.
At Delhi International Airport.
In the morning at 8.35am we took the Go Air flight G8-204 to Delhi arriving at 9.45am. In Delhi, we took the evening Malaysia Airlines at 11pm.
The magnificent view of the Himalayan glacial from Leh to Delhi.
At Delhi International Airport.
At Delhi International Airport.
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 2)
Click below to view:
Introduction to Ladakh India Adventure
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass
Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass
Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
Videos:
4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 1) 4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 2)
For further reading:
- Touching lives by Lee Keat Hin
- Angel of mercy by the late Tan Guat Gnoh
- Prayers for four Malaysians who died in Ladakh
- Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh
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हम वेंचर के लिए हमारी ईमानदारी से धन्यवाद व्यक्त करना चाहते हैं। भिक्खु Sanghasena और सभी लोगों और पिछले 11 दिनों के लिए MIMC, लेह, लद्दाख में की मेजबानी में अपने आतिथ्य के लिए MIMC के छात्र। हम अपनी प्यारी देश में अपने आप को बहुत मज़ा आया और उम्मीद है कि एक दिन हम फिर मिलेंगे। हम खजाना और आने वाले वर्षों में हमारे देश के लिए लद्दाख की यादों को वापस लाना होगा। अलविदा मेरे दोस्तो। साधु! साधु! साधु!
ReplyDeleteWe had the best experience of Ladakh situated on the leeward side of the mighty Himalayan Mountains, with its deep gorges, snowy mountain peaks and old Tibetan monasteries perched on mountain ridges. Ladakh is often referred to as “Little Tibet”, where the Tibetan culture is practiced daily in its authenticity.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to Prof. Datuk Seri Victor Wee for taking and showing us what is Ladakh in North India, the Land of High Passes in the Himalayas. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!