Khaltse village
Khalse village, previously known as Kharlatse, is a historic village situated in western Ladakh. The village is located in the Sham Valley and serves as the block headquarters for the area.
The village is known for its ancient castle, which was built by King Lachen Nakluk between 1150 and 1175. This castle is considered to be the oldest in Ladakh and is a popular tourist attraction.
The castle offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region and the lifestyle of the kings who ruled over Ladakh.
The village also has the oldest bridge in Ladakh, which spans across the River Indus. This bridge is a significant historical structure and is an important part of the village's heritage.
Another notable feature of Khalse village is the Balukhar, a special castle built for the collection of taxes in earlier centuries.
The village also has a monastery that boasts the largest and most beautiful statue of Avalokeshwara. The monastery is an important religious site for the local community and is a popular tourist destination. The statue of Avalokeshwara is considered to be one of the most important religious artifacts in Ladakh. The monastery also contains many other important religious relics, such as ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
Khalse village is a prime example of the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. Its ancient castle, bridge, and monasteries are a must-see for anyone visiting the Sham Valley. The village's location in western Ladakh makes it an ideal base for exploring the region and its many other historical and cultural attractions.
History
According to historical records, the village was founded during the 12th century by King Lhachen Naglug, the son of Lachen Utpala. During this time, King Naglug built the Bragmag Castle on a rock towering above Khaltse, which is considered to be one of the oldest and most important monuments in Ladakh. Popular tradition states that the castle was originally built to accommodate sixteen families.
Before the arrival of the central Tibetans, there was a Dard colony in Khaltse. The Dards were known to have a strong hold in a castle located above the present village. The local Dard chieftains of Khaltse had a castle on the bank of the Indus River to guard a bridge known as Balukhar. This bridge was built in opposition to their own territories and was used to collect taxes from ancient traders.
In summary, Khaltse is a village with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It was founded by King Lhachen Naglug and is known for its ancient castle, the Bragmag Castle, which is considered to be one of the oldest and most important monuments in Ladakh. Before the arrival of the central Tibetans, the area was inhabited by a Dard colony. The local Dard chieftains had a castle on the bank of the Indus River to guard a bridge and collect taxes from ancient traders.
Tourist attraction in and around Khaltse
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Castles
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Khaltse market
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Lamayuru
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Wanla
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Domkhar
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Takmachik
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Satse
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Skurbuchan
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Achinathang