Forts, Palaces, and Mansions of Ladakh

Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya Karche Khar is a village in Kargil District of Union Territory of Ladakh. In local language, 'khar' means fort. The Fort is in total ruins. I could not reach the top as there was no pathway. On the way, traditional Ladakhi houses were visible. Modern constructions were visible in the Village. Lush green fields were visible in the Village. Karche Khar was a picturesque village; however, the fort was total disappointment. I visited the fort during June 2018. In the same village, a gigantic 7th century Buddha statue was a tourist attraction. I had to walk a bit to view the statue. I visited the site twice: June 2012 and June 2018. In the same village ( Karche Khar), tomb of a Muslim queen married to a Buddhist Ladakhi king existed. The queen was Gyal Khatun and the king was Jamyang Namgyal. Before marriage,  Gyal Khatun was princess of Baltistan and Jamyang Namgyal was king of Ladakh from 1595 to 1616. The tomb appeared to be a moder...

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.