Sham district | |
|---|---|
| Country |  India |
| State |  Ladakh |
| Region | Ladakh |
Sham district is one of the 5 newly proposed districts in Ladakh, India. [1] [2] [3]
Contents
The district was proposed on 26 August 2024. [2]
Sham district | |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Ladakh |
| Region | Ladakh |
Sham district is one of the 5 newly proposed districts in Ladakh, India. [1] [2] [3]
The district was proposed on 26 August 2024. [2]
Sham district in Sham Valley, also known as the "Apricot Valley," is a scenic area situated in the western part of Ladakh, India. Located in the beautiful Himalayas, this peaceful valley is famous for its stunning scenery, diverse cultural legacy, and calm rural communities. The valley, located in the Leh district, provides a harmonious mix of stunning natural landscapes and authentic Ladakhi culture, making it a great choice for those looking for tranquility and excitement. [4]
The word "Sham" in the native dialect means "west," signaling where it is situated in Ladakh. The valley's rich green fields, filled with apricot and apple orchards, create a sharp contrast with the barren, rough mountains that encircle it. The region's allure is enhanced by the clear blue skies, pristine rivers, and ancient monasteries, attracting photographers and nature lovers to this paradise. [5]
A museum in Leh dedicated to the Indian Army, showcasing the history, culture, and valor of soldiers in the region. It features artifacts, biographies, and exhibits on the Kargil War, making it a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. [6]
A revered Sikh shrine located near Leh, built in memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to Ladakh. It is famous for the legend of the large boulder (Patthar) that miraculously moved to protect the Guru from a demon's attack. [7]
An intriguing natural phenomenon near Leh, where vehicles appear to defy gravity and move uphill when left in neutral gear. This optical illusion, caused by the layout of the surrounding land, attracts curious visitors and adventure enthusiasts alike. [8]
A small yet significant temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located near the Magnetic Hill. It is a place of worship and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, attracting devotees and tourists seeking spiritual solace and scenic beauty. [9]
The stunning confluence of the brown waters of the Indus River and the green waters of the Zanskar River near Nimmu village is a popular spot for photography, river rafting, and witnessing the unique blending of two rivers. [9] It is revered as a sacred prayag [ disambiguation needed ] in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Likir Monastery, one of the oldest and well-preserved monasteries in Ladakh, is a significant attraction in Sham Valley. Founded in the 11th century, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is home to a magnificent statue of Maitreya Buddha, which stands 23 meters tall. Visitors can explore the monastery’s extensive collection of thangkas, ancient manuscripts, and exquisite wall paintings. The monastery also offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. [9]
Alchi Monastery is renowned for its unique architecture and ancient artwork. Unlike other monasteries in Ladakh, Alchi is situated on flat ground rather than on a hilltop. It dates back to the 10th century and is famous for its well-preserved wall paintings, wood carvings, and statues that reflect the Indo-Tibetan style. The monastery complex consists of several temples, with the Sumtseg and Dukhang being the most notable ones. Alchi Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. [9]
Rizong Monastery, also known as Yuma Changchubling, is a secluded monastery located amidst rocky hills. Founded in the 19th century, it is one of the most isolated and peaceful monasteries in Ladakh. Rizong is a meditation center for monks, and it is known for its strict monastic rules. The monastery also has a nunnery located nearby, where nuns practice and study Buddhism. The tranquil environment and the spiritual ambiance of Rizong make it a perfect place for introspection and meditation. [9]
Uleytokpo is a charming village in Sham Valley, known for its scenic beauty and serene environment. It is a popular stopover for travelers exploring the region and offers excellent opportunities for camping by the Indus River. The village is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the mountains. Uleytokpo is an ideal place for nature walks, bird watching, and experiencing the rural lifestyle of Ladakh. [9]
Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory and constitutes an eastern portion of the larger Kashmir region that has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947 and India and China since 1959. Ladakh is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the east, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, and the southwest corner of Xinjiang across the Karakoram Pass in the far north. It extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range to the north to the main Great Himalayas to the south. The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited Aksai Chin plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, but has been under Chinese control.
Kargil district is a district in Indian-administered Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir-region, which is administered as a union territory of Ladakh. It is named after the city of Kargil, where the district headquarters lies. The district is bounded by the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the west, the Pakistani-administered administrative territory of Gilgit–Baltistan to the north, Ladakh's Leh district to the east, and the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south. Encompassing three historical regions known as Purig, Dras and Zanskar, the district lies to the northeast of the Great Himalayas and encompasses the majority of the Zanskar Range. Its population inhabits the river valleys of the Dras, Suru, Wakha Rong, and Zanskar.
