 In hospitable and harsh, the high-altitude pastures of Ladakh have offered a home for nomadic tribes over the centuries. It was an important centre for caravans, which travelled from the Mediterranean to Kashgar and Yarkhand in China. Along with the caravans flowed philosophical ideas and artistic influences. From Kashmir came the Bajrayana form of Buddhism, which had been created by the impact of Tantric Hinduism on Mahayana Buddhism. Became a cradle where these varied traditions were assimilated and nurtured. From here, the developed form of Bajrayana Buddhism spread to other Asian countries, where it is practiced till today. In the early 11th century, 108 monasteries were built in the Transimalayas, under the patronage of King Yashay Oh, who was responsible for a great revival of Buddhism. These early monasteries of Ladakh present an important milestone in the development of Asian Buddhist art. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhar created the monastic ritual dance, called the Cham, in the Transimalayas. Ladakh has long ceased to be at the crossroads of major trade routes. However, it still attracts many from all over the world, who are enthralled by the imprint left by those centuries of vibrant interaction of different cultures here. The ancient traditions of this high plateau land continue till today, and keep the community in the gentle harmony of the Buddhist way of life.