<span style="color: #222222;">Ladakh which is known for its unique Art, culture and exotic landscapes is also known as little Tibet for its connections with Buddhism.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It is believed that Buddhism was introduced in Ladakh region during Samrat Ashoka times.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A Historic Ashoka Stupa is treated as sacred and protected in Tiri village, 100 KM away from Leh.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR correspondent reports, with its natural beauty and Buddhist Monasteries, Ladakh attracts national international tourists every year.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Especially, vibrant and colorful monastic festivals reflect centuries of years of Buddhism's existence in the region.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Though there is no documented evidence of introduction of Buddhism in the region, there is a stupa in Tiri village in Changthang region of Leh district erected by Ashoka.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">This is treated as one of the oldest pieces of evidence in the region, for Buddhism.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The stupa is kept sacred and protected in a small temple in Tiri village. This stupa is a pilgrimage spot for believers and researchers who are interested in history.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation Director Dr. Sonam Angchuk, explained the importance of this Stupa.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Different monasteries take the responsibility of protecting religiously important sites and relics.  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In Tiri Village, Ashoka stupa is protected by the Monks deputed by Hemis Monastry, one of the biggest monasteries in the country.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The monks who are entrusted the job of protection of sacred sites, relics and artifacts lead a religious and disciplined lifestyle. They keep themselves away from attractions.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">However, they are permitted to listen to just All India Radio News to have them updated about the happenings around the world.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">For the last 50 years, All India Radio Leh is culturally an integral part of Ladakh people.</span><br />''  <br />