Tache Gompa - Markha Valley Day 5

The sheer rock walls here are periodically lined with villages and monasteries. This 600 year old monastery is perched high enough to look out on a good portion of our morning trek. More compelling, though, was the history of these remote Buddhist outposts. Tache Gompa is the most famous of the monasteries in the Markha Valley and it lived up to its reputation. However, while much meditation and study occurs within such monasteries, caves in the rock walls were frequented by monks seeking extended isolation and personal spiritual retreats. The sight of these small rock inlets and the monasteries themselves leaves an impression of the Ladakhi people that is undeniably warm and gentle. The region's Tibetan Buddhist history further adds to its allure and augments its already warm and hospitable culture.Read more