The Ladakhi language is a Tibetic language spoken in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It is the predominant language in the Buddhist-dominated district of Leh, and a minority language in the district of Kargil. Though a member of the Tibetic family, Ladakhi is not mutually intelligible with Standard Tibetan. Ladakhis and Tibetans usually communicate with each other in Hindi or English as they do not understand each other's languages clearly.
Nubra, also called Dumra, is a historical region of Ladakh, India that is currently administered as a subdivision and a tehsil in the Nubra district. Its inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers. Its Tibetan name Dumra means "valley of flowers". Demands have been raised and BJP has hinted at creation of Nubra as a new district. Diskit, the headquarters of Nubra, is 120 km north of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Alchi is a village in the Leh district of Ladakh, India. It is located in the Likir tehsil, on the banks of the Indus River 70km (43.49miles) downstream from the capital Leh. Unlike the other gompas in Ladakh, Alchi is situated on lowland, not on a hilltop.
Ladakh is an administrative territory of India that has been under its control since 1947. The geographical region of Ladakh union territory is the highest altitude plateau region in India, incorporating parts of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges and the upper Indus River and valley.
The Dras River, also spelt Drass River, is a river in the Kargil district in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It originates below the Zoji La pas in the Great Himalayan range and flows northeast towards Kargil, where it joins the Suru River. The Shingo River, which flows in a parallel direction in Pakistan-administered Baltistan, also joins the Dras River. The combined river is alternatively called Suru, Drass and Shingo by various local groups.
Tourism is one of the economic contributors to the union territory of Ladakh in Northern India. This union territory is located between the Karakoram mountain range to the north and the Himalayas to the south, and is situated at a height of 11,400 ft. Ladakh is composed of Leh and Kargil districts. The region contains prominent Buddhist sites and has an ecotourism industry.
Lamayuru or Yuru Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Lamayouro, Leh district, Ladakh, India. It is situated on the Srinagar-Leh highway 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of the Fotu La at a height of 3,510 metres (11,520 ft) and 19 km southwest of Khalsi.
The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus River that flows through northern Ladakh and enters Gilgit–Baltistan, in Pakistan, spanning some 550 km (340 mi).
Nimo or Nyemo is a village and the headquarters of an eponymous community development block in the Leh district of Ladakh, India. It is located in the Leh tehsil, 35 km from Leh.
Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of the Ladakh Union Territory. The complex comprises four separate settlements in the Alchi village in the lower Ladakh region with monuments dated to different periods. Of these four hamlets, Alchi monastery is said to be the oldest and most famous. It is administered by the Likir Monastery. It is 60 west of Leh on Leh-Kargil Highway.
All Ladakh Gonpa Association (ALGA) is the central organisation of the Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, India. It aims to preserve and strengthen the monastic institutions. It was founded by the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in 1949 and he acted as its president for 41 years, from 1949 until 1991. In 1949, the first meeting of the great monasteries was held and ten monasteries took part. All Ladakh Gonpa Association was registered in 1959 and is run by a governing body consisting of fifteen lama members belonging to all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There are sixteen major monastic institutions with hundreds of monks in each monastery.
Hundar is a village in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, famous for sand dunes and Bactrian camels. It is located in the Nubra tehsil, on the banks of the Shyok River. The Hunder Monastery is located here.
The culture of Ladakh refers to the traditional customs, belief systems, and political systems that are followed by Ladakhi people in India. The languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food, and customs of the Ladakh region are similar to neighboring Tibet. Ladakhi is the traditional language of Ladakh. The popular dances in Ladakh include the khatok chenmo, cham, etc. The people of Ladakh also celebrate several festivals throughout the year, some of the most famous are Hemis Tsechu and Losar.
Drass district is one of the 5 newly proposed districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. It is one of the smallest districts in India.
Nubra district is one of 5 new proposed districts in Ladakh, India.
Changthang district is one of the 5 newly proposed districts in Ladakh, India.
Sham Valley, nicknamed the "Apricot Valley", is a Himalayan valley along the Indus River and NH1 - Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway in the Sham district of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh. The valley is located around 170 kilometres from Kargil and 180 kilometres from the Ladakh's capital Leh. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.