Alchi monastery, one of the oldest shrines in Ladakh dating back to the 11th century. The monastery is owned by the Likir monastery a little distance away. The numerous 11 century books line in the inside walls of the monastery around the gold Maitreya Buddha. The place outside the shrine is famous for its massive Stupa's, ranging almost 2 storeys in height. A stupa is a place where ancient Buddhist teachings along with Buddhist statues and rituals are buried for future generations. 
On our way back to Leh, we were to visit Sangam, that's the place where two rivers meet to become the giant Indus. In summer, this place is flooded with water and is one of the favourite spots for the starting point of Rafting. The rapids down hill get crazy and call for some serious business. One of the bad things coming off season, cant go rafting. Anyway, I have planned a bike trip sometime next year. I will surely raft in Leh. 
Magnetic Hill was our next on the agenda and it surely disappointed us. Although, when viewed in the naked eye from close inspecton, the hill seemed to pull the vehicle uphill, but when I walked to a distance of 100 mtr plus, i notices that its as good as an optical illusion. The land around makes us feel that it is an uphill, actually, its the end to a steep downhill and a down hill will have slope and thus move a vehicle. Hence Proved!!!
Next stop, Gurduwara Pathar Sahib. An amazing Gurduwara built with quite a history to it. Built managed and maintained by the Indian Army, the legend says that the depression in the rocks was caused when the rock fell on Guru Nanak and melted upon touching his body to take his shape. A couple of Army jawans manned the premise and we were overwhelmed to have been offered Langar even at these heights. The true spirit of the lord lives everywhere.
A short drive into Leh town and we were heading to the Leh Palace. This place is a beauty during the September Leh festival. With lights illuminating the entire 14th century structure, the magnificent Palace stands tall with the mountains surrounding it. A 9 storied structure, with huge rooms inside. The only place today used by the descendants of the royal family is the chapel inside for religious purposes. The view of Leh town from the top of the Palace is a dream. The town below, River Indus reflecting the sun and the tall snow capped mountains is a treat to the eyes. We left with fond memories of how the kings lived, some mantras that we picked from the evening prayers at the chapel in the palace and a sense of thought that we are heading to Shanti Stupa.
The place was gigantic. It was built not long into the past, but with an intent to be there for centuries. Shanti Stupa is the largest single place in the world where all of Buddha's relics, holy dharma books and Buddha statues are sealed inside for future generations. A stupa is a symbol of Buddha's teachings. The place itself was divine. It carried a lot of silence and sense of relief. When we were there, the mind suddenly became calm and body rejuvenated. The temple below the Stupa was in itself a marvel. Built in pure gold, Buddha's statue was surrounded by his two disciples and a lot of intricate artistry. After visiting so many monasteries and temples in Leh, it was a treat to finish it with the best of the temples with so much of colour and purity. I felt that i was one more step closer to understanding Buddha!!!
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