West of Leh is a stark wasteland that unfolds most of the way to Kashmir. Beyond Nimmu and to Kargil, the whole part is the west of Leh. The landscape is nature’s wonder. The vast unending desert is occasionally broken by small islands of green and surrounded by snow capped mountains. There are some small rivers and streams flows through the desert where small villages and farms clings to it. Public commutation is normal where one can easily access the villages along the valley. Passports are checked at Khalsi, and motorcyclists should be aware that there are no petrol stations between Phyang and Kargil.

Basgo

Before the kingdom was united at Leh, Basgo was the capital of lower Ladakh, situated about 40km west of Leh was once World Heritage site for its magnificent ancient citadel complex. But now it is crumbled though UNESCO and Baso Welfare Committee have started to restore the heritage. Basgo’s main highlight is Chamba Gompa, which is renowned for spectacular mural work using traditional colors and techniques

Basog has no accommodation and eating provision but you can stay at near by Nimmo. Aroad is slowly being built from here to Padum in Zanskar.

Likir

Eleventh century Klu-kkhyll Gompa is famous at the village Likir, which is located 68km from Leh. This Gompa can only be reached through 40km trek along th river. inside the gompa there are several prayer rooms full of statues and murals and an interesting museum with thangkas and religious objects-including a kapala (cermonial bowl) made of human skull and a kangling(ceremonial flute) made up of human femur. Dosmoche festival is celebrated in the month of February.

Alchi

Clinging to the edge of narrow gorge just south of Kargil road, the temples of Alchi represent the crowning glory of Indo –Tibetan art in Ladakh. Built in 11th century by Great Translator Ringchen Zangpo, who bought artist from the Buddhist monasteries of Kashmir to create the amazing murals and sculptures at Alchi. Alchio houses many temples. The Chhoskhor temple, Sumrtsek temple, Vairocana temple, Lotsa temple and Manujshri temple are named a few.

Rizong

North of Saspol, a narrow gorge cuts north tot he imposing Rizong Gompa a stack of dusty monks cells crammed into an arid, rocky amphitheater. The two prayer halls have soot darkened murals and gilded statues of Sakyamuni and Maitreya. Set in orchards downhill from the gompa the Chullichan Nunnery provides an education for girls and local villages.

Lamayuru

It is located at the 125km from Leh, Lamayuru is set amongst eroded badlands at the mouth of a narrow gorge. According to legend, this was once the bottom of a deep lake but a Buddhist saint prayed and the water drained away. Even Geologist indicates the presence of vanished lake, perhaps drained by the receding glaciers. The main attraction of Lamayuru is Lamayuru Gompa, the oldest in Ladakh. Few murals but having jeweled chortens statues of bodhisattvas (Buddhist saints) and ancient chaam masks. Yuru Kabgyat festival is celebrated in the month of July.

Mulbekh

From Lamayuru, the road turns to Fotu La and Manika La before descending Mulbekh – a dusty string of tea houses along the highway. Mulbek has some old monasteries before Muslim dominated Kargil. Chamba Gompa in Mulbekh is the renowned one that has 8m high rock cut statue of maitreya dating to AD 700. Uphill from town are the gompas of Serdung and Gandentsa, the last Buddhist monuments.