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 August 2015
Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling Nunnery & Alchi Temple
Today was our last full day in Leh, Ladakh. Tomorrow morning, we would fly back to Delhi, marking the end of our unforgettable Himalayan adventure. We therefore made the most of our final day by visiting several important Buddhist and cultural sites before returning to Leh.
Basgo Monastery
Early in the morning, we visited the historic Basgo Monastery, dating back to the 15th century. Perched dramatically among the rugged mountains, Basgo provided another fascinating glimpse into Ladakh's rich Buddhist and architectural heritage.
Tekchen Chosling Nunnery
Our second visit was to the Tekchen Chosling Nunnery, where we had the opportunity to learn more about the lives and spiritual practices of Buddhist nuns in Ladakh. After completing our morning visits, we returned to the hotel for lunch and began packing our bags in preparation for our return journey to Leh.
Alchi Temple – The “Ajanta of North India”
On our way back to Leh, we stopped at the famous Alchi Temples. Alchi is renowned for its remarkable collection of ancient Buddhist artwork, including centuries-old wood carvings, murals and frescoes. The artistic treasures preserved here are among the most important examples of Himalayan Buddhist art.
The intricate craftsmanship and well-preserved paintings gave us a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and spiritual traditions of the region more than a thousand years ago.
Felicitation Ceremony at MIMC
Our final evening in Leh was especially memorable. We attended a “Felicitation Ceremony” at the Mahabodhi Cultural Hall, Devachan, organised in honour of Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, members of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship Malaysia, and friends and devotees from Australia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the USA.
The ceremony was organised by the President, members, staff and students of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, Ladakh. It was a wonderful evening filled with appreciation, friendship, entertainment and warm memories of our time together.
A Joyous Farewell
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. What began as a formal farewell eventually turned into a joyful celebration. To mark our final night with our friends at MIMC, members of our group joined the celebration and danced together to the lively beat of traditional Ladakhi music.
It was a fitting and unforgettable way to end our stay — everyone relaxed, laughed, danced and simply enjoyed the moment. After eleven days of travelling together, sharing Buddhist experiences, exploring monasteries, meeting local communities and crossing some of the world's highest mountain roads, we had developed many wonderful memories and friendships. With our bags packed and our hearts full of memories, we finally called it a night. Overnight: Global Family Home, Leh, Ladakh
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 – 1 September 2015
Leh → Delhi → Kuala Lumpur
Today marked the end of our memorable 12-day journey through Ladakh, the Land of High Passes. After breakfast and our final preparations, we made our way to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for our flight back to Delhi.
At 8:35 am, we boarded GoAir flight G8-204 from Leh to Delhi. As the aircraft took off, we looked back on the spectacular Himalayan landscape that had been our home and adventure playground for the past eleven days. We arrived in Delhi at 9:45 am.
With several hours before our international flight, we spent the day in Delhi before proceeding to the airport for our return journey to Malaysia. At 11:00 pm, we boarded our Malaysia Airlines flight back to Kuala Lumpur, bringing our unforgettable Ladakh adventure to an end.
The End of an Unforgettable Journey
Over the past twelve days, we had travelled through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayas — from the ancient monasteries and peaceful valleys around Leh, across the mighty Khardung La, into the sand dunes of Nubra Valley, and through the green Valley of Apricots.
We witnessed sacred Buddhist ceremonies and traditional Ladakhi dances, visited schools and charitable institutions, met wonderful people, and experienced the warmth and hospitality of the Himalayan communities.
Most importantly, the journey gave us lasting memories of friendship, Buddhism, culture, adventure and compassion. Our Ladakh journey had come to an end, but the memories of the Land of High Passes would remain with us for many years to come.
The magnificent view of the Himalayan glacial from Leh to Delhi.
At Delhi International Airport.
At Delhi International Airport.
Day 13 – 2 September 2015
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
After our overnight flight from Delhi, we finally arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 6:55 am, marking the end of our unforgettable journey to Ladakh, the Land of High Passes.
Although we were tired after the long journey home, we were filled with wonderful memories of the past twelve days — the majestic Himalayan mountains, ancient monasteries, sacred Buddhist ceremonies, colourful Ladakhi dances, remote villages, beautiful valleys and, above all, the friendships and experiences we had shared along the way.
From the moment we left Kuala Lumpur on 21 August 2015 until our return on 2 September 2015, this journey had been much more than a sightseeing trip. It was a memorable combination of Buddhist heritage, culture, adventure, humanitarian service and fellowship.
We had travelled across some of the world's most spectacular high-altitude landscapes, crossed Khardung La, explored the Nubra Valley, visited ancient monasteries and Buddhist institutions, and witnessed the inspiring work of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).
Our sincere appreciation goes to Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, our leader, and everyone who contributed to making this remarkable journey possible.
Ladakh – A Journey to Remember
Our journey through the Land of High Passes had come to an end, but the memories of Ladakh — its mountains, monasteries, people and spiritual heritage — would remain with us for many years to come.
21 August – 2 September 2015
13 Days / 12 Nights
Ladakh 2015 — an unforgettable Himalayan 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
4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 2)
- 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
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!