Visits to the major Buddhist monasteries and other cultural or heritage sites are the principal tourist attractions of central Ladakh and Zanskar. These sites, most within reach of Leh, may be visited by bus or by taxi. Most villages and/ or monasteries are provided with regular bus services from Leh. Taxis are expensive, with fixed tariff for almost every monastery or group of monasteries, but offer good value in terms of comfort, convenience and time frame.

Most of the region's principal gompas are open throughout day and a caretaker lama is available to show visitors around. Some of the less visited establishments have special opening hours, as in the case of Namgyal Tsemo, Shey Palace and the Stock Palace Museum. Check the timings in the Tourist Office before proceeding to these places. Most of the monasteries charge a small entrance fee.

The monasteries constitute the fountain-head of Ladakh's Buddhist religion and culture. Tourists are advised to respect their sanctity. Shoes may have to be removed before entering some of the temples, smoking is anathema to the monastic atmosphere, while loud action and speech may disturb the tranquil ambience characteristic of such places of worship.

LAMAYURU TO ALCHI  
  

This is one of the easier treks in Ladakh and passes through less visited trails and remote Ladakhi Villages. The altitudes are lower than most other treks in Ladakh and some of the prominent Monasteries of Central Ladakh can be visited alongside this trek.  
Lamayuru is one of the oldest Gompas/Monaesteries in Ladakh and has been a popular destination for Explorers since many Centuries, it is belived to be a pre Buddhism Shrine of the lost Bon Po religion. The spectacular Gompa at Alchi was abndoned centuries ago but has been lovingly maintained by the Monks of Likir Gompa.  

DURATION 
9 days Delhi to Delhi 
5 days trekking Lamayuru to Alchi.  
GRADE : Moderate  
SEASON : June to october. 
FIXED DEPARTURES IN  2002 : 20 June, 20th July, 25th August, 20 Sept. 

ITINERARY  

Day 01:  Delhi - Leh 
Day 02: Leh-Lamayuru  
Day 03: Lamayuru-Wanlah 
Day 04: Wanlah-Hinju Valley  
Day 05: Hinju-Konze La-Camp 
Day 06: Camp-Sumdo Choon  
Day 07: Sumdo Choon-Satpski La-Alchi  
Day 08: UleTokpo-Leh  
Day 09: Leh-New Delhi