Forts, Palaces, and Mansions of Ladakh

Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya Henasku Fortress was located on Kargil-Leh National Highway in Kargil District of Union Territory of Ladakh. I visited the Fortress during June 2018. In olden days, Henasku village was known as Zbayul. Government Tourist Bungalow was available at Haniskote. It was a short detour off the main road. After getting sown from vehicle, I walked for some time. The Fortress was visible from a distance. The Castle looked impressive under the background of rocky mountains. The village was visible at a lower level. Green fields were at the other side. The Fortress was closed and locked. I did not arrange for a key from its owner; I had outside view. A Buddhist prayer flag was visible. A faded Buddha painting was found. Time had taken a toll on the structure. A section of the Fortress was in ruins. Before proceeding towards onward journey, I had a final  view of the Fortress.

  Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya Chiktan Khar [fort] was 16th century Balti fort of Chiktan - or the Chiktan-e-Rajikhar. I visited the fort during June 2018. The Chiktan Khar was 17 km south from Sanjak on the Khaltse-Batalik Road and 11 km north from Khangral on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway 1D. The fort is geographically located in Kargil District of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Government Tourist Bungalow was the accommodation available. The once majestic fort was in ruins; its nine floors were reduced to a few walls. There was no way to climb up the fort as the slope was slippery. Ruins were visible in the vicinity. In the past, locals reportedly used stone and wood from the fort for personal use; hence, the fort was in advance stage of decay. A brief history of the fort was available at Wikipedia: Chiktan Fort - Wikipedia Human population had encroached upon the fort precincts. I remember viewing a few artifacts (donated by the noble family who stayed at the f...

Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya Basgo Castle is located on the banks of Sindhu River in Leh District of the Union Territory of Ladakh. It is forty kilometres away from Leh - the capital of union territory. Basgo was the seat of a branch of the Ladakhi ruling family in the 15th and 16th centuries. I visited the Castle during June 2017. Last week of June offered greenery to otherwise barren Ladakh. Some parts of fortification were in good condition. However, most of the fortification was in ruins. A board shared history of Buddhist temples within the Castle. A board showed way to the temples. Outside view of Maitreya Gompa was impressive. Neglect had taken a toll on the structure. Ruins were everywhere. Green fields of the village were soothing to the eyes. Acknowledged as the most beautiful temple after Alchi, Gyalpo Tsewang Namgyal's Maitreya Gompa had the only surviving original 16th century murals of Ladakh. The main gigantic idol was flanked by Bodhisattvas on either s...