Gompas

There's lots of monks and nuns in Ladakh. There's old wizened monks, the sort that Carrie enjoys smiling at (it makes them giggle), and there's young funky monks - the sort who have wrap-around shades, ride Enfield motorcycles, and wear Nike trainers. We've even met the monk from the Sprite commercial (but that's another story). All the young nuns chew bubblegum.

Gompas

A buddhist monastery is called a Gompa, and we've visited quite a few ancient ones while we've been in Ladakh. They're usually built on top of a hill; have amazing views from the roof; lots of prayer flags and prayer wheels; an assembly hall where the monks pray and eat; wall paintings; and shrines with large statues. The monks are very welcoming, and happy to show you around.